Your questions are welcomed. Several have asked the following in one way or another: "What I've heard from RACES and the ARRL seems to assume that the RACES member should be willing to report to a (hopefully) preassigned duty station and remain there for several days in the event of a major disaster. Is this the case?"
Comment: Previous bulletins have covered the aspects of one's obligation to family first. Still, there are Strike Teams that do make that commitment and dedication, as do key participants of a well prepared communications reserve, like the RACES, the OES Auxiliary Communications Service, or others. Strike Teams and key responders are for a short quick response to fill in until the slower mobilizing units can respond; then they retire.
Comment: Previous bulletins have covered the aspects of one's obligation to family first. Still, there are Strike Teams that do make that commitment and dedication, as do key participants of a well prepared communications reserve, like the RACES, the OES Auxiliary Communications Service, or others. Strike Teams and key responders are for a short quick response to fill in until the slower mobilizing units can respond; then they retire.
An extended response of several days is uncommon except in major emergencies and then only by a few specialists. Sometimes at the onset of a sudden emergency 12 hour shifts are utilized until events settle down. Normally, except in the worst of situations, regular participants are scheduled on and off 4, 6 or 8 hour shifts, and expected to return home for rest when physically possible. In some emergencies transportation disruption might preclude a return home, in which case the responder might be away for an extended period. For that reason dedicated responders are prepared in advance for that eventuality.
An effective Radio Officer or Shift Supervisor will NOT allow extended participation without adequate rest and relief unless there is absolutely no alternative in the worst of disasters. To do so is an open invitation to operator fatigue, loss of concentration, along with stress and its ensuing problems in addition to concern about one's family and property.
The process of programming responder participation starts in the mind of the Radio Officer, Shift Supervisor or Staffing Coordinator. Even in emergencies extending for weeks, the effective supervisor schedules shifts to recognize and alleviate stress, fatigue and overly active ego or adrenaline drives.
An effective Radio Officer or Shift Supervisor will NOT allow extended participation without adequate rest and relief unless there is absolutely no alternative in the worst of disasters. To do so is an open invitation to operator fatigue, loss of concentration, along with stress and its ensuing problems in addition to concern about one's family and property.
The process of programming responder participation starts in the mind of the Radio Officer, Shift Supervisor or Staffing Coordinator. Even in emergencies extending for weeks, the effective supervisor schedules shifts to recognize and alleviate stress, fatigue and overly active ego or adrenaline drives.
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