Wnat to take part in an interesting hobby that can also help serve in times of emergency?  Look to Amateur Radio or HAM radio.  Becoming a licensed ham, you can talk around the world and learn all about radio communication.  These skills have also been proven valuable in times of emergency.  Even in areas not affected by an emergency, hams can be valuable in relaying messages into and out of those areas that are affected.  During Hurricane Katrina when communcations had failed such as public safety, cellular, and land based phones, Amateur Radio was able to fill in the communcaitons gap and get messages flowing.  Amateur Radio Operators were up and running in short time using emergency stations to get information in and out of the affected areas.  HAMs outisde the areas were able to then relay the traffic to appropriate areas.  HAMs not only relayed emergency traffic to authorities, but also handled "health and welfare" traffic which was relaying messages to family members letting them know their status. 

 The Amateur Radio community also has a group known as ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) which are a group of people that are willing to help if available in times of emergency.  These people are ready to get online with radio and relay messages, or even respond to ares needing communcations assistance.

So, if you want to get involved, read up at http://www.arrl.org or http://emergency-radio.org/ to find out more.  There are many local radio repeaters available for amateurs in this area and are always welcoming new operators.  If you want to know more, send a message via our contact us link on the left.

Facts & figures

• In 2002, gas and charcoal grills caused 900 structure fires and 3,500 outdoor fires in or on home properties, resulting in a combined direct property loss of $30 million.
• Gas grills have a higher fire risk than charcoal grills; leaks and breaks are the leading cause, accounting for nearly half of gas grill fires.
• Gas-fueled grills caused an estimated 600 home structure fires and 3,200 home outdoor fires in 2002.
• Charcoal grills have a higher risk than gas grills of death due to fire or unvented carbon monoxide; most of these deaths do not involve fire.
• Charcoal-fueled or other solid-fueled grills caused an estimated 300 home structure fires and 300 home outdoor fires in 2002.
• Placing combustibles too close to heat, and leaving cooking unattended, are the two leading causes for charcoal grill home structure fires.
• Half of all gas grill and charcoal grill home structure fires begin on an exterior balcony or unenclosed porch.
• Gas fuel is the leading item first ignited for home outdoor gas grill fires.
• Structural member or framing, wall coverings, exterior trim, and plants are the leading items first ignited in home structure or outdoor charcoal grill fires.

Source: NFPA’s One-Stop Data Shop