ARES looking for HAMs

September 1, 2013

Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) will be providing radio communications for the Kootenai River Ride to be held September 14, and are in need of volunteers with an FCC amateur radio license to help with the event.

We will have a meeting at 7 p.m. September 10 at the Bonners Ferry Main Fire Station. The agenda will include event preparation and protocols.

We have nearly 100 amateur radio licenses (HAMs) in Boundary County. Some are active with nearly daily activity, some are partly active with weekly activity, and some are dormant.

Whatever the level of activity, one thing holds true, when the internet, telephone, and power goes away, the hams will be talking.

If special communication needs arise due to an emergency or disaster, the hams are available. When Search and Dive Rescue require special communication, hams can step up.

ARES is the group that ensures the hams are prepared and coordinated.

The local ARES group is in need of volunteers to help prepare and serve in emergencies. This takes some training and experience. The only requirement for membership is a desire to work with other hams and an FCC license.

We have a formal training meeting at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the Bonners Ferry Main Fire Station.

This next year, we will design a Boundary County specific disaster plan and focus our training around that.

If this interest you, please contact Gary Leonard at (208) 946-9579 or send an email to gary@pvfd.us.