Emergency Communications

Hello to all..

***EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS ARES REMAINS ON STAND-BY FOR ALL AREAS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO IMPACTS FROM MAJOR NOREASTER IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND***
***POWER BEING RESTORED HOWEVER OVER 180,000 REMAIN WITHOUT POWER IN MASSACHUSETTS AS OF WEDNESDAY EVENING***

In the aftermath of the significant early season nor’easter, several shelters continue to be open to assist people that had no heat or electricity at their residence.  Additionally, numerous roads remain blocked due to downed trees and wires. If you have any pictures of storm damage, please continue to send them to pics at nsradio.org and credit will be given to the spotter when forwarding to media, emergency management, and the National Weather Service unless otherwise noted.  Here is the latest Post Historic October Major Nor’easter Coordination message that includes the latest Local Storm Reports and Public Information Statements from NWS Taunton and other important resources that may be useful to people in the affected area and also includes a link to the ARRL web story on the Amateur Radio response to the major nor’easter which is also included separately in this message:

Post Historic October Major Nor’easter Coordination Message #3: http://www.wx1box.org/node/1539

ARRL Web Story – Amateurs Assistat with Comminications in Aftermath of Rare October Nor’easter : http://www.arrl.org/news/amateurs-assist-with-communications-in-aftermath-of-rare-october-nor-easter

Most communications infrastructure remains in-tact throughout the region although there have been localized groups supporting communications needs in isolated areas in Massachusetts.  It is possible that additional requests may come in throughout the next day or two and ARES leadership continues to closely monitor the situation in the event additional requests for support are in fact received.

We received word shelter operations in Lexington Massachusetts appear to have ended. This is because the shelter has been closed and most of the power in Lexington has now been restored.

Shelter operations in the town of Westford continue and are expected to continue through at least Thursday Morning. Power is being restored in the Westford area as Terry-KA8SCP and others reported getting power back this evening. Terry Stader-KA8SCP shelter operations update appears in the ARRL web story and in Tuesday’s Eastern Massachusetts ARES Stand-By Message.

In Western Massachusetts, ARES had received a request for Red Cross shelter communications support in the Sturbridge area. Western Massachusetts ARES lined up a few Ham Operators to support the effort but the Red Cross determined that they had enough communications support and cancelled the Ham Radio support request. The situation will be monitored in case the need for Ham Radio communications is required later for this area or other areas.

In Connecticut, there are still over 490,000 without power. Connecticut ARES is in a level 2 stand-by and is monitoring the situation but have no unmet needs at present. Eastern Massachusetts ARES will continue to monitor that situation in case support is needed in Connecticut as the situation in Eastern Massachusetts continues to stabilize.

It is expected that EMA ARES will remain on stand-by through at least Friday largely monitoring the need for ARESMAT support to Western Massachusetts and/or Connecticut but also monitoring the situation in Westford though conditions appear to be improving there. We continue to compile a list of availability for ARESMAT deployment if needed for various local EOC’s, Red Cross, Salvation Army, NWS Storm Survey Teams, and hospitals as required. When sending your availability, please send the following: Name, Call-sign, License Class, Capability (HF / VHF / UHF), Availability, and any other special notes we should be aware of. We ask that as you contact your DEC, please send a copy of the message to aresmat@nsradio.org where multiple members of the EMA ARES Leadership will be able to access your availability.  As always, keep your situational awareness level high for any updates from ARES leadership by checking your email for updates and our ARES web site at http://ares.ema.arrl.org and monitoring local SKYWARN/ARES/RACES frequencies for any updates on this developing situation.

What is ARES Stand-By mode?

ARES stand-by mode is to alert Amateurs within ARES that a mobilization is possible on a wide-scale and that some localized mobilizations are or could be taking place in isolated areas. It means to take a look at your Go-Kit and have batteries and equipment ready to go and charged up and take care of any requirements at home in case a mobilization is required and you can participate. Do NOT self-deploy. Wait for guidance from leadership for any deployment. It is an honor to be ready even if you don’t deploy for the event. Hopefully, this is just another exercise of our preparedness and capabilities. If not, the ARES leadership looks forward to working with you if any wide scale mobilization is required after the impact of this major storm to the region is fully understood.

