[SFDXA] 2013 Simulated Emergency Test

[Bill]

It is time again for the Southern Florida Section to participate in the
ARRL nationwide Simulated Emergency Test (SET).  This year's theme is
an unspecified terrorist event that left your county without most power
and conventional phone and cell service.  Maybe power plants and
telecommunications companies were targeted.   In addition, several
areas of your county are being evacuated and shelters are being opened
for some reason.  Maybe there were radiological incidents such as dirty
bombs going off.  Your county has activated the amateur radio operators
to help out.

Of course, each Emergency Coordinator can choose an alternate scenario
if they want to.

October 5 - 6 is the official date for the SET.  While Saturday October
5th is strongly recommended so that countes can work togehter and
cross-communicate, each ARES group my pick an alternate date as
explained below.

  
The ARRL Simulated Emergency Test is a nationwide exercise in emergency
communications, administered by ARRL Field Organization Leaders
including Emergency Coordinators, District Emergency Coordinators,
Section Emergency Coordinators and Net Managers. Many other Section
Leaders like the Section Manager and the Section Traffic Manager may
have a hand in planning the exercises and/or reviewing the results.
Amateur Radio Emergency Service ® (ARES®), National Traffic System
(NTS), Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) and other
public-service oriented groups can be involved. The SET weekend gives
communicators the opportunity to focus on the emergency-communications
capability within your community while interacting with NTS nets.
Although the main SET weekend this year is October 5 -6, local and
section-wide exercises may be held throughout the fall season.
  
During September, the ARRL will be among dozens of organizations and
agencies taking part in National Preparedness Month. "The Ready
Campaign," produced by the Ad Council in partnership with the US
Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is aimed at making citizen
preparedness "a priority for every city, every neighborhood and every
home" in the US. The ARRL encourages you to consider this year's
Simulated Emergency Test and preparations for it as a demonstration of
Amateur Radio's readiness.
  
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How to Join the SET

To participate in this year’s emergency test, contact your local ARRL
emergency coordinator or net manager to find out the details. ARRL
Sections, ARES teams and nets may conduct their exercises anytime
during September through December. If you don’t know who to call, go
to the Southern Florida Section Website at WWW.SFLARRL.ORG, click on
the Section tab, then click on your county.
  
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Purpose of SET
  
1.      To find out the strengths and weaknesses of ARES, NTS, RACES
and other groups in providing emergency communications.
  
2.      To provide a public demonstration--to served agencies such as
the American Red Cross, the emergency management agency and through the
news media--of the value to the public that Amateur Radio provides,
particularly in time of need.
  
3.      To help radio amateurs gain experience in communications using
standard procedures and a variety of modes under simulated-emergency
conditions.

  
We encourage all Amateur Radio operators to participate (ARRL members
or not).

David Fowler, K4DLF, Secton Manager
Jeff Beals, WA4AW, Assistant Section Manager

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ARRL Southern Florida Section
Section Manager: David L Fowler, K4DLF
k4dlf at arrl.org
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