During a major storm, it is very possible, indeed likely, that all power and public communication channels fail. No cell phones or TV.

Suddenly, amateur radio becomes a vital lifeline in post-disaster recovery. To meet the moment in such an emergency, the Amateur Radio Emergency Service volunteer group of licensed ham radio operators who offer their skills and equipment during emergencies and hold events to stay prepared.

One of the most prominent drills is the twice-yearly Field Day, held on the fourth full weekend in June. This event serves as both a nationwide emergency preparedness exercise and a public outreach opportunity for those who would like to take up amateur radio as a hobby.

More than 31,000 amateurs from the U.S. and Canada gather to operate from remote locations. Locally, the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club will hold its Field Day at the North Fort Myers Community Park on June 28 and 29, starting at noon Saturday and running 24 hours continuously.

The operators will set up in the concession area near the football fields, under cover so the equipment doesn’t get wet. Antennas will be erected nearby so operators can communicate with each other all over the country.

Daniel Eaton, public information officer for FMARC, said the main idea is for the operators to deploy in preparation for hurricane season.

“We are going to simulate not having power. So, the operators will use battery packs, generators and things of that sort,” Eaton said. “We’re operating remotely and under different conditions.”

The Amateur Radio Emergency Service works closely with Lee County Emergency Services, Eaton said. ARES acts as a backup for communications from shelters, hospitals and fire departments to emergency operations.

“If the cell towers or the communications system go down, the backup is amateur radio,” Eaton said.

ARES plays a crucial role in disaster response.

In the U.S. and Canada, ARES is organized by the American Radio Relay League, the national association for amateur radio.

During Field Day (which also takes place in January), operators set up temporary stations outdoors to simulate post-disaster environments. Key activities include:

• Emergency power use, where radios are powered by generators, batteries, or solar panels to simulate operations during power outages.

• Deployable antennas, where operators erect portable antennas to adapt to changing conditions and available frequencies.

• Making contacts to as many other stations as possible, earning points for using alternative power sources, operating outdoors, and incorporating modern technology.

Visitors can observe operations, ask questions, and even get on the air under the guidance of a licensed operator.

Eaton said key members of the county, such as county commissioners, are invited to see what they do, as well as the public.

Events like this play a very important role in what they do, he added.

“The whole purpose is to hone our skills to be sure the equipment is going to work,” Eaton said. “There’s a lot that goes into it on a local level and the networks at the state level.”

The North Fort Myers Community Park is at 2000 Recreation Way.

Founded in 1957, FMARC promotes amateur radio through education, training, and community service. FMARC fosters fellowship among radio enthusiasts while emphasizing public service during times of need. 

For more information about FMARC, visit fmarc.net. Learn about Field Day at arrl.org/field-day or fieldday@fmarc.net. To learn more about Lee County Amateur Radio Emergency Services, visit leeares.com .