During most disasters local communications fail.  The Red Cross needs to be able to communicate with Government officials, volunteers, other chapters and the National Red Cross to provide the expected relief that the Red Cross has been known for. To do that we use volunteer Amateur Radio operators.

‘We always experience some loss of communication during some of the disasters that occurred in our region.” said Mike Zabko, Chief Executive Office Southern Maryland Chapter.  “Currently we have a memorandum of understanding between the two organizations [ARC & SMARC] which has a very positive impact in our ability to provide disaster communications to the Southern Maryland Community. We need to continually train new radio operators and prepare together for disasters that is why we are coordinating a new operators course” He continued.  

This is a 5 week course, one night a week.

Dates: July 5, 12, 19, 26, August 2

Time: 7:00 PM

Cost: $5.00

Location: American Red Cross Southern Maryland chapter headquarters 9255 W & W Industrial Drive, La Plata, MD

RSVP at ka3pox@verizon.net

Upon completion of the course, you will get the opportunity to take the exam. For those that are successful and obtain their license, you will be given a portable VHF HT radio free of charge to get started communicating.  The radios are being donated by LDG Electronics a local Southern Maryland company.

As a trained Red Cross emergency responder the volunteers of the Southern MD Radio Club will have the ability to ensure communications are not interrupted during times of disaster,” said Ken LaCapria, President of the SMARC organization. “We will be working together with the Southern Maryland Chapter to supply trained emergency communicators to further the Homeland Security preparedness that the Red Cross has been involved in both locally and nationally.” He continued.

The American Red Cross is the only non-governmental organization mandated by the U.S. Congress to “alleviate human suffering” of victims of disasters such as fires, floods, hurricanes, and technological and transportation crises. To continue its humanitarian mission, the American Red Cross, not a Governmental agency, relies on donations of money and time from the public.                                 

Your local Red Cross answers the call for help through the generosity and support of the citizens of Southern Maryland. 

Red Cross, We’re more than you know!