On Feb 4, 12:45�pm, "Michael J. Coslo" wrote:
The amateurs are not there to provide news via satellite, or to do
television shows. We're not part of public safety or broadcast
stations.

We're there to pass along communications behind the scene.

Where this shows up is in the how of our work. It isn't glamorous, to
be sure. But in most cases, a satellite reporter from some disaster
scene is going to be there to give a news report. Not so likely a
request for say, shovels and toilet paper. It's all part of post
disaster work.

All true.

There's also the fact that Amateur Radio emergency communication really
is "When All Else Fails".

What I mean is that if I see a situation on the road which requires
police, fire and/or ambulance help, I'll first try the cell phone, not
the 2 meter autopatch.

If there's a hurricane, ice storm, etc., and email still works, most
folks (including me) will use it. Etc.

Where Amateur Radio steps in is when those things don't work, or are
inadequate.

Of course when Amateur Radio really is needed and doing the job, the
hams involved aren't going to be making sure they get on camera.

Broadcast stations are in a similar state. Their part is more likely
to give people info about avoiding the areas in question, or
evacuation routes to follow. Amateurs wouldn't be doing
that, because
there isn't a receiving end. Most everyone has a
Television and a AM/
FM radio. Not so many have a 2 meter radio.

Not only that, but broadcasting to the general public isn't the job of
Amateur Radio.

a modern day version of the New
Madrid earthquake.

We'll likely be looking at some different teams
heading into the area.
There will be lots of first responders, like National guard,
firefighters, Medical personnel, and the like. There will probably
be
some Hams also. News teams will be there.

Each group will be doing it's thing. The Hams will likely be passing
along messages for the sort of thing I mentioned
above, another part
will be getting messages to the outside world about "We're still
around".

Filling in as the need arises and resources are available.

73 de Jim, N2EY