Alabama ARES

KF4LQK Activated - 09NOV09

2009-11-09T19:16:00.000-06:00

KF4LQK, the Alabama EMA's ham station has been activated for Tropical Storm Ida. Station operators are N2TAR - Patrick Scott (Elmore County EC) and W4EGR - Jason Smith (Elmore County AEC/CERT Communications) until 2100L and then WX4AL - Mike Watkins will take over from there. We will be monitoring 3965kHz on HF and the DSTAR network on the REF2AL reflector. Please call KF4LQK for any storm related reports.

SECURE FROM EXERCISE

2009-10-03T14:09:00.000-05:00

SECURE FROM EXERCISE

At 14:00 PM CST, Mike Watkins, WX4AL instructed the Alabama EMA to issue orders to secure from exercise. All stations please stand down at this time.

A special thanks to everyone who participated in "Operation Highball". We saw a nice upsurge in the amount of traffic sent via digital modes, especially on the soundcard modes on 3570KHz USB. Also quite a bit of traffic was sent via APRS messaging and D-RATS.

Murphy was in full force at KF4LQK with D-RATS never working successfully here, despite successful use of it in the Hurrican exercise in May, and the Shelby County exercise just last month. We'll have to do some troubleshooting. APRS also needs attention at the State EMA.

On the bright side, the new Signalink USB soundcard interface worked well, allowing the State EMA to send and receive message traffic on both PSK-31 and MT63.

Thanks to all who participated!

Now make sure that you efforts count. Please send your Alabama SET score sheet via e-mail to:

N1LF@ARRL.NET

Or via US Postal Service Mail to:

Les Rayburn, N1LF

121 Mayfair Park

Maylene, AL 35114

We need all entries by the end of the month...sooner is better.

73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF

New Net Control on 3965khz

2009-10-03T13:09:00.000-05:00

From WX4AL

Relieved Jim, W4XWA as net control station for the 3965khz net. The Digital net has been
secured with one additional check-in: AB4WL from Tuscaloosa County on PSK-31.

WX4AL Assumed Tactical Voice Net duties at 1305HRS CT from W4XWA.

Shelby County SITREP

2009-10-03T13:02:00.000-05:00

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

001 ROUTINE HXC
W4SHL
CHECK 17
SHELBY COUNTY
12:58PM OCTOBER 3, 2009

TO: ALABAMA EMA, CLANTON, AL

A TOTAL OF 500 EVACUEES TRANSFERED TO RED CROSS SHELTERS X LEAKAGE CONTAINED X
CLEAN UP UNDERWAY

DON GREEN, SHELBY COUNTY EMA

Jefferson County SITREP 002

2009-10-03T12:54:00.002-05:00

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

002 PRIORITY HXC
W4AVD CHECK 10
BIRMINGHAM, AL
12:52PM 3 OCTOBER 09

N1LF ALABAMA EMA EC

LEAK CONTAINED SHELTERS WILL BE CLOSED BY 1800Z X

CLINT HODGE, BIRMINGHAM RED CROSS
BY N4HUB HUB ON OCTOBER 3 AT 12:54PM

----------------------

Copied by voice NTS formatted message on D-STAR Reflector Net.

Limestone County SITREP 005/006

2009-10-03T12:50:00.000-05:00

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

N4SEV, LIMESTONE COUNTY 005 EMERGENCY 12:35AM CST
TO: ALABAMA EMA

CRANE ON SITE. UPRIGHTING TANK CAR. LEAK HAS STOPPED. NO EVACUATIONS WERE NECESSARY.

-----------------------------------------

N4SEV, LIMESTONE COUNTy 006 EMERGENCY 12:44 OCTOBER 3, 2009
TO: ALABAMA EMA

TANK CAR BACK ON TRACK. ATHENS HAZMAT CLEANING UP SPILL. HAZARD IS NOW OVER. WE ARE SECURING AT THIS TIME. THANKS TO EVERYONE. 73 N4SEV

Limestone County SITREP 004

2009-10-03T12:23:00.000-05:00

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

N4SEV LIMESTONE COUNTY, 004 EMERGENCY
12:16 AM CST OCTOBER 3, 2009

TO: LES RAYBURN, KF4LQK ALABAMA EMA

FIRE UNDER CONTROL. TANK CAR WAS NOT OVERTURNED. TILTED CAUSING THE LEAK. HEAVY CONTRUCTION CRANE ON THE WAY TO UPRIGHT CAR.

Jefferson County SITREP

2009-10-03T12:10:00.000-05:00

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

Received via APRS message, which "de-constructed" the traffic into lines of text, making the meaning less than clear when received. Let's look at this during the hot-wash and experiment a bit with this mode.

N4HUB 11:36AM 10-03-2009
HUB HARVEY, N4HUB, JEFFERSON COUNTY EMERGENCY COORDINATOR

AMTRAK TRAIN ACCIDENT WITH FREIGHT TRAIN DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM ANHYDROUS AMMONIA
LEAK FIRES UNDER CONTROL RED CROSS SHELTERS OPEN

From WX4AL

2009-10-03T12:07:00.000-05:00

As of Noon today.. I have had the following stations check in via digital mode on HF:

KG4MPU Tuscaloosa County MT63/PSK31
K4PO Montgomery County PSK31
K4CZ Huntsville PSK31 with NTS Message
W4GRM Cleburne County PSK 31
KF4MH Mobile County PSK31
KI4YJQ PSK31
AG4MS Talladega County PSK 31 with NTS Message
WB4QEV PSK 31
KI4PMW Madison County, US Army Mars Station
KE3Y Madison County PSK31

De WX4AL, AEN Digital Mode NCS

Limestone County SITREP 003

2009-10-03T12:06:00.000-05:00

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

N4SEV LIMESTONE COUNTY 003 EMERGENCY
11:57AM OCTOBER 3, 2009
TO: ALABAMA EMA

THE TANK CAR IS LEAKING CHLORINE GAS. POSSIBLE FIVE BLOCK RESIDENTIAL AREA MAY NEED TO BE EVACUATED. ALSO CAMPUS OF ATHENS STATE UNIVERSITY THERE IS AN ESTIMATING MORE THAN 5,000 PEOPLE MAY ALSO NEED TO BE EVACUATED.ATHENS PD WAITING FOR ORDERS.

Shelby County SITREP 002

2009-10-03T11:56:00.002-05:00

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

FM: DON GREENE, SHELBY CO EMA
11:56 AM CST OCTOBER 3, 2009
SITREP 002
SITE EVACUATION IS UNDERWAY TO A RED CROSS SHELTER X 300 TO BE EVACUATED X

NTS Message from Madison County to State EOC

2009-10-03T11:41:00.005-05:00

No 005 R KE3Y check12 Meridianville, Madison County Alabama 1626Z 3Oct09
To: Les Rayburn, N1LF
THIS IS A TEST NTS FORMATTED MESSAGE FORWARD TO AL EOC CLANTON
Travis Hardin, KE3Y
bk
end of message

SITREPS Pour In From Around The State

2009-10-03T11:41:00.004-05:00

ALL TRAFFIC IS EXERCISE--

=========================

TO: K4TAL TALLADEGA CO. ARES

TO: KA4KUN JAY
TALLEGA CO ARES ACTIVE IN SET.
JIM MCELWAYNE

=============

KG4EUD

CHECK 24
11:15 AM CST OCTOBER 3

CALHOUN CO PARTICIPATING IN SET X EARTHQUAKE CAUSED CRACK IN OCHATCHEE DAM TRAIN ACCIDENT NERVE AGENT RELEASED AT ARMY DEPOT

RANDALL KG4EUD

----------------------

N4CZ

ROUTINE 004 HUNTSVILLE, AL
MADISON CO ARES IN SIMULATED EMERGENCY TEST ON 17 OCT

N4CZ

================================

N4SEV, LIMESTONE COUNTY 002 EMERGENCY
11:33 AM CST OCTOBER 3, 2009

TO: KF4LQK, ALABAMA EMA

ATHENS FIRE AND HAZMAT ON SCENE AND BATTLING FIRE. ALL EAST AND WEST BOUND STREETS ARE BLOCKED BY THE TRAIN EXCEPT FOR US HIGHWAY 72. ATHENS PD ON SCENE FOR TRAFFIC CONTROL.

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

Message from Talladega County W4LVT

2009-10-03T11:05:00.002-05:00

This is exercise traffic
Fifteen people treated at Citizens Hospital in Talladega Chlorine Exposure Signed, JIM W4LVT
This is exercise traffic

Shelby County SITREP

2009-10-03T10:59:00.000-05:00

Tom Appleby, W4TCA passed the following SITREP to the Alabama EMA via the 224.500 Mhz repeater.

EXERCISE

TRAIN DERAILMENT AT 8:30AM THIS MORNING IN SHELBY COUNTY. SERIOUS HAZMAT CONDITION. 10 CARS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT. 4 CARS CONTAINING CHLORINE GAS ARE LEAKING WITH CARS RUPTURED. GAS ESCAPING. LOCATION OF ACCIDENT IS ON HIGHWAY 31 1/4 MILE SOUTH OF HIGHWAY 26.

EXERCISE

Etowah County Checking In

2009-10-03T10:57:00.001-05:00

105 ROUTINE
FM: K4JMC
CHECK 7
GASTON, AL 10:30AM OCTOBER 3, 2009

TO: LES RAYBURN, ALABAMA STATE EOC, KF4LQK

ETOWAH COUNTY ARES PARTICIPATING IN SET 2009

DAVE, K4VMV
================

Passed via the HF Voice Net on 3965KHz in NTS format. Nice job guys!

NTS Message from N4CZ in Huntsville

2009-10-03T10:50:00.001-05:00

NR 3 R HXCG N4CZ 13 HUNTSVILLE AL 1030 CDT OCT 3
KF4LQK AL EMA CLANTON AL 205-280-2200
This message to test capability to send an NTS formatted message to Section

First NTS Message Received at KF4LQK

2009-10-03T10:38:00.000-05:00

Received our first NTS formatted formal written message. It was passed from K4NWS, at the National Weather Service in Calera, AL. We passed the traffic by voice over the D-STAR net.

001 ROUTINE
FM: K4NWS CHECK 7
CALERA, AL

DATE OCTOBTER 3 10:38 AM CST
TO: KF4LQK

K4NWS ACTIVE DURING 2009 SET X 73s K4NWS

Thanks for K4NWS and ALERT for participating in SET 2009!