The next update to this message will be issued no later than Friday Evening. Thanks for your continued support of Eastern Massachusetts ARES!

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://www.wx1box.org

Hello to all..

***EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS ARES REMAINS ON STAND-BY FOR ALL AREAS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO IMPACTS FROM MAJOR NOREASTER IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND***
***POWER SLOWLY BEING RESTORED HOWEVER OVER 300,000 REMAIN WITHOUT POWER IN MASSACHUSETTS AS OF 1PM TUESDAY***
***NON-COMMUNICATIONS SHELTER SUPPORT STILL NEEDED FOR THE TOWN OF LEXINGTON***

In the aftermath of the significant early season nor’easter, several shelters opened overnight to assist people that had no heat or electricity at their residence.  Additionally, numerous roads remain blocked due to downed trees and wires, so it could be several hours if not days before the full impact of this storm is realized. If you have any pictures of storm damage, please continue to send them to pics at nsradio.org and credit will be given to the spotter when forwarding to media, emergency management, and the National Weather Service unless otherwise noted.  Here is the latest Post Historic October Major Nor’easter Coordination message that includes the latest Local Storm Reports and Public Information Statements from NWS Taunton and other important resources that may be useful to people in the affected area:

Post Historic October Major Nor’easter Coordination Message #2: http://www.wx1box.org/node/1536

We have received another request for additional volunteers in the Town of Lexington where a shelter has opened at the Lexington High School on Waltham St. They are looking for more operators to assist with shelter operations, however please note that this is mostly a non-communications role.  As of Tuesday Afternoon, much of Lexington remained without power and the shelter will remain open. If you are interested and/or available to assist with this request, please contact your EC/DEC who will forward your information to the proper contact.  If conditions change throughout the day and the request is cancelled, we will let you know accordingly.

Most other communications infrastructure remains in-tact throughout the region although there have been localized groups supporting communications needs in isolated areas in Massachusetts.  It is possible that additional requests may come in throughout the day and ARES leadership continues to closely monitor the situation in the event additional requests for support are in fact received.

Terry Stader-KA8SCP reported that Westford has one shelter open at the Blanchard Middle School and it is being staffed by the PART of Westford members who are also a part of Northern Middlesex County ARES working in conjunction with the Upper Merrimack Valley MRC. PART members along with the North Middlesex MA ARES team members having been providing services to this area Medical Reserve Team for many years. The shelter operation has seen upwards of 66 attendees at the peak to warm up, get a hot meal. Some return to their homes, still without power.

With almost 30% of the town still without power 3 days after the storm hit the region, the shelter will remain open for a number of days yet. The Cameron Senior Center is also open as a warm up center for residents which is also staffed by a ham radio operators. The Amateur Radio operators who are assisting to date: Hugh Maguire-N1QGE, Alan Martin-W1AHM, Ken Rolt-KB1FFM and Terry Stader-KA8SCP. The Eastern Massachusetts ARES leadership has offered Terry-KA8SCP additional Ham Radio support if he requires it.

It is expected that EMA ARES will remain on stand-by through at least Thursday Evening. We continue to compile a list of availability for ARESMAT deployment if needed for various local EOC’s, Red Cross, Salvation Army, NWS Storm Survey Teams, and hospitals as required. When sending your availability, please send the following: Name, Call-sign, License Class, Capability (HF / VHF / UHF), Availability, and any other special notes we should be aware of. We ask that as you contact your DEC, please send a copy of the message to aresmat@nsradio.org where multiple members of the EMA ARES Leadership will be able to access your availability.  As always, keep your situational awareness level high for any updates from ARES leadership by checking your email for updates and our ARES web site at http://ares.ema.arrl.org and monitoring local SKYWARN/ARES/RACES frequencies for any updates on this developing situation.

What is ARES Stand-By mode?

