(SPRINGFIELD) May 10th, 2003 at Evangel Library, 1111 N. Glenstone, Springfield area amateur radio operators (hams) practice homeland security communication skills by using make-shift antennas, such as a dog kennel, and folding chairs. This is to ensure they can relay critical information even if their "real" antennas are destroyed following a terrorist attack, or natural disaster.
Hams from the Springfield area will begin arriving at Evangel Library 9 A.M. Saturday morning to set up mock Homeland Security radio stations. Simulating a terrorist attack in which their "real" antennas have been destroyed, they will only use make-shift antennas. The public is invited to attend. There will be opportunities to use a ham radio while supervised by a federally licensed ham. This is a free event.
According to Erik Weaver, President of the Southwest Missouri Amateur Radio Club (www.smarc.org), "this is a nationally announced special event that is one part serious and one part fun. Other hams we contact today can request a certificate showcasing the strange antenna we used while speaking with them, and we will find out how many strange things we can use as an emergency antenna. Ham radio works when nothing else can, and today we are demonstrating part of why this has remained true for the past 100 years."
"You need to practice communication skills under less than ideal conditions to be effective while enduring real disaster conditions," says Weaver, "yet it is important to have fun sometimes, for new hams as well as the old timers. Tuning-up shopping carts, or a trash can, and talking to someone on another continent is fun! It also helps us to better understand antennas."
"Practicing one's communication skills by participating in SMARC club events, and serving with groups like Amateur Radio Emergency Service while they drill with the American Red Cross, or support the Multiple Sclerosis Bike-A-Thon, which is widely supported by hams, all serve very important roles in preparing for our community service. Being ready for an emergency requires practice and review, followed by more practice," says Weaver.