HomeMy WebLinkAbout06June13HamRadioFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 13, 2017
City of Renton Contacts
Karissa Smith, Emergency Management Coordinator 425-430-7723
Preeti Shridhar, Deputy Public Affairs Administrator, 425-430-6569
Amateur Radio Operators Test Emergency Communications in 24-Hour Event
Public is invited to watch the exercise and tour the mobile communications response unit
Renton, WA – Renton Emergency Communication Services (RECS), a group of amateur (ham) radio operators,
will join thousands of other operators around the country in a test of their emergency communication
capabilities in a 24-hour field day event.
The exercise will begin on Saturday, June 24, at 11:00 a.m. and end on Sunday, June 25, at 2:00 p.m.
RECS will set up at Fire Station 16, 12923 156th Ave SE in Renton. The event is free and open to the public on
Saturday, June 24, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tours of the mobile communications response unit vehicle,
which provides a mobile communications hotspot, will be available, along with ham radio activities, a photo
booth, and a chance to talk live on the air.
This event is part of the annual American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Field Day Test. During the test, thousands
of ham radio operators use emergency or alternate power sources under simulated emergency conditions.
More than 35,000 amateur radio operators across the country participated in last year’s event.
Ham radio operators have provided critical communications in many recent emergencies. During a local
disaster, normal communication channels may become inoperable and Renton’s amateur radio operators have
proven to be a reliable low-tech source of communication available for the city.
For more information on how you can become an amateur radio operator or join RECS, visit their website or
contact Renton’s Office of Emergency Management at 425-430-7723.
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About the City of Renton
The City of Renton, Washington, with a population of 101,300 (2016), is located on the southeast shore of Lake
Washington, just south of Seattle. Renton's strong economic base, diverse marketplace and favorable business
climate have attracted the attention of nationally recognized companies that are providing employees and
their families an outstanding quality of life. Renton is the home of Boeing, PACCAR, IKEA, the Seattle Seahawks,
and the eternal resting place of Jimi Hendrix. More information can be found on our website, and Facebook,
Twitter, and Nextdoor pages.
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