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A growing contingent of Ham radio operators are joining forces to provide alternate methods of communication in case of a Sevier County emergency.
In the event of power outages or emergencies, a backup source of communication becomes extremely valuable. That’s what the local Ham Radio Club advocates.
The club practices how to use the radio to communicate with other members in the spirit of preparedness. With nearly 100 members, the Ham group collaborates around the county to keep operators fluent in how to get a hold of others if society's grid goes offline.
"During times of uncertainty it's nice to have something like Ham radio available," Vearl Christiansen said, "so we can check in with family or help during emergencies. It's also a fun hobby."
Classes and activities for radio preparedness will be held throughout November.
"We have a very active Ham radio group in Sevier County,” said Scott Brady, who is one of the teachers in the club. “Check out our website at sevierarc.org. There's monthly meetings, several activities, and trainings throughout the year."
The club offers classes on how to work the radio as well as familiarizes participants with laws and regulations which leads to getting a Ham radio license.
Upcoming classes will be at the Central Utah Public Health building in Richfield on:
November 8, 6:30 - 9 p.m. - Class
November 15, 6:30 - 9 p.m. - Class
November 22, 7 -9 p.m. - Testing session
Brady explained that the club is looking to expand and if more people are involved there will be more capable individuals helping in times of need.
"I know with Ham radio, it gives me that extra assurance when the power and cell towers are down I can reach out to people for help," Marshal DeLang said.
Rex Murdock explained more about the club by outlining some back stories.
"History has shown that once a few amateur radio operators meet and begin discussing things they can do to make Ham radio and their community better, good things begin to happen. The Sevier Amateur Radio Club was first organized in 2009 with just a few members, but has continued to grow."
The club's ultimate goal is to have the equipment and personnel available if regular communications fail.
Many say that Ham radio has literally "saved the day" and with the trend for preparedness on the rise, it's no wonder people are taking an interest. Not limited to Sevier County, Ham has been used globally.
"I've been reading about the hurricanes in Florida and learned some interesting things from watching the progress of how they utilized Ham radio,” said Justin Gleave. “It's a great asset that's been understated as an excellent source of communication. When Katrina hit, the responders didn't really use it for communication, but they've learned since then and it's evident with this last hurricane. It's reliable and such a great invention. The more I learn, the more impressed I am with Ham radio." Trained operators have the ability to communicate both locally and worldwide, using a variety of methods that can be largely technical.
Recently the Sevier Amateur Radio Club collaborated with the Sevier County Sheriff’s Department where they practiced an emergency communication exercise at the county fairgrounds.
The communication exercise involved a simulation of an earthquake and failure of the Piute Reservoir Dam. This natural disaster scenario also stipulated that all landline and cellular phones were out, as part of a power failure.
"Amateur radio operators located in all the towns and cities in Sevier County were able to communicate information from their locations to the Sevier County Sheriff's Department incident command center at the fairgrounds,” Murdock said. “This was done efficiently and in an orderly manner. Then, information was transmitted back with instructions and information to assist the citizens in their locations. In a real disaster, emergency personnel would quickly become overwhelmed, including the ability to communicate effectively, or at all. "Ham radio operators could assist in gathering information about conditions throughout the county and relaying pertinent information to a command center, military, state officials, police, fire, EMS, hospitals, etc. All without the need of regular communications and power sources. Ham radio operators pride themselves in being able to communicate in many novel ways, including regular voice, morse code, data, internet communications, and even satellite transmission."
Murdock stressed that amateur radio is available to anyone who is willing to spend time learning some basic skills, purchasing inexpensive equipment, and getting a basic FCC license.
Taking only a matter of weeks, anyone who follows through with what's required can become an operator.
The more trained people we have, the better able we'll cope in a real emergency situation," Murdock mentioned, "saving lives and assisting the citizens in our communities."
SOURCE: https://richfieldreaper.com/news/45661/ham-operators-preparing-for-emergency-communications/
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