Ham Radio Antennas

Installation of important communication equipment provides a safety net for times of emergency.

by Sandra Cooper

With the 2021 “snowmageddon,” we saw firsthand what happens when a storm wipes out the normal day- to-day communication. Local and state government agencies often don’t know until an event if the phone lines will be available. Communication in severe weather events is critical and can be the difference between life and death.

A common saying in Texas is “If you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute.” Tornadoes, flash floods, damaging wind storms, severe drought, heat waves, and the occasional “snowmageddon” are no strangers to Texas and can happen all within a span of 24 hours. Where the weather is concerned, Texas can be unpredictable.

To ensure communication during difficult circumstances, the Hurst Texas Stake recently installed five ham radio antennas on the stake center building for emergency communication capability within the local community. Through these antennas, ham radio operators are able to communicate across the entire United States, and in other countries around the world. Ham radio equipment allows for communication and the relay of vital information.

This undertaking was two years in the making. It involved the collaboration of many individuals and the dedication of three contractors working all four Saturdays in January. Considering the scope of this undertaking, Pat Autrey of the Hurst Texas Stake said: “It was obvious to us that the hand of the Lord was blessing our efforts during this project, we were witnesses to several small miracles. It was amazing to see that every Saturday we had good weather, and we were never prevented from working because of the weather.”

Sandra Cooper serves as a Hurst Stake Website Editor and Reporter. She is foremost a daughter of God who knows she is loved by Him. She delights in nothing more than striving to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and to honor His name. Nothing brings Sandra more joy than being a wife and mother. She is by nature a home body where she enjoys living a simplified life.