Public invited to emergency prep exercise

LAFAYETTE — On-air demonstrations and emergency preparedness activities are on tap for members of the Sussex County Amateur Radio Club (SCARC) as they finish “Amateur Radio Week” sponsored by the ARRL.

This week culminates with the annual 24-hour emergency preparedness exercises called ‘Field Day’ June 27 and 28.

During Field Day, amateurs set up in local parks, shopping malls, remote locations, and back yards and get on the air using generators, batteries, or solar/wind power. Field Day was designed to test operators’ abilities to set up and operate portable stations around the clock under emergency conditions, such as the loss of electricity.

“We want the community to know that in the event of an emergency, we will be ready to assist in any way we can.” said John Santillo, president of SCARC. “While people often think that cell phones or other communications technologies have replaced ham radio, we can provide vital communications in an emergency that others can’t.”

Field Day is a serious test of skill, but it is also a contest for fun and the largest ‘on-air’ operating event each year. During the weekend, radio operators try to contact as many other Field Day stations as possible. More than 30,000 amateur radio operators across North America participated last year.

The SCARC will hold Field Day at Lion Technology’s rear parking lot in Lafayette. Lion Technology’s driveway entrance is opposite the rear driveway to the QuickChek at the intersection of Rt. 94 and Rt. 15. Operations will start at 2 p.m. on Saturday June 27th and conclude Sunday June 28th at 2 p.m.

“We hope that anyone who is interested in seeing what Amateur Radio is all about will come out for Field Day," Santillo said. "All are welcome to attend on Saturday and Sunday, and take the opportunity to operate a real ham radio on air."