Be a Ham: a Hobby Amateur Radio Operator

June 23, 2011

In a disaster, when all the cellphone towers are down, the power is knocked out, and all contact with the outside world seems to be cut off, hobby amateur (Ham) radio operators can save the day.

Since Ham radio operators don't rely on infrastructure to transmit and their signals can travel hundreds, even thousands of miles, they are invaluable in the aftermath of a disaster. Law enforcement, emergency personnel, and other service providers rely on volunteer Hams to provide emergency communications, as well as serve as storm spotters in communities throughout Missouri and the United States.

Ham radio is also a fun hobby.

Learn how to operate a Ham radio and prepare for the FCC Technician License exam at Introduction to Ham Radio on Saturdays, July 9-30 at 10 a.m. at the Mid-Continent Public Library-Kearney Branch. Come learn from the experts, members of the Kansas City Northland Emergency Amateur Radio Emergency Service. There's an optional $20 materials fee for the class. There's a $15 testing fee for those who decided to become certified.

To learn more, visit our Events Page or call the branch at 816-628-5055.

Sara PD
Kearney Branch