ARES stand-by mode is to alert Amateurs within ARES that a mobilization is possible on a wide-scale and that some localized mobilizations are or could be taking place in isolated areas. It means to take a look at your Go-Kit and have batteries and equipment ready to go and charged up and take care of any requirements at home in case a mobilization is required and you can participate. Do NOT self-deploy. Wait for guidance from leadership for any deployment. It is an honor to be ready even if you don’t deploy for the event. Hopefully, this is just another exercise of our preparedness and capabilities. If not, the ARES leadership looks forward to working with you if any wide scale mobilization is required after the impact of this major storm to the region is fully understood.

The next update to this message will be issued no later than Thursday Morning. Thanks for your continued support of Eastern Massachusetts ARES!

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://www.wx1box.org

Hello to all..

***EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS ARES REMAINS ON STAND-BY FOR ALL AREAS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO IMPACTS FROM MAJOR NOREASTER IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND***
***POWER SLOWLY BEING RESTORED HOWEVER OVER 500,000 WITHOUT POWER IN MASSACHUSETTS AS OF 10AM MONDAY***

***NON-COMMUNICATIONS SHELTER SUPPORT REQUESTED FOR TOWN OF LEXINGTON***

In the aftermath of the significant early season nor’easter, several shelters opened overnight to assist people that had no heat or electricity at their residence.  Additionally, numerous roads remain blocked due to downed trees and wires, so it could be several hours if not days before the full impact of this storm is realized. If you have any pictures of storm damage, please continue to send them to pics@nsradio.org and credit will be given to the spotter when forwarding to media, emergency management, and the National Weather Service unless otherwise noted.  Here are the latest Local Storm Reports and Public Information Statements from NWS Taunton:

Local Storm Report (Damage): http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.nwus51.KBOX.html
Public Information Statement (Wind/Snowfall): http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.nous41.KBOX.html

We have received a request for additional volunteers in the Town of Lexington where a shelter has opened at the Lexington High School on Waltham St.  They are looking for 5 operators to assist with shelter operations, however please note that this is mostly a non-communications role.  As of early Monday morning, there were approximately 50 clients in this shelter with nearly 75% of the town without power.  If you are interested and/or available to assist with this request, please contact your DEC who will forward your information to the proper contact.  If conditions change throughout the day and the request is cancelled, we will let you know accordingly.

Most other communications infrastructure remains in-tact throughout the region although there have been localized groups supporting communications needs in isolated areas in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.  It is possible that additional requests may come in throughout the day and ARES leadership continues to closely monitor the situation in the event additional requests for support are in fact received. 

It is expected that EMA ARES will remain on stand-by through tonight into Tuesday. We continue to compile a list of availability for ARESMAT deployment if needed for various local EOC’s, Red Cross, Salvation Army, NWS Storm Survey Teams, and hospitals as required. When sending your availability, please send the following: Name, Call-sign, License Class, Capability (HF / VHF / UHF), Availability, and any other special notes we should be aware of. We ask that as you contact your DEC, please send a copy of the message to aresmat@nsradio.org where multiple members of the EMA ARES Leadership will be able to access your availability.  As always, keep your situational awareness level high for any updates from ARES leadership by checking your email for updates and our ARES web site at http://ares.ema.arrl.org and monitoring local SKYWARN/ARES/RACES frequencies for any updates on this developing situation.

What is ARES Stand-By mode?

ARES stand-by mode is to alert Amateurs within ARES that a mobilization is possible on a wide-scale and that some localized mobilizations are or could be taking place in isolated areas. It means to take a look at your Go-Kit and have batteries and equipment ready to go and charged up and take care of any requirements at home in case a mobilization is required and you can participate. Do NOT self-deploy. Wait for guidance from leadership for any deployment. It is an honor to be ready even if you don’t deploy for the event. Hopefully, this is just another exercise of our preparedness and capabilities. If not, the ARES leadership looks forward to working with you if any wide scale mobilization is required after the impact of this major storm to the region is fully understood.

The next update to this message will be issued no later than Tuesday Evening. Thanks for your continued support of Eastern Massachusetts ARES!

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://www.wx1box.org

Hello to all..

***EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS ARES TO GO ON STAND-BY FOR ALL AREAS EFFECTIVE 6:00 PM SATURDAY OCTOBER 29TH 2011, UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO POTENTIAL IMPACTS FROM AN EARLY SEASON NOR’EASTER CAPABLE OF CAUSING SIGNIFICANT TREE AND WIRE DAMAGE FROM HEAVY WET SNOW ACCUMULATION COUPLED WITH FOILIAGE LEFT ON TREES OVER INTERIOR MASSACHUSETTS***

An anomalous early season nor’easter is expected to impact much of Southern New England including Massachusetts Saturday Night into Sunday. The main concern prompting the ARES Stand-by activation is the threat for heavy wet snow in interior Massachusetts especially along and west of I-495 coupled with foiliage left on trees causing widespread tree and power line damage and power outages. Other impacts will include strong to damaging winds, heavy rainfall along and southeast of the Boston to Providence RI corridor and minor to moderate coastal flooding in East Coastal Massachusetts and Cape Cod and the Islands though this should be typical nor’easter impacts versus the heavy wet snow threat which looks much more serious. For further meteorological updates, please see the NWS Taunton SKYWARN home page at http://www.wx1box.org   

In advance of the storm, please advise your local EC/DEC/ADEC of your availability to support a potential deployment anytime from Saturday evening, 10/27 through early next week. We are creating a list of availability for ARESMAT deployment if needed for various local EOC’s, Red Cross, Salvation Army, NWS Storm Survey Teams, and hospitals as required. Keep your situational awareness level high for any updates from ARES leadership by checking your email for updates and our ARES web site at http://ares.ema.arrl.org and monitoring local SKYWARN/ARES/RACES frequencies for any updates on this developing situation.

When sending your availability, please send the following:  Name, Call-sign, License Class, Capability (HF / VHF / UHF), Availability, and any other special notes we should be aware of.  We ask that as you contact your DEC, please send a copy of the message to aresmat@nsradio.org where multiple members of the EMA ARES Leadership will be able to access your availability.

What is ARES Stand-By mode?

ARES stand-by mode is to alert Amateurs within ARES that a mobilization is possible on a wide-scale and that some localized mobilizations are or could be taking place in isolated areas. It means to take a look at your Go-Kit and have batteries and equipment ready to go and charged up and take care of any requirements at home in case a mobilization is required and you can participate. Do NOT self-deploy. Wait for guidance from leadership for any deployment. It is an honor to be ready even if you don’t deploy for the event. Hopefully, this is just another exercise of our preparedness and capabilities. If not, the ARES leadership looks forward to working with you if any wide scale mobilization is required after the impact of this major storm to the region is fully understood.

Thanks for your continued support of Eastern Massachusetts ARES!

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://www.wx1box.org

Hello to all..

Hurricane Irene had a significant impact across the US East Coast from North Carolina to New England and this was featured in the September edition of the ARES E-Letter. A significant article on the efforts of the Eastern and Western Massachusetts sections along with an article on the Connecticut section was featured in the ARES E-Letter. Other sections impacted were also part of the ARES E-Letter. A link to this ARES E-Letter article is listed below:

http://www.arrl.org/ares-el?issue=2011-09-28

We again want to thank everyone who supported deployments, storm reporting and all the administrative tasks that were required to make our efforts during Hurricane Irene a success. Thanks to all for their support!

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator       
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://www.wx1box.org

Hello to all…

A reminder that the monthly ARES Net for September is rapidly approaching. The monthly ARES Net for September is Monday September 12th, 2011, at 8:30 PM on the MMRA Repeater system. This is after the RACES Nets earlier in the evening. For frequencies that will be linked into the ARES Net on the MMRA Network, please see the following link from the MMRA web site and the repeaters that will be linked in will be through Hub 1:

http://www.mmra.org/repeaters/map.html

In addition, if the Echo-IRLP node on the MMRA hub is available, we will likely link that to the New England Reflector system on IRLP 9123/Echolink Conference *NEW-ENG* Node: 9123.