APRS for KF4LQK

2009-10-03T10:15:00.001-05:00

RF link for KF4LQK is down due to antenna damage. We can receive APRS messages sent to SSID of KF4LQK via the Internet. Please send APRS traffic to KF4LQK

SET 2009 Digital Net is now active on 3570khz

2009-10-03T10:05:00.002-05:00

Traffic from WX4AL

The digital net on 3570khz is now active with MT63
for the first half hour and PSK31 for the second half hour.

de WX4AL

EXERCISE-Norfolk Southern Train Derailment in Jefferson County

2009-10-03T10:03:00.000-05:00

EXERCISE- KF4LQK has received a report of a Norfolk Southern train derailment in downtown Birmingham. Jefferson Co. ARES is activated on 146.88 MHz. EXERCISE

EXERCISE-SET CONDITION ORANGE

2009-10-03T10:00:00.000-05:00

SET CONDITION ORANGE FOR SET 2009

START OF EXERCISE-SET CONDITION ORANGE FOR THE 2009 SIMULATED EMERGENCY TEST.

EXERCISE

D-STAR Repeaters Linked Statewide

2009-10-03T09:42:00.000-05:00

ALABAMA D-STAR REPEATERS LINKED FOR SET 2009

Thanks to several resourceful operators, D-STAR repeaters statewide are all linking together on Reflector 2B to allow statewide coordination on D-STAR. The only "missing links" as of 9:41 AM are Decatur/Ft. Payne and Magnolia Springs. Otherwise, we're all linked together.

Hub Harvey, N4HUB in Jefferson County (K4DSO) is acting as net control for D-STAR. Slow Speed data messages can be passed using D-RATS software.

KF4LQK On The Air for SET 2009

2009-10-03T09:24:00.000-05:00

WELCOME TO SET 2009!

The Alabama EMA RACES/ARES Station, KF4LQK is on the air for SET 2009. We completed upgrades this morning to add digital soundcard modes here at the station. We're limited to a single 80M Antenna, and will be monitoring 3965KHz LSB for voice...but can QSY to the digital nets 3570KHz USB to receive digital traffic.

We're also active on D-STAR and Slow Speed Data (D-RATS), APRS Messaging, FM Analog, 224.500 MHz, and other frequencies as we can.

Look for updates here in real time from our SEC, Mike Watkins, WX4AL and direct from the Alabama EMA. We'll also be posting updates on Twitter. Follow us at ALSEC.

The direct phone number to the Alabama EMA radio room is (205) 280-2355. Don't forget that the telephone and fax are important communication tools and should be used as needed. We can also receive e-mail at N1LF@arrl.net

SECURE FROM EXERCISE

2009-09-15T12:05:00.000-05:00

Per instructions from KA4KUN, Jay Isbell, Alabama Section Manager, SECURE FROM EXERCISE at 11:53 AM CST.

This concludes the Shelby County HAZMAT exercise with a big voice of thanks to all who volunteered today. Of note is that Hub Harvey, N4HUB served as Communications Unit Leader (COM-L) for the exercise and was responsible for planning communications circuits for both public service and amateur response. This is a major honor and a real feather in the cap of amateur radio.

Shelby County EC, Tom Appleby performed well above the call of duty for his pre-exercise planning, which was detailed and will serve as a great example to other counties. Thanks to his leadership, amateur radio represented itself very well today. We've already received a lot of positive feedback here at the EMA on our performance today. Look for more in the hotwash.

73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF
Alabama EMA EC

GPS Coordinates for Exercise

2009-09-15T11:07:00.000-05:00

THIS IS AN EXERCISE.

The National Weather Service in Birmingham has requested GPS Coordinates for the incident in Wilsonville. Those coordinates are:

33.34.70 NORTH

86.27.65 WEST

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

SE Director Notified & Monitoring

2009-09-15T10:43:00.000-05:00

THIS IS AN EXERCISE.

ARRL Southeastern Director Greg Sarratt, W4OZK has been notified of the incident in Wilsonville, and the activation of Shelby County ARES. He is standing by to assist if needed, and is monitoring the situation via D-STAR on reflector 2B from the Huntsville repeater. He also is running D-RATS for slow speed data.

Alabama District Three DEC Rich Ranson, N9YAY is also activated and monitoring the situation. He is prepared to provide ARESMAT assistance if it is requested by Shelby County EC, Tom Appleby, W4TCA who is on the scene in Wilsonville, AL.

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

ARRL HQ Notified

2009-09-15T10:21:00.000-05:00

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

In accordance with the Alabama Emergency Action Plan, Les Rayburn, N1LF notified ARRL HQ in Newington, CT to inform them of the Shelby County ARES activation. E-mails and telephone calls were placed to Dennis Dura, K2DCD.

In an actual incident, the ARRL HQ would use D-STAR to link into the 2B reflector to provide real time support of the activation. Communications would also occure via e-mail, and telephone. ARRL HQ was provided with the direct telephone number to KF4LQK, Alabama EMA for their use during this exercise.

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

Served Agencies On The Air

2009-09-15T10:10:00.000-05:00

KA4KUN has just completed initial check ins for the Shelby County Exercise. Amateurs have deployed and are supporting the National Weather Service, Shelby County EMA, Shelby Baptist Hospital, and the Red Cross.

Currently message traffic being handled by amateur radio includes bedding needs for the Red Cross Shelter.

Also several home and mobile stations have checked in to support the exercise. Great to see such a large turnout on a Tuesday morning...and even better to see so many served agencies being supported by Shelby ARES.

KA4KUN Net Control in Shelby County

2009-09-15T09:54:00.000-05:00

The Shelby County ARES net has been activated on the 146.980 MHz repeater. KA4KUN, Alabama SM is net control and is on site at the incident in Wilsonville, AL.

Shelby County EMA is on frequency, along with Alabama EMA, Shelby Baptist Hospital, and other ARES volunteers.

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

Montgomery D-STAR repeater linked

2009-09-15T09:52:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Ken Atkinson, WB4FAY, we've got the Mongtomery repeater linked to reflector 2B along with Birmingham, and Cheaha. Ken also pointed out that most repeaters in Alabama are configured for "Open Linking" allowing users to change the links via RF. This operator (Les Rayburn, N1LF) isn't aware of how to perform that function, so I need to get up to speed.

Thanks again Ken.

Shelby County ARES Activated

2009-09-15T09:50:00.003-05:00

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

Shelby County EMA has requested the activation of Shelby County ARES in response to an incident at the Gaston Steam Plant in Wilsonville, AL at 09:50AM CST.

Montgomery D-STAR Repeater Linking

2009-09-15T09:27:00.000-05:00

It appears that the Montgomery D-STAR repeater may be linked to an incorrect reflector. Most Alabama repeaters are linked on the 2B reflector, while Montgomery is currently linked on 2C. This will limit the ability of the Alabama EMA to communicate with WHSHL (Shelby County) and other stations at the incident site.

We're investigating to see if we can get it changed.

EXERCISE: Red Cross Notified

2009-09-15T09:20:00.000-05:00

KA4KUN (Alabama SM) at the incident site at the Gaston Steam Plant in Wilsonville, passed traffic to the Shelby County EMA requesting that the Red Cross be notified about the incident. They are tasked to be prepare for opening a shelter.

Reports at the Alabama EMA indicate that there has been a Chlorine leak at the Gaston Steam Plant in Wilsonville (Shelby Co). Patients are being transported to Shelby Baptist Hospital.

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

Shelby County Exercise Start

2009-09-15T09:13:00.000-05:00

The Shelby County HAZMAT Exercise has started at 09:05 AM Central Time. Monitor amateur radio traffic from the incident site on:

ARES HF: 3965 LSB
D-STAR: (Several repeaters inclduing Birmingham, Montgomery, and Cheaha are linked together on reflector.) Voice and Slow Speed D-RATS data.
W4PHP: 224.500 MHz wide area repeater.
W4SHL: 146.98 MHz Shelby County FM Analog repeater.

Alabama EMA Phone Number

2009-09-15T08:03:00.000-05:00

Amateurs should have the direct telephone number into the Alabama EMA radio room programmed into their cell phones. It is 205-280-2355. This number rings directly into the KF4LQK station, and will put you in touch with the control operator.

Telephones are more secure than amateur radio, and when working should be a primary communications channel during actual incidents or exercises. Remember, we're communicators first, amateur radio operators second. During an emergency passing traffic is critical, how it's done (landline vs. RF) isn't important!

Alabama EMA On Air In Support of Shelby Co. Exercise

2009-09-15T07:57:00.000-05:00

The Alabama EMA amateur radio station, KF4LQK is on the air in support of the Shelby County HAZMAT exercise. We're monitoring HF (3965khz), the Shelby County FM repeater 146.98 MHz, Ron Arant's very capable 222 repeater on 224.500, D-STAR via the Montgomery machine (and statewide links on the reflector), and APRS modes.

If you can, please monitor or join in to support the exercise!

Emergency Managers and First Responders Use Twitter and Facebook to Update Communities

2009-08-10T11:01:00.001-05:00

Emergency Managers and First Responders Use Twitter and Facebook to Update Communities

Shared via AddThis

Alabama ARES FM Simplex Exercise

2009-06-04T13:12:00.001-05:00

Please announce this on your local VHF FM nets, the Alabama Mike Net, and in your club newsletters. We'll be making a post on the Alabama ARES web site and also doing a special edition of the newsletter for this event.

The Alabama Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) will once again conduct a FM Simplex Exercise designed to encourage members to test their range on FM Simplex. This will be a two-hour exercise starting at 4:00PM Central until 6:00PM Central time on Saturday, June 13th.

This test is held during the ARRL June VHF QSO Contest to allow ARES volunteers to have the opportunity to contact more distant VHF contest stations, many of whom run high power and gain antennas. During last year's event, some ARES volunteers were able to make contacts over 200 miles away from their QTH!

During the event, stations will exchange call signs and "grid squares". You can also obtain your grid square from www.qrz.com by looking up your callsign and then clicking on "details". Birmingham, Shelby, and Tuscaloosa are in EM63, Huntsville is in EM64, Montgomery is in EM62, & Mobile is in

EM50. Find your grid square today & be ready for the exercise.

A typical QSO might go something like:

"CQ CQ CQ. This is WX4AL in EM62. Over"

"WX4AL this is N1LF. You are loud and clear in EM63. Over".

