In Utah, HAM Radio is a popular method of communication in emergencies, because it doesn’t rely on cell phone towers or Internet connectivity. If you have extra batteries for your radio, you won’t even need electricity to operate it. To be able to use a radio, all you need is to do is pass the Technician (entry level) test.
We recommend learning more about HAM radio by visiting the Davis County Amateur Radio Club at http://www.dcarc.net/.
In an emergency, communication is critical. Notifying everyone affected about the status of an emergency, escape routes, injuries, dangers, and so on can save lives and prevent injury. But electric and phone systems can go down in disasters, bad then the usual communication channels are abruptly halted. This is where radio communications become so useful.
During emergencies with downed phone services, the options for communication decrease. You can use runners, but that may spread your resources thin and it takes a lot of time for messages to be communicated. You can use simple two-way radios without a license, but those are often short-range. HAM radio can accomplish more.
To learn more about HAM radio and emergency communication systems and organizations, explore our resources below, or contact us.
Why should I use HAM? How can I get help with me HAM?
Want individualized help and radio training, or just to refresh your skills? Click the image to the right to learn about local one-on-one help!
The advantages of HAM radio include:
- Many data types (voice, text, data, photos, documents, e-mail, television)
- Local or Long Distance
- Range in excess of 100 miles with repeaters
- Operate using simplex or repeaters
- Good availability
- Moderately priced
- Handheld, mobile, and base stations available
- Reliability
- Interoperability
- More simultaneous conversations possible
- Connect to computer
- Connect to global positioning system (GPS) and Automated Packet Reporting System (APRS)
How can I use my HAM radio now, before the emergency?
The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes.
The American Radio Relay League or ARRL started ARES in 1935. In Utah, ARES is organized on a County level. Davis County Sheriff’s Department requested the formation of Davis County ARES after the floods of 1983 to aid in emergency communications.
In Davis County, ARES is affiliated with Davis County Sheriff’s Department plus other local cities within the county. Davis County ARES is also affiliated with the following:
- Davis County Sheriff
Individual Cities (Bountiful, Layton, Clearfield, etc) - HCA Hospital Chain – To give communication capabilities between hospitals and supply centers during disasters
- Coordination with RACES, ERC and the American Red Cross
ARES
ARES in Davis County regularly apply their training and skills to aid communications in the following situations:
- Fires – Farmington Hillside, Centerville Hillside, Fruit Heights Hillside, Fruit Heights Butane Tanker
- Parades – Centerville, Bountiful, Days of ’47, Layton, etc.
- Wasatch 100 – Foot Race
- Logan to Jackson – Bike Race
- Elizabeth Smart Search
- JOTA – Jamboree On The Air (Boy Scouts of America)
- Riverdale Flood
- Jet Fighter crash in Great Salt Lake
- Davis County Balloon Festival on Antelope Island
- And MANY MORE
HAM Radio Images and Presentations
Explore different images of BNEPC’s radio operations and a self-guided presentation about emergency communications! (Flash required)
