09/12/2025
National Preparedness Month - Ham Radio Supply List As the tornadoes that
struck Massachusetts on September 6, 2025, demonstrate, you need to be ready
for an emergency ahead of time. Radio amateurs were able to serve their
communities and the National Weather Service because they were prepared.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has released a list of supplies[1]
[PDF] to keep in an emergency supply kit, which includes things like food,
water, medications, a first aid kit, and other useful items - but hams may want
to take it a step further.
ARRL Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, says hams should
make sure their stations are resilient. "Have a battery backup, or alternate
means of power. The grid may go down. Make sure all your antennas are
functional and that you have backups in case they are damaged. It may be a good
idea to keep a few baluns and some spools of wire to quickly erect wire
antennas, if needed," he said.
In addition to having these items, Johnston says to test and exercise the
equipment throughout the year. "Consider getting your emergency gear out and
doing a shakedown of it during a Parks on the Air operation - it puts your
station to the test, gets you active on the air, and can be a fun activity done
year-round."
Find more information about resilience and preparedness through amateur radio
at www.arrl.org/ares[2].
[1] https://arrl.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0zNDMzNjc5JnA9MSZ1PTUyNTgxODI4NCZsaT0zO
TY1NDUwNA/index.html
[2] https://arrl.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0zNDMzNjc5JnA9MSZ1PTUyNTgxODI4NCZsaT0zO
TY1NDUwMA/index.html
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