"Roger, roger, N1LF. You are loud and clear here as well. Thank you for EM63".

ARES groups are encouraged to man their local EOC's to test the range of our served agencies amateur communications. Other groups will want to set up "hill top" operations in high areas in your community and use Yagi (beam) antennas for greater range. If you're trying to work a VHF contest station, you may want to rotate your beam to the "horizontal" position as most work done on SSB/CW is horizontal. The difference in polarization can cost you up to 20db of signal strength!

It's also the perfect chance to test your backup power supply, and mobile stations. During hurricanes and winter storms, prolonged power outages can mean that even repeaters equipped with backup power supplies will fail in a few days. It's important to know the range of your station on simplex, and practice using it often. All ARES members are encouraged to take steps to improve their simplex range.

Frequencies to be used for the exercise are:

Six Meters (50-54 MHz)

52.525 MHz

Two Meters (144 - 148 MHz)

FM simplex is allowed frequencies:

146.550

146.580

147.555 (This frequency is home of the "Triple Nickel Gang" Friday Night Simplex Net at 10PM Central. These guys are hardcore simplex fans!)

*Note. You cannot operate on the National Simplex frequency of 146.520 during this exercise.

1-1/4 Meters (222 - 225 MHz)

223.500

70 Centimeters (430 - 450 MHz)

446.000

So, lets program

52.525 / 146.550 / 146.580 / 147.555 / 223.500 / 446.000

Please send in detailed reports of your activities, and consider submitting your log to the ARRL Contest as well. We'll post an after action report on the state web site in early July. Join us for Alabama ARES Simplex Exercise 2009!

ENDEX (SECURE FROM EXERCISE 15:36PM CENTRAL)

2009-05-07T15:35:00.000-05:00

AL SEC #015
ROUTINE
TO: ALABAMA ARES
FROM: LES RAYBURN, N1LF
CC: ARRL HQ
SUBJECT: ENDEX (SECURE FROM EXERCISE)
1. FROM ALABAMA EMA LEADERSHIP, AND GREG SARRATT, W4OZK (MDEC) WE ARE SECURED FROM HURRICANE CRAIG EXERCISE AT 15:36 PM CENTRAL.
2. PLEASE SUBMIT LOGS, SUGGESTIONS, AND AFTER ACTION REPORTS TO:

N1LF@ARRL.NET

3. THANKS AND GREAT JOB TO ALABAMA ARES. 73

EXERCISE: More Traffic from Limestone County

2009-05-07T15:32:00.000-05:00

Joe and his team continue to put "injects" into the system, keeping both amateurs and our served agencies scrambling to meet resource requests. This is very typical of a real hurricane strike on Alabama, where local communities find themselves overwhelmed and reach out to the Alabama EMA for support.

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

FROM: N4SEV, LIMESTONE COUNTY EMA
TO: ALABAMA EMA

REQUEST 20 BLANKETS, 25 BOTTLED WATERS, AND 10 ROLLS OF PAPER TOWELS FOR EVACUEES
IN SHELTER.

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

EC's and DEC's Checking In

2009-05-07T15:08:00.000-05:00

As of 15:13 PM CDT, we've heard from almost all of our District Emergency Coordinators and Emergency Coordinators throughout the state. Many, like Richard Randall from District 3 checked in on more than one frequency or mode.

We're glad to see such strong support for this exercise from our ARES leadership.

Limestone County ARES

2009-05-07T14:35:00.000-05:00

One of the best ARES groups in the state is located near the Tennessee border in Limestone County. Lead by Joe Ivey, EC for Limestone County this group provides a wide range of volunteer services for their EMA.

They're participating in the exercise on D-STAR, HF, FM, and other modes. Great job up there Joe!

Here's a copy of the message they sent as part of the exercise:

ICS-213 Form
Incident Name
AL Hurricane Exercise
Date/Time of message
07-May-2009 14:17:37
GENERAL MESSAGE
ICS 213-OS

To
KF4LQK
ICS Position
LOGISTICS / COMMUNICATIONS

Sender
KD4CAL
ICS Position
LOGISTICS / COMMUNICATIONS

Subject
LIMESTONE CO. TEST EXERCISE

Message
EXERCISE
Trained storm spotter reports touchdown of tornado 12 miles northwest of Athens. Two schools have been set up as shelters. End of test message.

Reply

Signature / Position (person replying)

Date/Time of reply
07-May-2009 14:15:37

GENERAL MESSAGE June 2000 ICS213-OS

Electronic version: Generated by D-RATS

Radiogram NTS for W4OZK

2009-05-07T14:01:00.000-05:00

County EMA's are also passing information to our Major Disaster Emergency Coordinator, Greg Sarratt, W4OZK in NTS "Radiogram" format. Here's an example of one message passed first via HF voice, then via slow speed data on D-RATs software.

Above is a photo Greg, along with Frog, KG4DCE who is Patty's right hand man in Baldwin County. This photo was taken during the installation of the D-STAR repeater in Magnolia Springs. That repeater and both this men are hard at work today in the exercise. Thanks to Greg and Frog!

Radiogram
Precedence
Routine
HX

Station of Origin
N4NM, Huntsville AL
Check
21
Place of Origin
Scott Worsham, Madison County EMA
Time
18:14:46
Date
07-May-2009

To
Greg Sarratt, MDEC

Recipient Phone #

THIS IS AN EXERCISE X MADISON COUNTY EOC AT FULL ACTIVATION UNTIL HURRICANE CRAIG PASSES X THIS IS AN EXERCISE X

Signature

Received

Received From

Date / Time
15:12:46 08-Mar-2008

Sent

Sent To

Date / Time
15:12:46 08-Mar-2008

Randolph County Traffic

2009-05-07T13:29:00.001-05:00

THIS IS AN EXERCISE MESSAGE

FROM: K4RAN RANDOLPH COUNTY EMA
TO: ALABAMA EMA

WE HAVE FOUR LIGHT TOWERS WITH 12 KW GENERATORS. WE ALSO HAVE A 150KW MOBILE GENERATOR
WHICH WE CAN DEPLOY STATEWIDE OR ASSIST AEMA WITH DEPLOYMENT. NO STORM DAMAGE IN RANDOLPH
COUNTY.

THIS IS AN EXERCISE MESSAGE

Real World Reports from Barbour County

2009-05-07T13:19:00.000-05:00

The great folks at ALERT (Alabama Emergency Response Team) are manning K4NWS in Birmingham for both the exercise and now, real world flooding and tornado warnings.

We interrupted the exercise for a few moments to relay real time weather observations from Barbour County to K4NWS via HF radio on 3965khz.

WX4TM reported a violent thunderstorm as he was taking shelter himself. We're continuing to relay these real time reports.

Thanks to all the selfless volunteers at ALERT, many of whom are also ARES members. They put in long hours at the National Weather Service office providing one of the most vital emergency communications services in the state.

Alabama Southern Baptist Disaster Relief

2009-05-07T12:56:00.000-05:00

One of the largest and best emergency communications groups in the state is also participating in the exercise. The Alabama Southern Baptist Disaster Relief just checked in the HF net on 3965khz from their headquarters. We're excited to have them participate.

During a real event, they provide vital services including mass feedings, Chaplin services, shower trucks, etc. They also have a state of the art amateur radio communications team and trailers. In a real world event, they're one of the "big guns" of disaster relief.

Welcome aboard!

EXERCISE: OUTGOING TRAFFIC

2009-05-07T12:46:00.000-05:00

The exercise is simulating the loss of Southern-Link 800mhz (Cell) communications in the affected area. Amateur radio has been tasked with broadcasting ETA messages regarding resource requests such as fuel, shelter items, etc.

Here is the first of those messages, which was relayed to Baldwin County IC, WB4EMA via D-STAR.

THIS IS AN EXERCISE MESSAGE

12:24PM CDT 07 MAY 09
FROM: ALABAMA EMA
TO: LOWNDES COUNTY EMA
R1 DALPHIN ISLAND
R2 ESCAMBIA COUNTY
R4 CLARKE COUNTY

RESOURCES SHOULD BE ON SCENE NOW.

THIS IS AN EXERCISE MESSAGE

Real World

2009-05-07T11:53:00.000-05:00

This is "real world" traffic, not part of our exercise.

N4HUB just reported that Autauga County is opening shelters for flood victims in the Prattville area. Message was passed to Alabama EMA, and they're making an EMITS entry now. Time of Receipt (TOR) is 12:08PM.

Some real world traffic regarding the weather is being passed on D-STAR between Montgomery County and K4NWS (ALERT) at the National Weather Service in Birmingham.

Perry County Traffic

2009-05-07T11:52:00.000-05:00

Received this via the HF Net Voice:

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

527 ROUTINE HXG
N4EJF CHECK 13
MARION, AL 07 MAY 2009
TO: KF4LQK, ALABAMA EMA

AMERICAN RED CROSS HAS OPENED A 50 BED CAPACITY SHELTER IN MARION, AL

JOE, N4EJF
PERRY COUNTY EC

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

EXERCISE: TRAFFIC RECEIVED AT AEMEA

2009-05-07T11:38:00.000-05:00

Additional traffic received by voice:

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

1 PRIORITY
K4TAL
CHECK 14
TALLADEGA COUNTY EOC
11:20AM 07 MAY 2009
TALLADEGA COUNTY RED CROSS CAN OPEN 100 BED SPECIAL NEEDS SHELTER IF NEEDED

PAT MILLER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

=========================================
THIS IS AN EXERCISE

WB4LNM Tallpoosa EMA

THIS IS A TEST EXERCISE SITREP
I HAVE POWER LINES, LARGE TRANS US 280 IN SOUTHERN TALLAPOOSA COUNTY
HEARD ROAD. US 280 NORTH AND SOUTH BLOCKED JUST NORTH. MILE MAKERS 91 and 92.
No evacuees can be moved North of this point.

THIS IS AN EXERCISE.

EXERCISE: Message Traffic

2009-05-07T10:55:00.000-05:00

KF4LQK has received the following messages by voice:

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

1 Routine Hotel X-Ray Golf
KM5EMI
Count:23
Pearl, MS 07 May 2009
TO: WX4AL
THIS IS AN EXERCISE. Amateur radio operators are willing to assist Alabama as needed
during this event.

