[QCWA] National SOS Emergency Network / Midland Radio Press Release

Tue May 16 10:38:15 EDT 2006

Hi All,

Here is the entire text of the joint SOS/Midland DCC Press Release.  It gives a more complete picture than previous discussions based only on the statement(s) of those who are in opposition.

Putting aside all the claiims and counter-claims, it appars to this writer that SSOS words this way:   

1:  Put 100 mw  FRS radios into the hands of as many members of the general public as possible.

2:  Hope that the public figures out how to use them.

3: Hope that local hams within the range of the FRS radios will be listweninng during a real emergency.

4:  Hope that the ham llistening is one traioned in Emergency Communications.

5:  Also hope that the ham who hears the FRS message is in some way able to on-pass it up the chain of cpommand to whomever it needs to reach.

6:  Hope that the system can also work from the top-down.

My take:  As currently envisioned, far to much emphasis is being placed on "hoping" this or that will work and not enough emphasis on making certain that the entire chain opf command -- bottom to top and topp to bottpom -- is fully trained in Emergency Communications. I think Mr. Knight and those supporting his idea need to re-think it to include some form of "mandatory training" before permitting a person to be a part of SOS.  Otherwise, you will have the situation of 100's of thousands of unskilled operators, not reallly knowing what they are trying to do or say, all attempting to generate informationaal messages that will go no place.

Bottom line:  Knioghts basic idea is a good one, but it needs to be expanded to incorporate mandatory training of any operator who wants to be a pafrt of the network.  Otherwise, in a real-life situation SOS wikll provide very little in the way of assistance.

de
Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF (/2 in NYC the next ferw days)

Free Public Emergency Network - to be ready by Hurricane Season 

Supported by Midland Radio, REACT, DC Emergency Radio Network, and NationalSOS.com

The Midland Radio Corporation, REACT International, the DC Emergency Radio Network, and NationalSOS.com have jointly announced their support for the National SOS Radio Network - www.NationalSOS.com - a free communications network based on the estimated 100 million FRS-compatible radios already in the hands of the public... and growing by up to 12 million radios per year.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, it has become clear that a major contributing factor to the tragic loss of life was the near total breakdown of communication systems. Once electricity, telephone, and cell phone services failed, people were unable to let rescuers know of their dire situation - and died as a result. 

A simple, instant, and virtually zero-cost solution: 
A "National SOS" public emergency network - www.NationalSOS.com. This free public network connects the estimated 100 million Family Radio Service (FRS) and FRS / GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) combination radios already in use by the public with 700,000 amateur "ham" radio operators -- people renowned and prepared for emergency communications -- plus over 70,000 licensed GMRS radio users who are also proficient emergency communicators. 

The National SOS Radio Network doesn't require new laws or any new legislation. It could be effective immediately. Once the ham and GMRS radio communities are made aware to listen for the public's emergency FRS broadcasts, the national network will be up and running. The goal is to create initial awareness before the upcoming hurricane season. 

FRS radios and FRS / GMRS combination radios used strictly under FRS regulations don't require an operator license, can be used by anyone of any age, and are available for as little as $10 - $30 at many retailers and online stores. 

The National SOS initiative recommends that public use FRS Channel 1 as its primary emergency-communications channel. Channel 1 is easy to remember and has previously been endorsed by radio manufacturers and by REACT in 2000. For universal communication amongst radio users, it's important that the FRS radio's "privacy tone" or "privacy code" be turned off. During a crisis, ham radio, GMRS, and scanner operators can easily monitor FRS Channel 1 by tuning to 462.5625 MHz. Other FRS channels are being considered to create a "channel plan" for overall emergency coordination. See www.NationalSOS.com for an endorsed "channel plan" and related emergency-communication protocols. 

Eric Knight, a ham-radio veteran and developer of www.NationalSOS.com said, "We are honored to be teaming up with three fantastic organizations in the field of communications." Knight continued, "Midland Radio is a long-time pioneer in innovative radio technology. REACT International, Inc. has been at the forefront of an all-citizen emergency communications network for nearly 50 years and introduced FRS radio as an important public communications tool in 2000. And the DC Emergency Radio Network, DCERN, is a brilliant example of using FRS radios to connect people and neighborhoods in an emergency." 

Chris Oehlert, Marketing Communications Manager for Midland Radio, said in regards to the National SOS Radio Network, "Midland is pleased to support such an important effort. The importance of communication cannot be over emphasized, particularly in times of crisis." Oehlert continued, "Midland 2-way radios provide a reliable, inexpensive means of communication -- even in situations where other technologies are disabled." 

Since 1962, REACT -- Radio Emergency Associated Communications Teams -- has led major efforts in emergency communications and disaster-preparedness programs. Ed Greany, Executive Vice-president of REACT International, Inc., said, "REACT is pleased to lend support and encourage radio users of the Family Radio Service (FRS) and the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) to this important project." Greany added, "Both FRS and GMRS radios have already proven their importance and effective use in disaster communications in recent California wildfires." 

Bill Adler, the founder of the DC Emergency Radio Network, DCERN, said, "It's my vision to see that every household in American has an FRS or GMRS radio. As we've learned from 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and other disasters, without communications nothing else operates effectively." Adler continued, "I envision a national network of ordinary Americans with FRS and GMRS radios who can relay information in an emergency.

When a natural or manmade disaster strikes, the only good communications system is one that will actually work. The idea behind this new emergency network is to have a simple, reliable communications system that doesn't depend on electricity or standing cell phone towers - and that anyone of any age can use." 

For more details regarding the National SOS Radio Network, please visit: www.NationalSOS.com. 

Contacts: 

Chris Oehlert
Marketing Communications Manager
Midland Radio Corporation
816-241-8500, Ext. 245 

Ed Greany
Executive Vice-President
REACT International, Inc
301-316-2900 

Bill Adler
Founder
DCERN
202-986-9275 

Eric Knight
Founder
NationalSOS.com
860-673-2502

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