Well, it does happen, more so in units without a clear goal than in those with strong effective leadership that screens out those that lack capability and dedication. Fortunately, there is another side to the situation; namely those who seem to ALWAYS respond, no matter what the personal sacrifice. At some level we have all seen it, whether radio officer, communications officer, emergency coordinator, director of communications, section manager, search and rescue captain, volunteer fire chief, coordinator, pilots or communications specialist. In an emergency the most valuable responder is the person that can respond to the call out regardless of their personal situation. Key participants in Search and Rescue or Drowning Accident Recovery units are often of this type; and worth their weight in gold. From them you never hear "I don't feel like doing it" or "There isn't anyone available." When needed, they are there. Period. They lead by "doing".
"I'm a volunteer and I don't have time." Ever heard that response in a call out? Or, "I don't feel like doing it"; or "There isn't anyone available."
Well, it does happen, more so in units without a clear goal than in those with strong effective leadership that screens out those that lack capability and dedication. Fortunately, there is another side to the situation; namely those who seem to ALWAYS respond, no matter what the personal sacrifice. At some level we have all seen it, whether radio officer, communications officer, emergency coordinator, director of communications, section manager, search and rescue captain, volunteer fire chief, coordinator, pilots or communications specialist. In an emergency the most valuable responder is the person that can respond to the call out regardless of their personal situation. Key participants in Search and Rescue or Drowning Accident Recovery units are often of this type; and worth their weight in gold. From them you never hear "I don't feel like doing it" or "There isn't anyone available." When needed, they are there. Period. They lead by "doing".
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A MISSION STATEMENT for an emergency management agency communications reserve (such as the Auxiliary Communications Service, RACES or equivalent) has several advantages.
Ever wonder why the computer fails when it shouldn't, or sensitive equipment bites the dust?
A National Power Laboratory (NPL) power quality study provides a clue. It showed an actual incident rate for disturbances large enough to corrupt data or destroy equipment. The study accumulated 450 site-months of power line disturbance data from 74 monitored locations in the US and Canada. Here are some ideas for training, taken from the Prince George's County ARES-RACES Newsletter, summer/fall edition for 1993. Topics for training:
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RACES BulletinsCA State OES began the Bulletins in the early 1950's to assist agencies and radio operators to become more familiar with RACES. They were issued periodically until 1985, at which time they began to be issued weekly over voice and digital radio systems of Amateur Radio and in print. Originally intended for California, increased demand, and a 1988 request by the ARRL for national distribution, led to their eventual worldwide distribution. Archives
December 1994
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