Helene - any lessons learned, additional prep to do?

[IAm_Not_Lost]

I’m not in any hurricane areas, but I am off grid in desert AZ, completely on solar with backup generator, and we use Starlink and it’s amazing for speeds and reliability. That alone, plus some form of minor backup power supply would be a constant backup communications for anyone.

Now with IPhones 14 and later you can also communicate via satellite with them if no other service is available.

Lastly I keep a few inexpensive Baofeng radios that I have specifically programmed to have not only common FRS, GMRS, MURS channels, but common weather and disaster channels. Obviously some of those are only to be used in emergency due to legality, but, having it all programmed and a few instruction sheets makes all the difference so you aren’t scrambling in event of emergency.

But honestly, simply having something like Starlink for your internet is a great option for backup communications, it’s as fast any internet in town (160mbps download speed for us) and has been awesome for us.

 

[fwafwow]

Lastly I keep a few inexpensive Baofeng radios that I have specifically programmed to have not only common FRS, GMRS, MURS channels, but common weather and disaster channels. Obviously some of those are only to be used in emergency due to legality, but, having it all programmed and a few instruction sheets makes all the difference so you aren’t scrambling in event of emergency.

I'd definitely like to know more about the radios you have. Maybe I'm misreading, and/or I'm uninformed, but I thought that it was difficult to have one type of radio that could operate on all of those bands/frequencies (maybe that's limited to the ability to receive and transmit). PM please if that's better.

 

[wesfromky]

I just spent an hour or so reviewing YT videos and remembering how limited HAM is - at least when no one else I care about is licensed. Sure, I could create an emergency kit with an inexpensive radio (and may still do so) for someone to use in a real emergency, but it still has limitations.

How much did you pay for your Starlink mini. I saw something like $500 plus a monthly subscription (for residential), with download speeds of slower than my cable (so I would not likely use it to replace cable, or fiber). And I think Roam was about the same up front cost, plus $150 per month. At that pricing a sat phone might be a better fallback.

As @doc holiday13 said, HAM seems like an inexpensive option to hear and communicate with first responders, especially since I spent the time to get my Tech license.

I think like $500 plus $50 a month, but starlink lets you pause your monthly service as often and long as you want. I have fiber at home, but I am going to be a lot more mobile this year, so I can work from anywhere with starlink, though I will need to bump up to the $150 a month plan.

 

[JustinNC]

We were without power for maybe 36hrs. Went 2 weeks without during Hugo in 89 and don't remember any issues or my parent's never made it out to be anything more than just an extended camping trip. Have done several multi day events without power since then.

Helene was an eye opener though. Zero worries about floods or landslides. I'm about 50ft above the high water mark of the lake (Norman in NC). If the water gets that high, I'll be more concerned about not being picked to line up 2x2 on the big boat. Not worried about a landslide.

Biggest issue is making sure I keep saw gas on hand, and wouldn't mind having a generator for running the well, or the fridge/freezer. We didn't open either during the outage, but the ice cubes in the freezer were starting to melt, but food was solid.

I usually run a bathtub or two full of water to flush the toilets before I think the power might go, but I forgot this time. I had a 5 gallon bucket of rain water on the back deck by chance, and ferried some water down to the house from my parent's when they fired up their generator for their well to take a shower and flush toilets.

That said, I'm in the process of making sure I've got a storm tote bin with batteries, LED lantern/lamps, water, campstove fuel, candles, possibly oil/lamps (dont like how sooty they are, but they put off a nice light, and no batteries to worry over), collapsible water containers, and a couple spare 'do not touch' chains for my saws, and maybe some bar oil and a couple bottles of mix oil.

I've got a lot of this stuff on hand, just not a centralized location for just-in-case. I also usually have to be out of the house and at work during weather events, and I'd like to have a place for the better half to be able to get stuff out of without having to hunt down everything. My street is also prone to having trees go down and block folks in/out. There is a way out usually via FWD. It would give me peace of mind knowing she's got what she needs should I have to stay at work, or conditions dictate I can't get back home for a day or two.

