Orange County Emergency Operations Center Seeks Ham Radio Operators for Future Volunteer Service
By: Chris Cord, Director, Orange County Emergency Communications
The Orange County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is seeking qualified volunteers to assist with amateur radio operations during emergencies. Interested individuals should hold a Technician class or higher Amateur Radio License from the FCC, and have a sincere desire to serve. In times of crisis and natural disasters, amateur radio is often used as a means of emergency communication when wireline, internet, cell phones and other conventional means of communications fail. Unlike commercial systems, amateur radio is usually independent of terrestrial facilities. In effect, it is a worldwide stand - alone communications system with proven backup capabilities, since it is dispersed throughout a community without “ choke points, ” such as cellular telephone sites which can be overloaded (especially during an emergency).
The Orange Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) group is made up of volunteer amateur radio operators. Its purpose is to serve the residents of Orange County in the event of a disaster. The team has the ability to ensure that Orange County can continue to communicate with other local, regional, state, Staff engage in an Emergency Operations Center Drill at the Public Safety Building.
and federal agencies to support response and recovery activities. It is a team of FCC - licensed amateur radio operators who volunteer their time, expertise, and equipment to assist with communications when the need arises. ARES team members also train to be the "eyes and ears" for an Incident Commander faced with a large - scale emergency situation. Team members can relay vital information from the field directly to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), providing important details that the Incident Commander may not be aware of. Examples include flooded roadways, citizens needing rescue, or power outages. This knowledge can be relayed instantly without using busy police or fire radio frequencies. Volunteers may be activated for EOC operations, public service events, emergencies or disasters, and training exercises. Those interested, who meet the mentioned criteria, are encouraged to contact ECC Director, Chris Cord, at ccord@orangecountyva.gov or call (540) 672 - 0511.
Page 6 | June 2024
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