The local NPR station (KUOW) ran a story this morning about how ham radio
operators provided the only means of communication in the hardest-hit areas
of western Washington.

Landline phones were dead, cell phones were dead, and even the police &
emergency network was dead except for something like handheld two-way
radios. Hams relayed messages up and down the coast about places to shelter,
availability of supplies, medical emergencies, and so on.

They interviewed a law enforcement guy who happens to be a ham.

In this age of the Internet, ham radio might seem like a quaint throwback to
old times, practiced by a shrinking crew of oddballs.

It's reassuring to know that ham radio is alive and well, and still
performing its public service function as a last-resort network in
emergencies.

Regards,

Phil Nelson
Phil's Old Radios
http://antiqueradio.org/index.html