Santa Clara County ARES®/RACES

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Getting Started with Amateur Radio at Allied Health Facilities


Step 1: Install an antenna on the roof

The first and most important step for establishing amateur radio communications at a facility is to install an antenna on the roof. This lets any licensed amateur radio operator connect his/her own radio and operate from inside the building while still having a strong enough signal to reach the local jurisdictions EOC and other important locations.

Recommended:

For more details: consult our VHF/UHF Antenna Considerations page. Coordinate specific equipment selection and installation with the local jurisdiction ARES/RACES leader.

 

Step 2: Recruit, license and train local operators

During emergencies, trained amateur radio operators can be in short supply. And, depending on infrastructure conditions, those radio operators that are available may have difficulty reaching a particular facility. So, each Allied Health facility help itself by encouraging staff members and/or residents to become trained amateur radio operators. Individuals must first obtain an amateur radio license. Then they must be trained on proper emergency communications procedures.

Licensing:

Training:

 

Step 3: Install local radio equipment

Permanently installed and regularly tested radio equipment can be a great benefit to the facility because it is already set up and ready to go when an emergency happens. It removes a dependence on equipment provided by volunteers.

Recommended:

For more details: consult our VHF/UHF Voice Radio Considerations page. Coordinate specific equipment selection and installation with the local jurisdiction ARES/RACES leader.

 


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This page was last updated 31-Dec-2019