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AE5ME > ARES 22.01.16 17:32l 72 Lines 8435 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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Subj: //WL2K ARES Newsletter January 20th Part 4 of 4
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Letters: HOA Embraces Amateur Radio for Emergencies
A new club has formed in Gainesville, Virginia -- the Heritage Hunt Hams. Heritage Hunt is a gated, 55 plus community of 1800 homes near the intersection of Highway 66 and Highway 29, about 30 miles west of Washington DC. Two dozen amateurs participate in an annual emergency exercise for the community. Eighty trained emergency volunteers (many of whom are doctors, nurses, firemen, policemen, and military officers) participate in the same exercise. The hams are the primary source of communication. The HOA has purchased radios, power supplies and 2 meter/440 MHz antennas for four locations, supported by emergency power. The group's amateurs offer support to the Prince William ARES organization for emergencies at the western end of the county. -- Dr. Tim Tatum, K6SLK/4, Gainesville, Virginia
Tips for Beginning Net Control Operators
Here in northwest Ohio, we have acquired many new hams and encourage them to operate as net control station (NCS) for various routine nets to gain them experience, providing us with a pool of competent net controllers in the event of an emergency/disaster. Here are some of the basic tips we convey to our novice net control stations for a smoothly running net:
· Get a glass of water or something to drink.
· Make yourself comfortable. Sit in a good location with plenty of room on a desk or table to write.
· Have a good writing instrument and a back-up along with an extra piece of paper in case you need to jot down notes.
· Take your time; go at your own pace. Remember, you are in control of the net and the frequency.
· Don't worry about making mistakes; there are no mistakes to be made.
· To handle the crowd that is trying to check in, you will develop your own way.
· Stop stations from checking in ("Let's hold it for a minute") until you are caught up.
· Weak stations and stations who give their call signs too fast, are always a problem -- skip them at first. Go back later for repeats.
· Write your log as you see fit. You are the one that has to read it.
· Headphones are a good idea -- they help you focus on what you are hearing and help keep you from getting distracted.
As I mentioned before, there are no mistakes, only experience. When you've finished the net that is what you will have. -- Steve Bellner, W8TER, Maumee, Ohio
Sacramento EC Recognized for Past Service
At the January 9, 2016, Sacramento County (California) ARES Training Class held at Metro Fire District Station 106, past Sacramento County ARES Emergency Coordinator John Staples, KI6ZWW, received a plaque "in appreciation for all of his time and hard work spent to improve Sacramento County ARES and RACES during 2012-2015." District 3 EC Greg Kruckewitt, KG6SJT, and Sacramento County Assistant EC Vince Cracchiolo, KI6NHP, presented the award on behalf of all members of Sacramento County ARES/RACES and the Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services.
