VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED!!
WMA ARES is holding a Simulated Emergency Test on Saturday, 04 October from 10am to 2 pm. Our scenario is a wide-spread power and internet outage that prevents us from using any of our repeaters that do not have backup generators. Our mission is to send and receive ICS213 traffic between selected shelter sites and MEMA Region 3/4 in Agawam, MEMA HQ in Framingham and FEMA R1 RCC in Maynard.
Our baseline capability will be by using VHF mobile stations at each shelter site, relaying voice messages to relay sites in advantageous locations. We would like to have each site equipped with a VHF mobile radio of 40-50 watts output and a full-sized (about 38") mobile antenna. The operator will be asked to copy messages by ear and transcribe them onto an ICS 213 form, and if not at the final destination, to relay the message along until it reaches its intended recipient. Each shelter site will likely send and receive one or two messages so the relay sites may be the busiest of all.
If you would like to be a part of this, please reach out directly to your DEC/EC:
| AA2T | Jerry | Rogich | Emergency Coordinator | Worcester North | Worcester | Worcester - North | rogich@gmail.com |
| KV1N | Matthew | St. George | Emergency Coordinator | Berkshire | Berkshire | Berkshire | KC1QHG@gmail.com |
MEMA has agreed to publicize this test among the western Massachusetts Emergency Management Directors. So far Plainfield, Ashfield and Leominster EMD's are asking if they can visit and observe our test.
This is a great opportunity to show that we can be of help when needed, but ONLY if we do our part.
73 de Chuck, WS1L
Amateur Radio Emergency Service ®Section Emergency Coordinator
Western Massachusetts