As the Atlantic hurricane season kicks off, I’m reminded of a storm that reshaped everything: Hurricane Katrina.
It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly 20 years. For many of us, the images of chaos, silence, and human suffering are still vivid. Power lines snapped. Cell towers crumpled. Entire cities were cut off from the outside world.
But in the midst of all that devastation… something remarkable happened.
Amateur radio operators stepped in. Quietly. Consistently. Effectively.
They became the link between emergency responders and remote communities. Between families and shelters. Between chaos and calm.
I talked in depth about this, way back on Episode 24 of the Ham Radio 360 Podcast, where we unpacked the powerful, behind-the-scenes role that ham radio played during Katrina’s aftermath. If you haven’t listened yet, I encourage you to take a few minutes this week and do so. It’s more than just history—it’s a warning and a roadmap.
🎧 Listen to Episode 24: Hurricane Katrina & Amateur Radio
What Katrina Taught Us (That Still Applies Today)
Cell service fails. Radios don’t.
Local knowledge matters more than federal wait times.
Pre-established communication protocols save lives.
And yet—most families still don’t have a plan.
That’s why I created the PrepComms Podcast—to help families like yours build real-world, non-technical communication skills that work when the grid goes down.
🔊 Subscribe to the PrepComms Podcast here
Stay Ahead of the Storm
If there’s one thing this hurricane season promises, it’s uncertainty.
Let’s not wait until we’re staring at a radar image to get serious about preparedness.
âś… Join my free newsletter for real-time communication tips, emergency gear guides, and updates from the frontlines of family preparedness.
This is the season to prepare with intention.
Let’s make sure when the wind howls and the lights go out—you’re not left in the dark.
Stay connected & 73 Y'all,
Caleb Nelson/K4CDN
Founder & Host, HamRadio 360 & PrepComms Podcast
Find Pre-programmed Walkie-Talkies and more communication necessities in our store: www.prepcomms.shop
Cale(b) is an author, speaker, longtime stay at home dad and small business owner. He and his wife of over 25 years, Carla, have 5 beautiful children and 2 Goldendoodles. Caleb is a FM Radio veteran and licensed Amateur Radio Operator (K4CDN). In the days before kids and radio, he spent nearly a decade in the Professional Fire Service as an Engineer and EMT. Caleb’s heart to serve and to teach shines in his work, whether on the page or over the air.
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