February 12, 2025

This Week in Amateur Radio

North America's Premiere Amateur Radio News Magazine

Texas

“Emergencies can happen any time, any day, any location”: Trial run for radio stations around the world in the case of a natural disaster (Texas)

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – Radio stations around the world are being put to the test over a 30-hour period, also known as Winter Field Day. A local club in Bryan is ready to participate.

The purpose of Winter Field Day is to practice emergency preparedness when the potential for freezing temperatures, snow, ice and other hazards may present operational challenges.

The Bryan Amateur Radio Club set up radios, antennas, generators and other equipment outdoors in preparation for the worldwide event.

David Bailey, president of the Bryan Amateur Radio Club, is taking part in this year’s winter field day.

“Emergencies can happen any time any day, any location,” Bailey said. “Communication is a very important part of making sure that the things that need to happen in an emergency event.”

When the power goes out, and phones don’t work, communicating the need for food, supplies, medicine, and medical evacuations is all through ham radio.

“We’re actually powering all of our equipment off of backup emergency power,” Bailey explained.

Backup energy, as in gasoline generators and battery power.

Read more – KBTX: https://bit.ly/3CeFyI5