Many people don't know what a ham radio operator is.

"Unlike a CB radio that a person could buy and immediately use, ham operators are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission and must follow the rules and regulations of the FCC," says Charles Lum Kee, founder of the Virgin Valley Radio Club.

Ham operators must first pass the 35 question Technician exam to earn their license.

While this test is not difficult, it does require some study in order to pass.

The test is a combination of questions about radio safety, basic radio operating practices, radio fundamentals and FCC rules and regulations.

"We have many highly trained members in this club and we are here to provide help and training," said Rich Hansen, president of the club.

Hams engage in personal communications with other hams around the world as a hobby, but also stand ready to assist in emergencies when needed. There are an estimated 6 million amateur radio operators worldwide.

During the earthquake in Haiti for example, hams in Florida, Cuba, Venezuela, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico were available to help coordinate the collection and transport of supplies into Port au Prince.

Ham operators can be a vital link in the recovery efforts by providing backup emergency communications for state and local governments or supporting emergency service organizations like the Salvation Army or Red Cross.

In Clark County and throughout the nation, the Amateur Emergency Radio Service (ARES) is composed of amateur radio operators who volunteer their services to provide emergency communication in event of a disaster.

The Virgin Valley Radio Club is part of ARES.

In 2005, Mesquite and the surrounding areas were subjected to serious flooding and ARES was activated to support the Red Cross that opened a shelter in Overton.

ARES was also asked to assist the Red Cross in setting up a communications van in Mesquite.

The mission was to provide communications for outreach teams who were searching for people that needed Red Cross assistance.

"We are always looking for new members and are always willing to answer any questions about amateur radio," said Lum Kee.

"Our club is a resource for emergencies," he added.

"And we have a plan when disaster strikes," said Hansen.

Locally Mesquite has an excellent fire/rescue department and local citizens who work with the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), but it is possible that all telephone services and cellular services can fail in an emergency.

In the event of a natural or manmade disaster, all of these groups plus ham radio groups work together to help people in need.

The motto of Amateur radio emergency services is "when all else fails, amateur radio works."

The National Weather Service has the most up-to-date technology available to track violent weather events but when their computers go down, forecasters turn to amateur radio operators.

In many parts of the country, amateur radio operators are counted on to pass along vital weather-related information to emergency operation centers.

The Virgin Valley Radio Club meets once a month on the second Thursday at the Mesquite Lutheran Church, 450 Turtleback Road from 6 to 7 p.m.

The club has a weekly radio net check-in on frequency 449.750 on Thursday evenings at 6 p.m.

For further information, call 702-345-4646.