After the storm, getting the generator going early and setting up the hand pump for the well made all the difference. A quick project with leftover well pump wire turned into a solid clothesline—an unexpected but handy addition that Carla LOVED. Through it all, AT&T held strong, and Starlink was exceptional. If you're interested, see below for a link featuring a free month for both you and me.

It felt like living a real-life episode of "Prep Comms." The ZBM2 Industries antennas are outta sight—thanks, Deric! While the local 2m repeater was down, it didn’t hold us back; we had the gear ready, so radio wasn't top of my mind. That's one big lesson: when you’ve prepared well, the need for comms isn't a distraction, freeing you to focus on other tasks.

The WLN KDC1 handheld radios continue to be incredibly reliable and cost-effective, with GMRS as our go-to system for family comms. It's a perfect service that doesn’t require any testing, making it ideal for family use. Though I used my ham radios sparingly, they came in handy for checking in on 40m HF (JS8Call) and daily Winlink check-ins over VHF Packet.

Just North of us the Mt. Mitchell Ham Repeater was a true lifeline, saving lives daily. Be sure to watch KM4ACK Jason’s video, linked below, about the welfare nets on this repeater. Locally, our phones worked well, so ham radio took a backseat for us, though just 45 minutes away, it was a crucial lifesaver.

Brother-to-brother comms on CB were also reliable, showing that there’s a role for every communication method. And while I stayed busy with work, the family stepped up; we learned countless lessons that we’ll carry forward. Although some coax-internet is still down, Verizon failed most while ham radio absolutely shined across North Carolina. The BTech 6x2Pro proved essential for both farm and fire department communications.

This experience underscored the value of preparedness and inspired us to add an ECOFLOW 2700W solar generator to back up our primary generator. No matter where you’re starting from, take that first step toward readiness. Don’t be discouraged—I’m here to help!

That Simple Pump from Scott Hunt (Practical Preppers) was a true lifesaver, keeping water flowing through it all. Men, husbands, dads—let’s get you started! Plan C Solutions and The Family Radio Guy are coming soon to help you and your family prepare for the upcoming unknown. And if you're looking for quality water filters, check out Hub City Mercantile for your Berkey replacement filters.

KM4ACK Helene Net Video! (Must Watch!)

BTech 6x2Pro : https://amzn.to/4htGNTj
Baofeng UV21: https://amzn.to/4fp4VFr
BTech GMRS V1: https://amzn.to/3YZaPY5
Btech MURS V2: https://amzn.to/40v2Hzr
WLN Micro Handi : https://amzn.to/4elglss

Uniden Home Patrol Scanner

Water Bob : https://amzn.to/4etzQiB
Ecoflow 2700 : https://amzn.to/4f7OaOR
Starlink (1 mo free for you and me)

Simple Pump: Hand Well Pump

Here's a timeline rundown from our Helene Prepping and Recovery

After preparing gas and propane midweek, we ensured all equipment was charged and ready. At 0400 on the 27th, my mini comm hub was active. By 0630, local repeaters went offline, and at 0730, we lost power. With severe winds raging, we canceled work, activated our generator at 0800, and monitored fire and ham bands on the BTech 6X2Pro. Once the rain subsided, we utilized the Simple Pump, though filling the tub beforehand had slipped my mind. We assessed farm damage, surveyed nearby areas, then focused on family, using GMRS almost exclusively. Around day 2, the local club activated the backup 2m repeater.

We quickly learned the importance of organizing supplies, checking on neighbors, and securing water for extended family. Thankfully, AT&T held steady, and Starlink was invaluable. Our generator was essential, though a wiring fix was needed post-storm. By Sunday, life resumed as near-normal, with only brief setbacks. Reports of coax internet still remain down. Fiber proved resilient yet delicate, and Verizon was unreliable. Ultimately, radio communication, though modest in our setup, was a lifeline for many in WNC, showcasing its critical role during a crisis.

KM4ACK Helene Net Video! (Must Watch!)

BTech 6x2Pro : https://amzn.to/4htGNTj
Baofeng UV21: https://amzn.to/4fp4VFr
BTech GMRS V1: https://amzn.to/3YZaPY5
Btech MURS V2: https://amzn.to/40v2Hzr
WLN Micro Handi : https://amzn.to/4elglss

Water Bob : https://amzn.to/4etzQiB
Ecoflow 2700 : https://amzn.to/4f7OaOR
Starlink (1 mo free for you and me)

In this episode of Prep Comms Podcast, Caleb wraps up his road-trip into the critical role of CB radios for preppers. He addresses a listener question and breaks down the legal implications surrounding unauthorized radio modifications.

Remember your antenna will make or break your communications platform.

thanks for listening and sharing the show, 73-K4CDN

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