Local Ham Radio Operators Take Part In Nationwide 'Field Day' To Test Emergency Preparedness
By Mark Abrams
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Ham radio operators from throughout the Philadelphia region are taking part in a nationwide emergency communications drill this weekend.
It's called Field Day and it tests the readiness of operators to respond in the event of a call-up by local, state or federal authorities.
Bob Josuweit, WA3PZO, is vice president of the Holmesberg Amateur Radio Club.
He says the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma and the wildfires in Colorado knocked out power and communications.
Josuweit says ham or amateur radio operators in those states stepped up to re-establish temporary, emergency communications using their own radio equipment, generators and portable antennas to re-establish key links.
He says groups in our area will be working through Sunday, simulating disaster operating conditions.
"The Holmesberg Club will be setting up a station at Avelthorpe Park in Jenkintown in the campground. There will be other set-ups at the Fort Washington State Park and several other locations along the area," Josuweit explains.
He says the local groups will be making contact with other operators and exchanging messages listing location, number of stations and source of emergency power.
