Post on 20-Jan-2016
Hurricane Katrina Amateur Radio Relief Response
Greg Sarratt, W4OZK ARRL Alabama Section Manager
Amateur Radio Emergency Service
Hundreds of amateurs, some of you in
this room were part of the largest
Amateur Radio Emergency Service army
in history that provided critical
emergency communications and
support for people in need.
Amateur Radio Emergency Service
Hundreds of amateurs, some of you in
this room were part of the largest
Amateur Radio Emergency Service army
in history that provided critical
emergency communications and
support for people in need.
Hurricane Katrina landfall, August 29th 2005, 6a.m.
Amateur Radio Emergency Service
Our army consisted of amateurs of all
genders, ages, types and backgrounds
that worked from home supporting field
operations and field deployed to three
states in the gulf coast region.
Amateur Operators
Amateur radio operators traveled on their own dollar from all over
the United States and Canada to provide assistance. Amateurs
selflessly served in many capacities, working long hours, living in
terrible conditions, eating bad food, contending with heat, bugs,
ants and much more. I heard virtually no complaints.
Amateur Operators
Amateurs radio operators created
interoperable emergency Communications
systems where there were none and saved
lives as a result!
Why we do this?
Amateur Radio is a Public Service
Part 97.1
Amateurs helping People
Montgomery AL Operations Center
Montgomery Operations Center
Montgomery processed over 250 Hams
180 were amateurs 3 were ARC supplied 170 deployed to the field 3 redeployed a second time 20 were local operators 2 were ARRL Newington staff 5 worked at the Mont HQ 3 were non-amateurs
35 States represented
Several hundred hams were deployed directly to the field.
Communications
3.965 MHz HF 7.280 MHz
147.420 MHz VHF 147.440 MHz
Winlink-2000
Served Agencies
• American Red Cross• The Salvation Army• Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief• Jackson County Emergency Management Agency• Harrison County Emergency Management Agency• Hancock County Emergency Management Agency• Florida State Emergency Management Agency• Faith based groups in Waveland Mississippi• Numerous local groups and functions• National Guard• Hattiesburg EMA• Numerous other groups and EMA’s in the region
Equipment Donations
• $177,000 Dollars Donated
• $39,500 - reimbursing volunteers • $25,000 - Go Kits• $29,000 - will replace communication
infrastructure
ARRL Ham Aid
Go Kits
Emergency Communications SpecialistHarry Abery, AB1ER
ARRL Ham Aid
What amateur radio brings to Public Service and the Emergency
Communications table?
• Broad range of Communications skills
• InteroperabilityTwo Levels
• Technical skills
• De-centralized communications capabilities
What next?• Add New Technology
• We must continually
PrepareTrain
PracticeTest
Conclusion
• Disasters of 2005 have proven the worth of Amateur Radio Service
• Amateur radio stepped up and helped hundreds of people in need.
Conclusion
• Amateur radio worked on teams of people from many different organizations and agencies.
• Many amateurs stood out because of their communications and technical abilities.
Questions?