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ARES
Report |
This has been a September that we can all pray will never be
eclipsed.
From the day of the New York tragedy, our Amateur Radio Emergency Services group (ARES) has been active in monitoring traffic sent from both Radio Amateurs Canada (RAC), and the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). The Amateur Radio community was asked by the ARRL to stay alert should instructions come down from various authorities.
The Washington area Section Emergency Coordinator (EC) reported that cellular phone communications was next to impossible there, as you might expect.
I contacted members of our club emergency response group and asked that they be available should there be a need form our services, and was given unanimous support.
This was also my first opportunity to activate our ARES branch and to keep them abreast of amateur radio news on the crisis. I want to thank Ed VE3TCK our Emergency Services Chairman for provided print outs of updated RAC - ARES operating manuals and other pertinent materials.
ARESONTARIO was in touch via e-mail on an ongoing basis to keep all Emergency Coordinators in the province up to date with special bulletins.
Old timers may recall that formerly, during times of hostilities, all Amateur Radio communications were required to shut down. This law was rescinded in the U.S. prior to the Gulf War. The American FCC representative has requested that Amateurs monitor any current suspicious radio activity, tape it if possible , and report it to them.
On the local front, one of our members, Robert
VE3ZLV on his own initiative, arranged for time off work, and went down to assist in the New York area.
This was his personal response to a request from the American Red Cross.
He kept us informed of his plans and his needs. Paul VE3SY made a radio available and I sent him a copy of the VE3EOS Emergency Survival Pack Guide. We congratulate him for his initiative. Well done Robert. Your company is also to be commended for releasing you in this time of need.
At the October meeting I would like to update our ARES call out chain. We are interested in the participation of all licensed Amateurs. I would especially like to have a record of all who can obtain time for special emergencies from their employers, on a limited time basis, and those who are retired. Our needs do not necessarily require mobility, only the willingness to make their time and radio skills available.
The events of 11 September could perhaps provide an opportunity for you to approach your employer regarding amateur radio emergency public service assistance on company time.
Larry Gorman VE3LGN
ARES Emergency Coordinator
ve3lgn@rac.ca