Sacramento County ARES officials held its first training meeting for 2016 on January 9, at the Metro Fire Training Center Station 106 in Sacramento. Training was based on an Emergency Communications course, which is part of the Disaster Deployment Core Training. For more information, and course materials, click here. -- ARRL Sacramento Section News
See Something, Say Something
Amateur Radio plays a significant role in communication before, during and after local crisis but we are always communicating so we may be the first to see and hear things of a suspicious nature. The nature of our community outreaches and partnerships allow us to quickly communicate as a team. Let's help keep our nation safe and secure by keeping a watchful eye and ear for potential threats. Find additional information on the Homeland Security website at <www.dhs.gov/see-something-say-something> and contact local law enforcement authorities directly to report suspicious activities. To learn more about identifying suspicious activities, see the DHS website. Be Safe and Help Protect Our Safety. - ARRL Maryland-DC Section News
ARES in 2015
Based on reports submitted by ARRL Section Emergency Coordinators, with 33 out of 71 sections reporting in, here's what we know about the state of ARES in 2015:
Total ARES Members: 2015 -- 17,756 2014 -- 10,471
________________________________________
Total ARES Nets: 2015 -- 10,927 2014 -- 8,786
ARES Nets with NTS Liaison:
2015 -- 1,883 (17%) 2014 -- 1,517 (17%)
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Total ARES Events: 2015 -- 24,024 2014 -- 18,128
Total Drills, Training and Test Events:
2015 -- 20,242 (84%) 2014 -- 15,475 (85%)
Total Public Service Events:
2015 -- 2,923 (12%) 2014 -- 1,858 (10%)
Total Emergency Operations Events:
2015 -- 859 (3.5%) 2014 -- 795 (4%)
_________________________________________
Total Volunteer Hours: 2015 -- 232,093 2014 -- 219,743
Volunteer Value ($19 x Total Volunteer Hours):
2015 -- $4,409,767 2014 -- $4,175,117
_________________________________________
Sections Reporting: 2015 -- 33 2014 -- 33
Inactive Sections
(sections that submitted no reports
in a calendar year): 2015 -- 38 2014 -- 38
__________________________________________
Discussion
While these numbers are impressive, they also show a clear problem - 38 ARRL Sections did not submit a report during 2015. In fact, for some it has been several years since a report has been received. It isn't too late though! SEC monthly reports for December 2015 may be submitted until January 31, 2016. These numbers only come from the SEC Monthly Report (FSD-96). This form provides ARRL HQ the overall picture of ARES in a section. The information used to complete this form comes from the local and district emergency coordinators; that is why it is critical for EC's and DEC's to report to their SEC each month.
It is also worth noting that three sections, Eastern Pennsylvania, Georgia, and North Dakota, had 100% reporting from their respective SECs in 2015. These SECs as well as those submitting at least 9 monthly reports will be thanked with a special gift from ARRL HQ.
When our national partners ask about ARES, numbers are important! The only way we can count what ARES is doing in your section is by hearing from the SEC (or in a few cases the SM). ECs and DECs, make sure you submit your reports each month. SECs make sure to report to headquarters! The last thing we want to do is report to a partner that ARES is inactive in a particular section. Turn in those reports and be counted! -- Mike Corey, KI1U, ARRL Emergency Preparedness Manager, ARRL HQ
Maritime Mobile Service Network NCS Relays Distress Call
On January 11, 2016, at approximately 1520 hours UTC, an unknown operator reported on 14.300 MHz, that a maritime in distress was heard on 14.313 MHz and that no one was assisting the vessel. Upon hearing the call, Maritime Net Control Station William Sturridge, KI4MMZ, responded to the frequency and received the Mayday call from Harold Hilman, K6RTD, aboard the sailing yacht "Second Wind." Hilman reported that his vessel was approximately 85 nautical miles south-southeast of Cabo San Lucas, which is off the tip of the Baja peninsula. Hilman advised that his 37 foot sailing vessel had lost its sails, solar power and its dinghy boat was set adrift. The winds were reported to be in excess of 20 knots.
Sturridge notified the United States Coast Guard in Alameda, California and connected with Coast Guard Chief Sawanka. Chief Sawanka was then put in direct contact with the vessel in distress via a patch provided by Sturridge at 1542 hrs. It was reported that the United States Coast Guard ultimately notified the Mexican Coast Guard who was reported to be responding to the location to assist the ailing vessel.
Dealing with maritime emergencies is not unusual for the Maritime Mobile Service Network. The net's regular operational hours are 1700 to 0200 UTC on 14.300 MHz but it's not unusual for Sturridge to listen at all other hours. In this case, not only did KI4MMZ listen but he responded to the frequency where the vessel was reporting the emergency. Quick and efficient thinking led to a quick response.
Sturridge is no stranger to emergency maritime rescues and has assisted in many past rescues. He was recently recognized by the United States Coast Guard with a Public Service Commendation Award on July 15, 2014 for his many years of service. source -- Rene Stiegler, K4EDX, Net Manager
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