Amidst the raging firestorms in Southern California, amateur radio operators are stepping up as vital volunteers. Devastating wildfires, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds, have leveled entire neighborhoods. These skilled volunteers, positioned strategically, use radio bands to report on conditions, spot fires early, and fill in gaps where mobile networks fail. Beyond monitoring fires, they support evacuation centers and provide essential communication infrastructure. Despite ongoing challenges, these dedicated individuals commit to serving their communities and ensuring the safety of their own families. Coordinated efforts and material support have been crucial to their success. Click here to read the full article by ARRL, “Ham Radio Operators Serving During California Firestorms”.

In late September 2024, Hurricane Helene devastated the Southeastern United States. The Category 4 storm caused widespread damage and numerous fatalities, with catastrophic flooding in western North Carolina, East Tennessee, and southwestern Virginia. The story of Tom, K4SWL, publisher of QRPer and The SWLing Post, highlights the critical role of ham radio operators during such crises. Cut off from local roads, Tom and his neighbor biked to check on residents and gather needed medications. Tom set up a simplex frequency and schedule for communication, even writing down instructions in case someone needed to re-tune their radio. In his own words, he stated, “No, most of these people don’t have licenses, but this is 100% a real emergency. Hams in the region have even given volunteers their radios for wellness checks via our repeater systems and the emergency response network.” To read the full article, “Ham Radio and the Aftermath of Helene” click here.

The past few years have been marked by several devastating natural disasters, highlighting the indispensable roles that Ham Radio Operators play. For example, the wildfires in Hawaii and Cyclone Mocha in Myanmar in 2023 underscored the importance of reliable communication networks during emergencies. Even without internet or phone lines, Ham operators tirelessly bridged communication gaps, relaying critical information and supporting rescue operations. As Tom’s family and neighbors discovered after Hurricane Helene, knowledge of these operations is essential. When traditional communication systems failed, it was the skills of Ham Radio Operators that brought vital news and coordination to affected communities.

If you’re interested in learning about emergency preparedness or volunteering in South Carolina, visit the SC Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®) at https://ares-sc.org/ or contact Edward Knowles (K4ERK), Newberry County EOC and ARES contact, at edknowles@bellsouth.net.