Picayune council approves auxiliary ham-radio communications center for emergencies

The Picayune City Council on Sept. 16 approved a proposal to establish a volunteer-run auxiliary communications center that will use ham-radio repeaters and trained volunteers to provide last-resort communications during emergencies.

Tom Kelly, introduced by staff as the proposal’s lead, told the council: "What I'm proposing is to establish a communications center." He said the group would equip and staff the center, asking only for electrical service, antenna mounts and an intercom to the emergency operations center. "I will, equip it, pay for all the equipment, and staff it with trained, personnel that will be there at 7 by 24 during an emergency," Kelly said.

Kelly described the system as a stopgap when normal systems fail: "All all all of the police repeaters were down after Katrina. It was ham radio repeaters that the police use in order to handle calls," he said, adding that volunteers are FEMA-certified and trained in ICS forms.

A police department representative added that some officers and firefighters already have training and that the club holds its own training and certification. The presenter said the center will provide a General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) repeater to cover the downtown parade/8-block area and will establish direct communications with the EOC in Poplarville, police and fire dispatch.

Councilwoman Stevens moved to approve the request; the motion was seconded by Councilwoman Turnage and carried on a voice vote. The council authorized use of a third-floor room for the center and asked staff to coordinate the intercom and minimal electrical/antenna support.

The volunteer group said it will operate only during declared or actual emergencies and will coordinate with the city’s EOC.