Hello all! Here is the monthly report for September. I first want to thank you for all the time and energy you put into this month! The numbers were great.
You can check the attachment for a full report, but I want to touch on a few. First, the Perry Nuclear Facility held a required federal drill toward the end of September. Three counties (Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula) were fully activated for the drill. This is serious stuff, involving orders like, “Evacuate the major portion of three counties...” and everyone takes it seriously. One county’s graders even asked about the ham operators in their EOC- and were provided paper copies of all FEMA course requirements! Pretty impressive. The test came away with…wait for it…NO faults found. That’s equivalent to getting an “A+” from the hardest professor. Excellent work by all! On the same day, Medina and surrounding counties were involved in a Haz-Mat drill in an AT&T underground bunker, excellent reviews for ARES there as well. Numerous counties held EOC-based drills, that is excellent training for us, and great exposure to public officials!
Important events coming up
~ Jamboree on the Air ~ is set for the 17th-19th weekend coming up. This world scouting event is a lot of fun and promotes amateur radio!
~ MARS – ARES Exercise ~ October 27th-28th. MARS operators (using their ham calls on ham frequencies) want to make as many contacts with Ohio counties as possible to reinforce MARS ability to interact with ARES stations. The MARS operators will be trying to check into VHF nets and HF activities, so I would encourage you to be on the air and listening. One item they’ll need from us is our county “FIPS” code- It’s a federal thing. Here’s the link to find your “FIPS” code (which I believe is the same code used to program weather radios.)
http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/codes/cou.html
~ Get out the Handbook/Antenna book ~ Here’s a hint for a really fun activity we’re planning for the end of April. It involves hamburgers, fun, and NVIS antennas. We may have attended several presentations of “NVIS” antennas, and while we think that’s cool, we haven’t really tried any of this stuff. Well, here’s our chance. Study up all winter on what antennas you think will present that ‘killer’ signal, and have them ready for spring. Sometime toward the end of April, we’ll do a statewide Saturday, where we can try out the different antennas, see how many counties we reach and what signal strengths are for each. At the end, we create a table with the antenna, location and reports to reach our “Top Three” suggested antennas that actually work for NVIS! The burgers and coffee should be obvious- this is not a contest for points, it’s designed to rate antennas and just have a good time. ADEC Tim, K8WFL, thought this event that Ashtabula county ARES really enjoys would be something fun for the entire state, and it does sound like a hoot. So you’ve been tipped off- use the extra time to your advantage!
~Red Cross~ I had the pleasure of meeting with Jim Sage, AC8FR, who is in charge of Red Cross communications east of the Mississippi. Jim has been a Columbus Cross guy for years and we met with Donn Rooks, K8AOK Delaware County EC at the Delaware Red Cross facility. One of the duties of ARES in most counties is to communicate for the Red Cross, most likely in shelters or relief operations. While I think the best “home” for us is our local EMA (Red Cross is usually represented at an EOC activation) I would also like to press EC’s to make some face-time available for your local office. Red Cross uses MARCS radios, but there is a resurgence of interest in amateur radio. Jim is interested in each county’s capabilities and there may be some training that you can tap into. It would make for a great monthly meeting! ARRL has an overriding MOU with the Cross, but each county can augment that with a “Statement of Cooperation” or SOG or whatever you want to call it (other than MOU!)
Another agency that is woefully under-communicated and I’m sure will step to the forefront of attention very soon is your county/city health department. It’s a good time to check in with your health officials! If they’re not planning some type of pandemic exercise, they will be soon. These are often communication intensive and ARES volunteers can play a big role. It’s a great place just to exercise our expertise as technical advisers. Consider, for instance, the “Open House” low power transmitters, easily set up to disseminate information to people arriving at a center. Consider video, MESH, and most important fldigi to send digital information to hospitals, EOC’s and other points. While we shouldn’t include names, other specific diagnostics can be sent and not violate HIPAA: “59-year old female, awake alert and oriented, 120/75, P65 R21 stomach cramps, fever –T 102 transporting to your intake facility on county medic 2 ETA 20.” A large-scale patient load that might go to several hospitals could be efficiently handled by sending patient lists using fldigi. Perhaps a monthly training session from Health on “Universal Precautions” and other considerations we might need in a real scenario.
Your time, energy, and professional attitude will help make our served agencies better! We can serve a very important role, but we can’t just wander in and start to work- we need to keep up with our TRAINING so our agencies can be confident in our work!
It’s time to reinforce the need for everyone to complete the four FEMA courses (IS 100,200, 700,800) that are free online and fairly easy to get done. Give an electronic copy of your certificates to your EC, and to the Section data manager Jim Yoder, W8ERW ( w8erw[at]who.rr.com. It’s a good idea to print a copy for your EMA to have on file.
