Jun 26, 2025 - News

Ham radio field day preps Seattle for disaster

Christine Clarridge

Seattle ham radio buffs deploy antennas and off-grid gear at South Seattle College for the national disaster-readiness drill. Photos: Courtesy of Tim Helming/Seattle ACS

Seattle's amateur radio buffs are practicing going off-grid this weekend for a disaster prep field day — and you're invited to join.

Why it matters: During earthquakes, power outages, and other disasters, ham radio is often the last, and most reliable, form of communication when power and cell service goes down, Tim Helming, director of Seattle Auxiliary Communications Service, told Axios in an email.

It lets people use their own equipment to talk across town, the world and even into space, according to Ham Radio Prep.

What's happening: The annual Amateur Radio Field Day at South Seattle College on Saturday and Sunday will simulate disaster conditions by relying solely on battery, solar and radio power — no internet, no cell towers, no local grid.

The campus's north field will become a hub for emergency-ready tech and topics, from solar-powered antennas to Morse code signals.
Visitors can try long-distance radio, brush up on first aid and get DIY disaster tips, all for free.

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Ham radio field day preps Seattle for disaster

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