Ham radio emergency communications. ARRL ARES.

SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods. This column is a collection of news bits and pieces that are relevant to the modern survivalist and prepper from JWR. Our goal is to educate our readers, to help them to recognize emerging threats, and to be better prepared for both disasters and negative societal trends. You can’t mitigate a risk if you haven’t first identified a risk. In today’s column, we look at ham radio emergency communications.

The Vintage Radio Enthusiasts Prepping for Disaster

Over at Commander Zero’s Notes From The Bunker blog: Article – No cellphone? No problem! The vintage radio enthusiasts prepping for disaster.

Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)

Over at the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) website, there is a good description of program open to all licensed hams: Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES).

The American Redoubt Radio Operators Network (AMRRON)

In case you haven’t yet visited the site:, maintained by John Jacob Schmidt: The American Redoubt Radio Operators Network (AMRRON).

World Air Pollution Map

This Granite Grok graphic was linked at the Whatfinger.com news aggregation site: Where the Air Pollution Is.

The Least Populated US Counties

Roger sent us this: The Least Populated US Counties. And for those who want to dig deeper on population figures: U.S. Population Density Mapped.

Florida Gets Tough on Illegal Immigration

Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Strongest Anti-Illegal Immigration Legislation in the Country to Combat Biden’s Border Crisis. The announcement at the Governor’s website includes this:

“Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1718 to combat the dangerous effects of illegal immigration caused by the federal government’s reckless border policies. This legislation makes using E-Verify mandatory for any employer with 25 or more employees, imposes enforceable penalties for those employing illegal aliens, and enhances penalties for human smuggling. Additionally, this bill prohibits local governments from issuing Identification Cards (ID) to illegal aliens, invalidates ID cards issued to illegal aliens in other states, and requires hospitals to collect and submit data on the costs of providing health care to illegal aliens.”

Whitehead Commentary on a Recent Sedition Trial

John Whitehead: Conspirators for the Constitution: When Anti-Government Speech Becomes Sedition.

Louisiana To Get Constitutional Carry

Louisiana: Constitutional Carry Passes to the Louisiana Senate! “With a veto-proof majority, Constitutional Carry bill HB 131 restores the ability of law-abiding gun owners, 18 years and older, to carry a concealed handgun in the state of Louisiana without a permit.”

More than half of the 50 States have or will soon have permitless concealed carry. Florida’s law goes into effect on July 1st. Nebraska’s law goes into effect on September 10th. Tennessee legislators tabled a similar bill, but hope to bring it up again in 2024. And South Carolina has a bill pending. So, there may soon be 28 states with Constitutional Carry.

JWR’s Comment: Next, we need a Federal law that assures the right to carry nationwide, per the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause. This would be analogous to driver’s licenses being recognized in all 50 states, regardless of the state of issuance.

The Guns of Indiana Jones

Reader Tim J. suggested this video: Indiana Jones and The Lost Guns of Destiny.

A New Mexico Biker Gang Shootout

ABC News reports: Three dead, five injured as biker gang shootout erupts in Red River, New Mexico. A quote:

“As tens of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts converged on the Taos County resort town for the annual event and live music festival, members of the Bandidos and Water Dog biker gangs got into a fight in which multiple rounds of gunfire were traded between the two groups, New Mexico State Police Chief Tim Johnson said at a news conference Sunday morning.

Johnson said all eight people shot in the episode, including those killed, were members of the two biker gangs.”