Thanks for everything you do to serve your community!
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ARES Ohio Monthly Report – September, 2014
I think Ohio ARES had a great month in September. Everybody was busy preparing for the SET, and for your own exercises. We had two major exercises at the end of the month. One was the Perry Nuclear Plant emergency drill. This involved three counties (Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula) which were fully mobilized. The outcome of this was amazing. In one of the counties they asked about the amateur operators’ qualifications. Out came the folder and certificates proving the four FEMA classes for each. (Keeping that on file in the EOC is a great idea!) The federal ‘graders’ for the exercise came back with NO faults- that’s like getting an A+ from the hardest professor! Well done! Another exercise at the same date and time was a major Haz-Mat exercise in an AT&T bunker full of Internet gear—and lots of hazardous batteries! It too was a big deal, with some high level observation. Each of these was a big stage to show off amateur radio, and the operators were professional on all counts. Well done!
Another fun event was held in Ashtabula County prior to the nuke drill- they held their NVIS antenna showdown. We’ve all been through several NVIS antenna programs by now in our various meetings- but which antennas actually ~work~? Ashtabula spends a Saturday (with hamburgers and coffee) actually comparing performance of several antennas. This is a fun event and a challenge to new and old timers alike- concoct the best NVIS antenna! I am excited to tell you this will become a spring event for Ohio ARES! More on that in subsequent mailings!
I can’t thank all your members enough for their time and energy devoted to serving our neighbors!
District 1
730.9 Hours
Seneca County-EC Scott Rosenburger KE8JC The group assisted with emergency communications for the annual Tiffin Cross Country Carnival as well as line up for the Tiffin Heritage Festival Parade.
Huron County-EC Clay Benner KB8DNA One Severe Weather event this month for Thunderstorm warning. One Skywarn meeting training session. Planning for SET on Oct. 4.
Sandusky County-EC David Gierhart W8DAG Two Skywarn net activations but no severe weather. Monthly weather siren check for the county.
Hancock County-EC Darl Deeds NA8W Koman Race for the Cure communications were handled by us this month. Several lost children were assisted by amateurs in finding their mothers in the vast pink crowd.
Erie County-EC Bob Heim K8HLH W8SGT Nets, 6 meter wx nets, NORC net Digital nets, Ohio State Parks on the air, contacted over 40 other State Parks.
Wood County -EC Bob Schumann W8NYY No report
Lucas County-EC Brenda Krukowski KB8IUP No Report
Ottawa County-EC James Garber KB8TTR None
District 2
34 hours.
Public Service was the last day of the Van Wert Co. Fair. Williams Co. Culled ARES membership to include those actively participating in training; Williams Co. Began a new series of training programs, September training topic was "Personal Preparedness for ARES Activation" In October training will begin for ICS 100, 200, 700, &800(b) FEMA courses.
District 3
1369.2
(No comments)
District 4
314.2 Hours
The public service event was a new one to Ohio, the Market to Market Relay from Milford (Clermont County, District 4) to Dayton (Montgomery County, District 3). We were privileged to leverage our great working relationship across the district boundary, which really facilitated getting this event done, and well, at that. We lost an active member of the local ham community recently...he was volunteering for another Red Cross job and took ill. Please, always take care of your physical and mental well-being, and those of your family, as your primary responsibility. Upcoming in October are more bike rides, runs (at least one half marathon) and other activities that are scheduled before it is "too cold" to keep doing so. I expect to report an increase in hours for the month, assisted by all of the district's ECs reporting on efforts in their counties.
District 5
738 Hours
Summit County: This month we had two events, the first was an event working an open-house in a 335 acre Girl Scout camp helping with safety and communications on the trails for visitors to the camp. We had a table setup at the net control station with pamphlets about HAM radio and we spoke with many of the visitors about Amateur Radio and how we assist with special events and in emergencies. The first 3 pictures are of the net control station in the park. Our second event, and our largest event of the year, was working communications for the Akron Marathon. We had 32 operators for this event and used 4 separate repeaters and a simplex frequency to handle all radio traffic. We had an operator at all 26 Mile markers, on all 3 Medical Aid vehicles, the SAG vehicle, with 2 on net control and 2 working medical operations at the finish line. We also had APRS on the Aid vehi cles and SAG vehicle that allowed us to know exactly where t! he vehicles were at all times. Once again we had volunteers helping us from several neighboring counties and we couldn't have provided the services the race officials requested without their help. This year there were 15,000 runners in the race, the largest number of runners in race history. The last 5 pictures are of net control, the "temporary" antenna mounts on the Aid vehicles and a shot of the runners on what was a beautiful day. The laptop on top of the net control "go box" was used for the APRS monitor.
