The New England Radio Discussion Society will demonstrate emergency communications during the national Amateur Radio Field Day exercise June 28-29 behind the Sea Road Church in Kennebunk. Visitors are invited after 2 p.m. Saturday, June 28 and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 29.

Operators will demonstrate communication abilities by voice, Morse code and various digital modes.

Every June, more than 31,000 radio amateurs, or “hams,” throughout North America set up temporary transmitting stations in public places to demonstrate ham radio’s science, skill and service to communities and the nation.

The event combines public service, emergency preparedness, community outreach, and technical skills in a single event. This year’s event is also noteworthy given that a particularly active hurricane season is predicted.

“Radio amateurs have a long history of serving our communities when storms or other disasters damage critical communication infrastructure, including cell towers,” said Susan A. Bloomfield. “Ham radio functions completely independently of the internet and phone systems and a station can be set up almost anywhere in minutes. Licensed hams can quickly raise a wire antenna in a tree or on a mast, connect it to a radio and power source, and communicate effectively with others.”

Visitors will have a chance to meet and talk with local ham radio operators and see what amateur radio is all about. Sea Road Church is located at at 140 Sea Road in Kennebunk.

For details about Amateur Radio Field Day, local club meetings or amateur radio, contact Alex Mendelsohn at 207-967-8812.