When the FCC decided to change the rules regarding licensing, it became much easier to secure a Ham Radio License.
Ham Radio works when most other communications are out. In 1989 I went through the Loma Prieta earth quake and my cell phone wasn't worth a "wooden nickel." In fact, conventional phone was out in the Bay Area also.
Amateur Radio was not. While the car alarms were still going off in the parking lot at the University Club in Palo Alto, I was accessing our repeater system on 70 CM on Mt. Diablo and was checking in. The system, solar, and battery backup performed well for 5 days before commercial power was restored.
Amateur Radio, and I might add, other point to point systems such as MURS and GMRS have a place in survival planning.
The investment is rather small considering that communications are very necessary in an emergency situation.
Find out more - try going up to the ARRL web site at http://www.arrl.org and looking at what they have to offer.
And yes, I'm a member of ARRL and a licensed ham myself.
Ed.
I agree 100%. Just passed the test. It's not that hard. I'm amazed how far a little handheld can reach using repeaters!
I live in NJ and found that on 9-11 the phones were out or tied up. If something nastier than that happens, conventional comms will be unreliable. This is why I decided to get licensed.
Communications Gear
Ham Radio Outlet
http://www.hamradio.com/
CB Modification Secrets
http://www.bearcat1.com/item0038.htm
Redbook of CB Modification and Repair
http://www.kenselectronics.com/books/redbook.html
AAA Emergency Communications
Emergency 911 Cellular Phones
http://www.911phone.net/
Cobra Electronics
http://www.cobraelec.com/
C. Crane Co.
http://www.ccrane.com
http://www.ccrane.com/radios_and_antennas_index.asp