Renton Emergency Communication Services (RECS), a group of amateur (ham) radio operators, will join thousands of other operators around the country in a test of their emergency communication capabilities in a 24-hour field day event.

The exercise will begin on Saturday, June 24, at 11 a.m. and end on Sunday, June 25, at 2 p.m.

RECS will set up at Fire Station 16, 12923 156th Ave SE in Renton. The event is free and open to the public on Saturday, June 24, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tours of the mobile communications response unit vehicle, which provides a mobile communications hotspot, will be available, along with ham radio activities, a photo booth, and a chance to talk live on the air.

This event is part of the annual American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Field Day Test. During the test, thousands of ham radio operators use emergency or alternate power sources under simulated emergency conditions. More than 35,000 amateur radio operators across the country participated in last year’s event.

Ham radio operators have provided critical communications in many recent emergencies. During a local disaster, normal communication channels may become inoperable and Renton’s amateur radio operators have proven to be a reliable low-tech source of communication available for the city.

For more information on how you can become an amateur radio operator or join RECS, visit their website or contact Renton’s Office of Emergency Management at 425-430-7723.