📖 Start Here — Emergency Communications Guide

This book covers using LoRa mesh for emergency preparedness and disaster response — from personal go-bags to neighborhood networks, ARES/RACES integration, and active disaster operations.

🚀 Quick Start by Role

• Individual prepper / first responder: Building a Go-Bag Node Kit
• ARES/RACES ham operator: Mesh Networking in ARES
• Neighborhood / community organizer: Building Neighborhood Disaster Preparedness Networks
• Emergency manager: Integrating with Served Agencies

📚 What's In This Book

Emergency Preparedness Basics

• Why LoRa Mesh for Emergency Comms
• Building a Go-Bag Node Kit
• Pre-Deployment Checklist
• Pre-Positioning Mesh Infrastructure for Disasters

Disaster Scenarios

• Wildfire Communications
• Earthquake Response
• Flood and Severe Weather Response
• Mesh Communications During Active Disasters
• Deploying Mesh Networks in Disaster Scenarios

ARES, RACES, and Served Agency Integration

• Mesh Networking in ARES
• Integrating with Served Agencies
• ICS/NIMS Terminology for Mesh Operators
• Go Kit Building for Mesh Nodes
• Net Control Operations for Mesh Networks

Winlink and Digital Integration

• Winlink and LoRa Mesh: Complementary Systems
• Integration with Winlink and APRS
• Building a Meshtastic-to-Internet Bridge

Training and Exercises

• Running a Mesh-Enabled EMCOMM Exercise
• Running a Mesh Communications Exercise
• Training New Operators on Mesh Equipment

➡️ Related Books

• Starting a Community Mesh — Building the network before the disaster
• DIY Build Guides — Go-bag node hardware builds
• Getting Started — Ham radio licensing for emcomm operators