I'll likely start making sure I've got a 5 gallon can with non-ethanol on hand and rotate it out every so often in the boat. Wouldn't hurt to keep 10-20 gallons of regular on hand for the car/truck just in case something happens and gas shortage happens. Usually always have enough 50:1 in a 2.5gal can to cut a tree or 5.

A lot of this is just normal stuff I should do anyway, but to keep stuff rotated and fresh, is a lot of trouble for something that's rarely, if ever an issue in my area. I'm not in a city, but I'm 1/2mi down at the end of a dead in street, that's half a mile down a secondary road, from a primary highway, 5 miles away from a 4 lane highway one direction, 9 miles from a 4 lane highway the other direction. Trees in the road are about my only limiting factor of being able to get anywhere, and I just so happen to specialize in making them disappear in those situations.

 

[IAm_Not_Lost]

I'd definitely like to know more about the radios you have. Maybe I'm misreading, and/or I'm uninformed, but I thought that it was difficult to have one type of radio that could operate on all of those bands/frequencies (maybe that's limited to the ability to receive and transmit). PM please if that's better.

Just the Baofeng UV-82. It will work for FRS, GMRS, MURS, and NOAA weather and other national disaster channels. Obviously there are variables depending on location and what you can pick up with regard to the national disaster stuff. Its frequency range; 136-174 MHz (VHF) 400-520MHz (UHF)

Edit: I just walked outside to check, and I can also pick up occasional local sheriff dispatch and the closest fire/ems station. Not great, but in the right spot I can. They’re all mostly in the 150’s MHz

 

[CMF]

I would start with checking your homes relative positioning to the 100 and 250 and 500 year flood lines.

I would not consider flood insurance unless you have to.

It's a racket.

I just confirmed we are outside the 500 year flood line ("unshaded Zone X").
a

I wouldn't rule out flood insurance completely. There are areas in the x zone that flooded here during Katrina. I'm not one for insurance and agree most of its a racket. I probably won't carry wind/hail when I build a strong house here and pay it off. But there were a lot of people here on the coast who "didn't need flood insurance" where they were located and they got flooded.
I would look at your local historic data, topography, etc and make an educated decision.

How much did you pay for your Starlink mini. I saw something like $500 plus a monthly subscription (for residential), with download speeds of slower than my cable (so I would not likely use it to replace cable, or fiber). And I think Roam was about the same up front cost, plus $150 per month. At that pricing a sat phone might be a better fallback.

The starlink for our RV is $165 and I heard you can find the hardware now for 2-300.
It's worked great all over the US.

 

[fwafwow]

I would look at your local historic data, topography, etc and make an educated decision.

I already put in the order to get the coverage. I also normally don’t like insurance, but in this case I’m good with it.

 

[akn300wsm]

I’ve been buying a thing of ibuprofen from Costco pretty regularly to have on hand. I also need to start addding Tylenol and antibiotics to the stash. Also a couple dozen mountain house/peak refuel meals that get cycled out and replaced after hunting trips.

 

[*zap*]

half a dozen zpacks would be good to have

 

[Rich M]

I’ve been in central FL for a bit and dealing w storms. We’re waiting for Milton right now. Supposed to make landfall within the hour.

We are also trying to buy some land in Helene’s path. 2 weeks later and folks i know are still without power. Their whole county was without power and most still is. Folks pitched in and started getting stuff done.

Diff state but Shame what the governor of NC did w regard to fema and national guard. Can’t count on the govt.

Stay in touch w family, then when towers stop working, they gotta wait.

Tote w priority repair stuff - nails, screws, metal backed tape for fixing metal roofs, plastic tarp and fir strips to patch regular roof.

Got a chain saw? Does it work? New or sharp chain? Fuel? Having inoperable equipment makes things tougher.

If in a storm area you need a genny and window ac unit. Know what it can do and have at least acweek’s wirth of gas for genny. Use in car if you dont need it for genny.

Food - snacks and goodies for storm but you should have at least a month of food on hand. Most do - freezer & fridge, pantry, canned stuff. Rice and beans are cheap.