Ron Brown, AB5WF
KM5EMA
MS State Races Officer

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

1 Routine N4IF
CHECK 12
BOWDON, GA
1200 Eastern Standard Time
THIS IS EXERCISE TRAFFIC
TO: WX4AL
READY TO ASSIST ALABAMA WITH EXERCISE X IN CASE TRAFFIC FOR WEST GEORGIA 73 X
N4IF CARROLL COUNTY EC

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

FROM: WQ4V LOWNDES COUNTY EMA
THIS IS EXERCISE TRAFFIC.
WE ARE IN NEED OF 10 COTS AT MASSADONIA CHURCH. FORT DEPOSIT X 83 PEOPLE SHELTERED AT CHURCH
X RESPOND TO REQUEST TO LOWNDES COUNTY EMA
END OF MESAGE
WQ4V LOWNDES COUNTY EMA

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

EXERCISE TRAFFIC FROM TALLAPOOSA EMA

2009-05-07T10:34:00.000-05:00

Just received at KF4LQK, Alabama EMA.

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

FROM: WB4LNM-TALLAPOOSA COUNTY EMA
TO: ALABAMA EMA

AT 10:00 HOURS APPOXIMATELY 1,420 EVACUEES AT WIND CREEK CAMPGROUND AT LAKE MARTIN.

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

EXERCISE: HURRICANE CRAIG UPDATE

2009-05-07T10:31:00.000-05:00

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

AL SEC MESSAGE #014
TO: AL ARES
FROM: KF4LQK ALABAMA EMA
SITREP

ICS-213 Form
Incident Name
Incident Command Update
Date/Time of message
07-May-2009 9:45:08
GENERAL MESSAGE
ICS 213-OS

To
KF4LQK
ICS Position
LOGISTICS-COMMUNICATIONS

Sender
KD4CAL
ICS Position
LOGISTICS-COMMUNICATIONS

Subject
W4OZK-ICS UPDATE

Message
Les, I just had an incident update from W4OZK the MDEC from Baldwin County. Hurricane Craig made landfall Wednesday as a Cat-5 Hurricane with catastrofic damage around region 1. The Storm surge has went down. He is over Incident Command Operations at this time.

Reply

Signature / Position (person replying)

Date/Time of reply
07-May-2009 9:45:08

GENERAL MESSAGE June 2000 ICS213-OS

Electronic version: Generated by D-RATS

D-STAR Slow Speed Data Messages Passed

2009-05-07T09:44:00.000-05:00

KD4CAL at the Calhoun County EMA just passed an ICS-213 formatted message to KF4LQK, Alabama EMA using D-STAR and the D-RATS software. It's interesting to note that this traffic was passed over the reflector. Packet loss was reduced by having net control station ask other stations to hold both voice and data traffic until the form transfer could be completed.

Even on the Slow Speed data capabilities of 2 Meters, total transmission time was less than 30 seconds. Here's a copy of the message:

ICS-213 Form
Incident Name
Alabama Hurricane Exercise

Date/Time of message
07-May-2009 9:30:19

GENERAL MESSAGE
ICS 213-OS
To
KF4LQK

ICS Position
LOGISTICS-COMMUNICATIONS
Sender
KD4CAL

ICS Position
LOGISTICS-COMMUNICATIONS
Subject
D-STAR COMMUNICATIONS
Message
Les, this is a list of D-STAR repeaters in Alabama that are linked up for the Alabama Hurricane Exercise. W4AP Montgomery, WB4GNA Cheaha, W4KCQ Tuscaloosa, K4DSO Birmingham, KI4SAZ Magnolia Springs Baldwin county, KI4PPF Huntsville. Also ARRL HQ is on DV Dongle linked to us via Reflector 002 Module B.
Reply
Signature / Position (person replying)

Date/Time of reply
07-May-2009 9:30:19
GENERAL MESSAGE June 2000 ICS213-OS
Electronic version: Generated by D-RATS

Demostrating Amateur Radio for FEMA

2009-05-07T09:30:00.000-05:00

We just did a brief demonstration of amateur radio capabilities for Col. Albie Lewis, Federal Coordinating Officer from FEMA here at the Alabama EMA.

He was especially interested in our mobile capabilities, D-STAR voice and data network, and our ability to interoperate with FNARS (FEMA's HF Network), SHARES, MARS, and other services.

This is one of the best and most important parts of an exercise like this. Making our served agencies more aware of our capabilities and networking. As we always tell our EC's, the time to meet your served agency officials is before the incident, not during.

Thanks to Col. Lewis for stopping by KF4LQK and allowing us to demonstrate amateur radio.

KI4EMA On Reflector

2009-05-07T09:12:00.000-05:00

KI4EMA (Baldwin County EMA) and W4OZK, Greg Sarratt, our Major Disaster Emergency Coordinator (MDEC) are now active on reflector 2. This links the entire state together and provides real time voice and data capabilities.

All stations be advised that KD4CAL, Calhoun County EMA is acting as net control. We are using the D-RATS software for slow speed data.

ARRL HQ ON D-STAR

2009-05-07T08:54:00.000-05:00

Dennis Dura, K2DCD at ARRL HQ checked in via reflector 02 to the Alabama DHS Hurricane Exercise using the "DV Dongle". This provides us with real time communications to Newington, CT allowing for rapid coordination. If needed, we could order additional amateur personnel to respond to the scene, bring in more equipment, etc.

KD4CAL D-STAR NET

2009-05-07T08:09:00.000-05:00

KD4CAL, Calhoun County EMA is serving as Net Control for the D-STAR net. We're linking several repeaters together via Reflector 2. D-RATS slow speed data is active on this frequency as well.

ALABAMA EMA ANTENNA DAMAGE

2009-05-07T07:56:00.000-05:00

The Alabama Emergency Management Agency in Clanton sustained a lightning strike and we have damage to the VHF antennas. We're currently sharing a VHF antenna with Civil Air Patrol and National Guard. This means that we'll be on D-STAR but our access may be limited during the exercise.

KF4LQK is guarding the Calhoun County repeater on 147.090 with a PL of 131.8 as our best wide area repeater. We are also monitoring the HF net on 3965khz LSB.

Direct telephone access can be obtained by calling 205-280-2355. SEC E-mail is also working.
Send e-mail messages to:

N1LF@ARRL.NET

Antenna damage is "real world" not part of the exercise. Adapt and overcome.

EXERCISE: CRAIG A CATEGORY FIVE

2009-05-07T07:02:00.000-05:00

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

AL SEC MESSAGE #013
TO: ALABAMA ARES
FROM: LES RAYBURN, N1LF
SUBJECT: CRAIG NOW CATEGORY FIVE
1. HURRICANE CRAIG CAME ON SHORE THIS MORNING AT BAYOU LE BATRIE.
2. ALL ARES MEMBERS ARE REQUESTED TO MONITOR EXERCISE FREQUENCIES FOR REPORTS AND ALSO TO RELAY CONDITIONS IN THEIR AREA TO THE ALABAMA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY KF4LQK
3. DIRECT PHONE NUMBER TO AEMA IS 205-280-2355

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

EXERCISE: ARRL HQ UPDATES

2009-05-06T21:21:00.000-05:00

EXERCISE MESSAGE ARRL HQ #008

1. Type 3 and Type 4 resources will be placed on standby as soon as teams are identified. Seeking status from adjacent Sections

2. Ham Aid Kits will be readied for shipment awaiting delivery instructions

3. MDEC appointed from within Alabama Section. MDEC is W4OZK

4. PIO Matson acknowledged. Please advise if interactions with ARRL HQ PIO are desirable. HQ PIO is Allen Pitts.

END EXERCISE MESSAGE

EXERCISE: MDEC APPOINTED

2009-05-06T21:20:00.001-05:00

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

AL SEC MESSAGE #012

TO: ARES ALABAMA

CC: ALABAMA EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM

SUBJECT: MDEC APPOINTED

1. ARRL HQ HAS APPOINTED GREG SARRATT, W4OZK HAS MAJOR DISASTER COORDINATOR (MDEC) FOR HURRICANE CRAIG. THE MDEC FUNCTIONS AS THE INCIDENT COMMANDER IN THE IMPACTED AREA, AND WILL COORDINATE THE AMATEUR RADIO RESPONSE IN REGION ONE.

2. FOR THOSE TRACKING WITH APRS, YOU MAY WISH TO DESIGNATE W4OZK AS MDEC FOR THE DURATION OF THE INCIDENT.

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

Activation & Notification

2009-05-06T16:12:00.000-05:00

As many of you will recall from the ARRL Earthquake Drill in December of 2008, activation was a real weak point for Alabama. Since then, a lot of work has been done that should make things work more smoothly today.

Ed Manley, W4AGA has completed updated the ARES database by contacting each volunteer and updating their e-mail, cell phone addresses, etc. This work continues with more updates being gathered during the Birmingham Hamfest.

Dave Robertson, W3CO, DEC for Region 3 has worked with me to investigate a number of SMS (Text Message) based notification systems. We're currently using "Data Doctor" on a trial basis. It seems to work well, with the exception of those volunteers who use AT&T or Cingular. Those companies choose to block any incoming SMS message that is sent to more than four users at a time. (SPAM blocking measure for cell phones).

Mike Watkins, WX4AL maintains a large list of most ARES members who receive the monthly ARES newsletter. This list has been used all week to "push" out messages to most of our members.

Twitter. About 30% of our membership also "follows" the SEC via Twitter.com allowing them to receive short messages on their cell phones in near real time. Today's activation message was sent via Twitter, and more will follow. If you're not already doing so, please follow me at:

ALSEC

Not on Twitter? Join the 21st Century and sign up today at: www.twitter.com

We'll use all these tools, along with local EC's making phone calls tonight (phone tree) to insure that our members are aware of the drill tomorrow and try to participate. Please do your part by talking it up on the local repeaters, and placing calls to your friends. Don't assume that they know...because they may not.

Please submit feedback to me as well about how our activation/notification system worked. N1LF@ARRL.NET

EXERCISE: ARES CONDITION ORANGE

2009-05-06T16:03:00.000-05:00

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

AL SEC #011

TO: ALABAMA ARES

CC: ARRL HQ

ALABAMA EMA

SUBJECT: ARES CONDITION ORANGE

1. SET CONDITION ORANGE. ACTIVATE PHONE TREES, E-MAIL, LOCAL NETS, AND MIKE NET NOTIFICATIONS. PLEASE RELAY THE FOLLOWING:

ARES CONDITION ORANGE

BEGIN OPERATIONS AT 0700 AM CDT ON ALL NETS FOR HURRICANE CRAIG

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

EXERCISE: ARRL HQ UPDATES

2009-05-06T15:52:00.000-05:00

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

AL SEC MESSAGE #010

TO: DENNIS DURA, K2DCD ARRL HQ

CC: ARRL SE DIV

ALABAMA SM

FROM: LES RAYBURN, N1LF AL SEC

SUBJECT: ARRL HQ UPDATES

1. REQUEST THAT ARRL HQ HAVE ADDITIONAL ARCT TYPE 4 AND TYPE 3 RESOURCES ON STANDBY BASIS IF ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL ARE NEEDED.

