TO: ALL ARES OPERATORS IN DISTRICT 3 (OFFICIAL)
ALL AMATEURS IN WEST VIRGINIA (INFORMATION)
FROM: WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INCORPORATED AND WOOD
COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY SERVICES (ARES)
ARES ISTRICT 3 BULLETIN NR 07.14 DATE: April 8, 2007
SUBJECT: KNOWING WHERE COMMUNICATIONS ARE NEEDED.
When your radio group or organization is called upon to provide communications for such events as Runs, Races, Bike Rides, and etc. Find out what the organizers want in the lines of communications, and then build on their basic desires. Last year during one event, the officials of that activity didn't know why communications was important for their event, and didn't even know why we were there. The officials of preceding years knew how important communications was, and ask us for our help. After the event was over last year, those overseeing the event found out how important communications can be.
The point being, most event coordinators do not understand communications and/or why or where they are needed. So you can never feel confident with your communications, if you provide only what the requesting organization feels appropriate. If you do not have enough operators to cover all the bases they request, you may not be able to provide the service the event officials want. There will be times when an official may ask for something you cannot provide, if you're not prepared.
You are there s communicators, but many times communicators are asked to be a Chauffeur, Mr. (or Ms.) Fix-it, EMT, Official Observer, or even provide the service of Pick-Up Vehicle, Chase Vehicle, Follow-up Vehicle, or other. The possibilities are not known, but if you are prepared and have the manpower, you will come out the victor, whether their event is a success or not!
The more activities you become involved with, the easier it is to identify the needs. Look over their plans, listen to their basic desires, and then build your plans, and place operators in locations that your organization knows a problem could exist. Try to give the event organizers all they need, and more then they expect.
Ken Harris WA8LLM
Wood County WV
ARES Assistant Section Coordinator WV
ARES District Emergency Coordinator WV District 3