Be there in time of need

The lights are out -- now what? It's a question being considered by a bunch of amateur radio operators who are ready to volunteer to help their neighbors on Staten Island during emergencies.

They're forming what they call the Neighborhood Emergency Watch Service (NEWS) for local hams with battery-powered radios who can keep communication open during natural or man-made disasters.

Known far and wide simply as "hams," amateur radio operators have a long history of public service during times of crisis. Their contributions were significant most recently in New York during the World Trade Center disaster, the 2002 Con Edison fire and blackout, the Port Mobil barge explosion on Staten Island and the blackout of 2003.

Over the past few years, there has been a major effort at the Pouch Boy Scout camp in Sea View under the direction of Rich Cariello to set up a way to provide a local means of emergency communication for Islanders.

In June, radio communications were on the agenda during an emergency preparedness weekend at Pouch Camp.

"A lot of people don't realize you don't have a lot of communication outside of radio" in a crisis, said John Nistico, adviser for amateur radio with the Boy Scouts.

Following the 9/11 terror attacks, Nistico was stationed at Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan, using ham radio links to facilitate work by emergency crews.

"It was something I hope I never have to do again," he said.

Yet there are all kinds of instances where the need for radio communications becomes vital. If you've ever tried to reach family or friends during a major crisis -- a big hurricane in Florida, for instance -- you probably have a good idea of what happens to telephone lines. They are often out of service or jammed with callers. Cell phones, cable or Internet links can also become overwhelmed, leaving communications erratic or nonexistent.

So hams on Staten Island are being encouraged to learn about and join an open network that will be used if necessary to pass radio traffic to those who need to receive it during emergencies.

This is why the NEWS operation is being formed. Membership in the Neighborhood Emergency Watch Service on Staten Island is strictly voluntary. There are no dues or fees. What is required is a valid amateur radio license and a willingness to participate when the need arises.

Free training will be provided by the NEWS operation.