"Our systems can be overloaded," Hobart said.
The idea, Hobart told the Wethersfield Town Council Tuesday night, is to train a team of volunteer radio operators or "hams" that could come in and operate a communication system in the event of a major disaster or emergency situation - if for some reason the town's did fail.
And while many envision ham radio operators sitting in a basement with large equipment, many today have portable radios that cane be taken on the road in an emergency system and Hobart hopes local police officers, firefighters, EMTs and other emergency officials will be interested in taking a licensing class that will be offered beginning next month.
Hobart said the NARL, which is based in Newington, would supply the "ham" radio for the EOC, the antenna and a coaxial cable. She said what the NARL basically needs from the town is a "hole in the wall" to allow the connections.
She also told the council that amateur radio operators (so labeled because they are not allowed to make money off it) are FCC licensed, follow strict regulations and would use dedicated frequencies that are different that those emergency personnel use.
A memo to the council from Town Manager Bonnie L. Therrien, said if the effort goes forward there may be cost incurred for a study to determine of the amateur radio frequencies would interfere with the town-wide system. Such studies run about $3,200 the memo states.
At her recommendation, the council approved a motion for Therrien to work with the NARL to recruit volunteers to provide the services and determine what equipment changes, if any, would be needed at Town Hall. Any final approval for the system would be addressed at a later date.
Hobart and fellow resident Walter Styslo will be the main NARL contacts that will work with the town.
Hobart said the town officials, such as Therrien and emergency management director Richard Fippinger, have been wonderful to work with so far,
"They've been very welcoming," she said. "From our part it made it very easy."
Town Mayor Andrew Adil praised Hobart for this effort and others.
"We're overwhelmed with your generosity," he said.
The NARL class will be held Wednesday evenings from 6- 8 p.m. from Feb. 4 to March 25, with an FCC licensing exam set for April 1. It will tale place at the Wethersfield Volunteer Ambulance Building on prospect Street near mill Pond Park. Cost is $24.95 for a text book, and $14 for the exam, (which is due at the time it takes place).
Hobart said class participants do not need to buy radio equipment and added that it's a great skill and volunteer opportunity for middle school and high school students as well. To reserve a space e-mail mhobart@arrl.org.
More about the NARL can be found at http://www.narl.net
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