[PBARC] FW: [aresraces] How can we do this better?

[WOLF, EARNEST G]

Subject: [aresraces] How can we do this better?

The following is from the STX SEC, and is relevant to Arkansas as well.  I would like to hear ideas from the group.

J.M.


Several operational issues were identified during the Hurricane Rita response.

1.  Local and section-level resource requests were accepted by ARES without recording the name of the person making the request.  
Sometimes it was just "state EOC."  This is fundamental, yet it was often ignored.  These type requests require incredible effort to validate and complete.  Some came from out-of-state, and I am still trying to track down the person that requested them, several days post-incident, long after the need has passed.

2.  ECs and DECs did not provide status reports of agencies served, resources committed and needed.  I asked for these simple reports by 1900 local time daily.

3.  Out of area ARES volunteers were sent to assignments that the local ARES leaders determined were too exposed for safety, and had declined to meet the resource request on that basis.

4.  ARRL affiliated Amateur Radio club accepted a breif FEMA support request without any involvement nor even notification of ARES.  How the club president was notified is still trying to be determined.

My request for out-of-area ARES volunteers to form into teams seemed to have been reasonably well executed.  Although they were not needed, yet, I received several reports of teams being available.

Jerry
KK5CA
South Texas