When there is an immediate threat to life or property, anyone can legally use
anything to summon help. I'm talking about things like a heart attack or fire
here. On the high seas, it would be a Mayday call.

I don't think it's practical, though, to carry an unauthorized ham rig or
police radio for an emergency that will probably not happen. But use of an
authorized person's radio, when that person is incapacitated, is okay.

By the way... Cingular service in the Galveston area is still overloaded. I
guess the Houston hub continues to be busy.

Bill, K5BY
T2GB040061