"Neighborhood Ham Watch" in Florida Retirement Community

Ham radio operators living in a retirement community in Tavares, Florida, have started a "Neighborhood Ham Watch" program with the blessings of the community's homeowners' association. Members of the Royal Harbor Amateur Radio Club set up the program to keep the 750-home gated community in contact with the Lake County Emergency Operations Center, nearby emergency management agencies and other hams in the event of a hurricane or other emergency that causes a loss of power and/or phone service. According to club Public Information Officer Ted Luebbers, K1AYZ, Royal Harbor's homeowners' association has made the Neighborhood Ham Watch program part of its overall disaster plan and authorized periodic setup and operation of the station to ensure readiness.