2. REQUEST TWO ADDITIONAL HAM AID KITS CONTAINING VHF UHF FM RADIOS BE PLACED ON STANDBY.

3. REQUEST STATUS OF APPOINTING A MAJOR EMERGENCY DISASTER COORDINATOR (MDEC) FOR THIS EVENT. THIS NEEDS TO BE ACCOMPLISHED ASAP.

4. COORDINATING PIO FUNCTIONS WITH ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PIO LAUREN MATSON, WHO IS IN CHARGE AT THE JIC.

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

(**Notes) This is a typical "last minute" message that would be sent out in the day before landfall. In reality, we started the morning with a conference call including our on-site DEC, Patty Link who is in charge of operations in Region 1, ARRL HQ, Section Manager, North Florida SEC, and others. We've been swapping e-mails all day, clearing up last minute details.

At this point, we're requesting that additional operators be placed on standby status, in case they are needed after the hurricane makes landfall. ARRL HQ will reach out to surrounding sections like Mississippi, Central Florida, and Georgia requesting assistance.

We've also placed additional equipment (HAM AID) kits on standby. And we made contact with the Public Information Officer in charge of the incident. In this case, Lauren Matson of Alabama DHS. She'll run the show from the JIC (Joint Information Center) in Robertsdale, where all media inquires will be routed.

If reporters want to talk to us about the amateur radio "angle", their requests will be routed through the JIC or ARRL HQ. Any public statements made by us, as volunteers must be cleared with our served agency.

EXERCISE: HURRICANE CRAIG AT CATEGORY FOUR

2009-05-06T15:27:00.000-05:00

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

SEC MESSAGE #009

TO: ALABAMA ARES

CC: ARRL HQ

ALABAMA EMA

SUBJECT: HURRICANE CRAIG AT CATEGORY FOUR

1. HURRICANE CRAIG IS NOW A VERY DANGEROUS HURRICANE WITH WIND SPEEDS MEASURING NEAR 150MPH. THE TRACK OF THE STORM

IS UNCHANGED, WITH IMPACT AT OR NEAR MOBILE BAY AT AROUND 8:00 AM CDT THURSDAY. STORM SURGE IS EXPECTED TO REACH 18 TO 20 FEET.

2. AFTER LANDFALL, PROJECTED TRACK TAKES THE STORM NORTH BY NORTHEAST, DIRECTLY THROUGH THE HEART OF THE STATE. THE STORM IS PREDICTED TO BE AT CATEGORY TWO STATE WHEN IT REACHES BIRMINGHAM LATER IN THE DAY. IT MAY EVEN REMAIN AT HURRICANE STRENGTH UNTIL IT PASSES NEAR HUNTSVILLE.

3. SET ARES CONDITION "ORANGE" (OPERATIONAL STATUS) IMMEDIATELY.

4. MAKE FINAL PREPARATIONS AND LIMIT MOVEMENT OF PERSONNEL UNTIL AFTER LANDFALL.

5. REQUEST WIDEST POSSIBLE DISSEMINATION OF THIS MESSAGE INCLUDING HF "MIKE NET".

6. SEC DEPLOYING TO ALABAMA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY EOC IN CLANTON OVERNIGHT. CALL SIGN IS KF4LQK. DIRECT TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 205-280-2355.

7. CHECK ARES SEC BLOG FOR REAL TIME UPDATES: http://al-ares.blogspot.com/

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

Mistakes, and On The Job Training

2009-05-06T14:57:00.000-05:00

Exercises are great things. They give you an opportunity to make mistakes (and hopefully learn from them) without putting anyone at risk.

This is my first hurricane season as SEC, and I'm doing a lot of "On The Job" training. Also making my share of mistakes. Fortunately, we're building a good organization and that means someone is always watching my back.

Late last night, Mike Watkins, WX4AL noticed that the backup frequency in the Exercise Plan was listed as 7.240khz. Unfortunately, our own Emergency Operation Plan lists our backup frequency as 7.243khz. Mike pointed out my mistake, and we immediately issued a change order to correct it.

Sure, I felt silly for not catching the mistake, but it's much better than having people tune around looking for the net.

Likewise yesterday I sent out a request to ARRL HQ asking for assistance (personnel) from outside our Section. I worded this as an ARESMAT request. Greg Sarratt, W4OZK pointed out that my terminology was off.

ARESMAT is a request within the Section (State) for assistance from other regions.

My bad. But if we keep checking each others work, then these problems get solved. Good work Mike, & Greg. Thanks for having my back.

73,

DE N1LF

EXERCISE: ARRL CONTACT INFORMATION

2009-05-06T14:56:00.000-05:00

EXERCISE MESSAGE ARRL HQ #007

Contact information for ARRL HQ EMCOMM Manager, Dennis Dura, K2DCD

Office: 860.594.0200 (Main)

Office: 860.594.0222 (Direct)

Cell: 860.922.1434

All contact with ARRL HQ for Hurricane Craig Exercise should be through this person only.

END EXERCISE MESSAGE

Alabama DHS Hurricane Exercise In The News

2009-05-06T14:48:00.000-05:00

All those Remote Communications Vehicles (RCV's) and other toys were bound to attract some media attention. Visit the links below to see how the media is covering the upcoming Alabama Department of Homeland Security Exercise:

http://www.wkrg.com/technology/article/hurricane_preparedness_and_communications/25861/

http://www.al.com/news/press-register/metro.ssf?/base/news/1241601324205810.xml&coll=3

http://blog.al.com/live/2009/05/officials_conduct_communicatio.html

73

DE N1LF

EXERCISE: CHANGE ORDER TO EXERCISE PLAN

2009-05-06T11:55:00.000-05:00

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

SEC MESSAGE #008

TO: ALABAMA ARES

FROM: ARRL HQ

SUBJECT: CHANGE ORDER TO EXERCISE PLAN

1. PLEASE CHANGE BACKUP HF FREQUENCY TO READ "7.243 KHZ LSB".

2. PLEASE ADD MOBILE, AL REPEATER 146.820 203.5 PL TONE TO LIST OF LOCAL REPEATERS.

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

EXERCISE: CONTACT LISTS AND LOCAL REPEATERS

2009-05-05T16:38:00.000-05:00

Another type of information that must be passed to HQ, and also to anyone responding to an ARESMAT request is a good contact and local repeaters list. Keep in mind that those responding outside the area will not be familiar with the repeaters in use for a given incident.

I've made a habit of creating a text file containing that sort of useful information for the Shelby County area and keeping it on my desktop. That way I can quickly send it out to anyone coming here after a major incident. EC's should do the same for their counties.

Amateurs who responded to the tornadoes in Prattville, AL returned with stories about the difficulty in finding out which repeaters were in use, and their PL tones, etc. This type of information is vital, and repeater directories are not a good substitute. In a major incident, the primary repeater in a given area may have failed. You've got to communicate which ones are working and who's using each one.

Here's a copy of the most recent message traffic to HQ:

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

SEC MESSAGE #007

TO: Dennis Dura, K2DCD

FROM: Les Rayburn, N1LF AL SEC

SUBJECT: HURRICANE CRAIG CONTACT LIST AND LOCAL REPEATER INFORMATION

Patti Link, KI4JEO District One (1) DEC
5749 Bay La Launch Ave.
Orange Beach, AL 36561
251-269-4647 cell

Greg Sarratt, W4OZK
230 Latigo Loop
Huntsville, AL 35806
256-337-3636 cell

Jay Isbell, KA4KUN
2290 Quail Drive
Bessemer, AL 35022
205-910-6446 cell
205-424-9993 home

Baldwin County EOC
23100 McAuliffe Dr
Robertsdale, AL 36567
251-972-6807
251-580-1616 fax

LOCAL REPEATERS IN USE DURING THIS INCIDENT

Local:
147.090 FM repeater, Robertsdale, AL
146.685 FM repeater, 82.5PL, Weeks Bay, AL
145.310 D-STAR Digital repeater, Magnolia Springs, AL
145.390 D-STAR Digital repeater, Mobile, AL
146.520 FM simplex

HIGH FREQUENCY NETS IN USE DURING THIS INCIDENT

HF*:
3.965 LSB Alabama emergency primary frequency
7.240 SSB Alabama emergency backup frequency
3.950 LSB Regional net frequency
3.570 USB Alabama emergency digital primary frequency

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

EXERCISE: SEC MESSAGE #004

2009-05-05T16:32:00.001-05:00

Sorry folks, forgot to post this message on the blog. Glad to hear that many of you are actively following this discussion. We're all making mistakes, and learning from them. Thanks for catching this one!

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

SEC MESSAGE #004

TO: DENNIS DURA, K2DCD ARRL HQ

CC: JAY ISBELL, KA4KUN

FROM: LES RAYBURN, N1LF AL SEC

SUBJECT: HAM AID REQUEST FOR HURRICANE CRAIG

1. REQUEST THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT FROM ARRL HQ BE SHIPPED TO ALABAMA EMA FOR DEPLOYMENT TO AFFECTED REGION.

A. THREE HF TRANSCEIVERS

B. FOUR DUAL BAND VHF/UHF TRANSCEIVERS

C. ASSORTED SUPPORT ACCESSORIES

2. SHIP TO THE ATTENTION OF FRED SPRINGALL, COMMUNICATIONS BRANCH

ALABAMA EMA

5898 County Road 41
Clanton, AL 35046-2160

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

EXERCISE: ARESMAT REQUEST

2009-05-05T15:52:00.000-05:00

This is getting interesting. Fielding volunteers in the middle of the work week to support an exercise is always difficult. The recession only makes it harder, since covering gas, food, and lodging for this type of thing is a real world issue for many of us now.

During a real incident, it's easier to find volunteers willing to deploy but you also need a lot more of them. The solution is called an ARESMAT request. This is basically one section reaching out to nearby sections asking for help. We usually start with Mississippi and North Florida, then expand out to Georgia, Central Florida, or LA.

