Communication
Before a known disaster like a Huricane, telephone communications starts to become jammed. The earlier you call the better chance you have of getting through. During and after weather related disasters regular communications devices like computers (email), phones, cell phones, TV and radio stations might become unavailable.
Communication via "HAM" radio was sometimes the only option to help organizations work together while the day-to-day telecommunications systems are recovering. If you're interested in providing public service and emergency communications for your community, you can become a HAM Radio operator and join the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES).
ARES volunteers in Louisana were heavily engaged in the Katrina recovery effort. Winds and flooding from the huge storm wreaked haoc in Louisiana, Missippi and Alabama. Power outages occured in Northern Alabama and Mississippi. Ham Radio operators remained on the air through the use of generator or battery power and supported communication for local emergency management agencies and the Red Cross.