SET press release 2007
From Megawiki
RACINE, WIS On Saturday morning, October 6, 2007 Racine area amateur radio operators will participate in an annual statewide Simulated Emergency Test (SET). The SET will test the effectiveness of the statewide communications structure during an simulated emergency. People can stop by the Volunteer center of racine, one of our operating locations, to see the action!
6216 Washington Avenue - Western Village Suite G Racine, WI 53406 Phone: (262) 886-9612
Amateur radio (often called ham radio) is enjoyed by about 700,000 people around the country. Although it is a hobby, there is also a strong focus on public service and self-training. For over a hundred years, amateur radio operators have stepped up volunteering to providing life saving communications when no other means are available.
When disaster strikes, amateur radio is often used to fill the gap in communications. When telephone lines, cell phone towers and other conventional means of communications fail, amateur radio operators are often the only means of communication available in to or out of an effected area. The SET is a test of the amateur radio operators' ability to pass information between emergency and disaster relief agencies such as local area hospitals; the American Red Cross; Salvation Army; and various law enforcement and other government agencies. During a disaster, it is crucial that information be conveyed between the various responding agencies.
During the test, each county will design and execute a local scenario within the scope of the statewide exercise. Amateur radio operators will be stationed at various relief agencies and locations throughout the county and the state. This year the simulation will focus on the response to a bioterrorist attack. The object is to accurately pass information from various parts of the state to the appropriate responding agencies.
All amateur radio operators must pass a examination to receive their license. Under the regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) amateur radio operators are not allowed to receive compensation for their efforts. The participating amateur radio operators are people from all walks of life who volunteer their personal time and equipment.
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Contact Information:
Local Racine area Amateur Radio Operators to Participate in Simulated Emergency Test
Alexander Voss, N9RGX
Public Information Officer Racine ARES
Assistant ARES Emergency Coordinator Racine County
Vice President Racine Megacycle Club
(262) 456-5309 Tel
James Markstrom, KB9MMA
Amateur Radio Emergency Service
ARES Emergency Coordinator Racine County
Treasurer Lakeshore Repeater Association
(262) 909-3996 Tel
David Voss, WB9USI
Assistant ARES Emergency Coordinator Racine County
(262) 554-7565 Tel
(262) 886-9632 Fax
Additional Resources
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/setguide.html
