Amateur radio operators brush up on disaster scenarios in Central Louisiana

Most of us rely on our smartphones to communicate with others in our everyday lives. But what about when severe weather hits, and there's no signal to call for help?

Well, that's when ham radio operators can save the day.

So, many of them here in Central Louisiana are together this weekend at the Woodworth Education Center for the Amateur Radio Relay League Field Day. The Central Louisiana Amateur Radio Club is using that time to practice disaster scenarios so they can keep people in touch when other forms of communications fail.

We caught up with one member who's had his license since 1962. He said in many disastrous situations, it's the best way to communicate.

"Well, we have emergency in which we find that phones just aren't of any use,” said Jack Brossette. “After Katrina, even cell phones weren't of much use. There's still a need of communications, and we do emergency communications during those times. Amateur radio is a hobby, but it is a very useful hobby for the public in times of emergency."

The 24-hour-straight event wraps up on Sunday afternoon at 1. Everyone is invited to see what amateur radio is all about and how it can help in emergencies.