If cellphone towers, power grids, and internet lines are down during a hurricane or big storm, local amateur radio operators can step up and provide essential communication for their area.
Celebrating the importance of their work is what the American Radio Relay League’s “Field Day” — set for June 27 and 28 in Palm Coast — is all about.
The largest annual amateur radio event, ARRL’s Field Day gives the public “an opportunity to see firsthand how amateur radio provides reliable communications during emergencies when traditional systems are unavailable or overloaded,” said Field Day coordinator for Flagler County, Howard Pepper, in a news release.
Held annually on the fourth weekend in June, ARRL’s Field Day combines emergency preparedness, public service, education, and friendly competition, according to organizers.
More than 31,000 amateur radio operators (also known as “hams”) “are expected to participate by setting up temporary stations in parks, schools, and other locations to demonstrate the capabilities of amateur radio,” Pepper said.
According to the ARRL’s website, the often-cited figure of 3 million radio amateurs licensed worldwide is outdated. Though some countries show a “steady decline” in that number, the U.S. has held more steady numbers.
“A 2021 figure of 1.75 million may be closer to the truth,” the organization’s website says.
In Flagler County, hams will gather at the Hammock Community Center, 79 Malacompra Road, beginning at 2 p.m. on June 27.
What to expect at ARRL’s Field Day in the Hammock this weekend?
Since 1933, “Field Day has provided amateur radio operators with an opportunity to test their skills, improve emergency preparedness, and demonstrate the value of amateur radio to their communities,” according to the news release.
For 24 hours, beginning at 2 p.m. on June 27, hams at the Hammock Community Center will test their emergency preparedness, and the public “is welcome to observe this exercise and learn more about Ham Radio at any time during the 24-hour test.”
“These local citizens drill each week to maintain their emergency preparedness skills and open their network for Flagler County Storm Watches and Warnings and other threats, wildfires prominent among them,” according to the release.
Field Day is a chance to “showcase the ability of amateur radio operators to quickly establish communications under challenging conditions,” Pepper said.
“Whether supporting disaster response efforts or community events, amateur radio continues to play a vital role when dependable communication matters most,” he added.
During the event, hams will “attempt to contact as many stations as possible while working under simulated emergency conditions,” according to the release.
“The skills practiced during Field Day are the same ones amateur radio volunteers use to support marathons, cycling events, parades, festivals, and other community activities.”
Field Day is also an opportunity for attendees of all ages to learn about “science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through hands-on experiences with radio technology, electronics, and wireless communications.”
The event is free and open to the public. To learn more about Field Day, visit arrl.org/field-day.
— Brenno Carillo is a local government reporter covering Flagler County, including Palm Coast and Flagler Beach, for The Daytona Beach News-Journal.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Flagler event showcases amateur radio operator’s importance
Reporting by Brenno Carillo, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brenno Carillo, Daytona Beach News-Journal | USA TODAY Network
