Hurricane Katrina Amateur Radio Relief Response Greg Sarratt, W4OZK ARRL Alabama Section Manager

Amateur Radio Emergency Service Hundreds of amateurs, some of you in this room were part of the largest Amateur Radio Emergency Service army in history that provided critical emergency communications and support for people in need.

Amateur Radio Emergency Service Hundreds of amateurs, some of you in this room were part of the largest Amateur Radio Emergency Service army in history that provided critical emergency communications and support for people in need. Hurricane Katrina landfall, August 29th 2005, 6a.m.

Amateur Radio Emergency Service Our army consisted of amateurs of all genders, ages, types and backgrounds that worked from home supporting field operations and field deployed to three states in the gulf coast region.

Amateur Operators Amateur radio operators traveled on their own dollar from all over the United States and Canada to provide assistance. Amateurs selflessly served in many capacities, working long hours, living in terrible conditions, eating bad food, contending with heat, bugs, ants and much more. I heard virtually no complaints.

Amateur Operators Amateurs radio operators created interoperable emergency Communications systems where there were none and saved lives as a result!

Why we do this? Amateur Radio is a Public Service Part 97.1 Amateurs helping People

Montgomery AL Operations Center

Montgomery Operations Center Montgomery processed over 250 Hams 180 were amateurs 3 were ARC supplied 170 deployed to the field 3 redeployed a second time 20 were local operators 2 were ARRL Newington staff 5 worked at the Mont HQ 3 were non-amateurs 35 States represented Several hundred hams were deployed directly to the field.

Communications MHz HF MHz MHz VHF MHz Winlink-2000

Served Agencies American Red Cross The Salvation Army Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief Jackson County Emergency Management Agency Harrison County Emergency Management Agency Hancock County Emergency Management Agency Florida State Emergency Management Agency Faith based groups in Waveland Mississippi Numerous local groups and functions National Guard Hattiesburg EMA Numerous other groups and EMA’s in the region

Equipment Donations

$177,000 Dollars Donated $39,500 - reimbursing volunteers $25,000 - Go Kits $29,000 - will replace communication infrastructure ARRL Ham Aid

Go Kits Emergency Communications Specialist Harry Abery, AB1ER ARRL Ham Aid

What amateur radio brings to Public Service and the Emergency Communications table? Broad range of Communications skills Interoperability  Two Levels Technical skills De-centralized communications capabilities

What next? Add New Technology We must continually Prepare Train Practice Test

Conclusion Disasters of 2005 have proven the worth of Amateur Radio Service Amateur radio stepped up and helped hundreds of people in need.

Conclusion Amateur radio worked on teams of people from many different organizations and agencies. Many amateurs stood out because of their communications and technical abilities.

Questions?