[CQ-Contest] Contesters In Emergencies

[David Thompson]

I agree with Eric K6VVA on the value contesters can bring to Emergencies. 
In the USA in years past you could jump into emergencies by loading up a van 
and driving into the area.  No longer.  Now you must get a pass from FEMA or 
stay home.

There are two paths a contester can take:

1.    The active path is to seek out your local EMA Director and the ARRL EC 
who will ask you to join ARES.  You need to get plugged into both the ARRL 
group the local EMA (may still be called Civil Defense/RACES).  You need to 
get on line and take the FEMA courses that have been recently revised.  The 
ARRL offers courses to fill you in on how the ARES works and ties into FEMA. 
The first course has a new session starting September 4.   You can support 
just the local groups or you can work toward getting that pass to allow you 
to volunteer elsewhere.

2.    The other path is to at help with nets on 80 and 40 that are set up by 
ARES for the affected area.  For example, during Katrina I was able to hear 
both ends and relay info on 40 to help locate victims or coordinate 
emergency supplies and assistance.  Most of us have better than average 
stations and antennas and my beam worked wonders.  The salvation army needs 
help on 20 SSB during such emergencies as they are the primary path for 
health and welfare traffic.  The Hurricane net on 14.325 also needs help and 
there is training to help them before a Hurricane hits.  Taking the FEMA 
courses and perhaps the first ARRL course will help you understand the terms 
now used by FEMA and ARES.

The September QST has a wealth of info on emergency operations. Use your 
skills and get involved!

73 Dave K4JRB