A wide-spread cyber attack has occurred. The origin is unknown. Time to resolve is unknown. With limited ability to load-balance, load-shed or coordinate electrical utilities are forced to manually manage power generation and transmission. Most areas are without power for most of the day although some power is provided for a few hours daily. With limited power available cellular and data networks are infrequently available. When working, connectivity is often limited to the immediate area. Shelters have been opened across the WMA section. Most are housing at-risk populations such as those dependent on electrically powered medical devices. Amateur radio impacts include the loss of analog repeaters EXCEPT for those with backup generators or solar power. Digital repeaters (data and/or voice) WITH backup generators or solar power are effective within their footprint but only those with AREDN mesh networking may pass traffic beyond their immediate coverage.
Here is our Mission - this defines WHAT we have been asked to do:
WMA ARES will establish radio communications between selected shelter locations and MEMA. WMA ARES will send and receive ICS213 messages between shelter locations and MEMA.
We have been in contact with MEMA HQ in Framingham, MEMA Region III/IV in Attleboro, and FEMA Region I RCC in Maynard. All of them are interested in the results of our test, and some of them may be able to activate that day. More details on that as I hear back.
We have been asked to demonstrate the ability to pass traffic from shelters in each of our Districts to MEMA. Here is what we have so far:
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Berkshire District Shelter |
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St. Elizabeth’s Church, St. Anthony Drive, North Adams, MA |
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Franklin/Hampshire Shelter |
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Greenfield Community College East Building, College Dr., Greenfield, MA |
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Franklin/Hampshire Shelter |
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Plainfield Public Safety Complex, 38 North Central St., Plainfield, MA |
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Hampden Shelter |
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Worcester North Shelter |
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Worcester South Shelter |
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As you can see, we are still trying to find a shelter location for Hampden and Worcester North and South. We do not need to set up at an actual shelter, a parking lot or public park nearby (say, under a mile away) would be sufficient to demonstrate our abilities.
We are looking for volunteers to come out on a Saturday and set up stations that can pass traffic to MEMA in Agawam or Framingham, WITHOUT using repeaters that do not have backup generators.
Simplex relays, NTS, Winlink, NVIS, any other methods are all fine. Remember, MEMA doesn't care HOW the message got there.
There is a willingness to see what we have to offer to MEMA and FEMA - will we take this opportunity or will we let it pass us by?
The choice is yours... please post to this email list if you would like to be part of this!