Sandy Springs, GA 9/27/2007  -- America was reminded of the critical role of Amateur Radio in 2005 as ham operators came from all over the country to provide emergency communications when other systems failed during recovery efforts from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  This year the hams’ work continued providing lifesaving services in many floods and wildfires around the country.  Because of the complexity of modern communications, they can be overwhelmed in a disaster.  These lessons are being tested on October 7, 2007 as Amateur Radio operators in North Fulton County 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 was seen in the days following many types of incidents.  In addition, the ham radio operators provide the ability to communicate between the many government and volunteer agencies, which are needed in disasters. 

This year the Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Milton and Johns Creek area Amateur Radio operators will be replicating emergency communications between the fire stations of the north Fulton area, Northside and Emory Johns Creek Hospitals.  The hams have the slogan, “When all else fails – Amateur Radio!”   According to Tom Koch - W4UOC, “The hams of the north Fulton communities take that quite seriously.”

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 situations in which they have been called upon in critical situations 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.

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