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ARES
FEBRUARY REPORT |
The world scene has finally achieved a degree of tranquility. Local weather so far has been rather non threatening. Tax receipts and T4 forms will shortly signal the arrival of the taxman. But otherwise the Region is enjoying a low state of emergency conditions. It may be reassuring to know however that agencies in the region are preparing for emergency situations.Contact with local Red Cross officials indicate that the organization meets monthly to discuss Regional issues and concerns, and we have been invited to join them. The Region of Waterloo emergency response teams are updating and coordinating procedures for dealing with virtually every type of emergency that could arise.
Both our KWARC ARES and CANWARN emergency services branches have been contacted lately by these agencies.
I recently visited the Regional Office for Social Services, Emergency Response Planning, and was impressed with the work that they are engaged in.
The documents I picked up have the K-W Amateur Radio club identified in several key areas where our assistance may be needed.
This brings up the question. Will we be up to the task? Can our emergency coordinator count on your help should we be called into a situation where Amateur radio may be the only means of maintaining links.
New York, which had developed one of the worlds most sophisticated emergency management plans previous to the ultimate attacks, had to revert to Amateurs when the command centre, located in the World Trade complex, was wiped out. Amateurs working almost from scratch, served as an admirable model of how radio operators could pitch in.
The Canadian Red Cross is currently training key provincial ARES coordinators, in emergency procedures as related to vital services.
In the near future we expect to participate in a small scale simulation in the Region. Only a few of our operators would be required for this event. But we are being counted on to provide the necessary operatives should a greater need arise.
Perhaps it is time to approach your boss about the possibility of community service, in the remote possibility of a serious situation. This spring our club will again be offering a course for potential new Amateur Radio operators. In an emergency it would be invaluable to have a family team of licensed Amateurs to work in one of the community emergency centres. In most cases these would be established in public buildings such as local churches and schools. Can we count on you?
Larry VE3LGN
KWARC ARES Emergency Coordinator
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