Ham radio operators play crucial role during weather emergencies
Posted:
Updated:
By Rich Luterman Fox 2 News
WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WJBK) -- Dangerous, even life threatening weather, it does happen in metro Detroit from summer storms and tornadoes to the winter storms that bring heavy snow, wind and ice.
How many times have we seen widespread and long-lasting power outages when it takes days to have power fully restored? During these events when up-to-the-minute information can be spotty, especially in rural areas, a volunteer network of amateur radio operators jumps into action to relay crucial information.
Even with the popularity of cell phones, the passion for ham radio is alive and well, and that's evident at the National Weather Service office in White Lake Township.
Modern ham radios are very reliable and have mostly replaced the old tube types used for generations.
During my recent visit to the National Weather Service, local operators were talking to fellow ham operators as far away as Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico.
"We have 17 different counties that we talk to, emergency operation centers. We check in with them, they check in with us, and they, in turn, have amateur radio operators out in the field in the counties that are under the weather, warnings or watches," said ham radio operator Ted Davis.
During weather emergencies, a break down of communication can be a matter of life and death when cell phones and land lines are not always working.
"The amateur radio community could be very important during a major tornado outbreak, which we have seen in our past," said National Weather Service Meteorologist Rich Pollman. "Probably the other thing that would most affect our infrastructure like electricity and phone lines would be an ice storm where you have a lot of people without power, phone lines would be down, and then the amateur radio community would be vitally important to keep communications."
Information on the ham radio community and how you can be a part of it can be found at www.arrl.org.
Wednesday, May 8 2013 5:18 PM EDT2013-05-08 21:18:19 GMT
The strongest thunderstorms, those with very powerful updrafts, can produce very large hail -- the kind that can dent cars or aluminum siding and damage a roof or destroy farmers' crops.
The strongest thunderstorms, those with very powerful updrafts, can produce very large hail -- the kind that can dent cars or aluminum siding and damage a roof or destroy farmers' crops. Tragically, people have been killed by getting hit with large hailstones.
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A man paralyzed in a diving accident was making measurable progress at a local therapy center when he used up his insurance benefit. That's when the family that founded the center stepped up to help.
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Friday, December 21 2012 8:09 PM EST2012-12-22 01:09:29 GMT
During these events when up-to-the-minute information can be spotty, especially in rural areas, a volunteer network of amateur radio operators jumps into action to relay crucial information.
During these events when up-to-the-minute information can be spotty, especially in rural areas, a volunteer network of amateur radio operators jumps into action to relay crucial information.
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It will soon be winter and that typically means snow, ice, skiing, snowmobiling, school cancellations and snow blowers. So, how much snow could we get this year in metro Detroit?
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The Coast Guard is urging people to use extra precautions when planning recreational activities on cold water and frozen ponds, streams, rivers and lakes this winter.
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FOX 2 Weather Authority Christa Quinn says it will really feel like summer on Monday. Warm and more humid conditions expected with a chance of a late day storm. High 87
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Fox 2's Jessica Starr and her husband welcomed their precious baby boy into the world on Friday. The baby weighed in at 8.1 pounds and measured 20.5 inches long.
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Wednesday, May 8 2013 5:18 PM EDT2013-05-08 21:18:19 GMT
The strongest thunderstorms, those with very powerful updrafts, can produce very large hail -- the kind that can dent cars or aluminum siding and damage a roof or destroy farmers' crops.
The strongest thunderstorms, those with very powerful updrafts, can produce very large hail -- the kind that can dent cars or aluminum siding and damage a roof or destroy farmers' crops. Tragically, people have been killed by getting hit with large hailstones.
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Severe weather can happen at any time in Southeast Michigan. One main threat is lightning, which can cause forest, grass and house fires. Jessica Starr has a closer look at this dangerous occurrence.
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You can catch flight delays before you leave home by checking in here with the Air Traffic Control Center. Provided by the Federal Aviation Administration and updated in real time, get the information you can't get over the phone.
Friday, December 21 2012 8:09 PM EST2012-12-22 01:09:29 GMT
During these events when up-to-the-minute information can be spotty, especially in rural areas, a volunteer network of amateur radio operators jumps into action to relay crucial information.
During these events when up-to-the-minute information can be spotty, especially in rural areas, a volunteer network of amateur radio operators jumps into action to relay crucial information.
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A trip to Subway turned into a nightmare for an elderly Berkley couple Friday afternoon in Commerce Township. Oakland County Sheriffs say a man left his 74 year-old wife in the car, while he ran inside
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Authorities have identified a 20-year-old man they've arrested in the firebombing of the suburban Detroit home of an heir to the Art Van Furniture business.
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Let It Rip Weekend: Doggy Insurance, Pit Bull Bans & $15 Minimum Wage
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This time we're talking about a new requirement in Royal Oak that has some dog owners taking out $1 million insurance policies on their pooches. Plus, Waterford Township is considering repealing their
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Sunday, May 19 2013 12:01 AM EDT2013-05-19 04:01:16 GMT
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:55:04 GMT
"We intend to build cars in North America for [the] North American market, build cars in Europe for the European market and build them in Asia for the Asian market," said Don Graunstadt.
"We intend to build cars in North America for [the] North American market, build cars in Europe for the European market and build them in Asia for the Asian market," said the CEO of North American Operations for the electric car company.
