Amateur "Ham" Radio & RACES
Monroe County EMA is proud to work with numerous local Amateur Radio operators (also known as hams) who volunteer their time, knowledge, and resources to assist with communications. Working as part of the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), hams are able to provide backup communications when normal modes of communication have failed. Hams have a long history of public service throughout the country and have been invaluable in many disasters from hurricanes & floods to forest fires & earthquakes.
In our county, hams have been active during hurricanes Ivan, Dennis, & Katrina. These hams play a significant role in not only providing communications, but they also assist with setting up shelters, maintaining emergency power at the shelter and EOC, maintain and deploy the Monroe County Incident Support Unit, and participate in preparedness planning and disaster exercises.
How to become a "Ham"
The Amateur Radio Service is a federally licensed radio service regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). To become a ham radio operator, you must first pass a written test administered by a team of volunteer examiners. Tests are given regularly throughout the state, so it's not usually difficult to find a testing session, when you get ready.
There are three license classes, and NONE REQUIRE A MORSE CODE TEST! The three classes are Technician, General, & Extra. Each level requires an exam, and you must start with the Technician license and work your way up. Most anyone can pass the technician exam by studying the license manual and taking some practice tests. License manuals (study guides) and online practice tests are available for all license classes.
Technician License Classes to be held beginning August 31, 2009
Monroe Amateur Radio Club & Monroe Co. EMA/OHS will be sponsoring classes to help interested individuals learn the material needed to pass the Technician Class license exam. Classes will begin on Monday, August 31, 2009 and will be held each Monday and Tuesday evening from 6-8pm in the Monroe Co. EOC (courthouse basement). Classes will continue through September 29th, when a testing session will be held. The textbook for this class will be the Ham Radio License Manual - Technician by American Radio Relay League (ISBN: 0-87259-963-9). Books will be available for purchase at the class sessions or can be ordered online. For more information, contact J.T. Johnston (251-238-5289 or jjohnston@monroeema.com). See the Training/Events calendar for information on the test session and fees.
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