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Building a HamSphere Emergency Communications Network - Looking for Feedback
2026-01-20 03:48 |
Registered: 6 years ago Posts: 1 |
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Hey everyone,
I've been thinking about how HamSphere could be used during disasters, and I'd like to get the community's thoughts on an idea. The Problem: During hurricanes and major disasters, cell towers go down and people lose contact with family. We saw this in recent disasters. People desperately wanted to tell loved ones they were okay, but had no way to communicate. The Opportunity: Many people in disaster zones have cell phones that no longer work because towers are down and internet is out. But what if they had joined Hamsphere and downloaded the HamSphere mobile app to their phone beforehand? When disaster strikes, they could go to a pre-designated satellite internet facility (fire station, police station, Red Cross shelter, library, school, community center), connect to the WiFi, and message a HamSphere volunteer who could relay information via phone or email to their loved ones. How It Could Work: 1. Before disaster: HamSphere users join a volunteer relay network 2. During disaster: Users in affected areas go to satellite-equipped hubs 3. They contact a H.E.R.S volunteer in unaffected areas 4. We relay messages to their family by phone/email/text 5. Everyone stays connected when traditional systems fail What I'm Proposing: Build a volunteer network of HamSphere relay operators nationwide/worldwide. Partner with communities to establish satellite access hubs at existing facilities (police/fire, Red Cross, libraries, schools) in hurricane zones Run regular practice drills so we're ready when needed Create simple procedures for emergency message handling Eventually seek grants/partnerships to expand the network This Isn't New: Traditional ham radio has done this for decades with ARES/RACES. We're just adapting it for HamSphere's no-license-required platform, making emergency communications accessible to more people. What I Need: ✅ Relay volunteers (anywhere in the US/world) ✅ People in hurricane zones willing to help organize locally ✅ Feedback on the concept - what am I missing? ✅ Anyone with emergency management experience ✅ Ideas for making this work better No special equipment needed - just your existing HamSphere setup and willingness to help during emergencies. Interested? Have ideas? Think I'm crazy? Let me know in the comments! Contact me: stevekc1llz@yahoo.com 73, Steve KC1LLZ Centerville, Massachusetts |
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