Field Day, practice for disasters

[Angie]

I'm sure everyone knows that field days are a lot of fun, but the main purpose has always been to practice for an emergency. For the ham community to be ready to help during natural disasters.
I know that on April 27th, 2011, the tornadoes in North Alabama were the primary communications for the affected areas. They were the ones who helped people find out if family and friends were still alive and where everyone was located. This worked when the cell phone towers were not connected to electricity.

 

[Deleted member 8]

Yup, field day is great practice. So are POTA activations, honestly...they can teach you how to handle a pile-up.

 

[Parod]

I'm sure everyone knows that field days are a lot of fun, but the main purpose has always been to practice for an emergency. For the ham community to be ready to help during natural disasters.
I know that on April 27th, 2011, the tornadoes in North Alabama were the primary communications for the affected areas. They were the ones who helped people find out if family and friends were still alive and where everyone was located. This worked when the cell phone towers were not connected to electricity.

That's true, but honestly, it's a bit concerning how much we rely on tech like cell towers for communication, dield days really show how vital it is to have those backup systems ready

 

[Alan]

I agree. I've talked to those who handled emergency communications, getting in touch with family and friends after tornadoes, hurricanes, and other local emergencies.

 

[Mike Merchant]

I may be in the wrong spot. I am seeking information about Red Cross low-band radio frequencies. No one at the chapter building has a clue about the information I need.
Currently I am setting up my vehicle as a contingency for disaster communications during local and regional responses. There are certain areas of Vermont and New York that have limited cell phone ability. I am looking at installing a low-band radio to go with my amateur radio set up. I have preinstalled NMO antenna mounts and the radio will be a Motorola CDM-750 low-band. Radio reference has what I am thinking is the receive frequency and the PL listed for the Red Cross and no transmit frequency or band step (either 12.5 or 25 MHz) these would be vital to programming the radio. I am also looking for recommendations for an antenna dedicated to the 47.420 and 47.500 frequencies.
Anyone have this information or be able to guide me in the right direction. Yes performed a Google search and it was very vague.
Thank you

73
W5XVT

 

[Deleted member 8]

I have no idea if they use simplex or not or if they're wide or narrow FM. Isn't the PL tone just required to be able to activate other Red Cross radios? Their FCC ULS page has contact info - https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/license.jsp?licKey=1292828. Maybe you could get the info you need from them directly?