CENTRAL OKLAHOMA

AMATEUR RADIO

EMERGENCY SERVICE

 

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                  A Little History...

Central Oklahoma ARES has had a great history in serving our community.  In April of 1995, the Alfred P. Murrah Federal building was bombed, killing 163 people. The Hams of Central Oklahoma responded. 74 Hams working around the clock for 14 days serving the communication needs for the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross.

In May of 1999, numerous powerful tornadoes swept across Oklahoma damaging over 500 homes.  Again Amateurs from all around Central Oklahoma responded to provide communication support to the agencies who assisted those who were affected by the wide spread damage.  

On May 8-9, 2003, tornadoes again visited Central Oklahoma,  On May 8th, a large tornado cut a path through the cities of Oklahoma City, Midwest City, Moore, and Choctaw. With in minutes, Amateurs were in the affected areas providing damage reports and working with the Salvation Army canteens. On the evening of May 9th another tornado swept through western parts of Oklahoma City and the town of Bethany. Even before the tornado had completed its devastation, damage report were coming out of the damage path.  Between the two events, over 150 amateurs provided reports; provided communications support to Salvation Army canteens; and in some cases, prepared meals for rescue and relief workers and victims during this disaster.

On a smaller scale, hams from Central Oklahoma have searched for lost children; and worked in support of emergency personnel at brush fires and currently play an active role in this regions AMBER ALERT system.

Central Oklahoma ARES has played an active role in The Oklahoma City Marathon and an annual triathlon benefiting The Ronald MacDonald House. We use events like these for training.