The 20-member ARES group will establish emergency communications (EMCOMM) from all over Gordon County back to the Gordon County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), GEMA Headquarters in Atlanta, across the State and into Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida.
This year’s simulated test scenario will be an ice storm that has paralyzed the Southeastern United States (sound familiar from this past winter?). In addition to between 3 to 10 inches of snow on the ground, ice accumulations between 1/3 and 1 inch have brought down numerous trees, branches and power lines. Estimates are between 60 to 80 percent of homes are without power. Many roads are impassible. Transportation and commerce are nearly at a stand still. Federal, State and Local response is very slow due to the magnitude and widespread effects of this storm. Communications infrastructure has also suffered. Downed wires, power outages, bent antennas, and failed back ups have crippled normal communications. ARES has been activated and asked to provide communications support.
Various forms of voice and data communications will be used by the ARES members with their ham radios and laptops on battery power, all without the assistance of any cell phones or Internet connections. The annual SET exercise confirms the ability for ham radio operators to provide Emergency Communications to the EOC, State Operations Center, and across the counties and State during any disaster. The 20 member trained ARES group volunteers their time, skills, and equipment to support Gordon County citizens and Director Richard Cooper with the Gordon Office of Homeland Security/Emergency Management during all types of emergencies. You can monitor Gordon ARES SET on Oct. 1, beginning at 9 a.m. on a radio scanner with a frequency of 443.675 MHz.
For more information, please see www.k4woc.com
Post a Comment