Louisiana Radio Operators Plan Hurricane Season Drill

Amateur radio operators in southwest Louisiana will prepare for emergency work during a hurricane season drill June 22-23.

The Southwest Daily News reports the operators, known as “hams,” will gather at Pinderosa Park for an exercise sponsored by the Southwest Louisiana Amateur Repeater Club.

Local operators and amateurs throughout the United States will send messages in a network designed to get information out in the event of a hurricane.

The session is part of Amateur Radio Week activities nationwide.

“This exercise ensures that our emergency antennae, transmitters and other equipment are in good working order should the unfortunate need arise. Amateur radio has proven its worthiness in the past when the communication means of local agencies are overloaded or down,” said Bradley Bordelon, SWLA Amateur Repeater Club vice president.

There are more than 700,000 amateur radio licensees in the United States more than 2.5 million worldwide. Bordelon said he expects around 50 hams to participate in the exercise at Pinederosa Park. He said the public is welcome to observe the activities.