FMRS & GMRS.

This is coolbert:

From my blog of 21 September: [a blog entry concerning the ineffectiveness of the communications available to rescue workers in the New Orleans disaster area!]

"[I would also suggest that large numbers of GMRS [general mobile radio service] and FMRS [family mobile radio service] radios be issued to relief and disaster relief workers. With appropriate relay stations in place [stations that can be presited and maybe even installed], an effective commo system could instantly be in place too. Just issue the little walkie-talkie radios to the folks involved and you are set.]"

It seems that someone else has hit upon the same idea. But not exactly in the same way as I have suggested. Wants radio amateurs to be able to communicate with disaster victims via the FMRS type radio.

See the details of this man's [Erik Knight] idea at this web site:

http://www.nationalsos.com/contact.html

From the website, these extracts:

"The concept for the National SOS Radio Network is in its infancy. Yes, you could say that the network is "operational" -- as it doesn't require any laws or specific effort to put it into action. However, the reality is that it needs awareness for it to be truly effective."

"In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, it’s become clear that a major contributing factor to the tragic loss of life was the near total breakdown of communication systems. Once electricity, telephone, and cell phone services failed, people were unable to let rescuers know of their dire situation...and died as a result."

"FRS radios don’t require a license, can be used by anyone of any age, and are available for as little as $10 - $15 at many retailers such as WalMart www.walmart.com. FRS radios can transmit 2 - 8 miles (terrain dependent)."

"The beauty of the National SOS Radio Network is that it could spring into existence
-- today -- without any laws or legislation. All it needs is awareness."

"Eric Knight, UP Aerospace's CEO, is a 30-year ham radio veteran (KB1EHE)."

"In an emergency situation, citizens would tune their FRS radios to Channel 1 and transmit their emergency messages. Ham radio operators would tune to 462.5625 MHz (the frequency that corresponds to FRS Channel 1) and relay the emergency messages to police & fire departments, and national rescue & relief agencies."

This last extract sums it up. People will have to have at their access a FMRS [with a fresh battery presumably], and tune to channel 1 and transmit distress call in case of emergency. This call hopefully will be received and acted upon by ham radio operators tuning to that frequency.

So someone is thinking for communications in disasters along the same lines as I am.

For disasters such as Katrina or maybe in case of nuclear detonation in a major city.

This idea has great merit!!

[it seems the concern about EMP wiping out all solid state devices within a certain radius of a nuclear detonation maybe overblown to a degree. If the nuclear detonation is at or near ground level, EMP effect will not be as great even as if a one megaton bomb was detonated in outer space. Just will not be!]

Let me enter into the forum and see what comments and suggestions are made. Engage in dialog with participants and see what is what!

coolbert.