Stark County: Stark Co ARES completed 5 public service training nets for the month of September that totaled 205 check-ins. No public service events were scheduled for September although we are looking for volunteers to provide communications assistance to the Massillon Amateur Radio Club for the annual Massillon Holiday Parade in November. Planning continues to determine our participation in this years Annual SET Exercise.
Portage County: Thanks to Sandy KD8JCY for opening and running a SkyWarn net for Portage County.
District 6
574.25 hours.
Knox: No Report filed – no comment
Marion: September ARES meeting had special guest, SEC, Stan Broadway. He gave an excellent talk on the purpose of the ARES program and why maintaining the group structure is important to the success of building a viable organization. He also discussed the upcoming SET and the importance of developing a plan of action and then putting our plan to the test. The rest of the meeting was spent discussing our participation in the SET, tactical groups and ICS protocol.
Medina: Big ARES event was the AT&T exercise with the County EOC. The scenario was a short circuit that lead to a hazardous contamination and injured people. Several fire departments and hazmat groups took part. We helped in dispatching units from staging areas and comm. out of the building. This was an elaborate drill. We also replaced a faulty lightning protector at the EOC and worked some public events. This has been the busiest summer yet for M2M and even though it is tiring we enjoyed the work. Special thanks go to Fred, K8FH for the use of his comm trailer in our events. Use of APRS and digital is increasing. "Go Boxes" are Proving very useful. Thanks to those that put in many hours to help us be more like "ICS professinals". The paperwork is very useful to keep everyone in sync.
Richland: Richland County ARES had four weekly nets in September.
Wayne: Waiting for our new Yaesu Repeater to come.
Wyandot: The Wyandot County Hams had their meeing at the Wyandot County Fair.
The purpose was to look at the areas available to possibly have a Special Event at the Fair next year.
District 7
309.75 Hours
Delaware The Delaware County ARES once again provided communications for the annual All Horse Parade through the streets of Delaware. Billed as the largest parade of its kind east of the Mississippi, more than 110 units, many with two to 10 horses, two local high school marching bands and other non-motorized participants entertained some 10,000 people. Our ARES group provided radio coverage from start to finish with Hams stationed all along the route. And we have been invited to participate again next year. We provided MESH video coverage for the Delaware County Sheriff during the county fair. MESH connections were set up to permit county-owned cameras to be remote-controlled from the Command Unit. The system was in place all week and worked flawlessly. As a result ARES has been asked to help formulate specifications for a major upgrade to the Command vehicle.
Fairfield No Comments
Fayette NO EC Franklin No Report
Hardin NO EC
Licking Licking County ARES members continue to work on the CERT/ARES trailer, especially on the radios and support equipment which will be mounted in the trailer. Our Gator Case for the power supplies, three transceiver bodies, power distribution, and coax jumper connections nearly ready for installation. Control heads for each of these radios will be at the operating positions. We are starting to work on the cabinets and desk tops for the radio operating positions. The EC again has helped the EMA office in editing the Haz-Mat documentation for our County. This has provided an excellent opportunity to get better acquainted with our new Director of the Licking County Emergency Management Agency, Sean Grady W1GDY. Welcome back to Ohio, Sean!
Logan NO EC
Madison We provided communications for the 2014 West Jefferson Ox Roast Bike Tour. All went well with no problems at all. At one point in the race, the value of amateur radio came into light as cell service to both water stops was totally useless. We were able to communicate with and have operators at each stop able to communicate back and forth. This really impressed the race organizers and has already earned us an invitation back next year.
Perry PERRY County provided communication at the North American Wild Turkey Federation (Jakes Day) Youth Activity Day. PERRY County members talked with youth about amateur radio and worked with various youth to make contacts with a control operator.
Pickaway No Comments
Union No Report
District 8
300 Hours
Counties reporting: Athens, Hocking, Lawrence, Scioto EC comments:
Athens: Athens County ARES comprised of Athens County ARA and Sunday Creek ARF activated five state parks (Burr Oak, Strouds Run, Forked Run, Jackson Lake and Lake Alma) during Ohio State Parks on the Air on Saturday, September 6, 2014. All operated on emergency power and temporary antennas except Forked Run which operated on mains service. Both clubs also participated in communications support for the "Run for the Blue Blazes" 5 K Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, September 13, 2014 to support the Buckeye Trail Association that provides maintenance of the Buckeye Trail. Upcoming events include the "Run Like Hell" 5K costume run/walk to support Cystic Fibrosis research on Sunday, October 26, 2014 and the Bobcat Trail Marathon on Sunday, November 2, 2014 which also supports the Buckeye Trail Association.
Hocking: HVARC once again handled the communications for the Hocking Hills Indian Run. It was held on September 20 at Old Mans Cave state park with five operators participating. Beautiful weather and a great crowd.
