PENINSULA AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY TEAM
Telecommunications systems can only be as reliable as the ground that holds their fibers and facilities. Phone lines work great (for talking, faxing and emailing) but they're vulnerable given the advent of a major disaster such as an earthquake or volcanic eruption. That's when HAMs, such as Mark Yordy, spring into action.
Tents, food, portable HAM radio equipment, and batteries are all that PARET needs to establish a communications headquarters to adequately serve local emergency response teams if the telecommunications system fails. PARET can not only open critical verbal communication links, but can also transmit computer data via radio waves in much the same way as a modem but over a somewhat less encumbered route.
The Emergency Operations Center at Pierce County's Fire District 5 Headquarters (on Bujacich Drive in Gig Harbor) has a self contained HAM radio communications station that is manned by club members during drills as well as a variety of emergency situations. Pierce County residents are fortunate to have a strong network of trained communicators that work closely and regularly with local authorities.
