December Section Emergency Coordinator's Report

ARRL Ohio Section - FSD-96
Month: December
Year: 2018
Total Number of ARES Members: 1682
Change since last month: 17
Number of DEC's / EC's reporting this month: 8
Number of ARES Nets active: 428
Number of Nets active with NTS Liaisons: varies
Call-signs of DEC's / EC's reporting: N8BHL
Number of drills, tests and training sessions this month: 562
Person Hours: 3319
Number of Public Service Events this month: 60
Person Hours: 690
Number of Emergency Operations this month: 2
Person Hours: 25
Total number of ARES/RACES Events this month: 488
Total Person Hours: 4034
Comments: Unusual Skywarn activation for winds- southwest Ohio
Submitted by and call-sign: Stan Broadway N8BHL
Email: stan@standi.com
Files to upload?:

Ohio Section:  Amateur Radio Emergency Service
Yearend Report, 2018

Ohio ARES members provided at least  $2,674,295.00 in service to their communities during 2018. 

For the year 2018, Ohio Section ARES volunteers donated their time and equipment in large numbers.  The monetary value of their time is calculated using $24.69 according to “The Independent Sector” as used by the ARRL.  We calculate the value of equipment at $300 per volunteer.  December is anticipated based on prior years.

For 2018

Activity                                         2018 Total                    2018 Average Monthly                Monetary Value

Training events / nets	8417	701
Training hours	64035	5336	$ 1,581,024
Public service events	736	61
Public service hours	21856	1821	$    539,624
Emergency events	138	12
Emergency hours	2028	169	$      50,071
Volunteer equipment		1679	$    503,575
		Total contribution	$ 2,674,295

Some major changes were implemented which will assure our volunteers are well-qualified and ready for any activation.

The biggest change was the implementation of “ARES Connect” – a time accounting database managed for the entire nation by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) which is the sponsoring agency for ARES.  ARES Connect tracks events and activities, assigns hours to volunteers, and provides a “real time” report of activity across the nation. Ohio was one of four Sections to BETA test the system, and we are among the top users of the system prior to its full release.  Section Manager Scott Yonally, N8SY, has worked tirelessly to help de-bug the system and provide input on potential problems and suggested improvements.

Ohio ARES modified the training standards to match those which are to come from ARRL. Our lowest level 1 is designated for new recruits and volunteers without NIMS training. They are welcome to work public service events, but will not be on the “first due” activation lists and will not be assigned within EOC environments.  Level 2 volunteers are those who have completed the four NIMS (National Incident Management System) training courses ICS 100, 200 700, 800.  These will be considered full-fledged members. To achieve level 2 certification their certificates of training must be on file with the Ohio ARES training database.  It is suggested paper copies be kept on file at the local EOC.  Level 3 volunteers are those who’ve added ICS 300/400 and other courses such as COML, COMT to indicate their leadership position.  In addition, the “AUXCOMM” course is strongly recommended for all volunteers.

ARES is structured so that each county Emergency Coordinator (EC) operates autonomously with training, relationships and service to served agencies.  A guideline for them is provided in ARRL EC training material, and in the Ohio Section Emergency Response Plan (OSERP).  Under their guidance, radio nets and training meetings help to keep members active and ready.

ARES county organizations participated in numerous drills and exercises throughout the year, from active shooter training to many other scenarios.  ARES members were activated for a number of real events, including missing person searches, storm damage, and other events.  Some counties made use of ARES members during elections as supplemental communications back to the various boards of elections. Others used our volunteers for additional security and situational awareness at fairgrounds, special events, and Halloween observances.  We provided free communication support for hundreds of events including major marathons, Ironman, and numerous other large public gatherings.

ARES members participate in a weekly statewide radio net anchored at the Ohio JDF/EOC where station W8SGT is located right off the main control floor. This activity confirms our ability to communicate from the state EOC to various counties throughout Ohio.  On the same evenings, the Ohio Digital Emergency Net (OHDEN) does a similar exercise using digital message modes, such as would be employed to send forms such as IS-213 messages between counties and from county to state.  Most counties are active in early January for the “Ohio ARES VHF Simplex Contest”, testing our ability to use VHF / UHF frequencies without repeaters to relay messages. In late April, we stage our annual “NVIS Antenna Day”, employing “Near Vertical Incident Skywave” antennas designed to communicate to neighboring and nearby locations. These antennas are the type that might be deployed after a major disaster removes normal communication equipment and antennas.  In late June, we participate in the ARRL’s “Field Day” exercise- where remote stations provide portable antennas, power, and equipment to communicate across the country for a 24-hour period.  All of these activities further our mission to be able to communicate “when all else fails”.

Our ability to provide this important service is dependent on having proper antennas to allow us to make contacts. With these resources in place in our homes and public buildings, we are able to stay ready to provide this important service.

Ohio ARES Monthly Activity Report

December 2018

Ohio SEC 

We’re working on several annual projects, At this writing we’re just getting things ready for the 2019 VHF Simplex Contest on the 12th.  We’re hearing some excitement about this, and several groups are doing some special stuff to have fun- both stationary and mobile.  We have set the date for the annual ARES NVIS Day, that will be April 27. More information will follow.  We’ve begun the reservation process for the ARES Annual Spring Conference.  Two dates are April 6 or April 13, our Marion operatives will be nailing down an open date for us. 

