ARLA/CLUSTER: Radioamadores: Um serviço vital durante as emergências.

[João Costa > CT1FBF]

Amateur radios: A vital service during emergencies

Florence, AL – Emergency Management Agency Director Jody Hitt always
knew amateur radio operators played an important role in
communications, but he didn’t know exactly how big until a tornado
struck Franklin County in April 2011.

“We had no communications except for these radio operators,” Hitt
said. “They were able to get information back and forth from the
different locations. They relayed information about damage, injuries,
what supplies were needed, and where to take them.

“Honestly, I don’t know what we would have done without the amateur
operators. A lot of people think it’s just a hobby, and it is, but
they provide a vital service, too.”

Recently, members of the Muscle Shoals Amateur Radio Club had an open
house at the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library where visitors could
get a first-hand look at some equipment, as well as learn more about
amateur radio operations.

“It was a chance to get more people interested, and get them involved
with amateur radios,” said Noah Bannister, president of the club,
which has about 40 members.

“Some have been involved in amateur radios for several years, others a
few months,” said Bannister, who has been involved for 20 years.

To become a license amateur radio operator, a person must pass a test
through the Federal Communications Commission.

“You have to have a license before you can talk on the radios,”
Bannister said. “It takes some studying. On the average, 10 hours of
study and you should be able to pass the exam.”

Read the full story:
http://www.timesdaily.com/news/local/amateur-radios-a-vital-service-during-emergencies/article_1d09a00e-5036-56b4-a718-e1f9a6c23e56.html