Make this second Monday of the month due to a holiday on the first Monday of the month, “Emergency Communications Night” and check into your local RACES Net and then check into the ARES Net on the MMRA Repeater System. We look forward to your participation and remember, we are always looking for Net Controls to run the ARES Net.

We will have several interesting announcements for the net that evening and we look forward to everyone’s participation. Updates will be posted via email and on the Eastern Massachusetts ARES Web Site at http://ares.ema.arrl.org

Thanks for your continued support of ARES!

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator        
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://www.wx1box.org

Hello to all..

..EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS ARES STAND-BY LIFTED AS OF 330 PM TUESDAY AUGUST 30TH 2011
AS THE AREA CONTINUES TO RECOVER FROM THE IMPACT OF HURRICANE IRENE..

Hurricane Irene caused widespread pockets of tree and wire damage across the
region. Irene knocked out power to over 600,000 residents in Massachusetts.
Those numbers as of this message wirting was down to approximately 215,000
people. Eastern Massachusetts ARES supported the following activities as
Irene impacted the region:

-ARES Support of NWS Taunton SKYWARN Operations and reportds from SKYWARN
Nets from across the entire NWS Taunton County Warning Area
-ARES support of the city of Boston and town of Carver EOCs
-ARES Support of Red Cross Regional Shelters that were established
-Support and communications to the FEMA Region 1 Federal Response Center
-Cape Cod ARES supported 7 shelters, Red Cross EOC Staffing, staffing at
the Mutual Aid Coordination Center (MACC) and Nantucket ARES supported a
shelter and primary and backup EOC communication.
-CAARA (Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association) supported the Gloucester EOC with three net control operators and one operator to Addison Gilbert Hospital, (part of the Northeast Health System).
-An ARESMAT was nearly required for Franklin County Massachusetts and
Western Massachusetts ARES. Several Amateurs were nearly deployed to support
issues caused by severe flooding in Franklin County Massachusetts but the
needs were covered in Western Massachusetts and those operations were
completed by Monday Evening August 29th.

The National Weather Service in Taunton has posted their Local Storm Report
and Public Information Statement on wind meassurements, river, stream, urban
and storm surge flooding reports as well as rainfall and measured wind
gust information. This information can be seen in their reports via the
following links embedded into the Post Hurricane Irene Coordination
Message #1:

NWS Taunton Local Storm Report Link:
http://www.wx1box.org/local/LSR_8_28_11.txt

NWS Taunton Public Information Statement link:
http://www.wx1box.org/local/pns_8_28_11.txt

A Hurricane Irene Post Tropical Cyclone Report will likely follow in the
coming days or weeks. This will be covered under a Post Hurricane Irene
Coordination Message that will be posted on the WX1BOX, NWS Taunton
Amateur Radio Station Home Page via the following link:

http://www.wx1box.org

A great thank you to all the Amateur Radio SKYWARN Spotters, non-Amateur
Radio SKYWARN Spotters and Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) members
for their support in Hurricane Irene. The efforts made by
everyone helped save lives and is greatly appreciated by the National
Weather Service, American Red Cross, and local, state and
federal emergency management.

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://www.wx1box.org

Hello to all..

***EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS REMAINS ON STAND-BY STATUS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO POTENTIAL IMPACTS FROM HURRICANE IRENE***
***WE HAVE RECEIVED SEVERAL REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE IN ADVANCE OF THE STORM AND ARE WORKING THROUGH OUR AVAILABILITY LIST.  PLEASE NOTIFY YOUR EC/DEC/ASEC/SEC OF YOUR AVAILABILITY AS OUTLINED BELOW***

Hurricane Irene made landfall this morning along the outer banks of North Carolina and slowly continues her track towards the Southern New England region.  All computer model guidance products have are now in agreement that Irene will travel up the coast overnight tonight and make landfall along Long Island and Southern CT (possibly Coastal RI) as a Category-1 Hurricane. Should the storm make landfall, this would be the first land falling hurricane in New England since Bob of 1991. Most importantly, Irene has a significantly large wind-field with strong winds being felt well away from the storm center.  For further meteorological updates, please see the NWS Taunton SKYWARN home page at http://www.wx1box.org

We are continuing to collect availability for potential deployment to some of our served agencies.  As of Saturday morning, 8/27, we have received several requests in advance of the storm including local EOC’s, American Red Cross, and hospital locations.  We are currently reviewing all submitted availability and will be sending out assignments as needed.  As a reminder, please do not self-deploy.  Check with your local ARES leadership for additional information on deployments.

