OREGON CITY, Ore. -- Ham radio operators were gearing up for bad weather with a planned practice drill in Oregon City Wednesday morning.

These amateur radio operators were vital during last winter's storm. They used radios to get help where it was needed when the power went out and phones went dead.

"We have people that have gear ready. We have go kits. Certain specific layered systems and go kits for a short time or all day, a two day and a seven day," said Dave Kidd, a amateur radio coordinator.

These folks proved their worth last winter, helping many flood and storm victims.

Governor Kulongoski actually set aside $250,000 in grant money to make sure every county could create a radio command center like the one in Oregon City.