During Atlantic hurricane season, many residents of Sun City Center, Florida might feel as if they are living in Storm City Center instead. A disaster radio program, managed by the Kings Point Amateur Radio Club, has been growing strong within this retirement community to address those concerns.

Launched six years ago, the program has woven an increasingly robust safety net and now provides assurance to as many as 800 residents, most of them between 70 and 80 years of age. It is all overseen by Eileen Bishop, AB9T, the club's emergency communications chair.

Low-power FRS radios are provided to those who pay a $15 program registration fee at the community clubhouse. The little handheld transceivers, which do not require a license, connect them to any of 25 control stations around the community who can monitor and transmit on a common channel using their own licensed GMRS radios. According to club vice president Eric Nisenfeld WA4EMN, most of these operators are also hams. The control center, Radio Alpha, is based at the clubhouse and hams there monitor the system as well. The control stations and Radio Alpha can both summon the appropriate emergency service when necessary.

Eric said associates are asked to check in at weekly nets at least four times a year to receive signal reports and ensure all is working properly. HOA and community management are also being added to the network.

Sun City Center may not be able to stop the hurricanes but with the power of radio, they can help residents brace for them.