[Ccarc] FW: SET News Release Attn: PIOs

[Tom Murray]

>From: "ARRL Web site" <memberlist at www.arrl.org>
>To: kb9wsl at hotmail.com
>Subject: SET News Release Attn: PIOs
>Date: Wed, 4 Oct 2006 08:35:09 -0400
>
>-------------------------
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>ABOUT THE SIMULATED EMERGENCY TEST NEWS RELEASE
>
>
>
>Is your group taking part in the Simulated Emergency Tests coming up?
>
>
>If so, then you have good reason to contact your local media outlets
>with a story pitch.
>
>
>
>Not sure what to give them?
>
>Your Public Information Coordinator should be able to help you out.
>
>
>
>Still not sure what to do?
>
>Here's a fill in the blank release you can modify with local
>information.
>
>Just copy and paste into your word processor.
>
>
>
>Allen G Pitts, W1AGP
>
>Media & PR Manager
>
>ARRL - the national association for Amateur Radio
>
>225 Main St.    Newington    CT    06111
>
>(860)  594-0328
>
>apitts at arrl.org
>
>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>
>News Release
>
>YOUR NAME
>ADDRESS
>CONTACT INFO
>
>
>
>Ham Radio Tests Emergency Communications in ___my town/area_
>
>
>
>My Town, St Date -- America was reminded of the critical role of
>Amateur Radio as ham operators came from all over the country to
>provide emergency communications when other systems failed during
>recovery efforts from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita These lessons are
>being tested on __date__ as Amateur Radio operators in __place__
>conduct their annual Simulated Emergency Test (SET drill).
>
>
>
>Using emergency powered radios and working with local agencies, the
>hams will establish radio communications networks which can be used
>should there be a failure or overload of normal services such as was
>seen in the days following the hurricanes, storms or many other types
>of incidents. In addition, the ham radio operators provide the ability
>to communicate between the many government and volunteer agencies which
>are needed in disasters.
>
>
>
>This year the __town/area__ Amateur Radio operators will be replicating
>____scenario for the SET ______________________________________________
>. The hams have the slogan, "When all else fails - Amateur Radio!"
>According to __spokesperson__ , "The hams of ___town/area___ take that
>quite seriously."
>
>
>
>Amateur Radio volunteer operators from across the country responded to
>the calls for aid in the hurricane areas during September 2005. Ham
>communications were critical again in last month's flooding in
>Kentucky. They provide their services and equipment freely to their
>communities. They are "Amateurs" only in that they are not paid, but
>their service in a disaster can be priceless.
>
>
>
>There are approximately 650,000 Amateur Radio operators (often called
>"ham radio" operators)  in the USA.  When not providing emergency
>services, these hams experiment with wireless technologies, digital and
>analog communications gear, computer and satellite communications as
>well as local to international contacts between stations.  Licensed by
>the FCC, Amateur Radio is one of the few places where individuals can
>experiment with wireless communications.
>
>
>
>###
>
>
>
>
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>What do Amateur Radio operators do during and after disasters?
>
>Amateur Radio operators set up and operate organized communication
>networks locally for governmental and emergency officials, as well as
>non-commercial communication for private citizens affected by the
>disaster. Amateur Radio operators are most likely to be active after
>disasters that damage regular lines of communications due to power
>outages and destruction of telephone lines.
>
>
>
>How do Amateur Radio operators help local officials?
>
>Many radio amateurs are active as communications volunteers with local
>public safety organizations. In addition, in some disasters, radio
>frequencies are not coordinated among relief officials and Amateur
>Radio operators step in to coordinate communication when radio towers
>and other elements in the communications infrastructure are damaged.
>
>
>
>What are the major Amateur Radio emergency organizations?
>
>Amateur Radio operators have informal and formal groups to coordinate
>communication during emergencies. At the local level, hams may
>participate in local emergency organizations, or organize local
>"traffic nets" using VHF (very high frequencies) and UHF (ultra high
>frequencies). At the state level, hams are often involved with state
>emergency management operations. In addition, hams operate at the
>national level through the Amateur Radio Emergency Service ® (ARES®)
>which is coordinated through the American Radio Relay League and its
>field volunteers, and through the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service
>(RACES) which is coordinated through the Federal Emergency Management
>Agency. In addition, in areas that are prone to severe weather, many
>hams are involved in SKYWARN, operating under the National Weather
>Service.
>
>
>
>Is Amateur Radio recognized as a resource by national relief
>organizations?
>
>Many national organizations have formal agreements with the Amateur
>Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and other Amateur Radio groups
>including:
>
>·  Department of Homeland Security - Citizen Corps
>
>·  Federal Emergency Management Agency
>
>·  National Communications System
>
>·  American Red Cross
>
>·  Salvation Army
>
>·  National Weather Service
>
>·  Association of Public Safety Communications Officials
>
>
>
>What are some examples of emergencies involving Amateur Radio?
>
>
>
>Hurricanes Katrina and Rita 2005
>Four Hurricanes in Florida and the Gulf - September 2004
>Hurricane Isabel - September 2003
>Northeast blackout - August 2003
>Midwest tornadoes - May 2003
>Shuttle Columbia recovery effort - February 2003
>Wildfires in Colorado - June 2002
>Tornado in Maryland - April 2002
>Flooding in Kentucky - March 2002
>World Trade Center and Pentagon terrorist attacks - September 2001
>Flooding in Texas and Louisiana (Storm Allison) - June 2001
>Earthquake in India - January 2001
>Earthquake in El Salvador - January 2001
>Ice storms in Southwest - December 2000
>Tornado in Alabama - December 2000
>Avalanche in Alaska - March 2000
>Fires in Los Alamos, New Mexico - May 2000
>Hurricane Floyd - September 1999
>Flooding in Texas - October 1998
>Hurricane Georges - September 1998
>Tornadoes in Florida - February 1998
>"500-Year Flood," Grand Forks, N.D., and East Grand Forks, Minn. -
>April ,1997
>Western U.S. floods - January 1997
>Oklahoma City Bombing - April 1995
>
>
>To Learn More:
>
>The best way to learn about Amateur Radio is talking to hams
>face-to-face. To find local contacts and clubs go to
>www.arrl.org/findaclub or contact:
>
>The American Radio Relay League, 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111
>
>Telephone 1-800-32 NEW-HAM      www.hello-radio.org
>
>
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>
>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>--------------------------------------------------------------------
>ARRL Indiana Section
>Section Manager: James S. Sellers, K9ZBM
>k9zbm at arrl.org
>--------------------------------------------------------------------
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