[KYHAM] VHF/UHF Public Service

[John Hedrick]

> Fortunately,public safety systems have evolved with
> the changing times and technology available today, and
> so must amateur radio. Most amateur emergency
> communication today takes place on VHF, because the
> nation's public safety infrastructure has evolved to
> the point that resources are generally available
> within a reasonable small area to respond to all but a
> catastrophic need.

Don't be so quick to assume that....
I am an E-911 dispatcher.  I'll be the first to tell you that Public Service emergency channel become overwhelmed very quickly in emergencies.  Even a severe thunderstorm(or ice storm) can place a major strain on these systems.  Getting a message across town is sometimes hard to do, across the state almost impossible.  Amateur Radio IS needed to help backup these systems and provide logistical support. 
I do agree that most emergency communications to take place in the VHF spectrum.  BUT....  Try getting a message to state EOC on VHF from Eastern Kentucky and with landline services down.  One severe thunderstorm or tornado can knock out these services.
Most all communities have very limited budgets to upgrade systems to the point that they will not be overwhelmed.  Even if they did they would not be able to afford the personnel to man them 24/7.
I cannot express the need to Amateur Radio enough.  The video "Amateur Radio Today" by the ARRL sums it all very well.  "Ham radio is the ONLY failsafe means of communications."
John Hedrick,KC4URC
Rowan County Emergency Coordinator
Amateur Radio Emergency Services
E-911 Dispatcher
Morehead Police Department

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