subject: Radio Communication: A Quintet Of Arguments For Cb Radio [print this page] Only 200 years ago, the only radiation around us was from the sun and earth. Now, electromagnetic radiation, or radio waves, is everywhere. Wireless computer keyboards and mice, cell phones, television, radio, microwaves, a wireless phone, garage door openers, airport and weather radar. Radiation surrounds us. Most people know very little about it. We may use some or all of these from time to time. Let's look at some that may be useful to us.
Since its beginning, radio has been the help in emergencies. Design and development has given us send and receive radios that we can use in our houses and in our cars. If the power is out, those with a radio likely have the only source of communication you can count on.
Cell phones which rely on internal batteries and a tower network is vulnerable to extended periods without an electrical supply. Radio needs only a car battery which has enough power for many days of operation.
If you are in an area where natural disaster can happen, then a radio might be considered a good choice. Disasters can include, ice storms, blizzards, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, electrical storms, and many others.
Is your home area free of all of these? Mine isn't.
Camping and hiking in wilderness areas can be an enjoyable activity. There are still very large areas with no cell phone coverage. Hand held CB radios will provide a way to communicate with others if you need to. The radio can give warning of predictable events that may be a danger to you, such as bad weather. You will also be able to call for help if you need it. A minor injury in the wrong place could turn into a life-threatening event.
A radio should be a must for anyone venturing into areas where there are few other people. A sudden storm or a landslide, or even a simple fall can become a serious disaster. All pilots get training in operating a radio, and ships have carried radios ever since they became available, saving thousands of lives over the decades.
Traveling can be lonely. Being able to talk with your home or to other people on the CB radio, depending on how far you are from home, can help a lot to avoid boredom and dangerous highway hypnosis. You can't talk to the cell phone of the car in front of you, unless the car is for sale.
The radio can let you know if there is bad weather forecast, help you find open motels, guide you to a good restaurant that you would never find on your own. The CB radio shares with you, and you can share with others, all of the experiences to make life easier.
If you want to make a difference, CB clubs often are organized to provide observation of walking and bike marathons. A radio in the right place can direct an ambulance or summon the police or fire department, helping these overloaded public servants to be more effective. Training in observation and reporting is a part of being one of these helpers.
CB radio frequencies are monitored for calls for help, whether emergency or just for information. You should be able to find one of these groups if you want to help. Drive around. Watch for trouble late on Halloween, cruise the route of a bike race, or a school hiking trip. Learn first aid and go to help those who need it. You can be a radio hero.
Wouldn't you like to know more about amateur or CB radio?
