“Power Out? Cell Towers Down? Meet the Heroes of Emergency Communication!”
Ham Radio Operators Deploy to North Fort Myers
May 27, 2025 – Fort Myers, Fl – When traditional communication fails, amateur radio becomes a vital lifeline in post-disaster recovery. The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) is a volunteer group of licensed ham radio operators who offer their skills and equipment during emergencies. Often serving as a backup communication system when conventional networks are down, ARES plays a crucial role in disaster response. In the U.S. and Canada, ARES is organized by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the national association for amateur radio.
To stay prepared, operators participate in regular drills—one of the most prominent being ARRL Field Day, held annually on the fourth full weekend in June. This event serves as both a nationwide emergency preparedness exercise and a public outreach opportunity.
Locally, the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club (FMARC) will host Field Day beginning at noon on June 28 until noon on the 29th at the North Fort Myers Community Park, 2000 Recreation Park Way, North Fort Myers. The event runs 24 hours and demonstrates how amateur radio can function under emergency-like conditions.
During Field Day, operators set up temporary stations outdoors to simulate post-disaster environments. Key activities include:
· Emergency Power Use: Radios are powered by generators, batteries, or solar panels to simulate operations during power outages.
· Deployable Antennas: Operators erect portable antennas to adapt to changing conditions and available frequencies.
· Making Contacts: Participants aim to contact as many other stations as possible, earning points for using alternative power sources, operating outdoors, and incorporating modern technology.
· Public Education: Visitors can observe operations, ask questions, and even get on the air under the guidance of a licensed operator.
Sponsored by the ARRL, Field Day combines critical skill-building with public engagement, highlighting the resilience and resourcefulness of amateur radio.