Saratoga County R.A.C.E.S Association, Inc.

Here is the latest Emergency Operations Plan for the Saratoga County ARES / RACES group. Members of these groups should download this document and be current in its content.

ARES/RACES MEMBERS
There is a  location for all ARES/RACES information with email that you can sign up for that will give you direct information on training scheduled and other ham radio information related to our group. Please go to the following website and register so that you get direct email for training and cancellation information.  www.groups.yahoo.com/group/Saratoga_Co_ARES_RACES/  
This link will take you to the website where you can request being a member and getting emails from the site. Myself and N2VLS take great pains to make sure that you do NOT get spammed from here or inappropriate information. We have had issues of that type but it seems to be under control at present. Please go there to register.
Dave Atwell, N2FEP

Saratoga County (A)mateur (R)adio (E)mergency (S)ervice ARES was restarted by Dave Atwell, N2FEP, in June of 1988 at the request of the Section Emergency Coordinator Bob Schapps, due to the lack of contact with anyone north of Albany and to organize people in the area if possible.  
Dave took the job to get an active core of ARES members in our area with hopes that it would rise in others. That is happening slowly. Dave, Bob and many other hams from our area and other parts of the country formulated what we now operate. Dave looks at ARES as the fire department of amateur emergency communications. These are the hams that have agreed to extensive training in net operations and willing to assist without question any time they are called upon by the E/C (Emergency Coordinator) for the county, which at this time is N2FEP.  
We also actively participate in the skywarn program provided by the National Weather Service. They have provided many hours of training for our group. The information given by amateurs in weather emergencies is very important to the weather service. Without amateur input lives can and would be lost as they would not get the proper warnings out in time to the general public.

Net preamble:  
     Good evening this is (YOUR CALL SIGN ) net control or the Saratoga County Races Association net. My name (GIVE YOUR NAME). The intent of this net is for the passing of information about amateur radio in and around our area.
1st I will do a call up of stations to join the net followed by comments of each station.   We provide a forum for swapping equipment or selling equipment that you may want to list with the net. Stations to join the net your call sign and your name.
 
Ending:
      This has been a regular session of the Saratoga County Races Association Net. The link will drop shortly and the repeaters will be returned to normal usage.   This is (GIVE YOUR CALL SIGN ) clear. Good evening all.

Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)
Among the largest and oldest emcomm groups is ARES, a program sponsored by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) since 1935. ARES is part of the League's field organization, which is composed of "Sections". Most Sections are entire states, but some larger states have two or more Sections.
 
The elected Section Manager (SM) appoints top ARES leadership. The top ARES leader in each section is the Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC).
 
Some larger Sections, like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Florida, are further divided into two or more Districts. In this case, each District is guided by a District Emergency Coordinator (DEC), working directly under the SEC. (See diagram below.) [In the Hudson Section, there are 3 districts. Our club is part of the Eastern New York District.  Here are the key contacts:

Section Manager Peter A. Cecere, N2YJZ 378 Ohayo Mountain Rd Woodstock, NY 12498-2530	Section Traffic Manager Jim Peterson, K2CSS 18 St. Joseph Pl. New Windsor, NY 12553
Section Emergency Coordinator Frank Stone, KB2YUR 35 Foxwood Terrace1 Modena, NY 12548	Official Observer Coordinator Harold S Post, AK2E P.O. Box 25 Middle Grove, NY 12850

The next subdivision within ARES is the "county" or similar region assigned to an Emergency Coordinator (EC). Most ECs will have one or more Assistant Emergency Coordinators (AEC), who may have responsibility for specific tasks or cities. A large city with complex needs may have its own EC.

      ARES has Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with a variety of agencies at the national level, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and the National Weather Service.               These documents set out the general relationship between ARES and the agency at the national level, and provide guidance for local units of both organizations to draft more specific local MOUs.
     In addition to local chapters of national groups, ARES groups often have MOUs or other written or verbal agreements with state and city emergency management departments, hospitals, schools, police and fire departments, public works agencies, and others.

Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES)
    The federal government created RACES after World War II. It addressed the need for a group of hams to operate as an integral part of the Civil Defense organization in time of national emergency or war. The RACES program also provides the means to continue to serve the public if the President suspends regular Amateur operations. The RACES rules provide for use of almost all regular Amateur frequencies, but place strict limits on the types of communications made, and with whom.
     Over the years, both RACES and Civil Defense have changed dramatically. While the RACES rules are the same, there are fewer pure RACES groups today. More and more of them have become "dual-hat" organizations. This means that RACES members also belong to ARES, and can "switch hats" when the need arises. Emergency management officials like this arrangement since it provides more flexibility, and gives them more direct control over the ham radio volunteers.

ARES Mutual Assistance Team (ARESMAT)
     When a communication emergency lasts longer than a day or two, or when the scale of the emergency is beyond the ability of a local ARES group to handle, help can be requested from neighboring areas. The ARESMAT concept was created to meet that need. These teams consist of hams who are willing and able to travel to another area for a period to assist ARES groups based in the disaster area. They may also bring additional resources in the form of radios, antennas, and other critical equipment. If you travel to another area as part of an ARESMAT, remember that the local group is still in charge -- you are there to do what they need done. In a sense, they become another "served agency".

Our Saratoga RACES Group: The Need for All of Us to be Trained and Ready:
The best plan will fail unless all involved know their part in it.  This is where a training program comes in.  Training never stops - it is a continuous cycle that ensures that all team members are able to do their best when called upon.  Some training program elements might include:
     All 3 levels of this course, (ARECC), for all members, over time.  This course, for all members.  Encourage them to take all 3 levels over time. 
     General understanding of the plans and how they work. 
     Specific skills, such as message formatting, equipment operation, and emergency field repairs. 
     Net operations, both tactical and formal traffic handling. 
     Implementing or testing operational elements, such as message routing and forms, 
     Full scale drills and simulations, including the annual SET. 
     Communication support for public service events such as walk-a-thons and parades. 
     Backup plans and "work-arounds." 

Learning Resources on the Internet
We strongly recommend downloading and printing copies of the ARES Handbook, ARRL Public Service Manual, and ARES field Resources Manual. Put them in a three ring binder and make them part of your jump kit for easy reference at home or in the field.
ARRL Section Manager List www.arrl.org/field/org/smlist.html 
ARRL Net Directory www.arrl.org/FandES/field/nets/
ARRL Public Service Manual www.arrl.org/FandES/field/pscm/ 
FEMA Institute www.fema.gov/emi/ishome.htm
ARES Manual (.pdf file) www.arrl.org/FandES/field/aresman.pdf 
FCC Rules and Regulations www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/rules-regs.html
National SKYWARN http://www.SKYWARN.org/
NWS Storm Watch http://www.noaa.gov/stormwatch/ 
Ham Radio at the NWS Hurricane Center http://www.fiu.edu/orgs/w4ehw/
NWS Doppler Radar Sites http://weather.noaa.gov/radar/national.html 
NWS Storm Prediction Center, Norman, Oklahoma http://www.spc.noaa.gov/ 

