Practicing For Disaster – SATERN Field Day
Paul Bennet practices emergency communications at a previous SATERN field day. During the event Ham Radio operators practice to provide the Inland Empire with communications during a disaster.
The event is sponsored by the Salvation Army Emergency Service of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
Experienced local amateur radio operators will be at the event to mentor and provide instruction on radio operation in a disaster. Various amateur radio project demonstrations and displays will also be available.
“Field Day is the most popular on-the-air event held annually in the US and Canada. More than 35,000 radio amateurs gather with their clubs, groups, or simply with friends to operate from remote locations,” said Major Daniel Henderson.
Field Day is part educational event, part operating event, and part public relations event. The goal is to put together a self-sufficient, working radio stations. quickly and begin making as many contacts as possible in a 24-hour period. The operators simulate emergency conditions, operating portable equipment on emergency power with temporary antennas.
Often called “ham radio,” the Amateur Radio Service has been around for a century. In that time, it has grown into a worldwide community of licensed operators using the airwaves with every conceivable means of communications technology.
Ham radio members range in age from youngsters to grandparents. Even rocket scientists and a rock star or two are in the ham ranks. Most, however, are individuals who enjoy learning and being able to transmit voice, data and pictures through the air to unusual places, both near and far, without depending on commercial systems.
The Amateur Radio frequencies are the last remaining place in the usable radio spectrum where individuals can develop and experiment with wireless communications. Hams not only can make and modify their equipment, but can create whole new ways to do things.
Amateur radio has been called into action again and again to provide communications in crises when it really matters. Amateur radio people are well known for their communications support in real disaster and post-disaster situations.
The Salvation Army Emergency Service has been effective in establishing emergency communications nets during floods, hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, and other major disasters. It’s a way to communicate in an emergency, even with a loss of electricity or cellphone service.
Whether you are a licensed amateur radio operator or just interested in learning more about amateur radio, come and visit the Salvation Army Satern field operation for ARRL Field Day on June 25 and 26. There is no charge to attend.
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About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army provides emergency services including food, lodging for homeless or displaced families, and single women; clothing and furniture; and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church, and also offers evangelical programs for boys, girls and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY. Our local number is (909) 888-1336.
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