Emergency-Communications

FEMA Region 1 will begin conducting monthly Winlink tests starting January 2024. The purpose of this test is to exercise the Regional PACE plan, Winlink is part of the “Emergency” category of the plan. We would like to include Amateur Radio and SHARES stations in New England in this test. Here are the details:

Testing Procedure: Each month FEMA Region 1 Disaster Emergency Communications Branch will generate a Winlink message to participating stations. The message will be sent via Winlink through an Amateur Radio or SHARES gateway. The message will contain simple instructions on how to reply – which form to use, information requested, response time, etc. The receiving stations will reply to FEMA Region 1 via Winlink with the requested information within a set timeframe. The date and time of the monthly test will vary.

Participating Stations – Open to Amateur Radio or SHARES stations in New England. Stations must have Winlink capability and a valid Winlink email address. Participating operators should be aware that this test is conducted without announcement, so it is important that Winlink messages are checked regularly.

How to Sign Up – Stations wishing to participate can sign up online at https://forms.gle/sTibzJjZhftHXR4J9

Please feel free to share the above information with those who may be interested in participating. Any questions, let me know.

Thanks,

Mike

Mike Corey
Emergency Management Specialist | Disaster Emergency Communications
Response Division | FEMA Region I
Cell: 202.704.9853
michael.corey@fema.dhs.gov
Federal Emergency Management Agency
fema.gov

Connecticut DEC Douglas Sharafanowich, WA1SFH, writes on the ct-ares mailing list:

HAPPY Thanksgiving Day. As you relax today, here is serious question to ask yourself…

Are YOU ARES TRAINED and EQUIPPED?

GET ARES TRAINED (Registration info Below)

Overview
ARES has advanced into the 21st Century, and new skills and capabilities are required to meet the needs of the day.
As a result, ALL ARES members are now being requested to complete the national ARES Individual Operator Task Book: LEVEL 1 & LEVEL 2.
And, for those interested in Leadership positions, to complete LEVEL 3.

PRACTICAL Encouragement
In order to assist ARES members in meeting some of the KEY requirements and help be better prepared for a BLACK SKY event (i.e.; “The Next BIG ONE”), a series of FREE monthly Training Classes (on Saturdays) are being held in Region 2.

Training Classes being Offered (details below)
• Introduction to VHF Winlink (Part 1)……………. Dec. 2, 2023
• Introduction to VHF Winlink (Part 2)…………… Jan. 13, 2024
• Introduction to FEMA Message Forms…………. Feb. 3, 2024
• Introduction Net Control Station Operations…… March 2, 2024
• Introduction to HF Winlink……………………….. April 6, 2024

When: Saturday Mornings (8 am to 11.30 am)
Where: Various locations in Region 2

Training Classes (Details)
These classes include basic concepts, but more importantly also focus on helping you become functional in each area… IF YOU DO YOUR PART.

Introduction to VHF Winlink (Part 1)
Date: Dec. 2
Where: Guilford Fire Department
390 Church St., Guilford

In this Class you will learn about Winlink, How to Set-Up Winlink on your computer, and How to send messages via TELNET. You will also learn what you will need to bring with you to “PART 2” in order to send messages via RF using your VHF/UHF radio.

YOU BRING:
Your laptop/notebook computer (Windows preferred) with Winlink loaded onto it, a paper Notepad, pencils/pens

Introduction to VHF Winlink (Part 2)
Date: Jan. 13
Where: North Haven Fire Dept. Company #4
366 Washington Ave., North Haven

During this Class, you will connect your computer and radio to an antenna to send Packet Winlink messages over the air through a local WINLINK GATEWAY, and do Winlink P-2-P (Peer to Peer) messaging.

YOU BRING:
Your laptop/notebook computer, your VHF/UHF mobile radio (5-50 watts), 12v Power supply (Battery, or AC/DC with short ext. cord), connecting cables, Computer to Radio Interface: Terminal Node Controller (TNC), or a Sound Card Interface (SCI) with a TNC Emulator loaded on your computer, and a mag mounted VHF/UHF antenna with a metal pizza plate/baking plate, paper for notes, pencils/pens.

HINT #1
With Christmas rapidly approaching, best to tell Santa to bring you the gear you need for this class.

Introduction to FEMA Message Forms

Introduction to FEMA Forms
Date: Feb 3
Where: Quinnipiac Valley Health District
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven

You need to know what Forms our “served agencies” are using, where to find them in Winlink and how to send them. During this class you will be introduced to the common forms that are in use, and send a few via TELNET.

YOU BRING:
Your laptop/notebook computer with Winlink loaded (and set-up), paper for notes, pencils/pens.

