Ham Radio Club Highlights Emergency Communication Resilience in Jefferson Parish
In anticipation of an active hurricane season, Jefferson Parish leaders are highlighting the importance of power resilience. Over the weekend, the Jefferson Amateur Radio Club demonstrated the critical role of ham radios in emergency communication during the national Ham Radio Field Day at Wally Pontiff Playground in Old Metairie. The event, which involves around 40,000 amateur operators nationwide, showcased how ham radios can operate on generators and solar power, maintaining communication even when traditional utilities fail. Club member Chris Mittenberger emphasized the reliability of ham radios, especially in the wake of power outages experienced during Hurricane Ida. The club also provided hands-on experiences for children and collaborates with emergency officials to ensure effective communication during crises. The Jefferson Amateur Radio Club invites the public to explore ham radio at their clubhouse on Thursday nights and Saturday mornings.