[WARC] WARC DEV COMMITTEE -- Meeting Focus Topic

[Clare Jarvis]

Hello Walt,

I would like to a co-member of the EMCC.  I am at this moment working with the 
Red Cross on a state level with their emergency communications network.  I
reserve the right to disagree with you on what roles WARC may play in an 
emergency.

73 Clare
de K0NY


On Thursday 22 March 2007 06:07 am, Walt Kelly wrote:
> Hi everyone,
>
>
>
> Thanks for putting this forum together! This has a good potential for
> positive results. I am sorry I was not available for the introductory
> session, but I have done a quick read of the initial posts to get a flavor,
> so maybe Jim's post here is a good starting point.
>
>
>
> Just for background, I first got started in ham radio emergency
> communications in 1965 and have been active in Winona County emergency
> communications since the late '80s and have been attending the monthly
> Emergency Management Coordinating Committee meetings since 1995.
>
>
>
> Although WARC has had relationships with Emergency Management and the Red
> Cross for many years, those relationships are in need of both attention and
> re-definition. Situations have changed, people have changed, needs have
> changed, perceptions have changed.
>
>
>
> Let's look at SkyWarn briefly. In the late 90s WARC fielded well-trained
> spotters to lots of healthy storms. The past five or so years we haven't
> had more than a few good storms, and with many "just-in-case" callouts,
> interest has waned. There were a number of times last year that no one
> responded to Bob's requests for spotters, me included. Since Bob is the
> responsible person, he has to be keenly aware of who he can rely on. We
> need to have a mutually-agreeable relationship that involves spotters,
> people trained and effective at the LEC, and both groups trusting that if
> they are called away from their regular work, that they are really needed.
>
>
>
> The Red Cross has changed a bit. Sue Hutson has been retired for some time.
> Her replacement recently resigned and a new person came to the February
> meeting. Since the 2003 drill, the Red Cross has been using the general
> radio service type radios for their internal short-range communication.
> Discussions about how WARC can be of use came down to two areas: 1)
> Communication with other groups they don't normally talk (radio links) to;
> and 2) Data transmissions related to mass-casualty events that involve
> evacuations. It was felt that realistically, victims of an incident would
> be at the hospital long before hams could set up a communications system to
> give the hospital information on incoming patients. However, keeping track
> of people who go from incident site to shelters, transfers between
> shelters, medical facility to shelter, need for supplies, etc. would be
> something we are uniquely able to do.
>
>
>
> Public Health and the Fire Department are fully counting on us to be there
> to do "whatever." I think we don't have to sell ourselves, our "customers"
> are already sold on our capability, but we do have to be sure our "product
> line" is in line with the current purchasing department requirements and
> that we can deliver the merchandise in a timely manner.
>
>
>
> That said, Winona County will be holding a drill in late summer involving a
> train derailment in the WSU area that will involve all local response
> agencies including WARC. Bob and I have discussed the need for WARC people
> to get some training prior to the event on what is expected of us, a chance
> to meet and interact with those people so we have relationships and a
> fairly clear expectation of results.
>
>
>
> Please keep in mind that in these days, there are far more governmental
> regulations – from paperwork to procedures to restrictions – that have to
> be observed. Many of these are contradictory among themselves and
> counterproductive in terms of efficiency or effectiveness. It ain't simple
> anymore.
>
>
>
> I am open (VERY open) to additional participation from WARC members on the
> EMCC. Any volunteers?
>
>
>
> Walt
>
>
>
>   _____
>
> From: warc-bounces at lists.w0ne.org [mailto:warc-bounces at lists.w0ne.org] On
> Behalf Of Jim Brown
> Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2007 7:45 PM
> To: 'Winona Amateur Radio Club general discussion'
> Subject: RE: [WARC] WARC DEV COMMITTEE -- Meeting Focus Topic
>
>
>
> WARC needs to develop a relationship with Emergency Management and Red
> Cross to find out where they fit in. If Emergency Management isn't
> receptive they could deal directly with the Sheriff.He has shown an
> interest in the past.
>
>
>
> Jim
>
> NØWE
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: warc-bounces at lists.w0ne.org [mailto:warc-bounces at lists.w0ne.org] On
> Behalf Of Len Litvan
> Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2007 7:16 PM
> To: Winona Amateur Radio Club general discussion
> Subject: [WARC] WARC DEV COMMITTEE -- Meeting Focus Topic
>
> Hi All,
>
> Here is the first of four purposes of WARC from the by-laws.  This could be
> the focal point of our efforts this week--how can we fulfill this purpose
> so that it is as meaningful and valuable as possible to local hams (and
> others)?
>
> The purpose of this club, hereafter referred to as the WARC, is:
> 1. to promote the Amateur Radio Service in the community as a source of
> trained communications volunteers and communication equipment that can be
> utilized during civil and natural emergencies.
>
> 73,
> Len KC0RSX

-- 
Mr. Clare Jarvis
Jarvis Computer Software
PO Box 1264
Winona MN 55987-7264

(507) 454 2575

Reply to: jarvis at jarviscomputer.com