So you are interested in adding a scanner to your prep kit?
I am thrilled I was able to be a guest on the Changing Earth Podcast with Sara and Chin and to talk about my favorite hobby, scanner radios.
Scanning during Superstorm Sandy
Superstorm Sandy hit the Long Island area on October 30, 2012. While I was one of the *few* lucky ones that didn’t sustain substantial damage, there were many around me – including family – that had their homes flooded and were without power for over a week. There were many more who lost their homes and were displaced for months after Superstorm Sandy.
I had my scanner on before, during, and after the storm, and the types of transmissions that were heard between those three times changed dramatically.
Before the storm, I was able to hear my local Office of Emergency Management (OEM) run through their tests and also evacuations
During the storm, OEM was active, but Fire and Rescue, as well as PD were busy! Amateur Radio groups such as ARES and RACES, as well as the Red Cross were relaying messages across shelters
After the storm – this was the longest period. During the following two weeks, we had agencies on the air such as the National Guard, FEMA, Search and Rescue, and a lot of Interoperability frequencies were in use.
But I was prepared, and I knew in advanced what I would want to have in my scanner.
Why do Prepping and Scanners go hand and hand?
As Sara, Chin, and I discussed on the podcast, scanning is a way to know what is going on before an emergency happens, but also during and after the event takes place.
What makes scanners a useful tool for a Prepper?
Keep in mind, what you can hear all depends on where you live and what systems are available to monitor in your area. It also depends on what type of event you have just experienced.
Some points to remember are:
- Portable Scanners can run on batteries, so they are great for when there is no power
- Most can pick up FM Broadcast Radio
- You can monitor CB, FRS, Ham, and GMRS
- Depending on where you are, you might be able to monitor emergency services in your area such as:
- Local Fire Department
- Local Police
- Office of Emergency Management (OEM)
- FEMA
- Red Cross
- Can double as a NOAA Weather Alert Radio
- Can monitor NOAA Weather
If you are interested in purchasing a new scanner….
I have two resources that can help you on your way to purchasing a new scanner for your prep kit.
Please take a listen to this Scanner School session
The first is my podcast session number 83, where I explain how to pick the correct scanner for your area based on the information you can find online.
You can listen to this podcast by clicking on the player below.
Be sure to subscribe to my podcast so you can pick even more scanner radio tutorials.
Here are 5 Things You Need to Know Before Buying Your First Scanner Radio
This is my second resource for you, my handy guide on what to know before you buy your first (or next) scanner radio.
Buying your first scanner can be a bit intimidating if you don’t know what you need.
We have 5 tips to help you make the right decision.
Scanner School’s e-guide will help you choose the correct scanner for your area, no matter where you live.
Our free e-guide, the “5 Things You Need to Know Before Buying Your First Scanner” will help you make the correct decision for you.
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This simple to follow 30+ page guide will help you:
- Make an educated decisions on what you will need
- Avoid costly mistakes
- How to be sure you are scanning legally
- Where to get valuable information for free
- How to get help
- and more….
Our e-guide will help you choose the correct scanner for your needs
This “Top 5” tip document is formatted to make it easy to read on your computer. Since it is portable document, you can take it with you on your tablet and smartphone.
“5 Things You Need to Know Before Buying Your First Scanner” will be delivered to you via e-mail so you can easily find it in the future and share with your friends.
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