Field Day Provides Training Opportunities for Radio Operators to help in Emergency Management

Hillsborough County, Fla. (June 24, 2022) - To celebrate Amateur Radio Week and educate the public about a little-known team that provides support during disasters, Hillsborough County Emergency Management and Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) are hosting an open house event this weekend to illustrate the vital role that amateur radio operators play in emergency operations.

Radio operators will be on hand during a 24-hour drill to test their skills and show the growing need for more amateur radio operators. The exercise will demonstrate how radio operators are a communications lifeline during disasters like hurricanes when the other communication lines can fail.

The public is welcome and will have the opportunity to meet radio operators and the staff of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and its Office of Emergency Management, see live demonstrations of amateur radio operations, and learn how to get involved.

Who: Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES)

What: Field Day demonstrations

Where: 9450 E. Columbus Dr., Tampa, FL 33619

When: Saturday, June 25, 2-4 p.m.