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On this episode of Mother Nature
Ham radio, as it’s known, is effective because the equipment is more powerful and versatile and can get a signal when commercial equipment is down. Hams can provide a lifeline between the community and public safety officials during a wildfire, earthquake or other emergencies. Brian Tagg, call sign AG6CF, has been involved in amateur radio for about nine years. He’s part of the Poway Auxillary Team. Using amateur radio, the group moves information when other systems are down.
“We’re not emergency responders. We’re all about communications, moving information”, Tagg says. But information is critical in responding to an incident. We’re back-up communications o the degree we can provide it, but also we’re an additional channel that can be used for lower priority traffic when the official channels get overloaded by emergency response.”
They train right alongside emergency officials during a disaster
“So, if there’s an emergency here and the city has to operate the Emergency Operations Center they can call us and we will set up radios right next door”
Their primary goal, according to Tagg, is getting situational awareness form the community such as damage reports, or relaying information on any injuries.
“We may be an alternate channel if someone needs help”
Amateur radio has been used during many disasters; the 9/11 attacks, Hurricane Katrina and during last year’s wildfires in California. As a hobby, Hams use their radios in several ways including connecting with Hams in other states, other countries and sometimes even out of this world. The International Space Station has a Ham station onboard. Hams can also provide support during marathons, parades and county fairs over amateur radio instead of a cellphone.
In order to broadcast over amateur radio, you must have an FCC license. All that’s required for a license that you pass a test given by a local amateur radio group.
Hams are as diverse as the community they live in. Tagg says recently a local 9-year-old passed the test and many women are also Hams.
There have been some famous or well-known Hams. Walter Cronkite, Marlon Brando and Joe Walsh of the Eagles were all Hams. Priscilla Presley once had an amateur radio license.
Local amateur radio clubs:
Escondido Amateur Radio Society
Other organizations involved in amateur radio include; CERT (Community Emergency Response), The Red Cross, The Salvation Army, Skywarn Storm Spotters (work with the National Weather Service.
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