When All Else Fails! Amateur Radio provides emergency communications.
The Public and amateur radio operators in the St. Charles County area are invited to view and operate amateur radio stations set up to simulate temporary, emergency conditions. The Emergency Communications Association of St. Charles County is participating in the American Radio Relay League National Field Day 2005 Emergency Communications Test and Demonstration. This display and operation of portable communications equipment will be located at Pavilion 2 of Jean Baptiste Point DuSable Park, 2300 North Main, St. Charles City, MO. from 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 25th through 1:00 pm Sunday, June 26th. The event continues around the clock for 24 hours. Visitors will have the opportunity to operate an amateur radio station under the supervision of a licensed amateur radio operator. The new St. Charles County Division of Emergency Management Interoperability Command Post will also be on display and in operation during the event. Be sure to visit and inspect this new addition to the communications systems in St. Charles County.
The Emergency Communications Association (ECA) has a charter to provide St. Charles County with emergency communications resources in times of emergency. Field Day provides an opportunity to exercise our capabilities and demonstrate them to the public. ECA members cooperate with and assist the St. Charles County Division of Emergency Management in severe weather spotting activities, land & river search & rescue activations and river flooding emergencies. Other ECA activities include communications support for public service events like March of Dimes and MS Society Walkathons and Bikathons.
Amateur Radio Field Day is a nationwide event designed to test Amateur Radio Operators’ abilities to set up and operate portable radio stations under emergency conditions such as the loss of electricity. The event is sponsored by the American Radio Relay League. Field Day is a serious test of communications skills, and a contest for fun too. During the weekend, the Amateur Radio Operators try to contact as many other Field Day stations around the country as possible in a 24 hour period. Tens of thousands of Amateur Radio operators across the United States participated in last year’s event.
ECA consists of approximately 40 skilled members that volunteer their time and resources to assist St. Charles County residents in times of need. ECA invites the citizens of St. Charles County to visit our Field Day site in Dusable Park during the June 25-26 weekend and learn about how to become involved in an interesting and useful Amateur Radio hobby.
