Every year, we try to write an updated blog post about being prepared for an emergency. This year, we’ve decided to do something a little differently. As we witness the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters, the importance of reliable communication tools becomes clearer than ever. Our friend Thomas Witherspoon from SWLing recently shared a powerful firsthand account of the role radio played during Hurricane Helene in Swannanoa, NC.
Thomas’s story highlights the invaluable assistance that both amateur and AM/FM radio can provide in emergency situations. His experience underscores the resilience of communities and the importance of coming together to help those in need.
Here’s an excerpt from his post, you can read the full account here.
AM/FM Radio: A Lifesaver
Fortunately, our local TV station remained online after the storm, but few people could access it. Many people rely on cable or internet to watch TV, and in areas like ours, the digital transition over a decade ago left many without the ability to pick up over-the-air signals.
In contrast, FM and AM radio became the most reliable sources of information. Here in Buncombe County, public information and news were broadcast on 99.9 MHz (FM) and 570 kHz (AM).
Both stations stayed online throughout the disaster, and the information they provided reached a vast audience. Check out this feature from CBS Evening News.
In Henderson County, the local AM station WTZQ stepped up as well. They did incredible work serving their communities post-Helene, as highlighted in a report by Queen City News.
Information Lifeline
As a presenter in the above story pointed out, everyone should have a battery-powered (or self-powered) AM/FM/Weather radio in their home. After a disaster, you’ll rely on that radio for essential updates like where to find clean water, how to apply for FEMA assistance, what businesses are open, and when services will be restored.
Even three weeks after the storm, much of the Asheville area is still without water, so radios remain vital for getting updates.
Here at SWLing Post HQ, I shared my extra portable radios with neighbors who needed them. I used my CC Skywave SSB 2 in the kitchen window to tune into local news on 99.9 MHz and 570 kHz…
Thomas is posting regular updates on the progress and challenges along with his detailed setup for how he remained mostly “up” off grid at his home – you can read those here. Special thanks to Thomas Witherspoon for granting us permission to share this.
We’ve also linked one of our previous preparedness posts here which includes lists and ideas for what you can do to be prepared.
We hope this motivates you to make sure you and your loved ones are prepared. We also hope that if you haven’t considered it, you might consider becoming a licensed amateur radio operator to help with major emergencies. You can learn more here: https://www.arrl.org/getting-licensed.
As we all know with emergencies of this magnitude, it’s not a matter of if, it’s when.
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I spent 4 decades in search & rescue and as disaster coordinator. Broadcast radio was a vital link with citizens, first responders and emergency management. (Where is water being distributed? Call xxx if you are a nurse or doctor needing 4×4 transport in the storm, avoid Robert’s Ave if evacuating below the dam, et al.) Amateur radio nets plus MARS, CAP and others pass key traffic and ride with ES personnel in poor coverage areas. Puerto Rico and now western NC have learned the hard way that quality battery AM/FM and WX radios are still critical for everyone. Cell towers come down and tower backup power fails or runs out of fuel. Folks, a good radio and spare batteries in EVERY family kit and go bag!