Severe weather, including hurricanes and tornadoes, can leave modern communications such as cell phones and e-mail in the dark. But when infrastructure fails or is overloaded, amateur “ham” radio operators step in.
Wellington is recognizing the week of June 18 as Amateur Radio Week, coinciding with a nationwide annual emergency preparedness exercise. Mayor Bob Margolis will present the Mayor’s Recognition to the Wellington Radio Club Saturday, June 23 at 1:30 p.m. at Wellington’s satellite Emergency Operations Center located at the Public Works Facility at 14001 Pierson Road.
“Wellington has technology safeguards in place in the event we are faced by a hurricane or other natural disaster, but the Wellington Radio Club is always prepared to volunteer their services to ensure we never lose communication,” Margolis said.
Beginning Saturday, June 23 at 3 p.m. and around the clock until 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 24, the Wellington Radio Club will man the satellite Emergency Operations Center to test the village’s emergency communications equipment. Residents are encouraged to visit to see how ham radio works and learn about how to get their own FCC radio license.
To learn more about the Wellington Radio Club, visit www. qsl.net/k4wrc. For further information, call Operations Supervisor Jesse Wright at (561) 791-4078.
