Ocean Springs News
Amateur Radio Operators Provide Emergency Communications When All Else Fails
William Musa and Gerrit Erickson, JCARA Volunteers
Ocean Springs, MS – When all commercial equipment fails in the event of an emergency in Ocean Springs, the Jackson County Amateur Radio Association, JCARA, will provide communication in and out of the city with their network of volunteers. Members of JCARA are currently working with the city’s Emergency Management in securing equipment and testing before disaster strikes.
“I have been involved for over 50 years with emergency communication as a amateur radio operator, actually since Hurricane Elena and every hurricane since then I have worked during storms to provide communication,” said William Musa, Vice President, JCARA. “Hurricane Katrina taught many in Emergency Operations Centers that amateur radio operators play vital roles in emergency communications.”
During an emerency condition, amateur radio operators relay information from home to emergency shelters, EOCs, and other points of emergency contact, creating a network of emergency communication. One of the keys to their communication success is a large majority of JCARA members have equipment in their homes and vehicles, so they can pass message traffic concerning health and welfare while assessing community damage.
In order to activate amateur radio operators for the City of Ocean Springs, a team of volunteers and city employees helped: the Ocean Springs Fire Department and Emergency Management, City of Ocean Springs Public Works, JCARA members, and the Fort Bayou Volunteer Fire Department. A 40 foot communications tower was donated by Jackson County resident, Jo Longley and placed near the city’s EOC. Funding for additional equipment was provided by a federal grant and city funds as directed by Alderman James Hagan. JCARA members will continue weekly testing of the VHF/UHF & HF communications equipment, ensuring it is fully operational in the event of an emergency.
“I have been involved for over 50 years with emergency communication as a amateur radio operator, actually since Hurricane Elena and every hurricane since then I have worked during storms to provide communication,” said William Musa, Vice President, JCARA. “Hurricane Katrina taught many in Emergency Operations Centers that amateur radio operators play vital roles in emergency communications.”
During an emergency condition, amateur radio operators relay information from home to emergency shelters, EOCs, and other points of emergency contact, creating a network of emergency communication. One of the keys to their communication success is a large majority of JCARA members have equipment in their homes and vehicles, so they can pass message traffic concerning health and welfare while assessing community damage.
In order to activate amateur radio operations for the City of Ocean Springs, a team of volunteers and city employees helped: The Ocean Springs Fire Department and Emergency Management, City of Ocean Springs Public Works, JCARA members, and the Fort Bayou Volunteer Fire Department. A 40 foot communications tower was donated by Jackson County resident, Jo Longley and placed near the city’s EOC. Funding for additional equipment was provided by a federal grant and city funds as directed by Alderman James Hagan. JCARA members will continue weekly testing of the VHF/UHF & HF communications equipment, ensuring it is fully operational in the event of an emergency.