Scioto: Discussed our course of action for an upcoming drill October 9th at 0900 to test our ability to communicate in the county. This should provide feedback as to who we would need to place where in a time of need as far as operators with mobile capability and those with only an HT.
DEC comments: A district dinner meeting to work on a district response plan was held on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 in Jackson. Scioto County EC Jon Baldridge, KD8PNT and ASEC Gary Stephenson, WW8O were the only ones in attendance beside the DEC. The meeting was still productive as we discussed the Scioto ERP along with some other issues within that area of the district. It has been reported that long-time Lawrence (Southern Ohio ARA) PIO Ken Massie, WN8F is recovering at home following surgery. We wish Ken the best for a speedy recovery.
District 9
125 Hours
GUERNSEY CO: ARES members have been requested to register again so a more accurate roll can be accomplished. There were members who have left the area, become inactive, or just wished not to participate. While the roll is half of what it was, it is a more accurate accounting of members. The roll will probably grow as registration continues. On 19 SEPT 2014 there was ARES training at the EMA. Training covered was duties within the EOC, how to use the ICS 309, ICS 213, and the radiogram. EC: Richard W. Wayt, WD8SDH.
MONROE CO: I have nothing really to report for the month of September. We have began holding regular meetings on the 1st Monday of every month our first one was September 1st. We discussed the repeater idea again and decided to take a different approach this time as far as location of the site. EC: Jeremey Taylor KD8MTK.
COSHOCTON CO: This month an LEPC meeting attended and ARES meeting to discuss Oct SET and continuing test and set up the ARES 145.230 move to a new location. Thanks KB8HEA for working on the repeater. We also had space at the Coshocton County EMA booth at our fair for ARES , Skywarn and CCARA info thanks to the EMA Director. In addition to the repeater Sept was all about setting up for the SET. Talking with our served agencies and making sure equipment and access was a go for Oct 4. In addition to the plans for the SET from the SEC and District 9 instructions, we also plan to have intra county 213 and radiogram traffic. Also following the OSERP, we plan to set up an OTS this time. Coshocton County Ohio ARES® is also now a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador™ www.nws.noaa.gov./com/weatherreadynation/ambassadors.html. EC: Steven Wheatcraft, AA8BN.
NOBLE CO: Meeting with 911/LEPC/Homeland Security/Healthcare Coalition 1.0 hrs. EC Larry Mason, N8RAF.
MUSKINGUM CO: Muskingum County ARES getting ready for upcoming SET and EC met with served agencies in preparation for up coming Muskingum County FLU Shot Clinic Pandemic SET. EC Kathleen Frederico.
DEC DIST 9: No monthly reports from BELMONT, JEFFERSON, & MORGAN CO. No ARES operations in Harrison & Washington Co. Sonny Alfman DEC..
District 10
880.25 Hours
October was a busy month in district 10! The Perry Nuclear Plant Drill, helping Medina with their HazMat drill, SET, county fairs, and public service on top of that. Excellent job by all in tenth district!
Ashtabula County: Talk about a fun month! Between our NVIS event and our SET drill it showed how much our members shine no matter how bad things get- in this case the weather. Our SET drill especially showed their love of radio. Temps were downright bone-chilling and winds were high but so were our spirits. Few members have had the chance to wait out Mother Nature's wrath in such a comfortable abode, our trailer did well in the elements. Aside from that our Perry drill also went smoothly and members of our EMA were quite happy with our participation and knowledge.
Cuyahoga County: We lost two members (one moved out of state, other removed for inactivity and unable! to contact. We signed up five new members for a net gain of three additional members. Public service events are drawing to a close with four races, plus a hamfest and preparedness fair. Shared resources were sent to an adjacent county for an EMA sponsored disaster drill.
Geauga County: Geauga County Fair, Perry Drill (our SET). Last 2 months have been really good since we have been working with our served agencies.
Lake County: Looking back, it was an active month for Lake Co. First was the OSPOTA which once again proved the value of the NVIS antenna systems. Lake County team contacted 37 Parks in five hours of fun operation. On 9/11 the weather net was on tornado watch for 3 hours. There was the Perry Power Plant practice and FEMA evaluated drills. The PNPP drill will serve as Lake ARES SET for this year. All the elements for the SET were met in the drill plus a lot of direct contact with the served agents. The team of KB8BKE, AA8OY and WB8ZGH worked to complete the installation and programing of the IC5100 in the new County Command Truck. We recommended the relocation of the the antenna so that a better SWR can be a achieved. We hope to have this done before it is used for the Northern Ohio Marathon on October 12th.
Lorain: Assistance was provided in the Susan Koman 5K Run, the River Run Half Marathon, and the Cleveland Forest City Fundo.
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