November 1, 2025

This Week in Amateur Radio

North America's Premiere Amateur Radio News Magazine

via the ARRL: National Preparedness Month – Ham Radio Supply List

Read more at ARRL.org
National Preparedness Month – Ham Radio Supply List As the tornadoes that struck Massachusetts on September 6, 2025, demonstrate, you need to be ready for an emergency ahead of time. Radio amateurs were able to serve their communities and the National Weather Service because they were prepared.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has released a list of supplies [PDF] to keep in an emergency supply kit, which includes things like food, water, medications, a first aid kit, and other useful items – but hams may want to take it a step further.

ARRL Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, says hams should make sure their stations are resilient. “Have a battery backup, or alternate means of power. The grid may go down. Make sure all your antennas are functional and that you have backups in case they are damaged. It may be a good idea to keep a few baluns and some spools of wire to quickly erect wire antennas, if needed,” he said.

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