Ham Radio Operators Prepare for Crisis Oct 6-7
Newington, CT, Sept. 26, 2007 -- America was abruptly reminded of the critical role of Amateur Radio in 2005 as amatuer operators, often called “hams,” came from all over the country to provide emergency communications when other systems failed during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This year the work of the Amateur Radio operators continued and provided lifesaving services in many floods and wildfires around the country. Because of the complexity of today’s normal communications systems, even if they remain functional, they are often overwhelmed in a disaster. These painful lessons are being tested again on October 6 and 7 as Amateur Radio operators around the country conduct their annual Simulated Emergency Test.
Using emergency powered radios and working with local agencies, the hams will establish radio communications networks which can be used should there be a failure or overload of normal services such as has been seen in the days following many incidents. The ham radio operators provide the communications between the many government and volunteer agencies which are needed in disasters.
Organized into the Amateur Radio Emergency Service by the ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio, trained Amateur Radio volunteer operators from across the country respond to the calls for aid when needed. Despite cell phones and satellites, every year has seen many situations in which they have been called upon in critical times needing expert communications to keep an emergency from turning into a disaster. They provide their services and equipment freely to their communities. They are “Amateurs” only in that they are not paid, but their service in a crisis can be priceless.
This year, Amateur Radio operators will be replicating many scenarios which have crippled normal communications in the recent past. These include flooding, wildfires, bombings ice storms, hurricanes and earthquakes. Something new for this year are plans for responses in case of pandemic flu and the probability that large populations will need to shelter at home and not go out. The hams have the slogan, “When all else fails – Amateur Radio works!” According to Allen Pitts, Amateur Radio operator W1AGP, “The hams of the ARRL, the national Amateur Radio association, take that saying and promise very seriously.”
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What are some recent disasters where authorities needed Amateur Radio aid?
What do Amateur Radio operators do during and after disasters?
Amateur Radio operators set up and operate organized communication networks locally for governmental and emergency officials, as well as non-commercial communication for private citizens affected by the disaster. Amateur Radio operators are most likely to be active after disasters that damage regular lines of communications due to power outages and destruction of telephone lines.
How do Amateur Radio operators help local officials?
Many radio amateurs are active as communications volunteers with local public safety organizations. In addition, in some disasters, radio frequencies are not coordinated among relief officials and Amateur Radio operators step in to coordinate communication when radio towers and other elements in the communications infrastructure are damaged.
What are the major Amateur Radio emergency organizations?
Amateur Radio operators have informal and formal groups to coordinate communication during emergencies. At the local level, hams may participate in local emergency organizations, or organize local "traffic nets" using VHF (very high frequencies) and UHF (ultra high frequencies). At the state level, hams are often involved with state emergency management operations. In addition, hams operate at the national level through the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) which is coordinated through the American Radio Relay League and its field volunteers, and through the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) which is coordinated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. In addition, in areas that are prone to severe weather, many hams are involved in Skywarn, operating under the National Weather Service.
Is Amateur Radio recognized as a resource by national relief organizations?
Many national organizations have formal agreements with the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and other Amateur Radio groups including:
• Department of Homeland Security - Citizen Corps
• Federal Emergency Management Agency
• National Communications System
• American Red Cross
• Salvation Army
• National Weather Service
• Association of Public Safety Communications Officials
To Learn More:
The best way to learn about Amateur Radio is talking to hams face-to-face. To find out how to get started and who to contact in your area, call or write:
The American Radio Relay League, 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111
Telephone 1-800-32 NEW-HAM www.arrl.org/hamradio.html