Members of the Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association participated in a “Pandemic Flu” outbreak exercise on March 28, 2008 at the Cruiseport Terminal Building in Gloucester, Massachusetts.
“The exercise was first discussed at length and the participants were given a scenario to provide necessary public safety, health and support for the duration,” writes Bill Poulin, WZ1L, a member of CAARA’s Emergency Communications Group.
Thirteen amateurs from the group participated in the drill, which lasted five hours. Police, fire, EMS and logistics personnel from the Cape Ann communities of Manchester-By-The Sea, Essex, Gloucester and Rockport also participated.
“We utilized ‘WEBEOC’ (software) on 12 laptop-computers for the drill. Message traffic was developed and sent via computer which was then displayed on the wall so that all participants could keep in the loop of what was happening in their community,” adds Poulin.
During the question-and-answer period immediately following, Kevin Tully, Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency’s Area One Director commended the participants on their first drill.
Other CAARA Emergency Communications Group members participants were: Ron Beckly, N1RJB; Paul McDonough, W1PLM; Dr. Curtis Wright, AA3JE; Chuck Downey, N1OCT; Dr. Hank McCarl, W4RIG; Bill Canty, W1OKD; Bill Poulin, WZ1L; Don Calnan, KB1NWL; Briggs Longbothum, AB2NJ; Dick Copithorne, KR1G; and Linda Wright, KB1MWG.
Source: Caaramail