Local Group Uses Hobby to Save Lives

When the tornadoes ripped through Atlanta in March it caused mass devastation to the city’s business sector. The fierce winds smashed windows, damaged city landmarks, and left more than 20 injured. Less than two days later a second storm came through causing uncounted damage and killing two people.

The storms came as a shock to local forecasters and emergency personnel. Victims of the storms were left stranded without power, and emergency management found it hard to get into damaged areas of the city.

One group of citizens turned a hobby into lifesaving communications for the tornado victims. The North Fulton Amateur Radio League (NFARL) rushed to the scene of the storm, using ham radios to communicate with police and paramedics.

“We’re here providing service in the worst of times,” said NFARL member Ian Kahn.

The NAFRL participated in the international Field Day on Saturday. During the 24-hour event members collected points by contacting other ham radio operators from around the world, and exchanging information about a team's location, region and other information unique to amateur radio. The team used ham radio, satellite technology and Morse code to communicate.

The contacts are quick and rapid but the participants are sharing the unique bond with strangers around the world.

“The purpose is to practice emergency contacts. If all else fail and there is no way to communicate, we are there,” said Chuck Cattedge.

All ham radio operators must take a certification test and register with the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC then assigns each operator call letters based on their location. The NFARL serves all of North Fulton, and has over 100 members.