Hurricane Katrina Amateur Radio Relief Response Greg Sarratt

Hurricane Katrina Amateur Radio Relief Response Greg Sarratt, W 4 OZK ARRL Alabama Section Manager

Amateur Radio Emergency Service Hundreds of amateurs, some of you in this room were part of the largest Amateur Radio Emergency Service army in history that provided critical emergency communications and support for people in need.

Amateur Radio Emergency Service Hurricane Katrina landfall, August 29 th 2005, 6 a. m. Hundreds of amateurs, some of you in this room were part of the largest Amateur Radio Emergency Service army in history that provided critical emergency communications and support for people in need.

Amateur Radio Emergency Service Our army consisted of amateurs of all genders, ages, types and backgrounds that worked from home supporting field operations and field deployed to three states in the gulf coast region.

Amateur Operators Amateur radio operators traveled on their own dollar from all over the United States and Canada to provide assistance. Amateurs selflessly served in many capacities, working long hours, living in terrible conditions, eating bad food, contending with heat, bugs, ants and much more. I heard virtually no complaints.

Amateur Operators Amateurs radio operators created interoperable emergency Communications systems where there were none and saved lives as a result!

Why we do this? Amateur Radio is a Public Service Part 97. 1 Amateurs helping People

Montgomery AL Operations Center

Montgomery Operations Center Montgomery processed over 250 Hams 180 were amateurs 170 deployed to the field 20 were local operators 5 worked at the Mont HQ 3 were ARC supplied 3 redeployed a second time 2 were ARRL Newington staff 3 were non-amateurs 35 States represented Several hundred hams were deployed directly to the field.

Communications 3. 965 MHz HF 7. 280 MHz 147. 420 MHz VHF 147. 440 MHz Winlink-2000

Served Agencies • • • American Red Cross The Salvation Army Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief Jackson County Emergency Management Agency Harrison County Emergency Management Agency Hancock County Emergency Management Agency Florida State Emergency Management Agency Faith based groups in Waveland Mississippi Numerous local groups and functions National Guard Hattiesburg EMA Numerous other groups and EMA’s in the region

Equipment Donations

ARRL Ham Aid • $177, 000 Dollars Donated • $39, 500 - reimbursing volunteers • $25, 000 - Go Kits • $29, 000 - will replace communication infrastructure

ARRL Ham Aid Go Kits Emergency Communications Specialist Harry Abery, AB 1 ER

What amateur radio brings to Public Service and the Emergency Communications table? • Broad range of Communications skills • Interoperability v. Two Levels • Technical skills • De-centralized communications capabilities

What next? • Add New Technology • We must continually Prepare Train Practice Test

Conclusion • Disasters of 2005 have proven the worth of Amateur Radio Service • Amateur radio stepped up and helped hundreds of people in need.

Conclusion • Amateur radio worked on teams of people from many different organizations and agencies. • Many amateurs stood out because of their communications and technical abilities.

Questions?