A group of amateur radio enthusiasts from New York City could soon be tuning in its efforts to support those affected by Hurricane Matthew. 

The group says it goes into action when emergency organizations like the Red Cross deploy them into areas affected by a large-scale event.

The members work mostly out of shelters in the affected areas, and say they broadcast messages if the shelter is in need of additional supplies like blankets and cots, or to notify people that their families are safe. 

The group says unlike other forms of communication, ham radios operate off the grid by bouncing signals off of the earth's atmosphere with radio waves.

Enthusiasts only need about 12 volts of electricity to power their radios, and they can even hook them up to car batteries.