Scott and I are working ARES Connect.  This introduction could be going a lot smoother. Scott has identified a number of distinct issues that need resolved, and we’re waiting on action from the League. I would hope you understand this additional burden will eventually smooth out! I realize it’s another major change to go through right now, but please hang on! 

We’re facing the same problems overall that many service organizations have- we have the ‘old guard’ who’ve been faithful but it’s getting time to look for the second wave…the young guns who can step in and take over the time and dedication to community. The problem is where are the young guns?? We need your ideas on who and how we can recruit existing and new amateurs into our very important community service! 

District 1

Totals include hours for the Northwest Ohio Training and Traffic Net and District 1 Skywarn. I would like to thank retiring Lucas County EC Lowell Kern for all his help and work that he did for the Lucas County ARES group. It was a pleasure working with Skeet. And I would like to thank Tim Grey for volunteering to take the lead as the new EC for Lucas County. I look forward to working with Tim in the upcoming months ahead.

District 2

No comments submitted.

District 3

District 4

Hamilton: Local and State Nets attended. Training meeting sessions. Standby for WX event (high winds).

Highland: Hillsboro Christmas Parade 15 man hrs 72 messages on mars 75 man hrs 

District 5

Stark:  Stark Co ARES completed 3 public service nets for the month of December that totaled 94 check-ins. There were no public service events in December. We continue to encourage our members to become familiar with the new ARES-Connect System and register their training efforts.

(Partial report) 

District 6

No comments submitted.

District 7

Union County: Progress is moving forward on the new EMA Station 720 building on North West Parkway. The tower details are still being worked out. There were water drainage issues that were addressed. The Union County EMA is beginning to move equipment and supplies in this month. The radio room is shaping up nicely. The cubicles are setup for the radio stations. We still need to run coax from the radio locations to the tower location. The EMA also purchased a new Kenwood 2 meter repeater for the new place. That should be coming in soon. We are planning on getting it programmed and setup at the current repeater location then when the new tower and antennas are installed, moving it along with the current DMR repeater to the new location. Attached is a report for our December activities from ARES connect.

Delaware County: Holidays bumped the normal meeting. New Ops Manual is complete, will train in January. Club station rebuild took many manhours, complete and operational. 

Marion County: We have had some mild weather conditions which is good for us in that we haven't had any weather related issues. Although he lived in South Carolina we did loose a valued member to silent key. KD8LBA Darrell Smith. He will be missed. 

Fairfield County: Happy New Year! Licking County; As mentioned last month, our EMA and EOC will be moving soon and several of us disassembled all of the ham equipment at the EOC in preparation for the move to the new location. The feedlines and antennas are still in place so if we need to activate the EOC, we can still set up comms. My rain gauge has recorded 52" of rain for 2018 in western Licking Co. and thankfully there wasn't any severe flooding events only minor flooding this year. Several of us has had time to work on Fema classes. Licking Co. EMA has ICS-300 & ICS-400 classes planned for March 2019. Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and have a Blessed and happy 2019. EC: Bret Stemen KD8SCL 

District 8

Counties reporting: Athens, Gallia, Hocking, Lawrence, Pike, Scioto EC comments: 

Athens: ACARA Technician license classes Mondays, 7-9 PM, Athens Red Cross from January 7 to March 11 (test session). No charge except for book. SCARF Nelsonville Hamfest on Sunday, January 20, 2019, Tri County Career Center, SR 691, Nelsonville. 

Hocking: HVARC once again assisted with the lineup of the Logan/Hocking Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade. We want to wish everyone a very blessed and Happy New Year! 73 from HVARC

District 9

COSHOCTON CO: No comments, EC Steve Wheatcraft, AA8BN

GUERENSEY CO: The monthly ARES training was a table top exercise of a simulated cyber attack on the telephone, internet, and cell services. ARES members were tasked with developing and staffing for 72 hours a communication plan for the EMA. A new very capable first kit was also introduced at the training. Many thanks go to Mark, KC8SBB for obtaining the first aid kit. ARES members also help with the Byesville Christmas parade by providing coordination and communications. On Christmas Eve ARES members staffed a Santa Patrol net to allow children to talk to Santa, EC Richard Wayt, WD8SDH

JEFFERSON CO: Provided logistic and comm. support for the Steubenville Christmas Parade; we continue to enhance our fldigi/NBEMS capabilities with our on-air digital practice, participation in these nets is growing. Thanks go to all who supported our efforts this year, EC Robert Carson Jr., 

N8CUX

NOBLE CO: No comments

WASHINGTON CO: No comments. 

District 10

Now that the holidays are over, watch for good things coming in 2019! 

Ashtabula County: No comments submitted. 

Cuyahoga County: SkyWarn Recognition Day was our public service event this month. We had 15 participants. Our training hours are high because one member completed 83.0 hours of FEMA/ICS courses. Members have been very good at reporting their miscellaneous time on various nets, meetings and trainings. 

Geauga County: Things should be getting back to normal after the Holidays. 

Lake County: Continued our support of the Lake County History Center show by activating the radio room and demoing the telegraph set up for visitors. 

Lorain County: Lorain CO EMARSS ARES activated by LCEMA and Homeland Security To be on standby, for 24-48 hours due to Columbia Gas of Ohio Incident, for possible emergency operations / communications. 

Medina County: Hope you all had a merry Christmas and a happy new year.