What happens when an earthquake knocks out power and phone service? Students at Valencia Middle School practiced how amateur radio can help keep people connected.
Approximately 80 students across three Amateur Radio class periods took part in the October 15, 2026 Great ShakeOut. The earthquake was simulated, but the radios and communications were real.
VMS students joined a worldwide preparedness effort involving more than 71 million people in 2026, including more than 19.2 million across the United States and its territories. More than 5,000 participants in New Mexico were reported by J. Carter, KI5MFF, the local VCARES Emergency Coordinator.
The Great ShakeOut is an annual worldwide earthquake drill that encourages people to practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” and review their emergency plans. Global coordination is provided by the Statewide California Earthquake Center at the University of Southern California, working with regional organizers and emergency preparedness partners. Schools, families, businesses, and community organizations can participate.
Students on the air
Multiple members of Valencia County Amateur Radio Emergency Services (VCARES) participated alongside the students. Stations reported whether they felt the simulated shaking, described exercise damage, and explained what radio equipment and backup power they had available.
Students used the school’s callsign, KJ5DZQ, and Mr. Kennedy’s callsign, KJ5AEV. A callsign identifies a radio station on the air. One student who already holds an amateur radio license participated using his own callsign.
The school station used a 50-watt amateur VHF/UHF radio, battery power, and a roof-mounted antenna, giving students practical experience communicating without relying on normal electrical power.
A portable station and a community effort
Beginning at 10:15 a.m., John Haney, KE0TVT, and George Cusack, K6GTC, directed the radio net from a portable station in the Jubilee Clubhouse parking lot. A net is an organized gathering of radio stations, with Net Control helping everyone take turns and pass information.
Their emergency-powered station included VHF/UHF and HF radios and a computer running Winlink, a system that sends email messages over radio. Net Control collected reports and forwarded county summaries to Bernalillo County ARES. The net remained active until 1:50 p.m. so students in later classes could participate.
At least nine Jubilee community members stopped by to learn about the portable station. VMS nursing staff also expressed interest in joining a future exercise, opening the possibility of broader school participation.
Preparedness that carries over
Although major earthquakes are uncommon here, central New Mexico does have earthquake hazards. Preparing for an earthquake also builds skills useful during flooding, severe weather, wildfires, and power outages. Clear communication, backup power, and teamwork help communities respond to many kinds of emergencies.
For students, the day offered a practical lesson: learning to communicate clearly and work together can help them serve their neighbors.
All earthquake damage and outages were simulated for the exercise.
Resources & further reading
The Great ShakeOut ↗2026 worldwide and U.S. participation announcement ↗New Mexico earthquake information ↗J. Carter, KI5MFF
Valencia County Amateur Radio Emergency Services