21/05/2025
**Broward County Amateur Radio Operators: Your Community Needs You—Step Up and Serve During Hurricane Season!**
# # # Step Up and Fulfill Your Patriotic Oath: Broward County Needs You
Hurricane season is upon us, and the time to act is now. As Federal Communications Commission Licensed Amateur Radio Operators, many who are members of W4BUG Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association and ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio, we have sworn a duty to serve and protect our communities when disaster strikes. Broward County ARES RACES urgently calls on you—the dedicated radio operators of our region—to step up and answer the call.
# # # # The Reality We Face
If a Category 5 hurricane were to hit Broward County, Florida, the devastation would be immense. Traditional communication systems—cellular service, E911, police, fire, and first responders—could fail. When these critical networks go down, the only lifeline left is the expertise and commitment of Amateur Radio Operators.
The county could need up to 50 designated hurricane shelters, yet only **five qualified** operators are currently willing to staff them. This leaves a critical **shortage of 45 operators**. Without enough volunteers, emergency communications at shelters could falter, leaving our community vulnerable.
# # # # Why You Matter
Amateur Radio Operators are uniquely trained to **relay emergency communications** when all other systems fail. We are the bridge between families in crisis and the emergency responders who can save lives. This is more than just a hobby—it is a calling, a duty, and an opportunity to **serve in the moments that matter most**.
The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) will release its hurricane predictions on May 22, 2025, leading up to the official start of Hurricane Season on June 1. We cannot afford to wait until the storm is upon us. Broward County needs your expertise, your commitment, and your dedication to public service.
# # # # Take Action Now
If you are an FCC Licensed Amateur Radio Operator, **your community needs you**. Join the ranks of those who stand ready to serve in times of crisis. **Contact Carol Sjursen (KJ4AWB) or Jeff Stahl (K4BH)** today—leaders who have dedicated themselves to ensuring Broward County Office of Emergency Management is prepared when disaster strikes.
Step up. Honor your oath. Become the vital link in our emergency communication network.
In the meantime, listen on Amazon Music DJ Gary’s (KQ4AYH) podcast from Playidy and SONIK VIBE that gives tribute to Amateur Radio Operators recorded live in the City of Wilton Manors.
Written by **Gary Metz, FCC Licensed Amateur Radio Operator** and member of **Broward County ARES/RACES**.
Post assisted by **Copilot by Microsoft**.
"THE HAM RADIO PODCAST: CONNECTING GENERATIONS THROUGH WAVES OF KNOWLEDGE AND SERVICE" (Updated May 25, 2024 - Produced on January 13, 2024, at the First Christian Church [https://fccwm.org/first-christian-church-of] of Wilton Manors, FL [https://www.wiltonmanors.gov] by Playidy™ [https://playid.....