After a disaster, it’s likely that our usual methods of communication will not work, including landline phones, cell phones, and Internet service. So, how can you communicate without the services we rely on and take for granted every day? Come learn about disaster communications at the October 3, 2015 Valley Disaster Preparedness Fair.

There will be a variety of disaster and emergency communications highlights at the Fair:

  • 11:15 am to 11:45 am talk by retired seismologist Dr. Kate Hutton about disaster communications and the ham radio National Traffic System for moving messages across the country and around the world.
  • Send a message to your out-of-state contact to see how emergency communications work. Bring your contact’s full name, complete address, and phone number with area code, and a radiogram(similar to a telegram) will be sent to your contact via ham radio.
  • Amateur radio aficionados (hams) will be happy to talk radios with you and tell you how you can get started. Ham radio is not only invaluable when disaster strikes, it’s also a fun hobby that enables you to stay connected with members of your community and make international contacts as well. Remember: When all else fails, ham radio works.
  • Be sure to also visit the EmComm (Emergency Communications) trailer. It’s the one with all the antennas. See ham radio in action.
  • For those interested in taking the FCC ham radio license exam, Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) Northwest will conduct a testing session at 11:00 am for new and license upgrades (prior study recommended; $15 ARRL exam fee to cover costs). The test is multiple choice, and NO Morse code is required.

Please encourage your stakeholders, family, and friends to register and attend! Everything at the Fair is free, thanks to our generous supporters and contributors, including many Neighborhood Councils throughout Los Angeles.

For more details, send an email to Info@ValleyDisasterFair.com.

Thank you for helping all of Los Angeles get prepared for disasters.

The 8th Annual Valley Disaster Preparedness Fair will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2015 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Fire Station 87 in Granada Hills. Visit www.ValleyDisasterFair.com for more information and online registration. The comprehensive Fair Flyer can be downloaded here.