American Radio Relay League, Inc.
Official ARRL Field Organization Appointment Description
Emergency Coordinator
The ARRL Emergency Coordinator is a key team player in ARES on the local
emergency scene. Working with the Section Emergency Coordinator, the DEC and
Official Emergency Stations, the EC prepares for, and engages in management of
communications needs in disasters. EC duties include:
- Promote and enhance the activities of the Amateur Radio Emergency
Service (ARES) for the benefit of the public as a voluntary, non- commercial
communications service.
- Manage and coordinate the training, organization and emergency
participation of interested amateurs working in support of the communities,
agencies or functions designated by the Section Emergency
Coordinator/Section Manager.
- Establish viable working relationships with federal, state, county, city
governmental and private agencies in the ARES jurisdictional area which need
the services of ARES in emergencies. Determine what agencies are active in
your area, evaluate each of their needs, and which ones you are capable of
meeting, and then prioritize these agencies and needs. Discuss your planning
with your Section Emergency Coordinator and then with your counterparts in
each of the agencies. Ensure they are all aware of your ARES group's
capabilities, and perhaps more importantly, your limitations.
- Develop detailed local operational plans with "served" agency officials
in your jurisdiction that set forth precisely what each of your expectations
are during a disaster operation. Work jointly to establish protocols for
mutual trust and respect. All matters involving recruitment and utilization
of ARES volunteers are directed by you, in response to the needs assessed by
the agency officials. Technical issues involving message format, security of
message transmission, Disaster Welfare Inquiry policies, and others, should
be reviewed and expounded upon in your detailed local operations plans.
- Establish local communications networks run on a regular basis and
periodically test those networks by conducting realistic drills.
- Establish an emergency traffic plan, with Welfare traffic inclusive,
utilizing the National Traffic System as one active component for traffic
handling. Establish an operational liaison with local and section nets,
particularly for handling Welfare traffic in an emergency situation.
- In times of disaster, evaluate the communications needs of the
jurisdiction and respond quickly to those needs. The EC will assume
authority and responsibility for emergency response and performance by ARES
personnel under his jurisdiction.
- Work with other non-ARES amateur provider-groups to establish mutual
respect and understanding, and a coordination mechanism for the good of the
public and Amateur Radio. The goal is to foster an efficient and effective
Amateur Radio response overall.
- Work for growth in your ARES program, making it a stronger, more
valuable resource and hence able to meet more of the agencies' local needs.
There are thousands of new Technicians coming into the amateur service that
would make ideal additions to your ARES roster. A stronger ARES means a
better ability to serve your communities in times of need and a greater
sense of pride for Amateur Radio by both amateurs and the public.
- Report regularly to the SEC, as required.
Recruitment of new hams and League members is an integral part of the job of
every League appointee. Appointees should take advantage of every opportunity to
recruit a new ham or member to foster growth of Field Organization programs, and
our abilities to serve the public.
Requirements: Technician or higher class license; Full ARRL membership
FSD-46 (2/97)
ASEC - KD4OZI
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KD4OZI
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