MSC News

MSC News National Headlines Sports Top Headlines CBS US News CBS Technology

Emergency Communications Exercise Set in Hiawatha

By Greg Bebermeyer

06/21/2013

( KNZA )--An emergency communications exercise will be conducted by the combined Hiawatha and Falls City Amateur Radio Clubs this weekend at the west end of the Hiawatha Wal-Mart parking lot.

From 1 o’clock Saturday afternoon through 1 o’clock Sunday afternoon about 40,000 amateur radio operators throughout North America and the world will sharpen their emergency communication skills.

Sponsored by the National Association for Amateur Radio, Field Day has been conducted each year in June since 1933 except during WWII. Not only does the exercise test the ability of local amateurs to set up and operate an emergency communications center on short notice, but there is also a friendly competition among amateurs concerning who can pass along the most messages in 24 hours.

The skills practiced on Field Day are the same skills that were put to use this winter on the East Coast after Hurricane Sandy struck, and most recently in Oklahoma City when the record EF-5 tornado damaged Moore. The public is invited to watch the activities.

You will need to be logged in to leave a comment.

Please Login

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited.

Click here to review our Terms of Use.