HAM Radio operators get ready for hurricane season with Field Day in Westlake

WESTLAKE, La. (KPLC) - With an active hurricane season forecast this year, HAM radio operators will be sharpening their skills this weekend in Westlake just in case they’re needed for emergency support. We spoke with Joshua Johnson and Michael Hardy this morning to get the details.

Ham radio operators from the Southwest Louisiana Amateur Repeater Club will be taking part in ARRL Field Day, which is a nationwide emergency communications exercise, from 9 a.m. Saturday, June 28, to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 29, at Pinederosa Park, located at 3104 Westwood Road in Westlake.

The public is invited to stop by and learn more about amateur radio and its vital role in emergency response situations.

ARRL Field Day sponsored by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), is the most popular on-air amateur radio event held annually in the United States and Canada. It challenges licensed amateur radio operators, commonly known as “hams,” to set up and operate temporary radio stations under simulated emergency conditions.

“Ham radio has a proven track record of stepping in when traditional communication fails,” said Joshua Johnson, KC5JMJ, president of the Southwest Louisiana Amateur Repeater Club. “Whether it’s a power outage, natural disaster, or infrastructure failure, we can be on the air within minutes—independent of the internet and cell towers.”

Participants in Southwest Louisiana will use battery, solar, and generator-powered equipment to contact fellow operators across North America.

In 2024, over 26,000 amateur radio operators participated from thousands of locations. The U.S. has more than 750,000 licensed hams, and an estimated 3 million worldwide.

Field Day also serves as a fun and educational event for all ages, promoting public service, technical skills, and international goodwill.

Everyone is welcome to come out to the event at Pinederosa Park, ask questions, and even try out amateur radio firsthand under the guidance of licensed operators.

For more information about Field Day or to get involved locally, you can visit their website HERE.