Hurricane Katrina hit the gulf coast quite hard. As often happens, the normal communication links such as landline telephones and mobile/cell phones are not functioning in the disaster area. This is where amateur (ham) radio plays a key role in emergency situations. Ham radio operators are prepared to operate under adverse conditions and can get on the air even when the power is out.
The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) is a group of ham radio volunteers that support the work of the Salvation Army. Check out and support the good work that these folks do.
If you are a ham radio operator and want to help, don’t just rush into the situation. Here’s the latest from the ARRL on how ham operators can assist:
Amateur Radio emergency communication volunteers needed! (Sep 2, 2005) — UPDATE — The ARRL now is seeking experienced Amateur Radio emergency volunteers to help supplement communication for American Red Cross feeding and sheltering operations in Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle–as many as 200 locations in all. Special consideration will be given to operators who have successfully completed the ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Communications course training (Level I minimum) to serve as team leaders. These volunteer operators will help to provide communication and equipment for relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Volunteers may face hardship conditions without the usual amenities and will need to provide their own transportation to the marshaling area.
Working in cooperation with the ARRL, http://katrina.ab2m.net/ will now be handling all volunteer sign ups for the Katrina Relief effort. If you have already entered your information to Katrina@arrl.org, your information will be forwarded to AB2M to avoid duplication.
Katrina@arrl.org should be used for all other inquiries to the ARRL regarding Hurricane Katrina.
Keep an eye on the ARRL web site for further updates.
73,
Bob K0NR