WEST CARLETON – The Ottawa Amateur Radio Club (OARC) is partnering with West Carleton Disaster Relief (WCDR) to provide amateur radio training – a life-saving skill when all other forms of communication are down.

“Are You Ready to Make a Difference? For your family? For your community?” OARC President Roger Egan released in a statement yesterday (Jan. 13). “In times of crisis like we have already experienced right here in West Carleton, communication is key. Amateur radio operators play a vital role in emergency situations by providing reliable, off-the-grid communication when traditional systems fail. We are partnering with the West Carleton Disaster Relief Organization to provide training that will first prepare you to write your Amateur Radio License Exam, allowing you to use an amateur radio system.

”Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is the use of the radio frequency spectrum for purposes of non- commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, private recreation, radiosport, contesting and emergency communications.

I have been recently working with the WCDR to help them plan for a future natural disaster with a communications failure event, such as when a high wind disaster occurs making the cell communications unavailable,” Egan told West Carleton Online yesterday. “Around the world, amateur radio operators have served as lifelines after catastrophic disaster events.”

Amateur radio requires a license in order to operate. The OARC is providing training sessions to prepare future radio operators. 

“Having residents in West Carleton trained would make it safer during one of these events,” Egan said. “The OARC has a repeater in Gatineau park which can be used to expand communications in West Carleton during one of these disaster events, as the tree cover impedes radio communications, and the repeater overcomes these limitations.”

What you’ll learn through the OARC course:
    *Basics of Amateur Radio
    *How to operate radios and communicate effectively

“Successful candidates will continue the training to prepare for and participate in exercises that simulate real-life emergency situations as part of our Community Emergency Response Team,” Egan said.

These include:
    *Emergency communication protocols
    *How to handle real-life scenarios in disaster situations
    *Hands-on experience with equipment
You will also be invited to practice your skills providing radio communications at local community events like CN Cycle for CHEO, MS Bike and Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour so you will always be prepared.

Amateur radio provides an independent, reliable way to communicate during power outages, natural
disasters, and other emergencies.

“You’ll gain the skills needed to support your community and be a part of the solution when help is needed
most,” Egan said.

The course is a hybrid format. The in-person sessions will take place at 1345 Baseline Rd. at National Scout Headquarters and the course is also available via Zoom for those not in the area. Lessons are recorded so you can re-watch or catch up if needed.

The course will run every Sunday from starting in February from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. There are a total of 12 sessions and there are no classes on long weekends.

The cost is $100 general public and $80 for students and members of Scouting or Guiding. All study materials
and Zoom recordings are supplied via Google Drive.

“Sign up today,” Egan said. “Spaces are limited, so don’t wait to secure your spot.”

Visit https://oarc.net/courses/ to register and learn more. If you have questions, please send an email to [email protected].

“Take the first step toward becoming an amateur radio operator and help ensure our community stays connected when it matters most,” Egan said.

The OARC is offering a 25 Watt VHF/UHF Mobile Radio with a magnetic mount antenna and cigarette lighter power cord; a one-year OARC membership and a custom name badge for just $100 more when you obtain your amateur radio license. All of this is valued at $300.

“Amateur radio has a long history of serving as a crucial communication lifeline during emergency situations, particularly when other communication networks fail,” Egan said. “The following are examples highlighting the indispensable role that amateur radio plays in emergency response efforts, especially in scenarios where traditional communication methods are unavailable or unreliable. The flexibility, portability, and resiliency of amateur radio equipment make it a valuable resource during disasters of all kinds.”

When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast of the United States in 2005, it devastated the region, causing widespread destruction and leaving millions without power. The storm destroyed traditional communication infrastructure, making it difficult for emergency services to coordinate.

“Amateur radio operators played a critical role in providing emergency communications in the affected areas,” Egan said. “They set up communication links between emergency shelters, hospitals, and local authorities, and even provided communication for the American Red Cross. Operators worked tirelessly to maintain contact between the devastated region and the outside world. They were involved in relaying messages for those trapped in the disaster zone, and many radio operators also helped coordinate rescue missions.”

California has experienced devastating wildfires in multiple years, including the 2017, 2018 and several are currently ravaging the state around Los Angeles right now, which ravaged entire communities, forcing mass evacuations and causing widespread property damage.

“During these fires, amateur radio operators have been crucial in maintaining communication between evacuation centres, first responders, and emergency teams,” Egan said. “With cellular and landline networks often going down due to fire damage or congestion, amateur radio networks allowed critical communication to continue, providing a lifeline for those in need of assistance.”

West Carleton Online has covered the West Carleton Amateur Radio Club several times over the years, and you can find that coverage here.