Amateur Radio Club

Bonnie Freund became interested in getting her General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) license after attending a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. Ham, GMRS and Family Radio Service (FRS) radios play a vital role in emergency communications. They work without relying on any existing infrastructure, making them ideal in disasters like earthquakes, flooding and wildfires.

Beyond protecting oneself and family, people who learn how to use radios to communicate can help others during a communication outage. Freund wanted the ability to help out during an emergency and took it upon herself to get her GMRS license.

The Radio Club has a GMRS and FRS practice drill on Wednesdays at 9:30-9:45 a.m. on Channel 18-0 (channel subject to change).

FRS radios are license-free, and GMRS radios require a license, transmit with more power and can communicate over much longer distances.

GMRS licenses cost $35, covering a resident and their immediate family for 10 years with no test required.

When people are talking into a radio, they should wait until the radio is clear, then press the side button before stating the first name, last name initial and Mutual number. Release when finished.

Volunteers are needed from every Mutual. Anyone interested in HAM, GMRS and FRS is welcome to attend a club meeting and meet the club’s helpful, diverse and talented members.

For more information, call 562-431-6586, ext. 2409, or go to www.lwsb.com/amateur-radioservice- club.