Please continue to advise your local EC/DEC/ADEC of your availability to support a potential deployment anytime from Saturday morning, 8/27 through early next week. We are creating a list of availability for ARESMAT deployment if needed for various local EOC’s, Red Cross, Salvation Army, NWS Storm Survey Teams, and hospitals as required. Keep your situational awareness level high for any updates from ARES leadership by checking your email for updates and our ARES web site at http://ares.ema.arrl.org and monitoring local SKYWARN/ARES/RACES frequencies for any updates on this developing situation.

When sending your availability, please continue to send the following: Name, Call-sign, License Class, Capability (HF / VHF / UHF), Availability, and any other special notes we should be aware of. We ask that as you contact your DEC, please send a copy of the message to hurricane@nsradio.org where multiple members of the EMA ARES Leadership will be able to access your availability.

What is ARES Stand-By mode?

ARES stand-by mode is to alert Amateurs within ARES that a mobilization is possible on a wide-scale and that some localized mobilizations are or could be taking place in isolated areas. It means to take a look at your Go-Kit and have batteries and equipment ready to go and charged up and take care of any requirements at home in case a mobilization is required and you can participate. Do NOT self-deploy. Wait for guidance from leadership for any deployment. It is an honor to be ready even if you don’t deploy for the event. Hopefully, this is just another exercise of our preparedness and capabilities. If not, the ARES leadership looks forward to working with you if any wide scale mobilization is required after the impact of this major storm to the region is fully understood.

Thanks for your continued support of Eastern Massachusetts ARES!

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://www.wx1box.org

Eastern MA ARES is currently on stand-by for all areas effective 9:00 AM Thursday, August 25, 2011 until further notice due to potential impacts from major Hurrican Irene.

Full story

 

 

Hello to all..

***EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS ARES TO GO ON STAND-BY FOR ALL AREAS EFFECTIVE 9:00AM THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO POTENTIAL IMPACTS FROM MAJOR HURRICANE IRENE***

Major Hurricane Irene has been steadily strengthening and currently sits as a major, category 3 storm currently affecting the Bahamas and is poised to become a category-4 storm in the next 24 hours.  Numerous computer model guidance products have established a track where the storm makes a direct impact to Long Island and/or New England during the day on Sunday as a Category-2 hurricane.  Should the storm make landfall, this would be the first land falling hurricane in New England since Bob of 1991. For further meteorological updates, please see the NWS Taunton SKYWARN home page at http://www.wx1box.org   

In advance of the storm, please advise your local EC/DEC/ADEC of your availability to support a potential deployment anytime from Saturday morning, 8/27 through early next week. We are creating a list of availability for ARESMAT deployment if needed for various local EOC’s, Red Cross, Salvation Army, NWS Storm Survey Teams, and hospitals as required. Keep your situational awareness level high for any updates from ARES leadership by checking your email for updates and our ARES web site at http://ares.ema.arrl.org and monitoring local SKYWARN/ARES/RACES frequencies for any updates on this developing situation.

When sending your availability, please send the following:  Name, Call-sign, License Class, Capability (HF / VHF / UHF), Availability, and any other special notes we should be aware of.  We ask that as you contact your DEC, please send a copy of the message to hurricane@nsradio.org where multiple members of the EMA ARES Leadership will be able to access your availability.

What is ARES Stand-By mode?

