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Highlands Today

Preparing For Hurricanes

During Disasters, Radio Operators Play A Big Role

Kathy Waters/Highlands Today

From left: Larry Ambuel demonstrates how to send an email using a radio signal as amateur operator Randy Payne watches Tuesday at the Hurricane Expo at the Highlands County Agri-Civic Center in Sebring.

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By Bill Rettew Jr. | Highlands Today

Published: June 4, 2008

SEBRING — When the lines of communication go down during a disaster, ham radio operators can help local rescue crews exchange vital information.

If power goes out, the phone lines fail, the cell phone towers don't work and Internet access is down, hams provide that missing two-way communication link that can save lives.

During Tuesday night's Hurricane Seminar at the Agri-Civic Center, led by Emergency Management Director Bill Nichols, several ham enthusiasts were on hand to talk to the public and demonstrate cutting-edge radio technology.

Hams are often known simply by their FCC call signs. At Tuesdays seminar, K4EZM (Randy Payne, of Sebring), AA4ME (Fred Seely, of Avon Park) and AA8QS (Larry Ambuel, of Sebring), talked about serving during the 2004 hurricane season.

About 20 active local hams are members of the national Amateur Radio Relay League. The local chapter is the Highlands County Amateur Radio Club, with those at Tuesday's event a sub group of that branch –– the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES).

Payne broadcast from the Agri-Civic Center, which was one of about nine county shelters in 2004. He transmitted hourly updates to the Emergency Operations Center and response teams concerning the shelter, including the number of residents and staff, emergency medical situations and the amount of supplies available.

"It's a labor of love to take a hobby I very much enjoy and to help other people," said Payne.

Nichols said that the hams are one of the strongest volunteer groups the EOC works with.

"They're so strong and so good; they're not our backup communications, but our primary," said Nichols. "They're so good at what they do, we don't use the phones (during past hurricanes). They're professional, reliable and they are there."

On Tuesday, Ambuel sent an e-mail identical to one written on a conventional computer, but broadcast through ham radio airwaves. Ambuel faced the brunt of Hurricane Charley while working in Punta Gorda.

During Tuesday's demonstration, he first typed on a laptop keyboard. The ham radio broadcast signal then entered a Winlink system, which has four or five major entry points worldwide. During a disaster, one of those entry points outside the area with no Internet service relays the signal, and within minutes a digital e-mail message is sent.

"I'm getting to have fun at someone else's expense," said Ambuel. "It's of great value to help people who are involved in a disaster. You get to work your hobby, while performing a public service."

The local ham club seeks new members and meets the third Monday of each month at the Agri-Civic Center at 7 p.m. For information, call Fred Seely at 385-2248

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