KPC — Kentucky Portable Club Kentucky Portable ClubEst. 2026
BEGINNER

FIELD SAFETY

ANTENNA SAFETY &
PARK MANNERS

Power lines, lightning, RF and trip hazards, plus how to be a good guest in the park.

KPC AMATEUR RADIO FIELD GUIDE

A good antenna day ends with everybody going home, the park looking like you were never there, and your radio still working. These habits get you there.

Look Up First: Power Lines

Before you unpack a mast, rope or wire, look up and check for overhead power lines. Stay well away, farther than the full height of your mast or support, and farther still in every direction the antenna or mast could fall or swing. If you’re not sure, move.

  • Don’t throw a line, or raise a mast, anywhere near power lines.
  • Fiberglass masts aren’t a safe shortcut. Wet or dirty fiberglass can conduct.
  • Never try to free an antenna that’s touching a power line. Stay back and call the utility or emergency services.
THIS ONE IS NON-NEGOTIABLEContact with a power line can kill. No contact is worth a park activation.

Weather and Lightning

  • If you can hear thunder, you’re close enough to be struck. Stop operating, disconnect the antenna from the radio, and get into a vehicle or building.
  • Don’t stay beside a tall antenna or mast in a storm, and don’t go back out right away. Wait until the storm has moved on.
  • Gusts can topple a mast, so guy it, and take it down if the wind picks up.

RF Exposure

Radio energy near an antenna can be a concern, especially at higher power. Portable stations at typical field power levels are low risk, but good habits are free:

  • Keep antennas out of reach, and keep people (and pets) from standing against the radiating wire or whip.
  • Keep the antenna away from your body and your seat while transmitting.
  • Use only the power you need. As an amateur you’re responsible for evaluating RF exposure, so check the current FCC and ARRL guidance.

Trip Hazards and Other Visitors

  • Hang wire ends and guy lines well above head height, or mark them with bright ribbon or flagging tape.
  • Run coax and ropes where nobody will walk, and keep everything off trails and paths.
  • Give other visitors room, and be ready to explain what you’re doing. It’s a great chance to talk about the hobby.

Being a Good Guest in the Park

You may use only public property inside the park boundary, and the park’s own rules come first. Check them before you go.

✓ Ask before you tie offRules about trees, stakes and antennas differ by park and agency. If it isn’t clear, ask the ranger or office.
✓ Protect the treesPad ropes where they touch bark, and don’t use nails, screws or anything that wounds a tree.
✓ Leave no tracePack out all wire scraps, tape, ribbon and trash, and take down everything when you leave.
✓ Stay on the right landYour station must be inside the park boundary and on public property.
✓ Don’t block anythingKeep your gear off roads, trails, picnic areas and parking spaces other people need.
✓ Mind the seasonsOn WMAs and other hunting land, check the hunting dates and wear blaze orange when required.
KPC FIELD SAFETY GUIDE →PARK RULES YOU SHOULD KNOW →

KPC FIELD REMINDER: Look up, listen for thunder, keep wires and people apart, and leave the park better than you found it.

73 from KPC — Operate Safe and Get on the Air!

KEEP GOING

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KPC tools and guides are planning aids, not official sources. We make mistakes. Do your own research and check official maps. KPC is an independent ham radio club, not part of Parks on the Air®, SOTA or WWFF.