hollyking | Part of the Solution

Last week the FCC held hearings about Hurricane Katrina's impact on communications networks. ARRL Alabama Section Manager Greg Sarratt, W4OZK, spoke about the response from Amateur Radio Operators. You can read the entire article on the ARRL website, but here is a quote for you.

Amateur Radio operators themselves were part of the solution, providing experienced communications operators to replace and supplement local public service communications personnel in the devastated area. These systems of equipment and operators were very effective, not only for amateur purposes but in support of emergency management, Red Cross, Southern Baptist, Salvation Army and many other organizations.

Almost every day I receive email about how another community has passed laws or regulations that limit a ham from installing an antenna to pursue their hobby. This is a bad idea because when a disaster, like Hurricane Katrina, strikes those antennas might be the only thing that allows a community to communicate with the outside world. If you hear of any antenna restrictions in your area I urge you to write your representatives and reject these limitations. Next time it might be you who's sitting in the dark and thankful that a neighbor can send word for help when the phones and internet are down.