To be sure that you get the kind of volunteer operators that you need, you have to consider several things.

What type of equipment is needed? FM, HF, D-STAR? Do they need to have digital mode capabilities such as PSK-31?
What license class is required to operate for this mission? If they're going to be on HF, you need Generals or Extras.
Do you have somewhere for them to sleep? How about food, water?
Who will they report to? Do you have an address for that staging area? How will you get them through the roadblocks? What kind of ID or papers will they need?

All this and more must be considered before you ask for help. Emergency managers who may not be amateur radio operators themselves must often make these decisions themselves without the aid of a ham to advise them.

To make that process easier, NIMS breaks amateurs down into various "Amateur Radio Communications Teams" and assigns each one a Type number. The higher the number, the less resources required.

For example, Type 4 ARCT is just a guy with a tech license and an FM analog radio. He's got to have his own transportation, but the requesting agency will provide everything else.

On the other end of the scale is a Type 1 ARCT. These are the big guns...4 or more operators equipped with HF, Digital, FM, and their own power, food, shelter, etc. Usually this means a communications truck, RV, or trailer.

You get the idea. Now watch how "resource typing" works in the real world, as we make our requests for Hurricane Craig.

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

SEC MESSAGE #006

TO: DENNIS DURA, K2DCD

CC: ARRL SE DIVISION

ALABAMA SM

MISSISSIPPI SM

NFLA SM

SUBJECT: ARESMAT REQUEST FOR HURRICANE CRAIG

1. HURRICANE CRAIG CONTINUES TO GATHER STRENGTH IN THE GULF TO CATEGORY THREE STRENGTH, NOW A MAJOR HURRICANE. TRACK REMAINS UNCHANGED WITH GROWING CONFIDENCE OF LANDFALL NEAR MOBILE BAY IN LESS THAN 48 HOURS.

2. WE ANTICIPATE THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL OPERATORS IN REGION ONE COUNTIES IN ALABAMA AFTER LANDFALL. WE ARE FORMALLY REQUESTING THE FOLLOWING RESOURCE TYPES:

A. TWO (2) AMATEUR RADIO COMMUNICATIONS TEAMS (ARCT) TYPE 2 WITH HF, HF DIGITAL (PSK-31 AND MT63) AND D-STAR IF AVAILABLE.

3. A PHYSICAL ADDRESS FOR THE STAGING AREA WILL BE PROVIDED ASAP. WE ARE ALSO ATTEMPTING TO SECURE CREDENTIALS AND OPTIMUM ROUTES INTO THE IMPACTED AREA.

4. JEFF SMITH, N9OVK HAS ALREADY CONTACTED US AND WILL DEPLOY FROM HIS HOME IN HARRIS COUNTY, MS WITH A SMALL COMMUNICATIONS TRAILER. HE IS EQUIPPED WITH HF, DIGITAL HF, D-STAR, AND FM. RESOURCE TYPE 4

5. PLEASE ADVISE STATUS OF NAMING A MAJOR DISASTER EMERGENCY COORDINATOR (MDEC) FOR THIS EVENT.

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

Hitting Curve Balls

2009-05-05T15:23:00.000-05:00

And here's the reply from Dennis Dura at HQ:

EXERCISE MESSAGE ARRL HQ #006

We will ship the requested kits to the Region 2 DEC as soon as we get FEEX clearance. Will advise.

END EXERCISE MESSAGE

So, as they say on TV, "On To The Next". This is typical of a real world incident or any major exercise. It's all about problem solving. Plans are great but they're not a substitute for common sense.

The key is to have a plan, so you've got a base to work from. It helps you avoid making obvious mistakes, and overlooking things in the heat of battle. But in the real world, these incidents are "fluid" as the saying goes. You have to remain flexible and solve problems as they develop.

Information will change. You'll be well on your way to a solution, only to find out in mid-stream that your earlier intel was wrong, and then you have to switch on a dime. Come up with a new plan and keep moving forward.

Attitude is the most important thing. You can't be rigid. You can't be a "by the book" guy...you have to adapt and overcome. The best people in a disaster are not always those with the most FEMA courses completed, or titles after their names. It's those who can most quickly recognize that the situation ahs changed and move on.

Having to change from the accepted plan doesn't mean that you've failed. It means that the real world has thrown you a curve ball. Don't lay off, swing for the bleachers!

And for the record, I'm about a .300 hitter, at best. That isn't great, but it's good enough to play in the majors. And compared to a real world event, solving problems like this really amounts to softball. But it does give you an idea of how the process works.

Keep Swinging!

DE N1LF

More Interaction with ARRL HQ

2009-05-05T15:14:00.000-05:00

For those keeping score, we're using this exercise to work out the kinks in our own plans for dealing with hurricane impacts in Alabama. See my earlier post; "Protestors and Hurricanes" to see where we started.

A request was sent to ARRL HQ for additional HF and VHF equipment needed in the impacted area of Hurricane Craig. Our SE Division Director, Greg Sarratt shared some experiences from last year's real world incidents (Gustav, Ike) and suggested a change to my recommendation.

More discussion between the SEC and HQ followed, and then we hit on a good solution. Ship the gear to Jame Nelson, KE4GWW our Region 2 DEC. He's outside of the impacted area, but close enough to swoop in after the hurricane moves through. It would work in the real world, and in this exercise scenario.

That problem was solved. However, now we have to worry about getting him through the various checkpoints that might be established. This usually means getting credentials and paperwork from the Alabama EMA. I've been on the phone trying to set this up this afternoon. Always being careful to identify myself and explaining that this is exercise "play" and not real world.

Learning to anticipate problems and figuring out how to solve them is a big part of emergency communications leadership.

If you're really interested, read the e-mail exchanges for yourself below:

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

Understood.

This exercise is providing valuable training to allow us to work out these issues in advance. My recommendation would be to make ham aid requests well before landfall and arrange for them to arrive in Region one early. However, storm tracks are often unpredictable and there are not enough kits to cover a two or three state area.

Under our exercise scenario, land fall is less than 48 hours away. If this were real world, my recommendation would be to ship the kits to an ARES leader just outside of the project impact zone. He could then transport them in after the danger passed and travel was allowed. I'll take steps to get clearance for this amateur to enter the affected area now.

Please ship the ham aid kits to:

James M Nelson, KE4GWW Region 2 District Emergency Coordinator

415 Gwaltney Dr

Dothan, AL 36303-2740

(XXX) XXX-XXXX (PHONE NUMBER REDACTED)

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF

From: Dura,Dennis, K2DCD

Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 2:15 PM

To: Sarratt, Greg (Dir,SE) ; Les Rayburn ; Isbell, Jay KA4KUN

Subject: RE: EXERCISE: HAM AID REQUEST

We prefer to ship to a location/agency that will safeguard the gear and deploy it appropriately…Greg’s points are valid. We did “loose” gear last year that was lost in the system-actually never left the building as far as we can tell at another State Emergency Management Office.

Thinking ahead to Fred’s status, is why I asked that if the deployment location changes to update us here. This is always a struggle between accountability and expediency. Since this is all simulated-we get to play and learn from these conversations this time around.

QSL on the kit already on site. Is this HF and or VHF/UHF?

Dennis

From: Greg Sarratt [mailto:w4ozk@arrl.org]
Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 2:53 PM
To: 'Les Rayburn'; Dura,Dennis, K2DCD; Isbell, Jay KA4KUN
Subject: RE: EXERCISE: HAM AID REQUEST

The ham-aid equipment should be shipped to a ham that can be responsible for the equipment. Fred is a ham but a State employee, currently (normally) deployed in the field and will be too busy to worry with ham equipment. Also, equipment was lost for days last year when shipped to a served agency.

We currently have one Ham-Aid kit on site.

73,

Greg

EXERCISE: INCIDENT PLAN

2009-05-05T14:56:00.001-05:00

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

SEC MESSAGE #005
TO: ALABAMA ARES
CC: ARRL HQ
SUBJECT: AMATEUR RADIO INCIDENT PLAN
1. A COPY OF THE INCIDENT PLAN (EXERCISE PLAN) IS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD ON THE FOLLOWING URL:
http://www.arrl-al.org/ARES_AL_DHS_explan09.pdf

2. ALL ARES VOLUNTEERS ARE REQUESTED TO DOWNLOAD THE PLAN FOR COMPLETE DETAILS ON HOW WE WILL OPERATE DURING HURRICANE CRAIG. THE ALABAMA EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN REMAINS IN EFFECT. THIS PLAN IS MEANT ONLY TO CONVEY ESSENTIAL DETAILS AS IT RELATES TO THIS INCIDENT.

3. THE PLAN IS SENSITIVE INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT BE RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC.

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

Protestors and Hurricanes Make a Strange Mix

2009-05-05T12:01:00.000-05:00

One of the primary goals of any exercise is to educate our DEC's, EC's, and members on how the process works. Much of the interaction with ARRL HQ is new to me as well.

But I'm trying to put myself in the position of an ASEC, or DEC would might have to cover for me during one of these events. This actually happened last year. I assumed the SEC job in late August, but then immediately left the state to cover the Democratic and Republican National Conventions.

As Gustav threatened the state, I was trying to field message traffic via e-mail, and cell phone from a hotel room in Denver. At one point, our crews were videotaping a protest that was threatening to turn violent in downtown Denver. Just a few feet from police in riot gear, and activists yelling and throwing rocks, I took phone calls from an EC in Shelby County who was struggling with shelter issues. It was surreal to say the least.

Fortunately, Jay Isbell functioned as both SM and SEC during last year's events, giving me a chance to get up to speed. My aim with this exercise is to make that process easier for whoever follows me into this postion.

Please pay close attention to the how the interaction with ARRL HQ works during this event. So far, it's been limited to e-mails and conference calls. But now we're beginning to simulate requests for "HAM AID" which is what the league calls their equipment loans for diasters.

Next will follow requests for additional operators to come in from outside the Section to assist us. These will be in the form of "resource typing" requests. NIMS requires us to "type" amateur radio into teams from small one man bands with an FM rig, all the way up to large multioperator teams who bring HF, digital, and FM equipment along with their own power, shelter, food, etc.

Along the way, I'll try to include the replies that I receive from HQ and let all of you take a peek behind the curtain, so to speak. Pay attention, because the day could soon come when you'd be the one sending all this out. If I'm out of the state this year during a tropical event, it's most likely that one of our three ASEC's would be tapped to perform all my duties.

