Be a Prepper
PARA offering Ham Radio classes
What exactly is a Prepper? “People that what to know what their plans are when things go bad,” said Tom Upton, president of the Porterville Amateur Repeater Association, PARA.
Upton said Preppers want to know how to protect their families when the “---- hits the fan.”
With that in mind PARA will be presenting classes to become a licensed amateur radio operator, allowing one to use a Ham Radio. PARA will present the classes for free during three Saturdays in September on dates to be determined. The classes will be held at a place still to be determined in Porterville.
Those interested will need to purchase a study book for the class they will own for $32. At the end of the third class the students will also take the Federal License Exam to become a licensed amateur radio operator which costs $15.
“There’s no cost for the rest of your life,” said Upton about the one-time cost to take the exam for the license which is good for a lifetime.
PARA has about 25 members who are ready to provide services during a disaster or emergency when communications are lost.
“Getting involved in this gives them one more skill,” said Upton about families having one more resource in situations such as when the power goes out.
With the recent Ridgecrest-area earthquakes, including the one that measured 7.1, disaster preparedness such as being able to use a Ham Radio has come to the forefront. Upton said PARA was ready to assist with communications if needed after the 7.1 Ridgecrest earthquake but phones in the area were still working.
But that wasn’t the case with the hurricane in Puerto Rico in which all communications were down and first responders needed ham radios. Jim King, another member of PARA, said the same could be said for Hurricane Katrina and 9/11.
Upton said arrangements for private tutoring could be made for those who wouldn’t be able to make all of the classesin September. For more information call Upton, 7894730 or visit portervilleham.com.