Books
     The ARES Field Resources Manual (ARRL) is a handy and rugged spiral bound field guide packed with essential emcomm information. It should be in the ready kit of every emcomm volunteer. 
     The ARRL Operating Manual covers all the basics of Amateur Radio operation -- and more. 
     The ARRL FCC Rules Handbook offers a clear and understandable explanation of the FCC Rules and Regulations for Amateur Radio. Chapter 5 deals with emergency communication issues. 
     Your Packet Companion by Steve Ford (ARRL) is the perfect book for packet beginners. 
     Practical Packet Radio by Stan Horzepa (ARRL) covers the basics and delves into BBS operation, packet cluster, satellites, and more. 
     Packet: Speed, More Speed, and Applications (ARRL) is for the advanced packet user. Topics include high-speed networks, pacsats, meteor scatter, and APRS. This book is not for beginners. 
     ARRL's HF Digital Handbook, 2nd Edition, covers PSK31, MFSK16 and other popular digital modes. 
     APRS Tracks, Maps and Mobile --A Guide to the Automatic Packet Reporting System. (ARRL) 
     NOSintro: TCP/IP Over Packet Radio is an introduction to using the KA9Q Network Operating System in a packet environment. NOS has a variety of uses and implications for emcomm. 
     Transmitter Hunting: Radio Direction Simplified by Joseph Moell, K0OV, and Thomas Curlee, WB6UZZ (ARRL) is the "bible" of radio direction finding. Topics include search and rescue operations and hunting for downed aircraft. 
The Interference Handbook by William Nelson WA6FQG will help you locate and resolve all sorts of radio interference. 
     The ARRL Antenna Book, Volume 4 covers portable and emergency antennas for 40 and 80 meters. 
Weather Satellite Handbook by Ralph Taggart WB8DQT (ARRL) offers information on how to receive and decode data directly from various weather satellites. 
     The ARRL Repeater Directory lists all VHF and UHF repeaters in the USA, Canada and many other countries. This directory is updated annually. 
     The North American Repeater Atlas (ARRL) has maps showing all repeaters in North America. This is a great resource for ARESMAT members traveling to unfamiliar areas. 
     Your Mobile Companion by Ralph Burch WF4N, (ARRL) is a practical guide to installing and operating a HF mobile station. 

Jump Kit Idea List
Something to put it in -- one or more backpacks, suitcases, plastic storage tubs, etc. 
Package individual items in zip lock bags or plastic kitchen containers 
Radios and Accessories
Handheld VHF or dual-band radio (some people also like to bring a spare) 
Spare rechargeable batteries for handhelds 
Alkaline battery pack for handhelds 
Alkaline batteries 
Speaker microphone and earphone for handhelds 
Battery chargers, AC and DC for handhelds 
Mobile VHF or dual-band radio 
HF radio 
Multi-band HF antenna, tuner, heavy parachute cord 
Gain antennas and adapters (roll-up J-Pole, mobile magnetic mount, etc) 
Coaxial feed lines, jumpers 
Ground rod, pipe clamp, and wire 
AC power supplies for VHF.UHF mobile and HF radios, accessories 
Large battery source for VHF/UHF mobile and HF radios, with charger 
All related power, data, audio, and RF cables and adapters 
Small repair kit: hand tools, multi-meter, connectors, adapters, fuses, key parts 
Materials for improvisation: wire, connectors, small parts, insulators, duct tape, etc. 
Photocopies of manuals for all equipment 
Headphones, for noisy areas and privacy 
Specialized gear for packet, ATV or other modes 
Multi-band scanner, weather radio 
Personal cell phone, pager, spare batteries and chargers 
Pencils, legal pads, pencil sharpener 
Personal Gear
Clothing for the season, weather, and length of deployment 
Toilet kit: soap, razor, deodorant, comb, toilet paper 
Foul weather or protective gear, warm coats, hats, etc. as needed 
Sleeping bag, closed-cell foam pad, pillow, ear plugs 
High energy snacks 
Easily prepared dried foods that will store for long periods 
Eating and cooking equipment if needed 
Water containers, filled before departure 
First aid kit, personal medications and prescriptions for up to one week 
Money, including a large quantity of quarters for vending machines, tolls, etc. 
Telephone calling card 
Information
ID cards and other authorizations 
Frequency lists and net schedules 
Maps, both street and topographic 
Key phone numbers, email and internet addresses 
Contact information for other members in your group, EC, DEC, SEC, and others 
Copy of emergency plans 
Resource lists: who to call for which kinds of problems 
Log sheets, message forms 
Operating Supplies
Outgoing message forms or sheets to compose messages 
Incoming message forms. (Some operators copy the message onto scratch paper, and then transcribe it cleanly onto the incoming message form.)
Log sheets 
Standard forms used by the served agency 
Letter or legal notepads 
Sticky notes 
Paper clips and rubber bands 
Blank envelopes