[W3GV] American Red Cross Asks ARRL's Assistance with Puerto Rico Relief Effort

[ucdavid at aol.com]

American Red Cross Asks ARRL's Assistance with Puerto Rico Relief Effort

09/24/2017

The American Red Cross (ARC) has asked the ARRL for assistance with relief
efforts in Puerto Rico. ARC needs up to 50 radio amateurs who can help
record, enter, and submit disaster-survivor information into the ARC Safe
and Well system. In the nearly 75-year relationship between ARRL and ARC,
this is the first time such a request for assistance on this scale has been
made. ARRL now is looking for radio amateurs who can step up and volunteer
to help our friends in Puerto Rico.

Requirements

* There are very specific requirements and qualifications needed for
this deployment.

* Due to the nature of this deployment you will need to process in
as ARC volunteers. This includes passing a background check. The ARC has
indicated that it will cover all expenses for transportation, lodging, and
feeding while on deployment. ARC will also provide liability coverage for
volunteers. The only out-of-pocket expense to the volunteer would be
personal items purchased during deployment.

* ARRL and ARC will require training for volunteers being deployed.
ARC will provide general deployment training and advanced training in
working in austere environments. ARRL will provide to ARC training on
Amateur Radio equipment and modes to be used, reporting guidelines, and
operating guidelines.

* Deployment will be for up to 3 weeks.

Qualifications

* General class Amateur Radio license or higher

* Familiarity with WinLink, HF voice, and VHF simplex communications

* Strong technical skills

* Ability to work under difficult conditions

* Ability to deploy for up to 3 weeks

* Ability to work as part of a team

Helpful Skills

* Spanish language skills

* Previous experience in disaster response

* Previous or current work as a Red Cross volunteer

* Previous experience with shelter operations

If you feel that you meet these qualifications and would like to be
considered for this deployment, please email ki1u at arrl.org or contact ARRL
Emergency Preparedness Manager Mike Corey, KI1U (860-594-0222), who will
make the introduction of qualified volunteers to ARC.