"Now that I have given my ARES® Registration
on the ARRL Form FSD-98 to my local EC, and believe I am registered in our
local ARES®, what else should or could I do to prepare for the
emergency?"
To answer this common question, as you learn from your local EC, here are some SEC/IL tips for all ARES Responders.
Complete an Emergency Reference Information form, ARRL
FSD-255 yellow card from your EC or the ARRL web page. See below for the
links. You may also use the Illinois Section overprint version below. The
ARRL and I strongly suggest you keep this ERI at your operating position
for ready emergency reference, and for you to keep the information current.
Research local information needed for your own station copy of the FSD-255
form. Obtain other needed information from your local EC and ARES group to
help complete this important emergency reference. Record the day, time and
frequency used for local and section ARES® nets and other EmComm activities
and add to this form.
Regularly check in
to your local ARES® radio nets to learn more about your local ARES activities
and public service events, and do participate in them to practice the skills
and abilities you will need BEFORE the emergency.
Attend your local
ARES® training, meetings and public service events (PSE) announced on
the ARES® nets to train and practice your emergency communication skills
and abilities with your ARES® group before the emergency.
Prepare your own
personal and group "Jump" or "Go" kits with emergency sources of power and
keep your personal station, mobile and portable equipment ready for emergency
use in ARES®.
Enroll in the ARRL
Emergency Communications Courses (ARECC) to become a valuable resource to
your local area and EC, and earn the distinction of being a certified emergency
communications operator.
Ask your local EC or
county Emergency Management Agency ( sometimes called ESDA in Illinois ) about
Civilian Emergency Response Team (CERT) training in your local area.
Add to your own personal ARES® equipment for any emergency response.
Search on ARES items at ARRL Catalog and go to the following ARRL story link
to learn about other ARES Gear and follow links there: ARES Gear
Order and display
your own easily recognized State of Illinois amateur radio plates for your
personal vehicle that you may use to respond to local emergencies. Follow
the Illinois Secretary of State link on the requirements for such public
service plates and how to apply at [V-01] Amateur Radio License Plates,
1994 (brochure
).
Encourage other amateur radio operators to register in ARES® and join with you. ARRL Affiliated Club and ARRL Special Service Clubs
should cooperate with the local ARRL EC and the Illinois Section ARRL Leadership
in EmComm. Clubs may and should provide additional ARES® Team support to
form a unfied service front for members, and non-members. Our amateur radio
clubs encourage these EmComm skills and abilities at annual Field Day and other operating events. Amateur radio groups should encourage their members to be registered in ARES®
as well. Many individuals and member volunteers participate, and respond
directly to our local ARRL served agencies, and are registered in ARES with
the local EC and both have made pre arrangements with the served agency.
Stay current in ARES-IL matters with
ARES-IL bulletins via our GoogleGroup. Enter your email address below and
click subscribe. Browse past QST at link below, too.
The ARES® Response Kit is prepared
by individual and group ARES® Responders, and is sometimes referred
to an ARES® "Jump" or "Go" Kit. One ARES® Response Kit should allow
the individual ARES Responder to be able to rapidly respond and operate regular shifts, and
to be self sufficient, for as much as 3 days. Our Official Emergency Stations
(OES/IL) and our experienced ARES® and our ARES® special teams should
have a second kit especially prepared for longer term emergency operations.
Amateur Radio equipment, and antennas
Emergency power
Personal gear for emergency shifts (up to 3 days)
ARRL Reference Material suggested for each Responder.
(EC and ARRL at local hamfests may have the hard card version, or use the ARRL On-line versions )
ARL Numbered Text for Radiograms key form: FSD-3
Amateur Message Form ( aka Pink Card ): FSD-218
Emergency Reference Information Card ( aka Yellow Card ): FSD-255
Emergency Reference Information Sheet ( with IL Section overprint ): FSD-255IL
Time Conversion & Prosigns RST card ( aka White Card ): FSD-220
RadioGram forms: ARRL Catalog (pad sheets, or message delivery cards) or use FSD-244
Amateur Radio Disaster Welfare Message form (has some emergency ARL numbered text): FSD-244
Team support in ARES® that should be arranged and provided by the local ARRL Emergency Coordinator, Assistant EC, in
addition to the above:
ARES® Team kit.
ARES® or Club Call out Telephone/Address Roster
ARES® or Club Net Roster
ARES® or Club Field Log
ARRL Publications, forms and references:
ARRL Net Directory
ARES® Field Resource Manual (ARES Red Book) from ARRL Catalog or ARESman
EC/DEC Incident Report (SITREP) - Use ARES Field Resources Manual format and send when activating,
or on scene, to the DEC/SEC via ARES® emergency net, or NTS nets, Radiogram,
email, telephone call, fax, or direct contact.
ARES® Operations or after action critique report, listing all ARES® staff and Responders.
Public Service Activity Report to the ARRL, SM/IL, PIO/IO and SEC with the new on-line report via Internet, or the standard ARRL Form FSD-157
ARRL Field Service Forms Requisition to replenish EC supplies.
Thank you for your visit, your individual,
and your group preparation. Your many efforts and your continued volunteer
support in ARES® for our ARRL Illinois Section makes the difference.
