Simulated Emergency Test (SET)
The ARRL Simulated Emergency Test is a nationwide exercise in emergency
communications, administered by ARRL Emergency Coordinators and Net
Managers. Both ARES and the National Traffic System (NTS) are involved. The
SET weekend gives communicators the opportunity to focus on the emergency
communications capability within their community while interacting with NTS
nets.

2.1 Purpose of SET

1.. To find out the strengths and weaknesses of ARES and NTS, the Radio
Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) and other groups in providing
emergency communications.
2.. To provide a public demonstration--to served agencies such as Red
Cross, Civil Preparedness, and through the news media--of the value to the
public that Amateur Radio provides, particularly in time of need.
3.. To help radio amateurs gain experience in communications using
standard procedures and a variety of modes under simulated- emergency
conditions.
2.2 SET Format
The scoring format reflects broad objectives and encourages recruitment of
new hams and use of digital modes for handling high-volume traffic and
point-to-point Welfare reports out of the affected simulated-disaster area.
Participants will find SET an opportunity to strengthen the VHF-HF link at
the local level, thereby ensuring that ARES and NTS are working in concert.
The SET will give all levels of NTS the chance to handle exercise-related
traffic. The guidelines also recognize tactical traffic on behalf of served
agencies.

ARES units and other groups are free to conduct their SETs anytime during
September 1 and November 30 if an alternative date is preferred. The
activity period should not exceed 48 hours. The deadline for receipt of all
reports is January 31. A complete array of reporting forms will be mailed to
affected Field Organization appointees.

2.3 Preparing for SET
Emergency Coordinators sign up all available amateurs in their area and work
them into the SET plans. They make special efforts to attract new
Technicians as outlined earlier.

A meeting of all ARES members and prospective members is called to briefly
outline (no details!) SET activities, and give general instructions. ECs
contact served agencies and explain the intent and overall purpose of the
SET, offer to send test messages to other branches of their agencies, and
invite officials to ARES meetings and SET operating sites. Publicity is
arranged in consultation with an ARRL Public Information Officer in local
newspapers and radio/TV stations.

2.4 During the SET
The "emergency" situation is announced and the emergency net is activated.
Stations are dispatched to served agencies. Designated stations originate
messages on behalf of served agencies. Test messages may be sent simulating
requests for supplies. Simulated emergency messages (just like real
emergency messages) should be signed by an authorized official. Tactical
communications for served agencies is emphasized.

At least one session (or substantial segment of a session) of the local net
should be conducted on emergency-only basis. Or, if a repeater is on
emergency power, only emergency-powered stations should be allowed to
operate through the repeater for a certain time period.

2.5 After the SET
An important post-SET activity is a critique session to discuss the test
results. All ARES (and RACES) members should be invited to the meeting to
review good points and weaknesses apparent in the drill.

2.6 NTS in SET
The main function of NTS in an emergency situation is to tie together all of
the various local activities and to provide a means by which all traffic
destined outside of a local area, section or region can be systematically
relayed to the addressee.

The interface between NTS and ARES lies in the liaison function between
local nets and other NTS nets, particularly at the section level.
Responsibility for representation of the local network on the section net
lies with the local net manager who may or may not be the EC.

At least one net session or substantial segment of a session should be
conducted on emergency power. A surprise session or two should be conducted.

2.7 Summary
One of the first steps on the way to a successful SET is to try to get as
many people involved as possible, and especially new hams. In a real
emergency, we find amateurs with all sorts of varied interests coming out of
the woodwork. Get them involved in SET so they will know more about how
emergency communications should be handled. Promote SET on nets and
repeaters, and sign up new, enthusiastic Technicians.



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