LAPLACE — Most people probably think of Ham Radio operators as hobbyists, men and women who spend their free time chatting with their pals on technologically outdated equipment just for fun.

They are, but in times of need, Ham radio operators also can be heroes.

Anyone who lived through the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Isaac remembers how modern communications systems failed.

It was the local amateur radio operators who had to step in to direct government agencies to areas where help was needed.

Lucky for all of us there are people like Steve Riley of LaPlace, who volunteers his time to St. John the Baptist Parish’s Emergency Operations during times of trouble.

“I spent Katrina at the EOC,” Riley said. “It wasn’t really scary until the next day when we started hearing about the flooding in New Orleans.”

After Hurricane Isaac devastated the LaPlace area, he helped set up a communications center to help rescuers.

Riley is a licensed Ham operator — actually he is extra licensed, having received the highest level qualification for amateur operators, which allows him to use more frequencies.

He also enjoys teaching his skills to others who are interested.

Riley and Joe Glorioso of Metairie are among the instructors leading an Amateur Radio License Class at Norris J. Millet Sr. Library, 2920 U.S. 51 in LaPlace.

Classes are held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through Aug. 30.

Even though the classes began Aug. 14, anyone interested may still attend.

The classes, which are free and open to the public, will teach all the information individuals need to take the first level, or technician, licensing exam.

A license is necessary to become a Ham operator.

“They will learn the basics,” Riley said. “They will learn all the components, the terminology and everything they need to take the test.”

Glorioso said there are nearly a dozen people who have started the annual class.

“They come from all walks of life,” said Glorioso, whose dad introduced him to the hobby.

Besides serving in times of crisis, amateur radio operators also help the National Weather Service.

“When bad weather hits an area, the Hams report it to the National Weather Service and that helps them send out severe weather alerts faster,” Glorioso said.

They also got involved in Monday’s historic eclipse.

“A bunch of guys put together a QSO Party in the path of the eclipse so they could talk to people around the world as the eclipse was happening,” Riley said.

For more information, call the library at 985-652-6857.