Be part of the solution! EPIC-FSC is proud to announce a crucial event aimed at bolstering community resilience and emergency preparedness. On October 29th, 2023, EPIC-FSC hosted an Amateur Radio License Class and Exam from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the picturesque Juan Batista de Anza Park in Calabasas.
“Don’t miss this opportunity to acquire essential emergency communication skills and contribute to the safety and resilience of Calabasas and surrounding communities,” explains EPIC-FSC member and Amateur Radio expert, Norm Goodkin.
Amateur radio enthusiasts and aspiring emergency communicators were invited to participate in this event, which will provide valuable training for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Technician Class license. The exam itself was administered from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, offering participants the opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency in emergency communication.
The FCC Technician Class license serves as the entry point into the world of amateur radio and plays a crucial role in enhancing emergency preparedness. Amateur radio, often referred to as “ham radio,” serves as a lifeline during times of crisis when traditional communication channels may be disrupted or overloaded.
The FCC Technician license grants operators the ability to utilize high-powered radios to facilitate communication within their communities and beyond, even in the absence of external power, phones, or the internet. In a region susceptible to fire and earthquake activity, where power, phone, and internet services can be disrupted for extended periods, this capability is invaluable.
EPIC-FSC recognizes the increasing frequency of outages caused by factors such as utility pole accidents and preemptive power cut-offs like Public Safety Power Shutoffs. With hotter weather patterns leading to heightened risks, these events are becoming more prevalent.
Amateur radio operators possess a wide array of radio capabilities beyond those available to the general public. These capabilities are essential for accessing real-time information and sharing it with the community in times of crisis.
To understand the profound impact of amateur radio on emergency preparedness, EPIC-FSC encourages everyone to watch the American Relay League’s informative video on amateur radio emergency communication, available here: ARRL Video.
EPIC-FSC collaborates closely with amateur radio operators in Calabasas and neighboring communities to receive early warnings about fires and share critical information during emergencies. When conventional communication systems falter, amateur radio remains steadfast and reliable.
EPIC-FSC incorporates amateur radio as a vital component of its Emergency Communications for Home Occupants (ECHO) program. Click the button below to discover more about ECHO and how it enhances emergency preparedness.