[teraflop]

> In an emergency you can make use of anything, including a radio without an amateur radio license.

Just to clarify: the law in the US (47 CFR § 97.403) says that you can use amateur radio frequencies without a license, or unlicensed frequencies, for: "essential communication needs in connection with the immediate safety of human life and immediate protection of property when normal communication systems are not available". That's much narrower than just "in an emergency".

And if you try to use ham radio equipment without knowing what you're doing, there's a risk that you'll interfere with other amateur or non-amateur users who are coordinating their own emergency response.

[amingilani]

Thank you for the clarification. I wanted my explanation to be generic enough to apply to any jurisdiction. For example, I’m in Canada where the regulations are differently worded but have a similar effect.