Water filtration. Put yer garbage cans to collect rain water for toilet. Filter the tap or well water after flooding or power outage.

First aid - have basics and meds. Mainly use yer nugget and dont do risky stuff, move the ladder instead of reaching, etc.

Country folks are typically always ready. City folks usually have no clue. Generalizations but i’ve lived in both and know folks in both. Country folks just get it done, city folks expect others to do stuff.

All comes down to what’s right for you. Some folks need to evac. Others can handle stuff. Just use nugget and be safe. So many factors involved.

 

[fwafwow]

Just the Baofeng UV-82. It will work for FRS, GMRS, MURS, and NOAA weather and other national disaster channels. Obviously there are variables depending on location and what you can pick up with regard to the national disaster stuff. Its frequency range; 136-174 MHz (VHF) 400-520MHz (UHF)

Edit: I just walked outside to check, and I can also pick up occasional local sheriff dispatch and the closest fire/ems station. Not great, but in the right spot I can. They’re all mostly in the 150’s MHz

I just pulled the trigger on one. I had been looking at it or a similar model for a while as the best starter for beginners. Normally I am easily swayed for the "more is better" and almost got the Yaesu FT-65 (and a few others....), but finally decided that this is a "can't go wrong" choice, because if I outgrow it, I can put it in my car or go bag.

I'm also looking at some options at my cousin's hunting property. I don't think anyone would ever be more than 1.5 miles apart, and that would be to the house, and it's flat AF - just trees and bushes in the way. May suggest he go with the RockyTalkies (FRS or GMRS versions - ideally the latter) for the "easy button". (And not exactly the point of this thread.)

 

[IAm_Not_Lost]

I just pulled the trigger on one. I had been looking at it or a similar model for a while as the best starter for beginners. Normally I am easily swayed for the "more is better" and almost got the Yaesu FT-65 (and a few others....), but finally decided that this is a "can't go wrong" choice, because if I outgrow it, I can put it in my car or go bag.

I'm also looking at some options at my cousin's hunting property. I don't think anyone would ever be more than 1.5 miles apart, and that would be to the house, and it's flat AF - just trees and bushes in the way. May suggest he go with the RockyTalkies (FRS or GMRS versions - ideally the latter) for the "easy button". (And not exactly the point of this thread.)

Nice. Yeah, any of the common Baofengs generally have the same overall features and frequency ranges (differences between receiving frequency range and transmit). I just liked the look and few little things about the UV-82. Just download CHIRP, get the computer cable for it, and watch a few videos about programming it and you’re good to go.

You also have to understand that due to its power it is not technically legal to transmit on the common frequencies. With that said, if you stick to the standard 1-22 FRS/GMRS channels for UHF, and MURS for VHF channels, it’s unlikely you’ll upset anyone using it recreationally since those channels are all allowed without a license with a radio 0.5 or 2 watts and under already (power level depends on channel, easy to look up). But, the HAM operators are a prickly bunch, so be warned.

You can also set it up to be able to monitor or listen to a lot of useful channels, NOAA weather, disaster channels, some fire/ambulance/police frequencies, etc.

 

[fwafwow]

Nice. Yeah, any of the common Baofengs generally have the same overall features and frequency ranges (differences between receiving frequency range and transmit). I just liked the look and few little things about the UV-82. Just download CHIRP, get the computer cable for it, and watch a few videos about programming it and you’re good to go.

You also have to understand that due to its power it is not technically legal to transmit on the common frequencies. With that said, if you stick to the standard 1-22 FRS/GMRS channels for UHF, and MURS for VHF channels, it’s unlikely you’ll upset anyone using it recreationally since those channels are all allowed without a license with a radio 0.5 or 2 watts and under already (power level depends on channel, easy to look up). But, the HAM operators are a prickly bunch, so be warned.

You can also set it up to be able to monitor or listen to a lot of useful channels, NOAA weather, disaster channels, some fire/ambulance/police frequencies, etc.

