The American Radio Relay League in Newington is sending 50 ham radio operators from around the United States to Puerto Rico to help people living in the country communicate with their loved ones abroad, according to the Greater Norwalk Amateur Radio Club.

"Sometimes the older technology just continues to work," says Paul Lourd, a local operator.

Lourd has family in Puerto Rico that he says he's been unable to reach. But with ham radios, he says, people can communicate across vast distances. It takes the radio itself and an antenna as simple as a wire strung between two trees, and they run on battery power without the help of complex technology.

"Hams can come in very quickly -- set up temporary antennas and temporary radios," Lourd says. "Basically assist the local authorities with getting messages back and forth."  

Lisa Neuscheler is also a ham operator. She says she will help relay communications from Connecticut to Puerto Rico.

"If we're able to do it, why not help?" she asks.