BURBANK : Emergency Radio Operators Sought

If a major disaster strikes, it may fall to a small group of radio operators to help hold Burbank’s rescue efforts together: the BEARS.

The Burbank Emergency Amateur Radio Service, commonly called the BEARS, is a volunteer organization that would help supplement the city’s emergency communications system, said Rich Baenen, the city’s disaster preparedness coordinator.

The city is offering a free, four-class program in November that teaches the skills necessary to pass the ham radio license qualifying test. The BEARS hope to recruit more members from that program.

Ham radio operators become vital links in emergencies when other forms of communication break down. During the hurricane disaster that struck Florida last year, state of the art emergency radio systems were knocked off the air and ham radio operators stepped in to fill the void, Baenen said.

The BEARS have about 40 members from all walks of life. The youngest is 14 and the oldest are senior citizens.

“There are many people who do it as a hobby and spend hours talking,” said Baenen, who passed his qualifying test two years ago but uses his radio mainly for emergencies. For example, he may use it to summon help if he sees a highway accident in the desert.

A small, hand-held, ham radio can cost as little as $300, or less if purchased used, Baenen said. Members also have to pay a minimal administrative fee to the Federal Communications Commission to get their license, he said.

The BEARS are part of Community Disaster Volunteers in Burbank, which is also looking for new members, Baenen said. People with military or medical experience are being sought, as are engineers who in the event of massive damage could help to check the structural integrity of buildings.

The training sessions for BEARS will be held Nov. 4, 9, 11, and 16 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Burbank Fire Training Center, 1845 N. Ontario St. To register for the class, call Baenen at the Burbank Fire Department.