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DXER Ham Radio DX News

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Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Curt Seeden: Wanted — people skilled in the use of ham radios – OCRegister

Calling all potential ham radio operators

Communicating has never been easier these days. Cellphones, e-mail, instant messaging, Facebook and other social media helps us stay in touch with family and friends and gives us the most current information on just about any topic.

But it’s good to know that if an emergency occurs and the usual communication methods fail, there are people out there who can make a difference.

They’re called ham radio operators.

In Fountain Valley, members of RACES – Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service — are amateur radio volunteers who can provide emergency information following a natural disaster, including earthquakes, floods, fires and the lack of parking in the Claim Jumper parking lot.

RACES falls under another organization, with the acronym FACT – the Fountain Valley Amateur Communications Team. (Notice how the “V” isn’t part of the acronym. Otherwise it becomes the far less catchy FVACTS.)

RACES members also assist in non-catastrophic situations such as parades and festivals. You’ll always see a RACES booth at Summerfest each year, for example.

Fountain Valley members are amateur radio licensees who have passed technical and operational examinations administered under the auspices of the Federal Communications Commission. Members are also certified by the city as Disaster Services Workers in the state.

Currently, there are about 20 Fountain Valley RACES members, and RACES is looking for new members.

The minimum requirements to be a member are to have an FCC technician’s license and a hand-held 2m/440m ham radio. I have no idea what that is but if you know, you’re probably someone RACES wants.

There’s also a monthly Saturday morning meeting for training and technical discussions, RACES board member and chief radio officer Alan Hill said.

Ham radios played a key communication role during such disasters as Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Harvey, the Northridge earthquake and, more recently, major California fires.

Want more info? Email Hill at alan.r.hill@gmail.com

Also, mark your calendars:

HICAP — the Health Insurance Counseling Advocacy Program —  will host a Medicare fraud seminar from 9 to 11 a.m. Aug. 13 at the Center at Founders Village Senior and Community Center.

Residents are invited to learn how to protect themselves from Medicare-related fraud, error and abuse. Founders Village is at 17967 Bushard St. To register, call 714-593-4446.

Read the full article at http://www.ocregister.com/curt-seeden-wanted-people-skilled-in-the-use-of-ham-radios. STRAY SIGNALS does not claim ownership of the article.

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