Content provided by Winlink.org
Today, on the one-year anniversary of the M7.1 Ridgecrest Earthquake in Southern California, Winlink presents “Did You Feel It for Winlink Express”. Through cooperative efforts with the United States Geological Survey, Amateur radio operators worldwide can now report the effects of an earthquake at their location directly to the USGS.
The Did You Feel It (DYFI) system was developed by the USGS to tap the abundant information available about earthquakes from the people who experience them. By taking advantage of the vast number of Internet users, and Amateur operators with Winlink radio clients, the USGS gets a more complete description of what people experienced, the effects of an earthquake, and the extent of damage. And best of all, with Amateur radio’s help they can do so rapidly.
By providing a DYFI report when you can do so safely after an earthquake you contribute to citizen science and further the understanding of earthquakes. You also ensure that your area has been represented in the compilation of the maps of shaking. This is a two-way street: not only will you add valuable information on the extent of ground shaking and damage, but in the process we hope you will learn more about how other communities fared and gain a greater understanding of the effects of earthquakes.
Winlink is a technology that enables the use of radio frequencies to transmit email. It uses radio pathways where the internet is not present, and is capable of operating completely without the internet–automatically–using smart-network radio relays. The system is built, operated and administered entirely by licensed “Ham” volunteers. Winlink provides its users email with attachments, position reporting, weather and information bulletins, and is well-known for its role in interoperable emergency and disaster relief communications. Licensed Winlink operators/stations use both amateur radio and government radio frequencies worldwide. Support for the system is provided by the Amateur Radio Safety Foundation, Inc., a US 501(c)(3) non-profit, public-benefit entity. Winlink Global Radio Email®️ is a US registered trademark of the Amateur Radio Safety Foundation, Inc.
For more information, visit www.winlink.org.
