Red Cross support - URGENT!!Updates Posted Newest to Oldest Subject: Another Shelter Mission Update I am not sure whether this is rev. 3 or 4 or ??? but the badging procedure APPEARS to have changed YET again. I can't comment the why, or why not's but it appears you will be able to pull into the Colosseum parking lot, and walk to the Colosseum and get your badge printed. How novel is that. Initially, we committed to providing hams until Friday. I have asked the Red Cross to inform us as early as possible if they would like us to continue manning this mission. I am told that by mid morning tomorrow, as decision will be made. I will post that decision as soon as I can to the web. If the decision is made to continue this mission, I will need additional support to help out. Don't be surprised if I tap on your door. I have created an email account where you can send me your availability. Because I think the chances are about 50-50, I would like anyone that would like to volunteer, to send me an email at: [email protected] Also, for those of you who don't know me, I work in Yuma, and I have been trying to facilitate this mission while working 12 hour night shifts. I will be done with work at 6 am Thursday morning and will be able to assist more directly than I was able to for the last several days. Because of my availability, I would again like to thank Mike Swiader KA9E and Paul Thomas for all the efforts they have given over the last several days. John Wooten has also assisted in more ways than just scanning and posting the Red Cross volunteer form on the web. If it wasn't for the hours these folks were willing to donate, this mission would have collapsed right out of the starting gate. Lloyd Halgunseth from Prescott arranged for two car loads of hams to car pool down to help out. This has truly been a team effort, and I believe for all the trials with access, mission we have made a difference. It's heart warming to see all the communities coming together to help, and not being limited a few on hand. Thanks to all. Rick Aldom - W7STS
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Subject: Additional Red Cross Support I would like to give you an update on the ARES efforts at the Colosseum in Phoenix. At this time we have met our initial staffing needs. Since we were initially asked for 2 hams on a 24 hour basis, we have identified positions for a total of 7 hams, 1 at the Red Cross Hqtrs, and 6 at the shelter. The roving requirements have re-evaluated, and now those additional hams are being pressed into service as shadow hams, and assigned to specific stations such as medical, and several of the departments of the Red Cross. I view this change as a good one, and fully support this modification to the mission. It is my understanding that most of these slots have been filled. Paul Thomas from the PCECG group has graciously stepped up and has been scheduling the additional people, and he should be the one to contact if you have time available for the communications slots. One other note. The number of volunteers (everyone not just hams) has reached an incredible number, and DPS is now in charge of credentialing. Just tonight we found out we have to provide a list of volunteers which we have done. Additionally, in order to gain access to the fairgrounds, you must first go to: 100 N. 15th Ave. Suite 101 I just got off the phone with Dan Zubie of the Red Cross. The Red Cross looking for up 5 people from 0700-2200hrs to man an incoming phone bank. I know this is not a duty that is normally requested of Hams, but I would hope you would check your ego at the door and step-up for this duty. Calls coming into this phone bank are from other shelters who have located family members of the survivors of the Katrina. If you live to see smiles on people's faces, this is the duty for you, because you are the facilitator of smiles. I know this isn't traditional duties for Ham's but it is a chance for your spouses to participate while you are acting as a communicator or for those who just want to help, and aren't picky to as to the actual job. THIS IS 100% voluntary, and not a requirement to participate in anyway. I am going to maintain this manning list. I can be reached 24 hours a day on my cell which is 480-707-8423. For the next couple days (through Wednesday night) I will be at work until 6am, and would be happy to sign you up during that time.. If you can only call during the day, I will take those calls as well, but ask that you try to call after 3pm. I would like to personally thank all those who have graciously given of their time so far, your efforts have been appreciated. --
Subject: Red Cross support - URGENT!! We have made it through day one of the support effort. Evacuees will continue to arrive today, and we have been asked by the Red Cross to provide roving hams within the Colosseum to answer or relay questions back to the staff. Additionally, these hams will be the eyes of the Red Cross and can report any incidents if needed. This effort will be manned on a as available basis. We would like to have as many as 5 people per shift (6 hour shifts) however we will take what we can get. You will need a handheld, spare batteries, and a head set or earphone to minimise the noise to the evacuees (we are not there to add to the stress). If you are a member of the MCECG yellow shirt gang, wear your shirt (blue for the PCECG gang). Remember you are not cops, you are there to facilitate questions and answers for the evacuees. Be compassionate and respectful. These people's lives have been turned inside out, and they probably aren't at their finest. We want to give them all the help and respect possible. I look to all of you to be ambassadors of goodwill. Please call Mike Swiader KA9E at 480-201-1916 to schedule your time. Talk-in will be the main net freq of 146.640 pl 162.2 Backup is 444.300 pl 100. Standard tactical net protocol is in effect. Call with your assigned tactical and sign with your FCC Call. Tactical's will be assigned at the Colosseum. Entry to the Colosseum is off McDowell just east of 19th ave. Call net control before making the turn so they can attempt to let MCSO know you are on your way in. When you get to the officer, identify yourself as RED CROSS Communications. You may have to be persistent with the officers, but they should let you in. Thanks again for stepping up and supporting this effort. --
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