Everyone is now aware that a disaster of unbelievable proportions has struck the people of Haiti. While nations all over the world are marshaling their efforts for relief supplies, doctors, nurses, medicine and rescue workers, information is still in short supply. Getting information into or out of Haiti is agonizing difficult, especially if it involves your loved ones.
One source of help is relatively unknown by the general public. Amateur radio operators (hams) train for just such emergencies, and assist in emergency communications and health and welfare messages.
If you are looking to contact a loved one, a great resource is the Salvation Army’s SATERN network (Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network). Anyone can go to the website www.satern.org and click on the button Health and Welfare Information Request (or go directly to: http://qso.com/satern/emailfrm.htm). SATERN volunteers will attempt to locate individuals and families, and get word back, often by amateur radio operators, who will then call the concerned parties.
We all feel helpless watching a disaster unfold when we can do little to help. Timely information about people we love can make the watching easier.
Gary Harrison WD9CPY
Marathon County ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Services)
