CSRA Emergency Communications

A Start

In September 2024, Hurricane Helene devastated the Central Savannah River Area. With winds exceeding 100 mph, hundreds of homes were destroyed and widespread power and cell outages lasted days to weeks for much of the CSRA. Our only real way to get information for days after the storm was via FM and Amateur radio.

After recognizing Meshtastic’s potential as an emergency communication tool rather than just a hobby gadget, we established a local mesh network similar to the Mountain Mesh community in North Georgia. The CSRA network now includes roughly 70+ active nodes in the area, with more being added every week.

Successful emergency communication requires preparation: How do we ensure that the mesh can be rebuilt quickly after infrastructure has been destroyed?

Resources

Channel 3 Project — AmRRON

The Channel 3 Project by AmRRON standardizes non-licensed radio communication (FRS, GMRS, CB) during emergencies using coordinated channels and times. A useful complement to the Meshtastic mesh.

Wilderness Protocol

The Wilderness Protocol is an Amateur Radio protocol for hikers and campers to monitor simplex frequencies at designated times — providing emergency availability when standard communications are unavailable.

• TCARES Wilderness Protocol
• CVARA Wilderness Protocol

CSRA Mesh — Tentative EmComm Plan

The CSRA Mesh uses the standard LongFast default settings. See the FAQs & Guides page for setup instructions.

Preparedness — Be Ready

1. Power

• Maintain charged node batteries
• Plan multiple recharging methods (solar, car, generator)
• Coordinate power conservation schedules if extended events occur
• Account for dependent devices (phones, computers)

2. Settings

• Keep firmware updated to current stable versions
• Maintain backup firmware copies for field repairs
• Test update procedures beforehand
• Back up device settings and encryption keys

3. Apps & Devices

• Test all interface devices regularly
• Conduct full verification several days before anticipated events
• Retrieve stored nodes every three to six months for testing
• Account for app/firmware compatibility issues

4. Spare Parts

• Stock equipment for repairs and replacements
• Prepare for the possibility of helping neighbors or first responders whose equipment has failed

Proactive — Test It

1. Contacts

• Maintain regular mesh communication
• Screenshot map data periodically
• Understand local coverage patterns

2. Nets

Participate in scheduled practice communications:

• Run open nets for general participation
• Run closed nets for small group exercises
• Practice equipment operation and verification
• See our Mesh Events page for the weekly Friday net schedule

If It Happens — Response Plan

1. Safety First

2. Resource Assessment

Inventory your supplies and node power status to ration appropriately for the duration of the event.

3. Monitor the Mesh

• Recommended monitoring: 7 AM – 7 PM daily
• Alternative schedule: 30-minute monitoring every 4 hours: 7 AM, 11 AM, 3 PM, 7 PM
• 24/7 operation recommended if power permits
• Keep private messages minimal to preserve battery and bandwidth
• Send brief, specific messages including: location, time, and description

Note: Long messages may be broken up and information lost. Keep messages concise.

4. Mesh Infrastructure

Help restore network gaps by deploying spare nodes. Set them to client role when it is appropriate to not overload a given area with routers.

5. Common Courtesy

“Be prepared mentally to be kind and compassionate when others are rude or otherwise disrespectful.”

Emergency situations are stressful. A calm, patient presence helps the whole community respond more effectively.