The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) is a network of
volunteer amateur radio
Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is the use of the radio frequency spectrum for purposes of non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, private recreation, radiosport, contesting, and emergency communic ...
operators that provide
emergency communications between
Salvation Army
Salvation (from Latin: ''salvatio'', from ''salva'', 'safe, saved') is the state of being saved or protected from harm or a dire situation. In religion and theology, ''salvation'' generally refers to the deliverance of the soul from sin and its c ...
posts, and pass messages with
health and
welfare information between the Salvation Army and the general public.
The group is open to amateur radio operators of all license classes, and of any (or no) religious faith. SATERN routinely operates on
VHF
Very high frequency (VHF) is the ITU designation for the range of radio frequency electromagnetic waves (radio waves) from 30 to 300 megahertz (MHz), with corresponding wavelengths of ten meters to one meter.
Frequencies immediately below VHF ...
and
HF ham bands, but may operate any mode on any amateur radio frequency during an event.
During the
Northeast blackout of 2003 the group was active in
Upstate New York as well as the Salvation Army headquarters in Manhattan.
When an
F-5 Tornado hit Joplin, Missouri on May 5, 2011, the SATERN units were activated as well.
They provided communications and helped with the distribution of water, ice, personnel items, food, and medical care. Food trucks were dispatched to many affected areas to provide meals to victims and emergency workers and law enforcement and assistance was given to victims that would show up. The distribution network also facilitated providing clothing and shelter for many people. The Salvation Army was providing the shelter and in-house eating facilities.
See also
*
Amateur Radio Emergency Service
*
Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service
References
External links
SATERN
Amateur radio emergency communications organizations
The Salvation Army
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