In an emergency the fire chief, police chief and mayor don't go to a home and run things from there, but to the emergency operations center or designated command post.
So it is with communications reserve participants. They are expected to go to the government's communications facility and to other locations that need such support. A home based station is of little use in those situations.
Going to the place where they will be functioning helps familiarize them with not only the equipment, but the place and the people. If they participate only once in a while they really don't understand their role and relationship to the agency. They need help in understanding how regular participation is indeed a joint recognition of their worth. After all, if they don't come in regularly to help as help is needed, how can they get to know us; or we, them?
Familiarization has many facets, from learning to use equipment, to what systems do what, to discovering a radio that interferes with the telephone system, or a computer that doesn't work, or a secretary who doesn't know their name; or an agency person who doesn't know there is a RACES unit. Or an Amateur who is an unrepresentative example of those who DO participate on a professional level.
Communications reserve participants need to become a familiar face at the emergency response agency. Help them tackle needed tasks and prove worth - NOW - long before it is needed. Then, when it is needed there will be mutual benefits that all will share. Yes, this may take a change of attitude to accomplish, but humans have that characteristic: we can change!
Going to the place where they will be functioning helps familiarize them with not only the equipment, but the place and the people. If they participate only once in a while they really don't understand their role and relationship to the agency. They need help in understanding how regular participation is indeed a joint recognition of their worth. After all, if they don't come in regularly to help as help is needed, how can they get to know us; or we, them?
Familiarization has many facets, from learning to use equipment, to what systems do what, to discovering a radio that interferes with the telephone system, or a computer that doesn't work, or a secretary who doesn't know their name; or an agency person who doesn't know there is a RACES unit. Or an Amateur who is an unrepresentative example of those who DO participate on a professional level.
Communications reserve participants need to become a familiar face at the emergency response agency. Help them tackle needed tasks and prove worth - NOW - long before it is needed. Then, when it is needed there will be mutual benefits that all will share. Yes, this may take a change of attitude to accomplish, but humans have that characteristic: we can change!
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