To all,
I took the CERT training course last fall. I was the only ham from my town
in attendance, but there were a number of hams from a nearby town (with a
very active ARES and EMS community)there as well. I had a great time and
learned a few things, but most importantly it confirmed for me that there
are some EMS folks out there who recognize the contribution that we can
make.
The gentleman who taught the course is also the CERT coordinator in his
town. He is very proactive with his volunteers in many respects. In
particular, many in his group were newly licensed hams as a result of a
course he ran after a presentation on ham radio by some local volunteers.
After we finished the course, we were told to get in touch with the CERT
coordinators in our towns and about the opportunities for additional
training, and of course I did so. I'm still waiting for someone to return
my phone calls and emails <g>.
My point is not to discourage anyone, but if you can't get something going
in your town, don't give up - some neighboring town can use someone with
your skills. In my case, I think the CERT training was worth my time and I
was surprised at how happy they were to have hams in their group. Every
towns' emergency services have their own culture - some welcome hams, others
don't. Don't be discouraged and keep looking until you find a good place.
Dave
WB2PJH
From: Larry Makoski W2LJ <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
CC: [email protected]
Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Public Service Radio
Date: Thu, 08 Sep 2005 20:12:39 -0400
Fellow Elecrafters,
Since Katrina unleashed her wrath upon the Gulf states; there has been a
lot of discussion on this list and others about the value of Ham Radio and
emergency communications. This post is not intended to stir up any
controversy or debate; it's purpose is, however, to get you to think.
We are ALL vulnerable to natural disaster, whether it be a hurricane on the
south or east coasts. Blizzards in the temperature appropriate areas of
our country, earthquakes and brush fires out west; flooding in the Midwest;
or a tornado just about anywhere. When these things happen and devastation
is widespread; your help is needed! We are seeing that this week more than
ever.
Please consider volunteering your time and talents. There are many ways
you can do this. Hook up with your local Office of Emergency Management
and see if there is a CERT program (Community Emergency Response Team) in
your area. If there is none; then maybe there's a ARES or RACES group in
existence. Where these do not exist contact your local branch of the Red
Cross or Salvation Army as both of these organizations have "letters of
understanding" with many local Ham radio Emcomm groups.
The point is that Ham Radio is as valid and valuable as it has ever been.
Maybe it's not done by Morse Code or maybe not even HF SSB anymore. Maybe
it will all be done in your area with VHF/UHF FM communications or packet.
Maybe Amateur Radio doesn't get the press that it deserves and maybe it's
not as valued as it ought to be. But when all is said and done with
Katrina, the stories WILL come out. You will hear instances of where
communications systems failed and how Amateur Radio was the only way that
rescues were performed, services delivered, families reunited. The ARRL
had a slogan on their T-shirts for Field Day a few years ago, "Amateur
Radio - When All Else Fails". That has never been more true.
But all that said, YOUR help is needed. Volunteer communicators are needed
on a nationwide basis, starting with your own local communities. Get
trained and be prepared. The best side benefit gained is the knowledge
that you will receive that will not only help keep your community safe; but
your own family safe as well. You folks who subscribe to this list and
other QRP and Homebrew lists are among the most knowledgeable, brightest,
most versatile, most adaptable, best trained Hams we have out there. You
build, test and repair equipment. You set up and operate stations from
fields, forests, oceansides, backyards, parking lots and even from inside
EOCs. You are an asset to this country and its communities.
For more information about CERT - please visit:
http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CERT/certfaq.asp
Thanks for the bandwidth; and for allowing me to go off topic for a bit.
73 de Larry W2LJ
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