The communications systems that we constantly rely upon are vital not only to our comfort, but our safety. Yet, few Americans realize just how fragile our communications infrastructure actually is. Fewer still are aware of the efforts of a relatively small group of citizens in each of our communities who stand ready to render back-up emergency communications services in times of disaster when cell towers and phone lines are disabled.
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by Congressman Michael Turner

As a society and as individuals, we take for granted our ability to instantly connect with the rest of the world.  The communications systems that we constantly rely upon are vital not only to our comfort, but our safety.  Yet, few Americans realize just how fragile our communications infrastructure actually is.  Fewer still are aware of the efforts of a relatively small group of citizens in each of our communities who stand ready to render back-up emergency communications services in times of disaster when cell towers and phone lines are disabled.

In late January, the Southeast and Midwest were struck by one of the most severe ice storms in years.  In its wake, 1.3 million people were left without electricity during the coldest days and nights of the year.  In addition to losing power for heat and lights, many were also denied the use of their cell phones, land line phone and internet services.  They were literally in the dark for days.  Kentucky was hardest hit – with much of the state paralyzed for weeks - but Ohio and Indiana also suffered from the historic ice storm’s effects.  Hurricane Ike in 2008 similarly affected the region and disrupted communications.

The impact of both storms was keenly felt by emergency communications services, according to a recent Associated Press story:  “…communications problems were cited by multiple emergency response agencies as the biggest issue they faced.”

With many communities cut off from the world, a group of volunteers sprang into action to assist local officials with back-up communications.  Amateur Radio operators provided radio communications for emergency responders using their own equipment and battery power to relay timely information from town to town during the storms.  

The life-saving role of Amateur Radio has been long established.  On September 11, 2001, Amateur Radio operators, or “hams,” helped to keep New York City officials in touch after their command center was destroyed.  Amateur Radio operators were integral in offering valuable life saving communications links during Hurricane Katrina and other major storms.  In fact, hams are often present in many local EMA centers and even the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida, to help relay information.

There are 663,000 Amateur Radio Operators in the United States, and Ohio ranks fourth in total number of hams with 28,000.  Hams come in all ages and from all walks of life.  They are fathers, mothers, grandparents and even young people.  They are present in most communities and often have the ability to take their equipment with them.  They are all volunteers and each shares a love for radio communications, passing a government exam on electronics theory and radio practices before obtaining their FCC license.

The Dayton area has a special connection to Amateur Radio as the host of the annual “Dayton Hamvention.”  The Hamvention, held each May in Trotwood, has been attracting hams from across the nation and from around the world since 1952.  The three-day event offers exhibits of the latest in radio and digital communications technology and forums for hams to share their skills and interests.

Local emergency officials know ham operators are a tremendous resource, yet they are underutilized by the federal government for disaster back-up communications.  Amateur radio operators are eager to assist in federal emergency efforts when their communications skills and equipment could be invaluable.  Legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to encourage the federal government to explore ways to incorporate Amateur Radio in its own emergency communications.  The Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Enhancement Act of 2009 (HR 2160) calls on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to study how Amateur Radio can work with federal officials in times of disaster.

As long as our communications systems remain vulnerable to hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, flooding and terror attack, we will be in need of the services of America’s volunteer Amateur Radio Service.