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This fall we will be reorganizing our Amateur Radio Emergency Services group. ARES is a Radio Amateurs of Canada sanctioned function. It encourages local clubs to assist with communications as a public service. Locally these have ranged from low key activities such as coordinating Remembrance Day ceremonies at the Kitchener cenotaph, to participation in anticipated crises such as the Y2K rollover, where we were on standby duty over New Years eve at the Regional police headquarters.
Several of us participated in the last multi agency disaster simulation held at the Kitchener City Hall. Now that the Region has re-established the position of a full time emergency coordinator we expect to be more actively involved with them. Disasters are never planned. The invaluable assistance of the Amateur Radio community in eastern Ontario, and Quebec during the winter of '98 ice storm demonstrated the importance of being prepared.
While the help of all Amateurs is encouraged in times of need, we should update our data base of available equipment and active volunteers. Plan to attend our club meetings to find out how you can become involved.
Larry VE3LGN Emergency Coordinator ARES