Winter Field Day Events Jan. 25-26 Offer Insight on Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness For Disasters

QUEENSBURY — The general public, especially families, are invited to stop by anytime between 10 a.m. Saturday Jan. 25 and 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26 to learn about the variety of activities associated with amateur radio, including how it is used in disasters and other emergencies. 

The Winter Field Day event featuring the Warren County Radio Club will take place at the Queensbury Central Fire House, located at 17 Lafayette St. in Queensbury.

With an increase in the number and severity of natural disasters, amateur radio operators have stepped forward to be the primary form of communication in the immediate wake of the disaster. Examples of this include this past summer and fall’s hurricanes, as well as during recent wildfires around the country. 

When the telecommunication infrastructure has been severely impacted, amateur radio is still able to work. 

Winter Field Day is an annual event for amateur radio licensees to improve their preparedness and skill for disasters and other emergencies by deploying to a location outside of their own home to operate for over 24 hours continuously. During the deployment, radio operators use a combination of HF, VHF, and UHF radio frequencies to connect with other operators locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. The club will also attempt contact using satellites or the International Space Station, if conditions permit. The contacts are made using voice, CW (morse code), and digital modes. 

For more information on Warren County Radio Club, visit www.w2wcr.org