Introduction Net Control Station Operations
– Basic skills in running an efficient Net, plus tips for Staying Organized when the SHTF.
Date: March 2
Where: Quinnipiac Valley Health District
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven

I have heard it said that in the USMC: ‘Every Marine a Rifleman’.
Similarly,

In ARES: Every ARES operator is a Net Control Station Operator

Imagine this:
One day, the situation will arise when you will be thrust into taking over a Communications Net as a Primary or Reliever Net Control Station operator.
– It will be at this exact moment that you will wish you had been at this class and taken advantage of periodically practicing the skills during CT ARES weekly Nets.
THIS IS IMPORTANT – Don’t miss it!

YOU BRING:
Your laptop/notebook Computer, a paper Notepad, pencils/pens

Introduction to HF Winlink
– You need to send Winlink messages, but no working VHF Winlink Gateway is nearby.
Date: April 6
Where: North Haven Fire Dept. Company #4
366 Washington Ave., North Haven

GOT General, Advanced, Extra license? Then, this class is for YOU!

In this class you will learn how to send HF Winlink messages successfully and practice sending a few over the air.

YOU BRING:
Your computer, connecting cables, a 100 watt HF radio, 12v Power Supply (Battery or AC/DC with ext. cord), a Sound Card Interface (SCI) if not built-in to the HF Radio, paper for Notes, pencils/pens.

HINT #2 (Repeat)
With Christmas rapidly approaching, best tell Santa bring you the gear you need for this class.

Bottom Line
If you are serious about getting the training you need to be effective in ARES, then you need to make the decision to do it.

And, TODAY is a GOOD DAY to JUST DO IT.

* SPACE IS LIMITED
* SEATS ARE LIMITED

* Reservations ARE Required
– If you just show up without a reservation, don’t expect that there will be space for you.

REGISTER for Classes HERE
Please register using the Google Sheets document (link below).
Enter your information and put a “1” in each class you will attend.
(The program automatically SAVES your input. So, just close the page to exit.)
I will confirm you Reservations with a reply email.
LINK

https://tinyurl.com/58rtzdct

—
73, Douglas Sharafanowich – WA1SFH
ARES District Emergency Coordinator (DEC)
Region 2 – Connecticut Section
email: wa1sfh “at” arrl “dit” net

Dave Colter, WA1ZCN, writes on Twin State Radio Club mailing list:

The NH-AREs Simulated Emergency Test (SET) is scheduled for next Saturday, November 4, from 8am to 1pm. However, the actual time commitment is minimal.

If you didn’t see the original announcement several weeks ago (attached,) we’re doing a re-run of last year’s 1938 hurricane-based SET with a small expansion. For purposes of this exercise, we’re assuming that all repeaters are down, and that HF conditions are poor. That leaves us with mostly 2m simplex operations on 146.51 (no tone) which can require “high-point” relay stations, both for local coverage and a path to the State EOC (SEOC) and Red Cross in Concord. This year, we’re primarily concerned with the paths to the Bow Relay point on Quimby Hill in Bow, which has a commanding “view” of the capital region and points east and south, and seems to work well for long-haul paths (not Coos, of course.)

We have a state-wide list of known sites that have proven to have a path to Bow Relay, or have that potential. We are looking for even more sites, because you never know which ones will be accessible after a major hurricane. Attachment K, High Point Relay, is attached.

I’d like West Central ARES members to test all the sites on the list in in our area, as well as identify others. All this requires is attempting to contact Bow Relay (tactical call) from that location during the SET, which should only require a few minutes. If you live near one of these sites, of know of one with a good long eastern view (even your own home!,) please let me know. (We have a preference for “drive up” sites rather than “hike-in” for obvious reasons.) Just make contact with Bow Relay, and report the signal quality to me. I tested Bly Hill in Newbury last year, so I won’t be trying that one again.

Be aware that “hidden transmitter” syndrome will be a big issue with every active group in the state trying to reach Bow Relay as they test various sites. Listen for a while to be sure Pete W1FEA at Bow Relay isn’t talking to anyone else.

We’re a small group, so we need as many folks as possible to lend a hand with this test. If you have questions or site ideas you want to talk about, send me a note. Hope to hear you on the air!

73

Dave Colter WA1ZCN
Interim EC – West Central NH ARES
ASEC, Training – NH-ARES
www.nh-ares.org
Hamshack Hotline: Ext. 4806
DHS SHARES: NNA1DC

Douglas Sharafanowich,WA1SFH, writes on the ct-ares list:

Hello CT ARES members in REGION 2:

We will be holding a FUN FALL Drill in 2 Weeks.

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR for:

DATE:  Saturday – Nov. 11

WHAT:  A “DAM” Drill

HOURS:  1030 – 1200

More information about this “DAM” Drill is available at:
http://www.ctaresregion2.org/events/a-dam-drill/9045/?filter_reset=1

—
73, Douglas Sharafanowich – WA1SFH
ARES District Emergency Coordinator (DEC)
Region 2 – Connecticut Section
email: wa1sfh “at” arrl “dit” net

ARRL Section Youth Coordinator – Connecticut Section
email: connecticutSYC “at” gmail “dit” com