I just went down a rabbit hole of "if I also get my GMRS license, can I unlock the UV-82 and TX on HAM, GMRS and FRS - one radio to rule them all?" I think I figured out it's possible from a technology standpoint, but it seemed that people argued over whether it was permissible even with the licenses because of the power issue. Given my propensity to flounder (I could see myself broadcasting at the wrong power and being on a LE frequency), I made a judgment call to look into getting a separate GMRS unit. And like rifles, more is better, right?

Now I just need to convince both of my hunting buddies who own the land to get something, in one case as a backup if our cell phones don't work, and for the other as a primary comms option, as there are dead zones on the property. I'm leaning towards recommending the Rocky Talkie 5w GMRS. On one place I think it will be fine - flat lowcountry SC, no one would be more than 1.5 miles away. The other guy's place may have a bit farther separation, and some hills, so I will have to see if that works.

 

[IAm_Not_Lost]

I just went down a rabbit hole of "if I also get my GMRS license, can I unlock the UV-82 and TX on HAM, GMRS and FRS - one radio to rule them all?" I think I figured out it's possible from a technology standpoint, but it seemed that people argued over whether it was permissible even with the licenses because of the power issue. Given my propensity to flounder (I could see myself broadcasting at the wrong power and being on a LE frequency), I made a judgment call to look into getting a separate GMRS unit. And like rifles, more is better, right?

Now I just need to convince both of my hunting buddies who own the land to get something, in one case as a backup if our cell phones don't work, and for the other as a primary comms option, as there are dead zones on the property. I'm leaning towards recommending the Rocky Talkie 5w GMRS. On one place I think it will be fine - flat lowcountry SC, no one would be more than 1.5 miles away. The other guy's place may have a bit farther separation, and some hills, so I will have to see if that works.

Yeah, apparently the newer ones are locked out of FRS/GMRS. They can be unlocked though. Mine were not locked, but they were bought back in 2017.

No, like I noted, at the power they are at you cannot use them legally on GMRS without a GRMS license, and even with a license the Baofengs are not compliant as they aren’t part 95 certified. It’s not illegal, per se, but it’s against the rules and regs of the FCC.

I’m not worried about that scenario personally. If someone is out there looking to get someone in trouble for occasionally using a 5w radio on a 2w frequency out in the middle of nowhere (me), well, go for it.

But, with a normal Baofeng UV 5R or UV 82 that is - now post 2021 - unlocked, you do have the ability to use HAM, GRMS, and MURS, all on one radio, and listen on a ton of other useful frequencies. But only HAM could be done “legally”, if you have a HAM license.

Edit: with regard to your concern about accidentally transmitting on an LEO frequency, they won’t transmit on those typical frequencies, only receive. Plus, you would program the frequencies you want to use into the radio so that you’re only using the channels you want to.

But yes, there are a ton of 2watt radios that you can legally use on GMRS that will be plenty good for normal around the ranch and off roading. The Baofengs and other similar are just cool to carefully play with.

 

[fwafwow]

Yeah, apparently the newer ones are locked out of FRS/GMRS. They can be unlocked though. Mine were not locked, but they were bought back in 2017.

No, like I noted, at the power they are at you cannot use them legally on GMRS without a GRMS license, and even with a license the Baofengs are not compliant as they aren’t part 95 certified. It’s not illegal, per se, but it’s against the rules and regs of the FCC.

I’m not worried about that scenario personally. If someone is out there looking to get someone in trouble for occasionally using a 5w radio on a 2w frequency out in the middle of nowhere (me), well, go for it.

But, with a normal Baofeng UV 5R or UV 82 that is - now post 2021 - unlocked, you do have the ability to use HAM, GRMS, and MURS, all on one radio, and listen on a ton of other useful frequencies. But only HAM could be done “legally”, if you have a HAM license.

Edit: with regard to your concern about accidentally transmitting on an LEO frequency, they won’t transmit on those typical frequencies, only receive. Plus, you would program the frequencies you want to use into the radio so that you’re only using the channels you want to.

But yes, there are a ton of 2watt radios that you can legally use on GMRS that will be plenty good for normal around the ranch and off roading. The Baofengs and other similar are just cool to carefully play with.

Thank you!