Community members interested in emergency preparedness and off-grid communication are invited to attend free General Mobile Radio Service and amateur radio classes this spring at Christian Health Care Center.
All sessions will be held at CHCC in Lynden and are coordinated by volunteer ham radio operator Tom Thweatt, who is approved as an official instructor through the American Radio Relay League.
GMRS training set for March 27
A free GMRS training session is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon March 27 at CHCC, 855 Aaron Drive, Lynden, Washington.
General Mobile Radio Service, commonly referred to as GMRS, is a licensed two-way radio service that allows individuals and families to communicate over longer distances than typical walkie-talkies. GMRS radios are often used during:
- Crisis situations where cell service is overloaded
- Power outages when cell towers are down
- Natural disasters such as windstorms or flooding
- Outdoor recreation including hiking, boating and off-roading
A federal license is required to operate on GMRS frequencies, but no exam is necessary. The class will explain how the system works, how to obtain a license and how GMRS can support family and neighborhood communication plans.
Five-week ham radio course begins April 10
For those interested in earning an amateur radio license, a five-week ham radio course begins April 10. Classes will be held Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon at CHCC, with one subject module covered each week. The final class is scheduled May 8, followed by a licensing exam May 9.
The course is designed to prepare participants for the entry-level amateur radio license exam. Topics include basic radio theory, operating procedures, regulations and emergency communication practices.
Why become an amateur radio operator?
Amateur radio operators play an important role during disasters when traditional communication systems fail. Ham radio is frequently used to:
- Relay emergency information to local authorities
- Coordinate response efforts during storms and wildfires
- Support search and rescue operations
- Provide backup communication for medical providers and community organizations
There is no cost to attend the GMRS or ham radio classes; however, registration is required. Participants are responsible for paying nominal licensing and exam fees directly to the licensing organization.
Christian Health Care Center incorporates ham radio into its crisis communications plan as a backup system if traditional phone or internet service is disrupted. Volunteer operators regularly participate in practice drills to ensure communication can continue during emergencies such as severe weather or widespread power outages.
Tom Thweatt is a valued volunteer who supports these preparedness efforts, and CHCC welcomes additional volunteer operators who are interested in strengthening the organization’s emergency communication capacity.
How to register
Space is limited, and registration is required. Interested individuals may sign up by calling Kari Gardner at Christian Health Care Center at 360-354-4434.