SATERN (The Salvation Army Emergency Radio Network) plans to demonstrate how it uses amateur radios for emergency communications by staging a mock disaster on Sunday, June 27 at DeAnza Park in Ontario.
(ONTARIO, Calif.) Inland Empire members of SATERN, the Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network, will attempt contact with other amateur radio operators throughout the United States and Canada as they host an American Radio Relay League Field Day, Saturday June 26 at De Anza Park in Ontario and at the adjacent Salvation Army Ontario Corps.
“Field Day is the largest on-the-air operating event in the world,” said Tony Stephen, a member of the Inland Empire SATERN. “Its purpose is for our members to practice setting up in a simulated emergency, but we encourage members of the public to also come and learn about how the Salvation Army uses this communication to help our communities in times of disaster.”
The amateur radio operators will begin setting up their equipment at 7 a.m. and will conduct field exercises in the park from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., barring any real disaster that would require their assistance elsewhere. The park’s address is 1438 Euclid Ave., Ontario, Calif.
During a disaster such as a fire or earthquake, SATERN members use their radios to communicate with each other as the Salvation Army assists emergency workers, and to help those who have been evacuated from a disaster area get in touch with concerned friends and family.
In 2006, a planned SATERN field day turned into the real thing because it had been scheduled just two days before a devastating fire in Riverside County. The local SATERN members are from Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
This time, SATERN members will attempt to make contact with as many as possible of the expected 35,000 other amateur radio operators who are expected to participate in the Amateur Radio Relay League Field Day events throughout the United States.
For more information about the Field Day, contact Tony Stephen at 909-628-2843, ke6jzf@verizon.net, or www.satern.net
About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Radio Network assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church, and also offers evangelical programs for boys, girls and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY.
For local help, call the San Bernardino Corps headquarters at (909) 888-1337.
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