TO: ALL WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AMATEURS
ALL NON-WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AMATEURS
FROM: KEN HARRIS WA8LLM
WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INCORPORATED
WV ARES BULLETIN NR 09.32 DATE: August 9, 2009
SUBJECT: WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS!
This seems to be a routine that so many of us have fallen victim to in this world of ease and technology. Items come pre- assembled, no assembly required, or easy to assemble. Or, it may be, we feel that we're knowledgeable enough to complete a task without any advice from others, such as instructions. You know, the old saying "when all else fails, read the instructions" routine.
Well, that may work with some things that you can go back and do properly. But, it doesn't work on something that you only have one chance at, like operations during an emergency, how to send formal traffic, what route to use to check into a net, or even providing safety communications at a walking or running event.
In situations like these and many others, that we as amateur radio operators participate, we must read the instructions before we begin putting it together. Once it's over, it may be a year before we can correct our mistakes.
You should have a critique on any activity which you're involved with as soon as the event is over, and change or correct any problems that are recognized. Try not to repeat the mistakes each time, but try to learn from them.
Ken Harris WA8LLM
Wood County WV
WV ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
WV ARES District-3 Emergency Coordinator