And that would mean someone else would have to step up and fill their slot. This is your chance to observe, ask questions, and recommend ways to improve things. Try to imagine that you're the one who needs to deploy to Clanton or manage the HF net.

So let's get started on that education. Here's a reply from my "HAM AID" request asking that equipment be shipped to Fred Springall at the Alabama EMA.

EXERCISE MESSAGE ARRL HQ #005

Request received. FEDEX advises no delivery possible within 24 hours guaranteed of Hurricane Landfall for entire Alabama and surrounding area. Will ship out first possible date to Clanton address. Overnight shipment today is not possible.

In communications with FEDEX so will advise. Please provide telephone number and e-mail address for Fred Springall. Advise if receiving location changes due to Hurricane Track. Would prefer to ship direct to user if possible.

Ham Aid does not include tools or necessary connectors beyond standard coaxial connections. Local resources will need to be utilized.

END EXERCISE MESSAGE

Dennis Dura, K2DCD runs the show at ARRL HQ in a diaster. But he's not alone...they have a modified Incident Command structure with other staffers assigned to fill the roles of logistics, finance, etc. Most of the SEC's and Section Manager requests go to him.

We also have a responsibility to keep him in the loop and provide him with ground truth information to pass along to the media regarding our operations.

If you learn nothing else in this exercise, I hope that you'll learn how the organizational structure works. Let's all learn together.

73,

DE N1LF

EXERCISE: HAM AID REQUEST FOR HURRICANE CRAIG

2009-05-05T12:00:00.001-05:00

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

SEC MESSAGE #004

TO: DENNIS DURA, K2DCD ARRL HQ

CC: JAY ISBELL, KA4KUN

FROM: LES RAYBURN, N1LF AL SEC

SUBJECT: HAM AID REQUEST FOR HURRICANE CRAIG

1. REQUEST THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT FROM ARRL HQ BE SHIPPED TO ALABAMA EMA FOR DEPLOYMENT TO AFFECTED REGION.

A. THREE HF TRANSCEIVERS

B. FOUR DUAL BAND VHF/UHF TRANSCEIVERS

C. ASSORTED SUPPORT ACCESSORIES

2. SHIP TO THE ATTENTION OF FRED SPRINGALL, COMMUNICATIONS BRANCH

ALABAMA EMA

5898 County Road 41
Clanton, AL 35046-2160

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

EXERCISE: HURRICANE CRAIG IS NOW CATEGORY TWO

2009-05-05T11:40:00.000-05:00

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

SEC MESSAGE #003

TO: ALABAMA ARES

CC: ARRL HQ

SUBJECT: HURRICANE CRAIG NOW AT CATEGORY TWO

1. ACTIVATE ALABAMA ARES EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN. SET CONDITION "WHITE".

2. THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTERS NOW LISTS HURRICANE CRAIG HAS A CATEGORY TWO STORM. TRACK REMAINS UNCHANGED. LANDFALL IS PROJECTED ON OR NEAR THE ALABAMA COAST ON THURSDAY MORNING. THE STORM IS PREDICTED TO STRENGTHEN TO A CATEGORY FOUR OR HIGHER STORM PRIOR TO LANDFALL.

3. REQUEST THAT ARRL HQ APPOINT A MAJOR DISASTER EMERGENCY COORDINATOR (MDEC) FOR ALABAMA COAST REGION.

4. SEC WILL DEPLOY TO ALABAMA EMA IN CLANTON PRIOR TO LANDFALL. DIRECT TELEPHONE NUMBER TO KF4LQK IS 205-280-2355.

5. PREPARE NOW FOR THIS POWERFUL STORM. MAKE PREPARATIONS TO ASSIST YOUR LOCAL EMA, NWS, AND OTHER SERVED

AGENCIES.

6. REQUEST THIS MESSAGE BE REPLAYED VIA ALABAMA "MIKE" NET AND ALL ALTERNATIVE MEANS.

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

EXERCISE: CATEGORY ONE (1) HURRICANE IN THE GULF

2009-05-04T18:54:00.000-05:00

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

SEC MESSAGE #002

FROM: LES RAYBURN, N1LF. ALABAMA SECTION EMERGENCY COORDINATOR

TO: ARES ALABAMA

SUBJECT: CATEGORY ONE (1) HURRICANE THREATENS ALABAMA COAST

1. THE TROPICAL STORM REPORTED YESTERDAY HAS INTENSIFIED INTO A CATEGORY ONE HURRICANE. THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER CONTINUES TO SHOW A TRACK WHICH THREATENS THE ALABAMA COAST WITH IMPACT EXPECTED LATE THIS WEEK. FURTHER STRENGTHENING IS EXPECTED AND THE STORM IS PREDICTED TO BECOME A MAJOR HURRICANE PRIOR TO LANDFALL.

2. EVACUATIONS FROM THE COAST ARE BEING CONSIDERED AT THIS TIME.

3. ARRL HQ HAS ACTIVATED THEIR TROPICAL DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN.

4. ALL ARES MEMBERS ARE REQUESTED TO MONITOR THIS DANGEROUS STORM AND MAKE PREPARATIONS TO ASSIST WITH EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS.

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

EXERCISE: TROPICAL STORM FORMS IN THE GULF

2009-05-04T01:36:00.000-05:00

TO: Alabama ARES, ARRL Headquarters, Alabama Emergency Management Agency

FROM: Les Rayburn, N1LF-Alabama Section Emergency Coordinator

SUBJECT; Tropical Storm Gathering Strength In the Gulf of Mexico

1. THIS IS AN EXERCISE.

2. A TROPICAL STORM HAS FORMED IN THE GULF OF MEXICO. THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER'S PROJECTED TRACK SHOWS A GOOD POTENTIAL

FOR AN IMPACT ON OR NEAR THE ALABAMA GULF COAST MID-WEEK.

3. ALL ARES MEMBERS ARE URGED TO MONITOR THIS RAPIDLY DEVELOPING STORM AND MAKE PREPARATIONS NOW TO PROVIDE COMMUNICATIONS

SUPPORT.

4. ALABAMA SECTION REQUESTS A CONFERENCE CALL WITH ARRL HQ ON MONDAY OR TUESDAY TO DISCUSS THE POTENTIAL FOR ARESMAT SUPPORT.

5. PLEASE FORWARD THIS MESSAGE TO ALABAMA ARES MEMBERSHIP VIA ALL POSSIBLE MEANS.

LES RAYBURN, N1LF

THIS IS AN EXERCISE

Birmingham Hamfest

2009-05-04T01:27:00.001-05:00

I just wanted to thank all of the ARES members and leaders who made the trek to this weekend's Hamfest in Birmingham. It was a wonderful for me to finally get to meet so many of our hard working members face to face.

For the record, 5 of our 6 District Emergency Coordinators were in attendance for the event, along with over 20 of our Emergency Coordinators! We also had several representatives from our served agencies, and affiliated EMCOMM groups who are our vital partners.

We had a standing room only crowd at the ARES forum, and I'd like to apologize to each of you for it's running so long. It was my first time, and I didn't do the best job of managing the clock. Thanks for bearing with me.

22 members successfully completed the CSX Railroad "Basic Response to Railroad Incidents" course, and many more left with copies of the DVD to put on programs in their area. Our Simulated Emergency Test "Operation Highball" is off to a great start. Be sure to review your local EMA's emergency operations plan regarding rail accidents soon, and get your EMA directors excited about the exercise.

Speaking of exercise, this Thursday will be the Alabama Department of Homeland Security Communications Interoperability exercise. I hope that most of our counties will participate on HF nets, HF digital, D-STAR, and local FM repeaters. Let's give all the support we can to Patty Link, and the folks in Region 1.

Look for exercise traffic starting tonight, just as it would with an actual hurricane, days before landfall.

Again, my thanks to all who attended the Birmingham Hamfest. For the rest of you, we'll be taking this show on the road to Huntsville and Montgomery too!

And special thanks to John Outland, and all the folks at the Birmingham Amateur Radio Club for putting on such a great event. Fun was had by all, and we still managed to perform our Storm Spotter duties on both days!

73,

DE N1LF

SITREP: SWINE FLU H1N1 April 29, 2009

2009-04-29T19:07:00.000-05:00

TO:Alabama ARES
From: SEC
SUBJECT: Swine Flu H1N1 SITREP
PRIORITY
1. The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the Pandemic Alert to Level 5. This indicates that a pandemic is imminent. It is a legal definition that triggers a number of responses in countries around the world, including the United States.
2. It is still impossible for experts to predict how widespread or severe the outbreak will become in the weeks ahead. As always, we should prepare for the worst, while hoping for the best. Currently, most cases in the United States have been mild.
3. Amateurs are urged to increase their personal preparedness level, and stand ready to assist their neighbors if needed.
4. As of 7:18PM April 29, 2009, there are still no confirmed cases of Swine Flu H1N1 in the state of Alabama. Please report any confirmed cases to the SEC.

73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF

SITREP: Swine Flu H1N1 April 29, 2007

2009-04-29T12:05:00.000-05:00

TO: Alabama ARES
FROM: SEC
SUBJECT: SWINE FLU H1N1 SITREP
ROUTINE
1. According to Dr. Williamson, Alabama State Health Officer, there are still no confirmed cases of Swine Flu H1N1 virus in Alabama. Eight samples submitted earlier this week from Decatur, AL and Pike and Baldwin counties all have tested negative for the virus.
2. As of 11:00AM on April 29, 2009, there are an additional 29 samples that have been submitted for testing, with results pending. Confirmation of the H1N1 virus must be made by the CDC and takes about 2 days to complete.
3. All volunteers are urged to resist repeating rumors of cases in Alabama without official confirmation from the Department of Health, or CDC. No local doctor or hospital are equipped to make a confirmed diagnosis of this virus.
4. Continue efforts to protect yourself from the flu. Wash hands often. Do not go to school or work if you feel sick. Seek immediate treatment for flu-like symptoms.
5. Be prepared to assist your local EMA or Department of Health if needed.
6. Report any confirmed cases of Swine Flu H1N1 to the SEC immediately.

73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF
Alabama Section Emergency Coordinator

Vetted Information Sources regarding Swine Flu

2009-04-28T12:02:00.001-05:00

As emergency communicators, it's important for us to have good situational awareness. But it's also important that our information sources be accurate and reliable. We can't be party to spreading rumors or make decisions based on inaccurate data.

