TO: ALL ARES OPERATORS IN
DISTRICT 3 (OFFICIL)
ALL AMATEURS IN WEST VIRGINIA
(INFORMATION)
FROM: WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INCORPORATED AND WOOD
COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY SERVICES (ARES)
ARES DISTRICT 3 BULLETIN NR 07.04 DATE:
January 28, 2007
SUBJECT: OPERATING RADIO EQUIPMENT.
Operating radio equipment in an emergency is like operating a
Fire Truck for a Volunteer Fire Department. You shouldn't operate
it unless you have received a certain amount of training or experience
on that piece of equipment. Knowing your equipment capabilities
directly affects your assistance in an emergency or disaster.
If you were the Officer in Charge of a disaster scene, who
would you rather have helping you? Someone who has never had
training in the operation or capabilities of the equipment they will be
using, or, someone who is trained and experienced in the operation and
capabilities of the particular equipment. That's a simple answer.
When the person in charge needs help, he would rather have someone
seasoned and experienced, rather than a beginner who needs to be trained
on the spot. You can be an asset to the Officer In Charge if you
take the time to learn the equipment you may be exposed to and how to
use it, before your assistance is needed.
This includes any type of equipment you may have to
operate, not just your own personal equipment. As an ARES or RACES
member, this includes any communications equipment which may be set up
and used in different locations throughout the area. For instance,
at the Hospitals, Red Cross Head Quarters, Red Cross Shelters, the
Emergency Operations Center, and Communications Vehicles. In some
instances, ARES and RACES personnel may have to operate Public Safety
Radios at different locations, along with different amateur radio
equipment. So find out where you may have to operate, and
participate in as many drills and events as possible. This will
familiarize you with various types of equipment and operations before
your expertise are necessary.
Ken Harris WA8LLM
Wood County WV
ARES Assistant Section Coordinator WV
ARES District Emergency Coordinator WV District 3