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Manager - N2MG
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Survey Question

Question

Which emergency organization are you the most involved with?

Results (2187 answers)

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Survey Comments

Cops and Robbers

Why are some hams always so preoccupied with playing cops and robbers? Yes ham radio can provide good emergency communications, but it never stops there. It is not good enough for some hams in these emergency organizations to simply help when needed. These “cop wannabee” hams have to put flashing lights and sirens on their vehicles and pretend they are cops. Since when did getting a ham ticket make us cops? Ham radio is about communicating. It is not about performing search and rescue or directing traffic. While these renegade hams may be in the minority, they really give ham radio a black eye!
Posted by KB0KMJ on 2002-08-31

Good ops don't need it

Sorry guys, but I've BEEN a member of RACES, Skywarn, et al. Blather, all of them. Lots of needless "practice" nets that practice NOTHING useful (who wants a net where all you do is insert your callsign to be counted?), but take valuable time. They know who I am, they know how many bodies I've removed from bombed buildings and how many messages from the Middle East I've passed after suicide bombers did their thing. When there's an emergency, you'd better believe they DO call me, even if I'm not a member.

Those with superior operating abilities are known, even if we're not loud about it.

The worst ops I've ever heard on the air during emergencies are the self-proclaimed gurus who run the weekly worthless nets in our local ARES/RACES organizations. In the mayhem and bedlam of a true emergency, their carefully constructed power structures fail, and the ops who depended on the power structures are worthless.

Obviously just my opinion, and none too humble about it.

AM
Posted by N0TONE on 2002-08-06

ARES/SKYWARN

In the Central Kentucky area, it is hard to separate ARES and SkyWarn. Most ARES members are also involved in SkyWarn and the two function together. It would be interesting to know how many people participate ACTIVELY in one program, but not the other.
Posted by KF4EBC on 2002-07-22

Should be investigated?

Maybe Mr. Bill O'Reilly from Fox News "The Factor should investigate the entire political structure of Amateur Radio's involvement with emergencies.
Some investigation may help to get rid of the "bad apples" and those who thrive on the politics and abuse their authority.
Posted by WD8MGO on 2002-07-22

ARES/RACES

I enjoyed N2MWE's comments. He's right...all too often we have to hear what certain people did, do, or are doing for ham radio. If you are going to do something benevolent from the goodness of your heart, just do it and keep your mouth shut. Who cares who ran what event or net, license class, made what ever amount of contacts in a contest, etc.
Posted by K2EPM on 2002-07-17

Just Starting

I am just starting with emergency ops. I will soon be getting my training as a Red Cross shelter operator and emergency communications operator. Also our second Skywarn class is coming up. I am working hard at putting together my 'go-kit'. Hopefully, I can get in my training before we have a real weather emergency here in Charleston, SC.

Dennis - KG4RUL
Posted by KG4RUL on 2002-07-17

Two Levels?

It never ceases to amaze me. What is being described in several posts regarding those that do and those who take credit happens not only in the ARES/RACES world, but in the EMS, FD, and PD worlds as well. Seems to me the workers are the ones who never get recognized...why? Because they do what they have to do and expect nothing in return, other than personal satisfaction. Seems to me, though, that there are too many people who want their names in lights, and forget the real reasons for emergency service..protect life amd limb!
Posted by K2KOH on 2002-07-16

no activity

I've been a ham for around 10 years now. In southern Indiana, there is very little activity. The nearest "active" club is probably 30 miles south of here. I probably should find out more about them and join, but with my work hours I wouldn't be able to attend meetings and such anyway. I haven't been active in Emergency communications mainly because I just wouldn't know where to start. I hate to see all of the negative posts about the political problems, with the numbers here maybe we could organize our own "non-political" group, hi hi. I will probably find a local Emergency Services group to help eventually, I just haven't had the extra time to seek them out yet.

BTW, my favorite niche of the hobby is VHF Contest Rover. I have a portable station that is capable of operations from 1.8 to 432 Mhz.

