Ham Radios A Vital Link In Emergency Preparedness
Operators Can Provide Backup Communications

By Arianne Aryanpur
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, June 15, 2006

In the crucial hours and days after a major disaster, reliable communications between authorities can mean the difference between life and death.

Consider the hours after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, when cellphone circuits were suddenly jammed, or the period after Hurricane Katrina tore through homes and telephone lines, leaving storm victims stranded and unable to call for help.

Local jurisdictions have learned the hard way that, in emergency situations, traditional communication systems sometimes may not be enough.

So in 2003, Loudoun County enlisted the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group -- a collection of about 60 volunteers -- to provide communications backup during a natural disaster or a terrorist attack.

During an emergency, ham radio operators will be called upon to join other first responders at the county's emergency operations center, said Kevin Johnson, the county's emergency management coordinator.

The facility is equipped with computers, Internet-based systems and satellite phones to coordinate rescue efforts across the county.

But such familiar communication systems "are always going to have some limits," said Tom Dawson, the radio group's public service chairman. That's where amateur radio operators come in. "We're basically the last thread," Dawson said.

Using two-way radio equipment, licensed amateur radio operators communicate on designated frequencies. The radios don't rely on traditional infrastructure such as phone lines or the power grid, making them virtually self-sufficient, said Dave Mullins, a LARG volunteer.

"If everything got wiped out, we'd still have batteries or solar power or generators," Mullins said. "And we're a group that practices on a regular basis. We can get ramped up in a short amount of time."

"Hams," as they call themselves, participate regularly in emergency preparedness exercises staged by the county and state. In April, they staffed a statewide hurricane simulation exercise.

The Loudoun County chapter of the American Red Cross enlisted the hams' services during Hurricane Isabel in 2003. Radio operators provided backup communications for three relocation centers that provided food, water and housing for displaced residents.

The hams also support road races and community events, including First Night Leesburg, the Hike for Hope and the Leesburg March of Dimes walk.

Nationally, amateur radio operators provided crucial communications during last year's hurricane season. And the value of their services after the Sept. 11 attacks and Hurricane Katrina has been documented in congressional and White House reports.

To recognize their contributions, the county Board of Supervisors has declared the third week of June to be Loudoun Amateur Radio Week.

LARG is sponsoring a week of on-air demonstrations and displays, culminating in "Field Day," a national emergency-preparedness exercise June 25 and 26. Locally, the exercise will take place at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve south of Leesburg for 24 hours beginning at 2 p.m. June 25. For information, e-mail Randy Sly at w4xj@arrl.net .