In exercise, amateur radio operators to test preparedness
The exercise will involve radio operators across the country.
NEW SPRINGFIELD -- Members of the Mahoning Valley Amateur Radio Association will put their emergency communications to the test when they participate in Field Day 2006.
The annual preparedness exercise will be from 2 p.m. Saturday until noon next Sunday at 12712 Unity Road.
The annual event brings together amateur radio operators from throughout North and South America who are committed to assisting their communities in the event of a natural or man-made disaster.
Field Day is sponsored by the American Radio Relay League, the national association for amateur radio, which is often called "ham radio." During the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, ham was often the only way people could communicate.
"Amateur radio is a lot of fun, but the serious side cannot be stressed enough," says Jerry Viele, president of the Mahoning Valley Amateur Radio Association. "We can play a vital communications role during emergencies, and events such as Field Day ensure that we're ready to handle any type of disaster."
Field Day is designed to test operators' abilities to set up and operate stations in the field under emergency conditions, such as the loss of commercial electricity. During the weekend, radio operators try to contact as many other Field Day stations as possible, simulating the fast on-air skills needed to assist officials and agencies during an emergency. Approximately 35,000 amateur radio operators across the country participated in last year's event. The first Field Day was in 1933.
There are more than 660,000 amateur radio operators in the United States and more than 2.5 million worldwide. The Mahoning Valley association has 200 members and is celebrating its 87th year.
For more information on the local Field Day, call Jerry or Bonnie Viele (330) 534-1394.
To learn more about amateur radio, go to www.hello-radio.org or www.mvara.org.