73
Dan

Dan Evans N9RLA
Scottsburg, IN 47170
{EM78}
QRP-l #1269
1/2 of the N9RLA /R no budget Rover Team
Check out the Rover Resource Page at:

http://www.qsl.net/n9rla
Posted by N9RLA on 2002-07-15

Emergency Service

Here are just a few examples of my experiences; On Mother's Day a tornado hit a town 65 miles South of me in the pre-dawn hours. My Ham Club was called on for assistance. When the call came, I grabbed up my box of ready-to-go emergency gear and was on the scene by 8:45AM. Most of my gear got loaned out including setting up the base station at the local High School. As the hours went by, our Club Members came and went. Some helped for a few hours and some just complained about how things were being run and left. After 12 hours I was in a lot of pain (I have cronic back trouble) and needed to come home. I was told I was too important to the effort and could not leave.
But everyone else left anytime they wanted. My equipment was not the problem. I picked it up at the Club House a couple days later.
Now the clincher; when the incident was submitted to and printed in QST, some but not all, names of individuals that assisted were listed. You got it! I was too important to go home after 12 hours, but not important enough to be named as being there helping out. Oh yes, I was not one of the Club Officers. See the connection?
Scenero 2: I was on tornado watch with my handheld. I was the one who spotted and reported into the net "cyclic motion" of the clouds over the hill South of my house. (About 1/2 mile away) it was a full blown tornado by the time it got to the bottom of said hill. When it was written up in QST, a Club Officer got named as being the one who reported the cyclic motion.
Scenero 3: Lost child in the woods. I reported to the local VFD that was in charge of the rescue effort, that our club was ready with 30 personnel with handheld and portable commo. To assist anyway we could be utilized. I was told, "we are in negotiations for a raise"; it would hurt our position if one of your guys found the kid. So, "NO THANKS".
I've served 22 years active duty in the Military. (including RVN,66/67) 15 years in Civil Service. and 25 years as a ham. I've also given over 5 gallons of my AB blood. But I am tired of being called on to do the work while someone else's name is given credit. I was taught that credit would come to those who deserve it, just let your Leaders/Officers take care of it. Well, best I can see, they just take care of their self.
So, the next time I'm called on to volunteer, don't be surprised if I have to think about it!
Posted by N4VNV on 2002-07-12

Emergency Organizations

In my early ham career I was quite active on the traffic nets due to the ability we had (way back then)to handle messages of a non-critical nature. Since there were no cell phones or other faster ways to provide messaging it seemed more interesting and necessary. I was involved in handling emergency traffic during a tornado in a small town near my home in the early 60's.

Today the emergency nets are more difficult to find and to check into due to times of the day or days of the week for those of us who are still working.

I would be interested in becoming more active if I knew where and when the nets meet and what kind of activity is needed in my area. I have full emergency power capability as well as mobile and portable equipment.
Posted by K4MZW on 2002-07-12

Ignore the Bad Apples

Most of the clubs that I have been involved with have been active and I have had good experiences with them. As someone who also works for a served agency (National Weather Service), I see and hear of the bad experiences as well. However, I always try to encourage people to ignore the politcs and get involved, because all of the served agencies need the support the amateur community can provide.
Posted by KC8CWI on 2002-07-11

Serve the Customer!

In my full time job I'm an engineer and emergency management planner in our county public works department. As one of four agency representatives on the County's Emergency Management Coordinating Committee I also serve a duty rotation to be on call to report to the EOC. In my volunteer capacity as an amateur radio operator I am the RACES training officer.

Amateurs need to learn to think outside the box and to look at the world around them. It is vital to work with your served agencies, work with them to develop a local needs and resources assessment, to examine which tasks are suitable for amateur radio and evaluate the assets and capabilities of your organization to provide that service.

KE4MOB hits the nail on the head.

You need to plan for the worst case, prepare, train and drill for it and also to have well written position descriptions, performance standards, desktop procedures and other job aids to assist operators. You also need to critique and evaluate performance and learn from your mistakes.

Most amateurs lack an understanding of working with served agencies and are weak in basic personal preparedness, safety and survival skills.

Virginia RACES has a member self-assessment which is a useful discussion starter. Thanks to Rick Sohl K5RIC for permission to adapt his email primer into a test instrument which you can score and use to evaluate preparedness.

I would be happy to email this Word document to anyone for noncommercial, educational and public safety use.

73 de KE4SKY
Virginia RACES State Training Officer




Posted by KE4SKY on 2002-07-11

Emergency Service

Down here in Georgia we have done away with 99% of the politics and the vast majority of "Coffee Clatch Members". You join up here, you will get trained, assigned, called to serve, and move through the ranks as high as you want to go. EC's must have Level 1 of ARECC, DEC's must have Level 1&2, SEC says you have to have 1,2,3 to get his job. Training is number 1, drills number 2, service all the time. Old programs can get re-worked to meet the current and future times, it just takes leadership!

Steve Reynolds W4CNG DEC Metro-Atlanta
Posted by W4CNG on 2002-07-11

W2WO POST

you said "Perhaps a new two-level organization is needed: one for the personalities and one for "normal" participants, with the second level existing only on paper and on the air. "

BINGO YOU SAID IT ALL ! RIGHT ON THE MONEY !
Posted by N3NOO on 2002-07-11

Can't pick more than one

As a professional market researcher, I applaud this type of survey of users but the survey mechanics force people to pick one or the other when in fact they could be in several.

