Emergency Broadcast, Portable Radio Transmitters/Stations:  (EBPRTS)

I propose all communities, regardless of how rural, have portable, AM transmitters to broadcast information to citizens after a disaster; to inform when utilities may be restored, when and where to obtain water, food, medical attention, what roads are passable, when commercial retail businesses open, etc... 

The most awful feeling one has after a disaster is the unknown.  One is filled with questions such as; “What is going on?”, “Are there other hazards incoming?” (weather/threats, etc…), “when can I expect power and other utilities?”, “when can I expect water?”, “where can I find food/water/ice?”, “what roads are passable?” … For those with the means to travel, without this information being broadcasts, will hit the roads seeking answers.  These unnecessary travelers often can hinder work crews working on clearing roads and restoring utilities, as well as hindering emergency crews helping those who need transport to medical help. 

Some suitable transmitters are already in place, but not being utilized.  Many schools, both high schools and universities have radio transmitters; however after a disaster, these transmitters are shut down due to the institution being closed.  Therefore the infrastructure is already in place in many locations, it is simply a matter of creating a memorandum of agreement and designation of responsibilities.  However there is still the possibility these broadcast stations will be inactive due to damage. 

I propose the federal government produce a simple radio design and Statement of Work to have suitable radio transmitters produced in large enough numbers to cover the United States with broadcast capability.  They should be capable of easy transport, and self-sustaining and broadcast on a AM frequency for cost effectiveness.  Frequencies will be designated per region and managed by the FCC to minimize interference from other EBPRTS.  If a local station will be interfered with, they’ll be required to manage the intrusion due to the higher priority of disaster relief.  In such situations, coordination will be on a case by case basis, and if there is a local station at that frequency, they will be required to assist by providing times and frequency of the nearest EBPRTS.  The EBPRTS broadcast will likely be relatively short in duration, minimizing any impact on commercial broadcasts, and timed to be on the hour, and repeated every 15 minutes since many citizens will not have the capability of determining the time of day.  The portability issue is to both allow suitable storage to minimize damage in storm conditions, and increase its operational range; moving them down the road 20 to 50 miles for a re-broadcast to reach more people as deemed necessary.   

I suspect such a transmitter design has already been accomplished.  I suspect the military already has such a portable radio transmitter in its inventory.  I have seen portable airport control towers that are essentially the same thing.  So it is very likely the design, and manufacturing capability is already in place, and it is simply a matter of possible minor design changes to transmit on suitable AM frequencies.  Then there is funding, producing and distributing a suitable number of these transmitters throughout the country. 

Many may think the emergency broadcast system is already in place using existing commercial transmitters; however I have personally experienced this system being unsuitable after a disaster.  For one, there is no guarantee the equipment is operational after a disaster.  Hurricane winds knocked out most commercial stations in my area after hurricane Isabel in 2003; not just power, but infrastructure such as antennas.  For the few stations remaining, there was no true organized coordination between local government, relief agencies, and local commercial enterprises providing disaster relief as to what information was needed, when it would be broadcast, etc…  The radio station came up with its own policies and process that worked as well as it could; but failed in its impact due to local governments not providing them with enough useful, timely information.  In fact, the local, (largest in the region), county government was completely shut down the day after the hurricane when it was needed most.  No one was answering the phones, no notices posted in public places, and little if any information was provided to the one FM station broadcasting in the region! 

Most, if not all local governments were sloppy with their dissemination of information.  The only reliable information I could get, was from neighbors that went driving around every day to investigate what was going on.  That is how I found out about water, food, and ice distribution, as well as what stores and restaurants were open, or planning to open soon. 

Citizens should not be driving around, or relying on neighbors for information after a disaster; 100 years ago, maybe.  Such relatively inexpensive, reliable technology is, and has been available for a long time that can reach all.  All a citizen needs is an inexpensive battery powered radio.  Radios have always been on emergency supply list throughout my lifetime, so no change is needed for the individual citizen. 

I noticed the same issues with Katrina.  The two most important task the government can provide were woefully inadequate; information, and ice!  Both should be relatively simple; especially information.  Information calms nerves, reduces anxiety and provides hope.  Properly disseminated information can eliminate a lot of problems that will result otherwise.