[ARRL-OK] PR101

[Mark D. Conklin N7XYO]

When the call goes out for Amateur Radio operators to respond in an
emergency, many of us run through a checklist in our heads and go. We ask
ourselves what gear we need to take. Do we have all the components? Power?
Cables? Antennas? Next, we look at our personal items and go thought a
similar list. What to wear? What will the weather be? Do I need food? Water?
Will I be staying over night? Lots of items on our checklists.

Many ARES groups have taken the time to put together callout kit checklists.
These check lists are broken into length of call outs: 1 day, 2 days, 3 or
more days, etc. Such checklists contain a great deal of good information.
(For a example of such a list see
http://www.tulsahamradio.org./ares_call_out_kit.htm )

I have one more important item that should be add to your checklist. Has
your group's Public Information Office (PIO) or Public Relations Chairman
been called? Has the PIO or someone called the Section's Public Information
Coordinator (PIC)? Public relations is a very important part of any call out
or public service activity. The best opportunity for the efforts of amateur
radio to be recognized by the media it to be notified before a scheduled
public service event or in the early stages of an emergency. ARES team
members will be busy doing their part in the coordination of personal and
traffic, it's the PIO and PIC job to be working with the media.

At many an event, I hear about the wonderful job hams have done AFTER the
event and it's now old news to the media. News for the media must be timely.
Does your group have a Public Information Office (PIO) or Public Relations
Chairman? Do you know how to reach him or her? Or does your group need a
Public Information Office (PIO) or Public Relations Chairman?

Please add my information (below) to your callout checklist. Please also
feel free to contact me with your recommendations for a PIO for your group;

Mark Conklin, N7XYO
Public Information Coordinator,
ARRL Oklahoma Section
(918) 366-2007 Eve.
(918) 622-6262 Ext. 25 Day
(918) 232-8346 Mobile
1-888-597-1492 Pager
n7xyo@arrl.net e-mail