ARES stand-by mode is to alert Amateurs within ARES that a mobilization is possible on a wide-scale and that some localized mobilizations are or could be taking place in isolated areas. It means to take a look at your Go-Kit and have batteries and equipment ready to go and charged up and take care of any requirements at home in case a mobilization is required and you can participate. Do NOT self-deploy. Wait for guidance from leadership for any deployment. It is an honor to be ready even if you don’t deploy for the event. Hopefully, this is just another exercise of our preparedness and capabilities. If not, the ARES leadership looks forward to working with you if any wide scale mobilization is required after the impact of this major storm to the region is fully understood.

Thanks for your continued support of Eastern Massachusetts ARES!

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://www.wx1box.org

Hello to all..

..COMMUNICATIONS RESTORED TO REASONABLE STRENGTH AFTER INITIAL COMMUNICATIONS
PROBLEMS IN THE WAKE OF THE MASSACHUSETTS TORNADO OUTBREAK OF JUNE 1ST 2011..
..EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS ARES STAND-BY LIFTED AS OF 11 PM FRIDAY JUNE 3RD 2011..

After the worst tornado outbreak in Massachusetts since 1995, there were
initial communications issues after tornadoes ripped through the Western
Massachusetts ARRL section. Eastern Massachusetts ARES was placed on stand-by
in case support of our neighboring section was required. Since that time,
communications have been restored to tolerable levels and we have lifted
the ARES stand-by as of 11 PM Friday June 3rd, 2011.

The National Weather Service in Taunton has posted their assessment on the
tornado outbreak that hit Massachusetts. Three Tornadoes hit the state. The
complete report on the tornadoes can be seen via the following
Public Information Statement link:

http://www.wx1box.org/local/pns_6_3_11_tor_report.txt

The complete severe weather report for all of the severe thunderstorms is
listed in the link below:

http://www.wx1box.org/local/lsr_6_1_11.txt

The following is a tornado response report from John Ruggiero-N2YHK, Western
Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator:

Just a quick note about the assistance that amateur radio provided during
and after the recent series of tornadoes that affected the area from
Westfield to Southbridge in the Western MA Section:

* SkyWarn was active and amateur radio operators assisted in gathering
severe weather reports on the Mt. Tom, Paxton and other associated
repeaters. Initial reports of a tornado striking Westfield were relayed
to NWS via amateur radio and SkyWarn.

* Tom Doyle, N1MUV, DEC Hampden / Hampshire, and his team provided
assistance to the Red Cross by staffing the Springfield Chapter and three
shelters in Springfield, Monson and Brimfield.

* Tom and his team also provided assistance to several local EOCs, as well
as support to RACES operations at the MEMA Regional HQ in Agawam.

* Charlie Dunlap, K1II, EC Hampden West, and his team provided assistance
to Southwick and surrounding communities, as well as support to RACES
operations at the MEMA Regional HQ in Agawam.

* Tim Mongeau, KB1LZF, EC Worcester, staffed the Worcester Emergency
Communications Team / MEMA Region 4 Radio Room and provided assistance in
gathering reports for SkyWarn.

* Amateur radio operators were present with NWS survey teams today.

* The ARRL has posted a news article about amateur radio’s response on
their website. See link below:
http://www.arrl.org/news/central-massachusetts-experiences-rare-tornado-area-hams-hasten-to-help

* At this time, amateur radio operations are winding down and no further
requests for assistance are pending.

Thank you all for your assistance and continued support of WMA ARES!

John, N2YHK
WMA SEC

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has setup storm assistance
centers for people in need of aid after the tornado outbreak. They have also
setup their 211 line for homeowners and businesses to report damage. Damage
Asessment teams from MEMA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
will be on site starting Monday. Links to these PR releases are listed below:

Storm Assistance Centers:
http://www.wx1box.org/local/storm_assistance_centers.pdf

211 Registration News Release:
http://www.wx1box.org/local/211_Registration_News_Release.pdf

FEMA/MEMA Damage Assessment Teams Press Release:
http://www.wx1box.org/local/News_Release_IA_PA_PDAs_6-3-11.pdf

A great thank you to all the Amateur Radio SKYWARN Spotters, non-Amateur
Radio SKYWARN Spotters and Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) members
for their support in this horrific tornadic outbreak. The efforts made by
everyone helped save lives and is greatly appreciated by the National
Weather Service, American Red Cross, Salvation Army and local, state and
federal emergency management.

