Throughout the United States, amateur radio operators will gather in remote locations to establish emergency communication radio stations powered entirely with off-the-grid energy.
On June 27 through 28, local amateur radio emergency operators will join with others to engage in a two-day emergency communication exercise called Field Day.
The exercise, in the form of a contest, tests the accuracy and speed at which operators can deliver vital, life saving messages. These communication skills are necessary during an emergency.
During a disaster or emergency conditions, the radio communicators must be prepared to establish the technical systems capable of receiving and sending critical messages. When power outages occur, or when cell towers are out of range or not functioning, traditional communication techniques like social media and electronic methods most likely will be interrupted. Amateur Radio communications — also known as ham radio —can function while the regular communications infrastructure is off line.
Amateur Radio’s contributions to emergency service are well established. On Memorial Day 2015 weekend, Texas and Oklahoma experienced heavy rainfall that caused great damage. Amateur Radio operators assisted with communications at the local emergency operation centers and National Weather Service Offices.
The hams were also at the Boston Marathon helping with communications during the bombing aftermath. In Santa Cruz after the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989, hams provided the only source of communications in and out of the area for several days.
Currently, hams are helping with life saving communications in Nepal after their earthquakes.
In our local drought impacted area, we are concerned about fires and other catastrophic events that could impair our normal communications. Our local, trained hams will be ready to help with emergency communications if such need occurs.
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors and all of the cities in Santa Cruz County issued official Proclamations to recognize that our local Amateur Radio operators have donated thousands of hours of volunteer communication support to local agencies. Hams have also provided valuable communication assistance during parades, races and other charity events.
The cities of Watsonville, Capitola, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and the San Lorenzo Valley Water District have declared that the week of June 21 through 27, 2015, is Amateur Radio Week in their communities. The official Amateur Radio Week culminates with the Field Day exercise.
This year, the Amateur Radio Field Day exercise will be held in two locations in our San Lorenzo Valley area. The San Lorenzo Valley Amateur Radio Club will operate at the Cal Fire Ben Lomond Camp located at 13757 Empire Grad Road.
UCSC Amateur Radio Club will establish their site on the East Field inside of the running track. Both groups will commence operations at 11 a.m. on Saturday and end at 11 a.m. on Sunday. The public is invited to visit both locations. This is a family friendly event, bring your kids.
