In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, it has become clear that a major contributing factor to the tragic loss of life was the near total breakdown of communication systems. Once electricity, telephone, and cell phone services failed, people were unable to let rescuers know of their dire situation, and many people died as a result.
A simple, instant, and virtually zero-cost solution developed by Eric Knight, a ham-radio veteran, is the "National SOS" public emergency network -- www.NationalSOS.com. This free public network connects the estimated 100 million Family Radio Service (FRS) and FRS / GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) combination radios already in use by the public with 700,000 amateur "ham" radio operators -- people renowned and prepared for emergency communications -- plus over 70,000 licensed GMRS radio users who are also proficient emergency communicators.
The National SOS Radio Network doesn't require new laws or any new legislation. It could be effective immediately. Once the ham and GMRS radio communities are made aware to listen for the public's emergency FRS broadcasts, the national network will be up and running. The goal is to create initial awareness before the upcoming hurricane season.
