97.407 Radio amateur civil emergency service. The channels at 3.997 and 53.30 MHz may be used in emergency areas when required to make initial contact with a military unit and for communications with military stations on matters requiring coordination. Such drills and tests may not exceed a total time of 1 hour per week. With the approval of the chief officer for emergency planning in the applicable State, Commonwealth, District, or territory, however, such tests and drills may be conducted for a period not to exceed 72 hours no more than twice in any calendar year. Amateur Radio operators set up and operate organized communication networks locally for governmental and emergency officials, as well as non-commercial communication for private citizens affected by the disaster.
Hams are most likely to be active after disasters that damage regular lines of communication,i.e.
Many hams are active as communications volunteers with local public safety organizations. In addition, in some disasters, radio frequencies are not coordinated among relief officials, and hams step in to coordinate communication when radio towers and other elements in the communications infrastructure are damaged. Amateur Radio operators have informal and formal groups to coordinate communication during emergencies. At the state level, hams are often involved with state emergency management operations. In addition, in areas that are prone to tornadoes, many hams are involved in Skywarn, which operates under the National Weather Service.