They have been in your neighborhood for over 100 years. Most have never known of their existence until an emergency arises that requires communication assistance beyond the capacity of ordinary telephone or “911” services. Called “hams” or “amateur radio operators” they are dedicated, trained and practiced wireless communicators who stand ready and willing to serve and assist the community and all professional responders when messages need to be passed.

These messages include reports of injury, property damage, weather conditions, immediate needs, and other priorities in critical situations. Nationally, over 750,000 hams are licensed by the FCC. Most have the ability to communicate when all typical ways are limited or non-existent.

Within Lake Ashton, there are at least 23 licensed hams today. Learn more in our next LA Times or by joining us at the next Lake Ashton Amateur Radio Club monthly meeting.

They are called “amateurs” but not because they are untrained or inexperienced but because the federal regulations do not permit a “ham” to accept any pay for services rendered.

This group of all volunteers works closely with our Lake Ashton CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), the Polk County Emergency Operations Center and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) when critical conditions require rapid and accurate communications and calls for help.

If property damage or injury occurs in our community, CERT teams will help identify needs and will use ham radio for direct and immediate contact with the professional first responders via the Polk County EOC.

Hams in Lake Ashton prepare and practice such communications weekly. Find out more by contacting the Club or a member .

If you are interested in being a part of the Lake Ashton Amateur Radio team and learning efficient and effective communication procedures, you are needed.

Polk County has 43 disaster shelters that can handle up to 140,000 persons. In an emergency, each shelter will need radio communications and “hams” will be called upon to supply communication.

Our own Clubhouse and HFC will be utilized as triage centers for Lake Ashton and our ham stations at each will be active. If you can help, get your ham radio license now. It requires a short multiple choice test (FREE).

Radio equipment is supplied and on-air practice is also available. Contact the Club or a member for more details or come to the Club monthly meetings.

Amateur Radio isn’t just for emergency communications. As essential as that service can be when needed, amateur radio is also a hobby that brings satisfaction, pleasure, and a chance for fellowship with your neighbors and community volunteers.

It provides an opportunity to talk with other “hams” around the world and across the United States. Local clubs and social events host gatherings of friendly and interesting people from all ages and professions. Girls and boys as young as 8 years old have earned their advanced ham license and joined the fun.

Licensing requires a little study (on-line study materials are free) and a short test (also free, offered by local radio operators) and can open a new world to the “ham”.

For more information, contact the Club or a member . Join us at the monthly Lake Ashton Amateur Radio Club meeting.