Emergency simulation puts radio operators to test

Dark clouds and heavy rain set a mood, of sorts, when Historic City News visited the Flagler Beach Fire Department headquarters this afternoon while members of the Flagler Emergency Communications Association staged an emergency training simulation in Palm Coast.

As part of an American Radio Relay League National Field Day, through 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 24, citizens can visit the staging area and witness, first hand, a nationwide communications platform which has been established to simulate an actual emergency.

Merrill Musikar, KG4IDD, President of the Flagler County group of FCC licensed Ham Radio operators, told reporters that the National Field Day events will be open to the public.

Tours of the operation at 320 South Flagler Avenue in Flagler Beach, and an opportunity to learn more about Ham Radio, are available, without charge, throughout the simulation period on a “drop by” basis. No advance arrangements are necessary.

The St Johns County Amateur Radio Emergency Service will also set up a Field Day operation this year. The site for their operation is the County Emergency Operations Center, 100 EOC Drive, which is behind the County Agricultural Center, near SR-16 and I-95. The local group will use the callsign KX4EOC during the Field Day operation.

St Johns County Amateur Radio Emergency Service Emergency Coordinator Michael Jordan, WE4MJ, can be contacted for additional details at 904-704-9272.