Gaza, 2023. Wikimedia image.
We’ll refrain from taking sides for the moment. (We definitely have a side, which we’ll undoubtedly explain later), but the the recent headlines from the Israel-Gaza war highlight the importance of having, at a minimum, some sort of radio receiver as part of your preparations for disaster.
According to this news report, the cutoff of telephone and internet service in Gaza means that “for those who have them, radios have become the sole link to the outside world.” Even though I’ve come to expect it, the words “for those who have them” highlights a fundamental misunderstanding that much of the public has. They have, in their pocket, a device that will bring them all of the information in the world. So perhaps it’s not surprising that an inferior device, a simple AM-FM radio receiver, is viewed as not necessary.
But as the current situation in Gaza makes clear, your receipt of information via the internet depends upon the kindness of strangers. If the internet is cut off, then so is your source of information. But in the meantime, hundreds of radio signals, some of which contain reliable information, are landing at your feet. You simply need a receiver to pick them up.
To get some idea of what you would be able to hear on a radio in the Middle East, this link goes to an internet-connected receiver in Kuwait, and this link goes to one in Cyprus, which seems to be the closest one available. But most of the strong medium wave stations you hear on that receiver could also be picked up in Gaza at night. And if you tune the shortwave dial, there are many more stations available. Undoubtedly, some of the stations you pick up will be filled with propaganda. But reliable information is available from sources such as the BBC.
And even if you don’t prepare, remember that most cell phones sold in the United States include an FM receiver, which doesn’t require any kind of connectivity.
Incidentally, it’s interesting that the article equates listening to the radio for news with burning furniture for heat. I wonder if they got that idea from us.
I think cataclysmic events call for a return to a regulated Citizens Band. Simple radios, limited coverage, exam-free but regulated. New models battery capable. Neighborhoods stay in touch. Contacts with local authorities. CB exists in most of the world. Nothing new here. I have never operated a cb radio. I am not a survivalist/preppie. 73
Dick, you may want to look at GMRS radio. It has greater range capability than CB (although it’s not like HAM, of course). There are mobile (vehicle mounted) versions, and handhelds. You can also make the mobile radios home base stations fairly easily. Indeed, kid’s “walkie talkies” are FRS radios, and GMRS radio’s pick up those bands, with the GMRS channels being significantly more powerful.
Every GMRS radio I’ve ever seen also has a weather band that picks up automated weather broadcasts if you want to listen to them.
GMRS requires a license to have, but all you do to get it is apply for the license and pay $35.00. That gets you a license for the family that last several years, and you are assigned a call sign. In many areas of the country, enthusiasts run GMRS repeaters that will enormously extend your distance if you program your radio for them and join their group, which is normally free of charge. For instance, you can hit Denver and much of the Front Range from Cheyenne, Wyoming on a repeater.
The license process, I’d note, keeps the yahoos out that CB is so strongly associated with (sorry to note that, but that was very much the case with CB).
I well recall as a kid, when we used to have frequent power outages, how my father would turn on a battery powered radio for the news.
For that reason, you would think I would have a good AM/FM radio, but I don’t. I should. Even my weather radio is a plug in, I think (it’s unplugged right now). I used to have one that was a hand cranked emergency radio offered by L. L. Bean, but I’m not sure where it is. I should look.
I believe I’ll get one.
Having said that, I have a battery powered GMRS radio that will pick up either FM or AM (I think FM) if I cause it to do so.
Good advice on your part.
I’m going to cross post this post (not copy, but post the link) of this entry on my blog in the next couple of days. This is excellent advice.
It’s not a bad idea to have at least one of the cheap FRS radios. Many households own one or more of them, so it is a method of communicating with neighbors if you’re cut off from the rest of the world. Even the cheap ones tend to work surprisingly well, and they’re much better than nothing.
And don’t forget that box of batteries!
I’ve come to the point where I can’t gasp why those with outdoor vehicles, i.e., 4x4s, don’t routinely equip them with GMRS radios. Of course, mine weren’t always so equipped, but they are now.