Radio stations provide no information.

[Omegaman]

During both our big ice storm a couple of years back and our windstorm last year that effectively shut down most of the southern part of the state and the next state, we learned that the radio stations provide no emergency information. Most local radio stations are no longer locally owned or operated; they are most often run via computer from some other state. So what does that mean? During our SHTF event we could not find out how big of an area was affected, what areas had power or what roads were closed, what shelters were activated. I know you are thinking well then use your TV but we had no power for two weeks and during the first ice storm we didn’t have a working generator, so we were using a hand crank radio. We also found that even the few local stations that have live staff did nothing to report the scope of the situation; they seemed incapable of deviating from their music play lists. It was a joke the storm coverage that was provided other then them joking about school closings. Here is what we found out, we gathered more information from the internet and Craig’s list then any place else. How you say? Well I charged my lap top batteries off of my truck and our lap top has a 3G connect. On Craig’s List people shared info on what banks; ATM’s, gas stations and grocery stores were open also what areas had power or power crews working. People were also listing things that they could share with others, like generators, kerosene heaters, hot showers and food. On the flip side there were people selling these same things for highly inflated prices. There were some real dirt bags who went to home depot and purchased not one but every generator then to sell them for $500 more then what they paid for them and home depot did nothing to stop it they just looked at it like a big payday.

[PT945]

Your absolutely right on the lack of important info in a disaster. That radio and TV don't mention. In my area we get ice storm's about once every two years that shuts things down for two or three days, and there is no info on roads, what's closed or open. But in our situation its so short lived that I guess they do t feel its important. A Ham network or a website dedicated to emergency info would be helpful maybe.

[slowz1k]

Just like everything else we prep for, we need alternatives and backups. I have a cheesey hankcrank, but I only expect it to be useful for weather or large scale emergency info.
Truckers know everything that's going on North America. A CB radio is almost an essential part of any preppers communications.. and it's easily acquired. I'm just learning the HAM stuff, but I think it'll be a very valuable asset. The Craigslist topic is very cool! I never thought of that forum being used for information gathering and distribution. Great tip Omegaman!!! Thanks

[Echo2]

Big + on the CB....but also screw the FM stations and stick with the AM...generally there are some local small AMs around....look now...don't wait....tape a tag on back of radio with settings.

[Omegaman]

CB radios are a must. I have a base station and mobil units. I also have marine radios, family band and a short wave world band radio but I do need to get into ham.

[Echo2]

CB radios are a must. I have a base station and mobil units. I also have marine radios, family band and a short wave world band radio but I do need to get into ham.

Why Not...?...:)

[cbprice797]

Radio stations will provide the information that they are told to disseminate. Until they no longer receive that info and they will then tell whatever they can until they are off the air.

[Iron mike]

It use to be the radio's obligation to provide info that is in the best interest of the public as far as safety is concerned when i was a kid every radio in the state would sound the EAB for a tornado or similar emergency now I only here it for test a few years beck we had a tornado in VA and I didn't hear one thing about it I was in the shop the whole time with the radio blaring and nothing I think their should be an app or something for EAB on the phone or maby just starting a phone tree with preppers in your ares like a text if stuff goes down