Martin County ARES/RACES
2005 Simulated Emergency Test
March 4, 5, and 6, 2005

At approximately 10 am Thursday, the Simulated Emergency Test began with the activation of the automated phone tree system by the EC, N1XC.  The message called for a special session of the ARES Emergency Net at 2000 local time that evening.  Email activation and on air announcements by both the EC and SKYWARN Dave, KE4UEI, were made at this time as well.  

Later that evening 17 stations checked into the special net.  SET updates were provided by the EC and SKYWARN and a short discussion of hurricane readiness was conducted. Bruce, N4IGS, was NCS and ran the entire net using cross band repeat.

On Friday SKYWARN continued the drill providing on the air drill messages heralding the arrival of Hurricane Wendy.  Bob, KC4YRR; Don, WA3NIW;  and N4IGS began setting up at Halpatiokee Park.

    By 8 am Saturday morning KC4YRR, and N1XC had 2 portable HF stations operating and checked into the South Florida ARES Net.  

As other members began to show up, the raising of the 88 foot extended double zepp for 20 meters began. One end was tied to a street light and the other to a guyed 25 foot push up pole.  This antenna was used by a 3rd HF station setup by WA3NIW.  

Joe, KD4BTD, and Cheryl, N9SRO, setup a 4th portable HF station.

At 1030am, Saturday's exercise began with the EOC opening a Resource net.  SKYWARN provided an update and then check in's were accepted.  As assignments were made over the air, participants would report to the EOC at the pavilion to receive their envelope of scenarios and then spread out through the park.  Once the assignments had been made net, control was transferred to the RCHQ. 

The drill's scenario was a snapshot of 36 hours in a shelter immediately before and after a land falling hurricane.  The RCHQ had the task of handing the logistics of opening shelters, keeping current census counts, and keeping the shelters supplied.  

Before all shelters had checked in as open, others were calling with supply requests.  SKYWARN made periodic updates as the storm approached.  

In addition to supply requests, other traffic included spotter reports, transportation, emergency equipment, and medical requests. 

At the drill's conclusion everyone gathered at the pavilion for a short discussion of the exercise.  Most agreed that it was important to keep transmission times short to allow for breaking emergency traffic.  We also discussed considerations necessary when cross band repeat is being used.  The procedures and protocols for setting up at a Red Cross shelter were reviewed.  At this time the Simulated Emergency Test was secured.

The  rest of the weekend was spent talking with friends and playing radio in the ARRL International DX contest.  With 4 portable HF stations operation there was plenty of opportunity for those wishing to get on HF.

Just before sunset Carol, Joan, Bruce and Don hosted a wonderful dinner for all to enjoy!

Photo credits KI4CAN, N1XC