By Gavin Johnson, WCJB TV20 News

They're the calm eye in the storm making sure we're all safe when disasters strike.

Emergency radio operators or ham operators can send messages without phones, internet, or any other infrastructure in times of crisis. Some are spending this weekend making sure they're equipment is emergency ready. There are more than a thousand radio operators in North Central Florida. About forty of them are camping out at The Alachua County Farmers Market this weekend participating in the annual event "field day."

They're setting up equipment and testing it by talking with other ham operators around the world. Ham operators will be at The Alachua County Farmers Market all Saturday night and Sunday until two o'clock. They encourage everyone to stop by and learn techniques that will help you survive disasters. Plus you'll even get the chance to get on the radio and talk with other people all around the world.