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://www.wx1box.org

Hello to all..

***EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS ARES TO GO ON STAND-BY FOR ALL AREAS EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING JUNE 3RD 2011 DUE TO DAMAGE FROM MAJOR TORNADO OUTBREAK ACROSS MASSACHUSETTS.***

There has been a significant outbreak of severe weather across the region including numerous reports of tornadoes on the ground from Springfield to points as far east as Sturbridge and beyond.  Due to the significant infrastructure damage, we are activating Eastern Massachusetts ARES in stand-by mode to support any potential requests for assistance from around the area. 

Please advise your local EC/DEC/ADEC of your availability to support a potential deployment anytime from now through Friday June 3rd, 2011. We are creating a list of availability for ARESMAT deployment if needed for various local EOC’s, Red Cross, Salvation Army, NWS Storm Survey Teams, and hospitals as required.  Keep your situational awareness level high for any updates from ARES leadership by checking your email for updates and our ARES web site at http://ares.ema.arrl.org and monitoring local SKYWARN/ARES/RACES frequencies for any updates on this developing situation.

What is ARES Stand-By mode?

ARES stand-by mode is to alert Amateurs within ARES that a mobilization is possible on a wide-scale and that some localized mobilizations are or could be taking place in isolated areas. It means to take a look at your Go-Kit and have batteries and equipment ready to go and charged up and take care of any requirements at home in case a mobilization is required and you can participate. Do NOT self-deploy. Wait for guidance from leadership for any deployment. It is an honor to be ready even if you don’t deploy for the event. Hopefully, this is just another exercise of our preparedness and capabilities. If not, the ARES leadership looks forward to working with you if any wide scale mobilization is required after the impact of this major storm to the region is fully understood.

Thanks for your continued support of Eastern Massachusetts ARES!

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://www.wx1box.org

On Sunday March the 20th a short exercise was conducted involving the newly established South Coast Hospital Emergency Amateur Radio Network (South Coast H.E.A.R. Network).
The South Coast H.E.A.R. Network consists of three Hospitals, The Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford and the Tobey Hospital in Wareham,. These three hospitals merged some years back to form the South Coast Hospital group.

   The purpose of this Drill was to test the newly installed and programmed radio gear, establish communications between all three hospitals including other hospitals out of our area along with other ARES/ RACES Stations. There were three modes of communications tested, two meter simplex voice among the three hospitals, two meter duplex voice and HF on seventy five and forty meters. After testing on simplex the three hospitals switched to the REGION 2a  RACES repeater, in addition to our three sites we were also joined by the Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro Ma. (K1SMH)  our REGION 2a RACES repeater 147.000 is owned and operated by the South Eastern Ma. Amatuer Radio Association (SEMARA) located in Dartmouth. We were also joined by individual ARES home stations the WA1AEC SEMARA Club and  Cape Cod ARES.

   Operating these positions were approximately six Amatuer Radio Operators representing various organizations i.e. The Town of Acushnet Emergency Management Agency, The Town of Somerset Emergency Management Agency,  the  K1ZZN Amatuer Radio Club in Fall River, SEMARA Club in Dartmouth and  SCMARG (South Coastal Ma. Amatuer Radio Group) from Acushnet. All operators are members of the South Coast ARES group.

   Although the drill was of short duration the South Coast HEAR Network was able to test their system and recognize some of our weak and strong points. Future plans are to recruit more operators, especially for St. Luke’s and the Tobey Hospitals, establish digital communications via packet and winlink and participate in other exercises involving othe hospitals in Southeastern Massachusetts.

Respectfully submitted,

Edward A. Caron(ka1rsy)
South Coastal Massachusetts
ARES/SKYWARN Emergency Coordinator
ka1rsy@arrl.net
ka1rsy@comcast.net
 
Asst. Operations Officer
Town of Acushnet
Office of Emergency Management
(508)998-0295 ext 232
ecaron@acushnetema.com
www.acushnetema.com