Meshtastic is an excellent choice for disaster and emergency communication because it enables direct, long-range messaging without relying on cell towers or internet service. Devices form a self-healing, ad hoc mesh network: if a node goes offline, messages automatically route through alternative nodes, maintaining service during outages. This resilience is critical when infrastructure is compromised by storms, power failures, or other disasters. Additionally, Meshtastic devices run on low power and can use simple antennas to extend range, making them suitable for rapid deployment across a county.

Our weekly Disaster Relief Ham Radio 2m Net meets at 9:00 p.m each Tuesday. We are operating on the KA4WJA repeater on 146.970 MHz. The purpose of the Net is for testing and training for disaster relief communications for the churches affiliated with Marion Baptist Association, our emergency communication partners and the general public.