Press-Banner: Ham radio operators were keys to communication after quake Read more: Press-Banner - Ham radio operators were keys to communication after quake

Post date: Oct 17, 2014 9:06:52 PM

QRZnow.com pointed me to a story about amateur radio operators responding to a recent earthquake in California. In an example of how amateur radio can get the message through when regular communication cannot, local operators responded by providing support to their emergency management agencies.

In a similar situation we could well find that not only are tactical communications required but that formal traffic relayed on behalf of the general public affected by the disaster also need to get through. That's where you'll find COTN and NTS focusing efforts. Hence the need to train and to keep the skills sharp.

In the wake of the Loma Prieta earthquake, Santa Cruz County residents had no real way of connecting to the outside world, as power lines were down and phone service outside the immediate community was not possible.