A CSZ earthquake is likely to knock out landline phones, cell phones, the internet and other forms of communication, so those in the Joyce Operational Area will need another way to communicate. If or when landline telephones and cell phone systems are overloaded or disabled, ARES ability to operate off the grid will be invaluable. If television and radio stations are off the air, amateurs can fill the lack of information. Local HAM/ ARES radio groups are preparing to be of use. Amateur radio operators belonging to ARES have responded to local and regional disasters since the 1930s. During recent hurricanes and flooding events in America's South and Southeast, more than one thousand ARES volunteers assisted in the aftermath and provided communications for the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, and other groups involved relief and recovery efforts. HAM radio was the original electronic “social media” with initial contacts between radio stations taking place in the 1890s. Federal licensing of ham radio stations began after The Radio Act of 1912 was passed, and today all ham radio stations are strictly regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In a major disaster in the Joyce Operational Area, radio operators will work with local emergency management office in order to coordinate efforts. Click on this red boldfaced title for information about the Clallam County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (CC-ARES),which provides auxiliary communications to support local emergency and disaster relief organizations when requested by authorities.
Click here to learn more about ARRL / ARES . The National Association for Amateur Radio (ARRL) website provides information about getting licensed and getting on the air. The site’s opening page states, “Amateur Radio (ham radio) is a popular hobby and service that brings people, electronics and communication together. People use ham radio to talk across town, around the world, or even into space, all without the Internet or cell phones. It's fun, social, educational, and can be a lifeline during times of need. You can set up a ham radio station anywhere - in a field, in a club, or at your home. Although Amateur Radio operators get involved for many reasons [disaster readiness among them], they have in common a basic knowledge of radio technology and operating principles, and pass an examination for the FCC license to operate on radio frequencies known as "Amateur Bands." These bands are radio frequencies allocated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for use by ham radio operators.
Anyone interested in earning their entry level (Technician class) amateur radio license or the Intermediate level (General Class) is invited to attend classes in Port Angeles. They are held on three successive Saturdays. The classes are usually taught in the training room at Port Angeles Fire Department on 5th and Laurel Street, and run from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with an hour off for lunch. For more information, or to register for a class, call Chuck Jones, N7BV, at 360-775-8201. For this and other related information, you can also contact the Clallam County Emergency Management Unit, at 360-417-2483. Candidates learn FCC Rules and Regulations, Basic Electronics, How to Operate, and Radio Frequency Safety. There is no cost for these classes, which are presented by volunteers from Clallam County Amateur Radio Club. Candidates must purchase a relatively inexpensive American Radio Relay League Technician or General License Manual via http:// www.arrl.org/arrl-store/ Those earning their FCC license will be able to communicate with other hams worldwide, and participate in the Amateur Radio Emergency Services locally. Here's your chance to learn Ham radio! It's inexpensive, you don't need to know Morse code, and there's a strong support network. Give it a whirl!