This is especially important during wide-spread events such as hurricanes or flu outbreaks. Misinformation is common during these events, as a nervous public searches for answers and updates from any source available.

At the state level, we are carefully vetting (verifying) all information that we provide about the Swine Flu outbreak. We'll be providing trusted links to additional information here. One of the best we've seen so far is a product of Emergencymail.org.

It's called the National Swine Flu Situation Page (TM) and it cleverly combines a number of vetted sources of information including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, a Google Earth Map of confirmed cases, and an RSS news feed of media stories related to the event.

As it relates to Alabama, a great source of information is the Alabama Department of Public Health web site. As of April 28, 2009 at 12:20PM there are no confirmed cases of Swine Flu in Alabama.

EC's and DEC's can do a great service to their local communities by monitoring conversations regarding Swine Flu on local repeaters. Try to be sure that amateurs are not contributing to the problem by spreading false information or inflating the risks of the virus. Remember that a lot of people own scanners, and use them routinely to monitor Storm Spotter activity in our state. They've come to rely on amateur radio as a trusted source of information. Let's be sure that we uphold that trust during this situation as well.

73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF
SEC

SITREP: Swine Flu April 27

2009-04-27T16:06:00.000-05:00

SITREP: APRIL 27, 2009

TO: ALABAMA ARES

FROM: SEC

SUBJECT: SWINE FLU OUTBREAK (SITREP 1)

PRIORITY

1. SWINE FLU OUTBREAK HAS SPREAD TO ADDITIONAL COUNTRIES INCLUDING FRANCE, SCOTLAND, DENMARK, AND AUSTRALIA PROMPTING THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) TO RAISE THE PANDEMIC THREAT LEVEL TO FOUR (4) WHICH INDICATES SUSTAINED HUMAN TO HUMAN TRANSMISSION OF THE VIRUS.

2. ADDITIONAL CASES HAVE ALSO BEEN REPORTED IN THE UNITED STATES.

3. ARES MEMBERS URGED TO MONITOR THIS RAPIDLY DEVELOPING SITUATION. TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF. WASH HANDS FREQUENTLY. STAY HOME FROM WORK OR SCHOOL IF YOU FEEL SICK. COVER COUGHS. DISPOSE OF TISSUES AFTER USE.

4. BE PREPARED TO ASSIST YOUR LOCAL EMA OR PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY IF NEEDED.

5. REPORT ANY CONFIRMED CASES IN ALABAMA TO SEC IMMEDIATELY.

SITREP: Swine Flu Outbreak

2009-04-27T16:02:00.000-05:00

Alabama ARES is closely monitoring the Swine Flu outbreak along with many of our served agencies. Unfortunately, we're already hearing a lot of rumors and misinformation. Much of this is printed on the web, so we urge you to choose your information sources careful.

Provided below are some vetted web site links where you will find timely and accurate information.

Pandemic Flu/Outbreaks Vetted Web Sites

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention:

Main Swine Flu Web Link: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

Case Counts: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm

Guidance and Recommendations: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/recommendations

Influenza General Resources http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic/

Influenza OPLAN http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic/cdcplan.htm

Info Phone Line: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)

Department of Health & Human Services:

Public Health Emergency Declaration: http://www.hhs.gov/secretary/phe_swh1n1.html

Pandemic Flu.Gov

http://www.pandemicflu.gov/index.html

Federal and world response stages: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/federal/fedresponsestages.html

State-by-State Pandemic Planning and status: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/states/index.html#stateplans

Department of Homeland Security

FEMA Assistance for Pan Flu: http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/9523_17.shtm

Mexican Department of Health:

http://portal.salud.gob.mx/

World Health Organization:

Confirmed H1N1 case count: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/country/en/

Pandemic Alert System/Levels: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/phase/en/index.html

Swine Flu Page: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html

Personal Protection Equipment (Masks, etc.):

http://www.osha.gov/dsg/guidance/stockpiling-facemasks-respirators.html

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/guidance_homecare.htm

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01630.html

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/guidelines_infection_control.htm

Swine Flu Outbreak (PRIORITY)

2009-04-27T15:55:00.000-05:00

FROM: AL SEC

TO: ARES ALABAMA

SUBJECT: PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY (SWINE FLU)

PRIORITY

1. THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PRVENTION (CDC) HAS DECLARED
A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY RELATED TO SWINE FLU (H1N1) VIRUS OUTBREAKS
IN MEXICO, TEXAS, CALIFORNIA, NEW YORK, AND OTHER STATES.

2. ARES MEMBERS ARE URGED TO MONITOR THIS SITUATION CLOSELY. REPORT
ANY CONFIRMED CASES IN ALABAMA TO SEC IMMEDIATELY.

3. TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF. WASH HANDS OFTEN.

4. PREPARE TO ASSIST YOUR LOCAL EMA AND PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT IF
NEEDED.

5. CONSULT WWW.CDC.GOV FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

SET 2009-"Operation Highball"

2009-04-08T12:07:00.001-05:00

The Simulated Emergency Test 2009 is scheduled for October 3rd, and this year we'll be focusing on Railroad Incidents. The exercise is named "Operation Highball" and will be very different than in years past.

SET 2009 will feature training opprotunities for all ARES volunteers leading up to the exercise, including special instructor-led classes in "Rail Car Incident Response" from Norfolk Southern Railroad, weekly ARES net training modules for your FM nets, club programs, and hamfest events at ARES forums.

Our training will focus on railroad operations, interoperable communications, HAZMAT concerns and response, lessons learned from past disasters, and your local county EMA emergency response plans for these incidents.

We hope that all amateur EMCOMM groups such as Skywarn, ALERT, Southern Baptist Diaster Relief, SATERN, and others will join in this years exercise. Look for additional updates coming soon, and listings of training sessions.

All Aboard!

73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF
Alabama Section Emergency Coordinator

CSEPP ENDEX

2009-03-25T12:40:00.001-05:00

END OF EXERCISE.

Thanks to Randall Landers, KG4EUD, DEC for District 7. Additional gratitude for all hams who participated in this important exercise. Bravo Zulu to all.

73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF
Alabama SEC

D-STAR Used to send ICS-213 Messages

2009-03-25T12:09:00.000-05:00

KD4CAL successfully demonstrated the ability of D-STAR to transmit ICS-213 message forms using slow speed data. A test message was transferred via the reflector to KF4LQK (Alabama EMA) in just a few seconds.

Our served agencies appreciate this new capability and our ability to use NIMS standard message formats such as ICS-213. The message is copied below:

ICS-213 Form

Incident Name

CSEPP 2009

Date/Time of message

25-Mar-2009 12:01:28

GENERAL MESSAGE
ICS 213-OS

STATE EMA-ALABAMA KF4LQK

ICS Position

LOGISTICS-COMMUNICATIONS

Sender

RANDALL LANDERS - ARES DEC/EC CALHOUN

ICS Position

LOGISTICS-COMMUNICATIONS

    Subject
 CSEPP  EXERCISE
    Message
 TEST EXERCISE MESSAGE. CALHOUN COUNTY TO RE-LOCATE  28,750 RESIDENTS TO CLEBURNE AND ETOWAH COUNTIES DUE TO CHEMICAL ACCIDENT AT THE  ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT.
    Reply
 

Signature / Position (person replying)

Date/Time of reply

25-Mar-2009 12:01:28

GENERAL MESSAGE

June 2000

ICS213-OS

Electronic version: Generated by D-RATS

Region 7 Repeater

2009-03-25T11:43:00.000-05:00

The Calhoun County Repeater located on Cheaha Mountain has performed very well as a "region wide" repeater for district 7. All of the CSEP counties can easily reach this repeater, and check ins for the exercise have come from as far away as the Red Stone Arsenal near Huntsville, AL.

If you live in Central Alabama, be sure to program in 147.090 (+) with a PL Tone of 131.8 into your 2 Meter radio. This repeater will be key for any region wide incidents.

Equipment problems at AEMA

2009-03-25T11:33:00.000-05:00

"Real World". A lightning strike has damaged the 2 Meter beam antenna at the Alabama EMA in Clanton. Lew, K1AZE has improvised a temporary solution, by switching our main communications to the 5/8 wave vertical antenna which is normally used for APRS.

For the time being, APRS from KF4LQK will be disabled, and long distance 2 Meter communications will be somewhat impaired. KF4LQK is now able to communicate successfully with the Calhoun County EMA via the 147.090 repeater.

All other functions including D-STAR, 222, 444, and HF are in normal operating condition.

EXERCISE-UPDATE

2009-03-25T11:15:00.001-05:00

THIS IS A CSEP EXERCISE

FM: KA5EXI Calhoun County EMA
TO: KF4LQK Alabama EMA

FOLLOWING ZONES TO BE EVACUATED

ZONE A-1-A 750 RESIDENTS EVACUATING TO CLEBURNE COUNTY

ZONE B-2 14,000 RESIDENTS EVACUATING TO HELFIN

ZONE B-1 SHELTER IN PLACE

ZONE A-1 14,000 RESIDENTS TO ETOWAH COUNTY

ARMY DEPOT IS STILL SHELTERING IN PLACE

AS OF 10:15AM NO THREAT FROM CHEMICALS OFF POST

INTERSTATE 20 at EXIT 210 IS CLOSED IN BOTH DIRECTIONS.

THIS IS A CSEP EXERCISE

EXERCISE-Heavy Equipment Loan

2009-03-25T11:06:00.001-05:00

EXERCISE-KI4NEM in Opelika, AL offered heavy construction equipment including generators, jersey walls, etc. if needed to Clay County EMA. MSG received by Rudy Nelson@Clay County EMA at 10:59AM CST.

Relayed via 2 Meters to KF4LQK, then via telephone to Clay County EMA.

EXERCISE-Evacuation Instructions Being issued

2009-03-25T10:41:00.001-05:00

EXERCISE-KD4CAL Calhoun County EMA is providing evacuation instructions for some, but not all zones on the 147.090 repeater.

RMC Hospital Secured

2009-03-25T10:28:00.000-05:00

RMC Hospital Amateur Radio communications have secured at 10:25AM CST. Exercise continues.

E-mail working

2009-03-25T10:16:00.000-05:00

AL SEC has e-mail access now at KF4LQK. E-mail to N1LF@arrl.net

AL SEC E-mail

2009-03-25T10:00:00.000-05:00

Alabama SEC does not have e-mail access currently at AEMA.