TO: ALL WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AMATEURS
ALL NON-WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AMATERUS
FROM: KEN HARRIS WA8LLM
WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INCORPORATED
WOOD COUNTY BULLETIN NR 11.50 DATE: December 11, 2011
SUBJECT: IS YOUR EQUIPMENT IDENTIFIED?
Training seems to be something that is always talked about, and some people may think that it's a waste of time. However, after being involved in several disaster drills and actual emergencies, I've always learned something new.
During any training or actual emergency additional equipment is sometimes needed. If additional equipment is needed, and it is available, it gets loaned out. The problem of loaning out equipment is getting it returned. Those who borrow the equipment usually return the equipment, if, they know who it belongs to.
During such events things get a little busy, and those loaning, or borrowing, the equipment may forget who it went to, or where it came from. The best thing to do is have your equipment marked or labeled with some kind of identification so that it will return. Marking or labeling the equipment doesn't mean that it can't be stolen; it just means that it has a better chance of coming back if it is loaned out or lost.
We have found the best thing to do is identify your equipment with your agency or individual name, address, and a telephone number where you can be reached. Of course, this needs to be done in advance, before needed, since you won't have time to do it after an emergency situation arises. Also, when loaning any equipment, and holding trade-in equipment for recharge, tag the equipment if not already identified. On the tag, put the name of the person trading it in, his agency, and where he can be reached.
During an emergency, equipment seems to get traded and then lost. Do your best to keep track of your equipment, be sure to label or mark it in some way.
Ken Harris WA8LLM
WCEC
Wood County WV