Ham radio is, contrary to some opinions, still necessary for emergency
communications. I have sitting on my mantel a certificate from the American
Red Cross thanking me (with many other hams) for our work in NY after the
terrorist attack on 9/11. We staffed the shelters housing those who lost
their residences in the attack. Hams were on-site at ground zero as well,
supporting emergency communications.
I just got approval from my township for a tower. The emergency management
director told the zoning board that my tower could be used as a back up for
the township if their tower failed. The fire chief has also told the
director he could use the tower, if needed, for communications equipment if
the need arose. The director said that he was aware that hams are
communications experts and that we could be very useful in an emergency.
The fact is that the greater the emergency, the more we will be needed. In
the event of a major emergency, official communications are going to be very,
very strained, or, perhaps, non-existent until backups are brought in. That's
a fact of life. Hams are widely dispersed and are a reservoir of skill and
equipment. That's why we're needed.
Bob/WF3H
"Steve Mendelsohn, W2ML" <adam77@earthlink.net> said:
> While many here have commented on the Emergency Communications aspect
> of Amateur Radio and how it affects communities that ultimately pass antenna
> ordinances, there is another aspect that shows the Amateur Radio flag on a
> regular, non-emergency basis and is recognized by many communities when
> an Amateur in the community applies for a tower permit.
>
> Non-Emergency Public Service. Marathons, community parades, bike-a-thons
> for charity and other places where we show the flag have brought home
> the fact that Amateur
> Radio is a cost free communications adjunct .
>
> When/if ham radio organizers properly make a space for A.R. mentions in
> the local press
> the community sees the service in a very positive light and in a
> non-stress situation.
>
> This positive image is one I've used many times at antenna hearings.
> It's been my
> experience over 28 years that when we help the town at no cost and they
> understand
> the value of the service and are far more understanding in granting
> tower permits.
>
> -73- Steve, W2ML
> Communications Coordinator
> New York City Marathon
>
>
> >
>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
> See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
Weather Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any
questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>
--
_______________________________________________
See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather
Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions
and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
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