ARES Hamilton
They make their services available when called upon, whether for helping during an emergency or disaster situation, or assisting in communications during a fund-raising event such as a walk-a-thon.
Sometimes, during an emergency or disaster event, regular lines of communication will fail. Landlines can be disrupted and people turn to cell phone use for communications. This in turn puts a remarkable strain on the wireless systems. The wireless network is a shared infrastructure which suffers during periods exceeding the typical "busy hour" usage. Just when people need them most, they might not work.
Cell-phone companies say their networks aren't built to handle the extra load during emergencies. Cell-phone networks are not designed for everybody who has a cell phone to use it at the same time, doing so, users will be met with jammed lines due to the congestion. Another cause of service disruption may be due to towers or lines down.
This is when the skills and equipment of Amateur Radio operators really rises to the top. These men and women are set up to be able to operate when all other methods fail. Their willingness and preparedness is a vital community resource.
The Emergency Coordinator for the City Of Hamilton And Area is Lorraine MacPherson VE3NDB.
If you would like more information on ARES Hamilton, Amateur Radio, or would like to request the services of our volunteers for communications during an upcoming event, please contact us at info@ares-ham.ca.
In case of emergency
Although we no longer have formal meetings, when an event is occurring, or when we're called upon, the repeaters we use are:
- VE3ZOE (443.075)
- VE3RFI (443.250, tone 151.4)
- VE3TVI (146.805, tone 151.4)
