When all else fails, ham radio works (California)

When things go sideways, the all-volunteer Santa Cruz County ham radio communications team says, “No Phone, No Electricity, No Problem.”

The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), long known as ham radio operators, is a national association for hams. The 75 members of the Santa Cruz chapter help in wide range of activities and events including emergencies. They create backup radio communications networks from their homes or vehicles, relaying information where needed or when traditional systems aren’t available.

“All ARES members are ham radio operators and maintain an FCC-issued amateur radio license,” explained Patrick Hung, Santa Cruz ARES member. “We’re continuously training and ready responders for a range of needs. These can be helping event organizers keep track of activities, to locating missing people or connecting emergency agency personnel when their radios become inoperable.”

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