[BARC-List] E. Mass. SET Results

[Tom Kinahan]

> > What  additional served agencies do you have in mind?
> > So far thanks to BARC, Salvation Army is playing, Red Cross played, a
few
> > Community EOCs participated. We'd like to invite more agencies to
> > participate.  Do you have any specific suggestions besides the above?
>
> I know that the Red Cross played in WMA, but I wasn't aware of any EMA
> participation.
>
It's tough to determine if by EMA you mean Emergency Management Agency or
Eastern Mass ARRL section... however.. There were a number of ARES groups
playing at city/town EOC's like Framingham, and if KB1CVH was at the public
safety building, that does work for Somerville EMA. This was primarly an
ARES drill however, since we didn't push for RACES/Emergency Management
stations to participate like the drill we did in March 2002.

 The EMass SEC and myself as well as the WMass SEC are working with the Red
Cross on a statewide basis to help them improve their communications. They
are a served agency, and all of the chapters across the state are looking
for individuals/groups to work with them on Red Cross/Amateur Radio
communications efforts. I know there was a good relationship with the local
Red Cross and the amateur radio community in the past, and I think they are
looking to renew similar bonds in the future with individuals or a group.
There are also a number of chapters north and south of the city that are
looking to do this. They are not at a point in most of Emass (except for
cape cod) where they can count on groups/individuals to help them as their
primary served agency.

 Hospitals are another potential served agency. Consider forging
relationships in that area. I know that the VA hospitals have implemented an
extensive drill network across the state, but not with dedicated people as a
primary served agency.


-Tom Kinahan N1CPE
  Massachusetts State RACES Radio Officer