Ham radio operators Jerry Hill of Noblesville and Steve Stuckey of Sheridan (background) contact amateur radio stations around the world during a 24-hour, off-the-grid communications exercise from the Hamilton County Emergency Management communications van at Central Park in Carmel. Simulating a disaster that knocked out power and communications, the hams worked stations around the country and around the world, simulating the passing of emergency radio traffic. Proving the motto, “When all else fails – there’s Amateur Radio,” HCARES Radio Club Vice President Steve Stuckey operates radios simulating the passage of emergency radio traffic during the national disaster preparedness exercise. Anyone interested in obtaining an amateur radio license or volunteering as a member of Hamilton County Emergency Management can contact Joe March, public information office for Hamilton County Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (R.A.C. E.S.), at 748-1926.