Recent storms in Georgia and Alabama have proven the need and necessity of ham radio communicators to provide immediate help. This weekend, the Lanierland Amateur Radio Club will be participating in the annual ARRL Field Day, an exercise that tests the ability of hams to operate under emergency conditions. The event will be held at Oakwood City Park, Railroad St., Oakwood.

Oakwood City Park is a location that will provide an opportunity for ham operators to set up in a manner resembling the environment radio operators could face in an emergency or disaster situation. Antennas will be erected at 10 a.m.  Saturday morning and radios will run until 10 a.m. Sunday using generators to provide electricity to mimic a power outage. Operators must come prepared to deal with any kind of weather situation the weekend may provide.

The goal for operators is to contact as many north American stations as possible during the 24-hour period.

Field Day weekend also offers a way for the general public to see ham radio in action. To learn more about ham radio, contact John Brandon at 770 536-0964 or David Hulsey at 770 532-6814.