CRESTVIEW — Emergency communications will be maintained during a future storm that knocks down radio or cellular phone antenna if the City Council approves a memorandum of understanding with local ham operators.
And it wouldn't cost taxpayers a cent.
At the invitation of Councilman JB Whitten, who observed the North Okaloosa Amateur Radio Club in action during its recent field day, club President Ron Mahn  presented information about its communications capabilities at a Monday evening council workshop.
"In the event of any emergency call-up from (Okaloosa County) emergency services, they'll bring up one or more of our members," Mahn said.
A NOARC member would be stationed at the county Emergency Operations Center at the main Northwest Florida State College campus in Niceville while other members would be in position throughout Crestview and North Okaloosa County.
Portable antenna, some as tall as 28 feet, would allow communications via the club members' personal battery- or generator-powered equipment, Mahn said.
NOARC already provides communications services during city events such as the Triple B barbecue festival, the Christmas parade and the Fall Festival.
PUBLIC-PRIVATE
City leaders praised the potential public-private cooperation.
"A key element that allows a systematic and robust reaction to disaster is communications," Fire Chief Joe Traylor said.
"At worst case scenario, if we lose both communications sites, if we have access to an independent group that is trained and licensed, it is almost one of those no brainers," he said.
"I think it's fantastic and I appreciate the ham radio club presenting this opportunity to us, and I appreciate the chief taking this opportunity to provide us information to protect our citizens," councilman Shannon Hayes said.
Public Works Director Wayne Steele said that after experiencing communications losses during Hurricanes Opal and Ivan, NOARC's services are evident.
'A BIG BENEFIT'
During Ivan much of his time was spent driving from site to site as his crews worked to clear roads and directing workers to the next location because cell phone service was lost.
"If we had these guys (NOARC), that would've been a big benefit to send one (member) out with those crews and we could call and say, 'As soon as you're done there, get to this address and clear it because we have a house on fire and we can't get the fire department to them,'" Steele said.
"I'm afraid our next storm is going to be just as bad because we haven't had a storm come through and clean out the dead staff," Steele added, referring to dead trees and limbs.
"I endorse this proposal," Steele said.
"It is good for our citizens and gives us the ability to communicate internally," Traylor said.
Traylor will prepare a memorandum of understanding for execution between the city and NOARC and present it at the Sept. 12 City Council meeting.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview to partner with radio club for emergency communications services (VIDEO)