Radios for Disaster Preparedness
Last month we reported that a team of SUNA neighbors submitted a grant for two-way radios. This month we are happy to report that the City of Eugene has awarded SUNA the grant!
What will the grant do?
This grant will boost our disaster preparedness by setting up a neighborhood emergency communications network. Should extreme weather, fire, earthquake, or cyberattack disrupt telephone communications, this network will be able to send, receive, and forward messages. Eugene is implementing a city-wide emergency radio communications plan that will link similar networks that are being established in other neighborhoods. Thanks to our grant writers and leaders, Alan Meyer and Dave Regnier.
How will it work?
This project will train SUN volunteers and equip them with two-way radios for short distance communications. Gary Powell will take the lead in coordinating the training and practice sessions for the radio team. Nicole Johnson, a licensed ham radio operator, will serve as the network’s hub, linking it to a district HAM operator who, in turn, will be connected to the City’s Emergency Operations Center. To date, the neighbors who have volunteered to operate two-way radios include, in addition to Gary, Alan, and Nicole, the following: Larry Dann, Kipp Hammon, Kari Parsons, Megan Haight, Tony Kaperick, Meg Saxon, and John Lehman-Winters. Thanks to all our neighborhood volunteers!
Why does it matter?
Oregon is at risk of a major earthquake along the Cascadia Subduction Zone (if you haven’t read this article yet, you should!) and climate change has exacerbated the risk of extreme fires. In a major disaster, emergency services are likely to be overwhelmed, so neighborhoods need to be prepared to care for each other in times of need.
The Cities of Eugene and Springfield continue to work with the University of Oregon to build a culture of preparedness in our community. By increasing the community’s overall disaster resilience by providing tools and resources, such as this grant to purchase radios, this partnership is working towards one goal—overall disaster preparedness.