These are difficult times; People are out of work, there are earthquakes all over the world, strange weather phenomena. As a result, it seems like riots break out in a new country every day. The ability of a people to rise above the animals and organize themselves as a civilization requires effective communications. Of course, ours is a society equipped with many modern conveniences; Cell phones and the Internet are in the palm of our hands. But what happens when the communications networks these people rely on are overloaded or destroyed? When the world is in turmoil, only amateur radio provides light, offers support and hope. The authorized operators of these radios, called "Hams", are constantly trained for these moments. This service was created in recognition of and to increase “the value of the amateur service to the public as a voluntary, non-commercial communications service, especially with respect to providing emergency communications” (47 CFR 97.1a). This is achieved by training and ongoing practice of organizations such as Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) trains regularly, holding periodic on-air meetings, called Nets, where Hams will follow a specific process to check in, exchange traffic in a manner. organized and then close the network. During these normally scheduled networks, they can only exchange information about the weather or make an announcement about what is happening in the community. However, do not be fooled, it will be Ham's practice and convenience on how to handle an emergency that will enable them to work quickly and efficiently in the event of a disaster. ARES will also hold regular classroom or scenario-based training, preparing them for various specific disasters....... mid-paper... for granted on a basis daily, and emergencies would render our society defenseless without help means calling for or providing help. It can therefore be concluded that Hams, practicing and experimenting almost daily, the world would be much less functional in the event of a major catastrophe. Therefore, one must ask: What will YOU do when all other communications fail? Works Cited “Base and Purpose.” Code of Federal Regulations Title 47, Pt. 97.1, 2011 ed. Grinter, Ian and Kevin Crockett. "The history of Ameteur radio." Astrosurfing. Np,2004. Network. July 9, 2011. .Shunk, Chris. "Ham Radio Enthusiast Repairs Antenna on Chevy Camaro Convertible." Autoblog.December 20, 2010. Web. July 9, 2011. Garber, Lauren. “Nevada Amateur Radio Operators Contact Japan.” KOLO TV (March 13, 2011):n. page Network. 10 July 2011.