[Ares-races] Re: Insurance Coverage for Amateur Communicators (Dave Atwell)

[Lloyd A Colston]

On Wed,  7 May 2003 04:01:05 -0400 (EDT)
ares-races-request@mailman.qth.net writes:


> Recently in New York State the issue of amateur radio operators 
> being =
> covered by insurance during calls for assistance to local 
> governments =

This is also a problem in other States besides New York.

> Most local governments feel that this is an expence they can ill 
> afford. =
> Some county governments, even though they count amateur radio in 
> their =
> local emergency plans refuse to call out amateurs that are 

As you can see, I am in local government.  I keep amateur radio operators
on my local roster and I use them.  A plan is not a plan, if it is not
exercised.  Volunteers are useless, if they don't know where they fit.


> 
> What do you think? Is this at least worth a look on a national 
> level?=20

Well, lets look at the issue.

You state that you know of no claims against local governments from
amateur radio volunteers.  I don't have any data, but we'll assume your
statement is correct.  This is for two reasons, probably.  One, the
volunteers have insurance of their own to cover their claim (I know for
many years, I operated under this condition).  Two, the volunteers are in
support roles such as Emergency Operations Centers where the likelihood
of injury is greatly minimalized.

While the insurance, on a National level, would be nice (I think it would
enhance volunteerism).  Could it be obtained in a cost-effective manner? 
It's going to be hard to beat the price the County is paying per
volunteer now.

Additionally, during a Federal disaster, EMA volunteers who die or are
injured in the line of duty are covered.  Again, though, the disaster
MUST be a Presidentially declared disaster (just one more reason why EMA
is an important player along the paper trail).

Locally, I'd just as soon have people volunteer with our local EMA and
get them on the roster.  In appreciation of the hard work for the agency,
they are benefited by the training available and the workmans'
compensation insurance.


Lloyd Colston             Mayes County Emergency Management
Pryor, OK USA           http://www.geocities.com/mccem
        Vigilance is the keystone to preparedness.