The outline below discusses our section response policy, and is a text version of a portion of a Power Point address made before the Boston ARC on March 20, 2003.
Our Perspective
Events affect us the same as other citizens
* Secure home first. Brief your family
* “Shelter in Place” concept best defense for all of us
* Participate in training and complete preparations before the incident occurs, as you are today
* Go about your lives normally
Perspective (cont’d)
If something happens…
* Respond if/when requested. It is high honor to be ready even if not called
* We are not first responders.
* If home stay there, if not, return home
* Conduct operations from home first – Check in to your RACES sector repeater (or SKYWARN) and help where possible
Perspective (cont’d)
If something happens…(cont’d)
• There will be current info/instructions on our website, http://ares.ema.arrl.org
• RACES and SKYWARN frequencies listed on our website
• Convenient lists and maps to help you find what you need fast
• Operations then “branch” out from RACES repeaters to other nets and frequencies
• Commence other local/district operations from there
• You will hear a call for any mobilizations
• Or, you will be contacted using info from our database
ARES Operational Priorities
Two phases for ARES Operations:
* “In-disaster”, comparable to ICS phase defined as fire suppression/damage control, evacuation, search and rescue
* “Post Disaster”, comparable to ICS phase defined as recovery, restoration, clean-up, and human welfare
* Our response, and reaction times are different for each
Operational Priorities (cont’d)
ARES “In-Disaster” Phase
• Augment and provide robust support to RACES (if mobilized) with tactical and record communications capability for Public Safety, and Emergency Management
• Substitute for RACES on as needed, no-notice basis. ARES Operators are normally well dispersed around Section
• Generally short term engagements
Operational Priorities (cont’d)
ARES In-Disaster Phase (cont’d)
• Operate from Home
• If there, stay there. If not, proceed there
• Supports current government “shelter in-place” concept
• Very effective through natural dispersion of our members
• Members can avail themselves to their best equipment
• Communications;
• Tactical: Point-to-point communications over short or long distances with own power
• Record:
• use National Traffic System (NTS ) to pass specially formatted messages called “radiograms”
• accurately pass information or orders, agency official to agency official by ARES personnel
Operational Priorities (cont’d)
Post-Disaster Phase
• Generally longer term and on-site
• At behest of an agency which the ARRL has a current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
• The American Red Cross is one of many
• Use record communications from between agency leadership at agency locations if requested
• Outreach and relationship building
• Local familiarization is important
• Exercise together if at possible