Our next club event is coming up Saturday, September 27th from 9:00 a.m. to noon and the main branch of the Anderson County Library, 300 N. McDuffie Street, Anderson, SC!

See below for details. Seating is limited, so sign up ASAP if you want to be guaranteed a seat. On Friday, September 5th, the class will be opened up to all in our club database (friends, associates, past members , etc.)

Click this link to sign up

Wes Ballard, VP, Anderson Radio Club, KQ4WB

Overview:

Are you ready to face the unexpected? Join Dr. Marion McMillan, a distinguished spinal surgeon and dedicated emergency preparedness advocate, for an empowering class hosted by the Anderson Radio Club. In this dynamic session, Dr. McMillan will share proven strategies to survive and thrive during disasters, with a special focus on “grid-down” scenarios—when power, utilities, and communication systems fail. Drawing on his military experience, medical expertise and passion for amateur radio, he’ll guide you through practical, actionable steps to protect yourself, your family, and your community. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned prepper, this class will equip you with the tools to face any crisis with confidence.

What You’ll Learn:

Dr. McMillan’s class will cover three core areas, tailored to the audience’s needs and interests:

• Threat Scenarios: Preparing for Grid-Down Events
  • Explore realistic disaster scenarios, with a focus on “grid-down” situations caused by natural disasters (hurricanes, floods), cyberattacks, or infrastructure failures.
  • Learn to assess risks specific to your area and lifestyle, identifying vulnerabilities in your home and community.
  • Understand the cascading effects of power outages on water, food supply, healthcare, and communication, and how to plan accordingly.
  • Engage in interactive discussions to prioritize threats and develop personalized preparedness plans.
• Essentials for Survival: Shelter, Water, Food, Protection, Communication
  • Shelter: Discover how to secure safe, warm, and dry shelter in emergencies, whether staying home or evacuating. Learn tips for fortifying your home and creating portable shelter solutions.
  • Water: Master techniques for sourcing, purifying, and storing water to ensure a reliable supply when infrastructure fails.
  • Food: Build a sustainable food reserve with non-perishable, nutrient-dense options, and learn safe storage practices for short- and long-term needs.
  • Protection: Gain practical advice on personal and property security, including non-lethal self-defense options and situational awareness.
  • Communication: Leverage Dr. McMillan’s expertise as a radio club member to learn how amateur (HAM) radio can keep you connected when phones and internet fail. Get hands-on tips for setting up and using radio systems to coordinate with family, neighbors, or emergency services.
• Sustainable, Long-Term Considerations
  • Plan for extended disruptions with strategies for renewable resources, such as solar power, rainwater collection, and community-based food production.
  • Learn how to maintain physical and mental health during prolonged crises, including managing chronic conditions and stress, informed by Dr. McMillan’s 40+ years as a physician.
  • Explore ways to build community networks for mutual support, ensuring long-term resilience through shared resources and skills.
  • Discuss sustainable practices like off-grid energy solutions, bartering systems, and local emergency response coordination.

Why Attend?

This class is a unique opportunity to learn from Dr. Marion McMillan, a local hero whose medical expertise and passion for emergency preparedness make him an exceptional guide. His engaging teaching style, rooted in real-world experience and radio communication know-how, ensures you’ll leave with practical skills and renewed confidence. The content will be tailored to the audience, with flexibility to dive deeper into technical details or keep it accessible for beginners. Expect clear explanations, interactive scenarios, and a focus on actionable steps you can implement immediately.

Who Should Attend?

• Individuals and families looking to build or refine their emergency preparedness plans.
• Amateur radio enthusiasts eager to apply their skills in crisis communication.
• Community members interested in fostering resilience and collaboration in the face of disasters.

Details:

• Instructor: Dr. Marion McMillan, MD
• Location: Anderson County Library
• Date & Time: Saturday, September 27th, 9:00 a.m. to Noon
• Cost: Free. Limited to 50 Participants
• Registration: Visit www.andersonradioclub.org, then look for the “Helpful Links” button. The link to the registration for the class can be found there.

Don’t miss this chance to learn from a trusted friend of our radio club and a leader in both medicine and preparedness. Be ready, be resilient—join Dr. McMillan for a class that could save lives!

About Dr. Marion McMillan

Dr. Marion R. McMillan III, MD, is a board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain management specialist with over 40 years of experience in spinal medicine. Based in Seneca, South Carolina, he directs Spinal Medicine and Endoscopic Spinal Surgery at Synergy Spine Center. A Yale and Tufts University graduate, he pioneered minimally invasive spinal procedures, including percutaneous laser discectomy and outpatient endoscopic surgery for spinal stenosis in Upstate South Carolina. Holding two patents for surgical innovations, he has published extensively and is affiliated with hospitals like Prisma Health Oconee Memorial and Self Regional Healthcare. Known for empathetic care, Dr. McMillan is also a key figure in the local radio club, where his passion for amateur radio and emergency preparedness shines. He combines his medical expertise with communication skills to teach life-saving preparedness strategies.