For a long time I never felt that a radio was a neccessary part of my EDC gear, but two years ago the town next to me was severly flood and most of the town was wiped out (flash flood). Two thing about this really struck me. First, a bridge less then a mile from my house was wiped of the face of the planet is a matter of seconds, and second, I knew nothing about any of this while it was happening. I didnt find out until the next day that there was even a flood. :shocked:

So I got into my local EmComm net via Ham radio. I carry a 2 meter radio with me at all times now. The local phone lines were hit or miss at best, and the cell towers were down for a while, then over whelmed.

Is there anyone else here that is a Ham operator? ARES or RACES members?

For EDC equipment I will toss my PDA, and most anything else electronic, but I have an HT on me, no matter what.

What does everyone here uses for emergency communications? Is it even important to most of you?

Cheers!