It was a first for the Amateur Radio Emergency Service in Paducah [PUH-DUKE-KUH], Kentucky: responding to a mock emergency at a government-owned site that conducts nuclear deactivations and spent-fuel cleanup. Paducah is one of more than 100 government sites across the country handled by the energy department's Emergency Management program, which conducts nuclear remediation.

The hams, first-responders at numerous natural disasters throughout Kentucky, were now providing backup in a nuclear scenario.

According to a report on the department website, the hams got the word out, successfully transmitting emails over the radio from their mobile station inside a truck, reaching department headquarters in Washington, DC, as well as the project office in nearby Kentucky.

Myrna Redfield, program manager of the Four Rivers Nuclear Partnership, said that the first-time inclusion of ham radio meant that such scenarios gave an extra layer of resiliency to keep communication uninterrupted. She said: [quote] "Exercises like this not only enhance our preparedness but also strengthen ties with local responders who share our commitment to protecting people and the environment." [endquote]