Preparing for earthquakes, ham-style

We at American Legion Post 519 in Palm Springs, Calif., had local news media cover the Great California ShakeOut on Oct. 19, a local version of an international earthquake preparedness program.

The Palm Springs fire marshal and the Palm Springs emergency services coordinator stopped by to check out our facilities. Needless to say, they were impressed and had had no idea what we had at Post 519 in the realm of amateur radio communications.

This was a follow-up to our application to the American Red Cross to be an EOC in the event of an emergency. We are waiting for a MOU from the Red Cross to confirm the EOC status for Post 519. A key factor in approving the EOC is the communications present.

Thanks to the Auxiliary, particularly Leslie and Danielle, for their efforts to get the media to cover our event.