E-ham, if you use these surveys, I suggest that you create MECE answers--each is Mutually Exclusive, Completely Exhaustive--such that you can only pick one. If not, if someone can pick multiple answers, a different set of code is needed to allow people to check off multiple answers.

Jeffrey Steinberg, K2MIT
Posted by K2MIT on 2002-07-10

Skywarn and.....

odd politics.
While at times its rather difficult for me to be fully involved with Skywarn. I try to help when I can.
As far as the political aspect of it I will agree some, if not all is rather odd.
I must be careful or someone may tear up my Skywarn decal
Posted by KN4OO on 2002-07-10

Politics and personalities

It appears that many others, like myself,
are discouraged by the politics and personalities involved in
the emergency service organizations. This feeling appears
to be so widespread that there is clearly a need to rethink
how these services are organized. NTS was mentioned --- to
a large extent it managed to avoid politics and personalities.
Perhaps a new two-level organization is needed: one for the
personalities and one for "normal" participants, with the second
level existing only on paper and on the air.
Posted by W2WO on 2002-07-10

ARES/ES

Feel same as many on the negative aspects of ES work. Have been a EC for 2 counties in WI, CAP, MARS, Ham for 25 plus years, just never part of the inside group in our rept club or N. Wi Ares structure, What exists here now is a non functional coffee group which the Police do not even know exists.
Posted by KE9UE on 2002-07-10

Way to much Politics

Having spent the better part of my 22 years as a ham involved with public service activities, I finally burned out several years back and I don't miss it one bit! I was past EC for the county and involved with the Red Cross for many years and spent the better part of that time putting out political fires. It got so bad that people were calling me at work screaming at me. I was really turned off to ham radio for a long time and just returned to hf about a year and a half ago and love to work cw and psk31.

Terry

N8CDN
Posted by N8CDN on 2002-07-09

Emergency Service

I am amazed as to the attitude of the comments. Burned out. To much politics. I thought I was a lone ranger when it came to those feelings. I have come to the conclusion that if you are a member of a club, then you are doomed. I have had good club experiences, but I have had more bad club experiences. RACES, ARES and all those go through some local club, and that means putting up with a couple of schmoes that think they are God's gift to ham radio and know everything. They some how get into power and everyone has to dance to their tune when they are obvioulsy wrong...wrong...wrong. They will turn down the advice of a ham who has been in the hobby for 40 years....and do something really stupid that could have been avoided. I have chased my share of tornadoes, worked at handling traffic from a tornado ravaged town, and organized spotting teams. But I will not do biking events, festivals, and the such. Not and emergency to me. But, it is not worth the politics, hassles, bad feelings, et al. If you need me...call me. I know how to operate...I know how to think. If you need my help ... call. But I will not get involved with the political games. Lee - K0WA

Posted by K0WA on 2002-07-09

Satisfy the need...

I belong to ARES, RACES and multiple clubs. In the past year we've provided support for multiple events - some emergencies (fires, ARC, etc), some public service (bike rides, Pony Express, etc). I ignore politics. I am there to provide a service, and to have fun. The two are not mutually exclusive. And, along the way, I've learned quite a bit.

Bob N6YMA

Posted by N6YMA on 2002-07-09

Satisfy the need...

I belong to ARES, RACES and multiple clubs. In the past year we've provided support for multiple events - some emergencies (fires, ARC, etc), some public service (bike rides, Pony Express, etc). I ignore politics. I am there to provide a service, and to have fun. The two are not mutually exclusive. And, along the way, I've learned quite a bit.

Bob N6YMA

Posted by N6YMA on 2002-07-09

Wanna vent?

I have two posts (about volunteerism and NTS traffic) on www.qrz.com . There are others there with similar topics. I am just returning after a hiatus, and looking for views. Please visit if you can.
73, Kevin
K6NTL / AAR9TA/t
Posted by K6NTL on 2002-07-09

Too political

Yep, that sums it up. Too many buddies kissing each other's rumps to gain appointment to one of the other political positions. I think they actually had to surgically remove a nose ring from one fellow's backside! All kidding aside, our ARRL "leadership" helped one ham to steal thousands of dollars in equipment and cash from our club inventory "in the interest of club harmony" and didn't bat an eyelid. When I brought up the problems, I got the spanking by being dismissed as EC for my county! Never again! I support the ARRL financially because I like the magazine, but for me it's hands off any ARRL related work.
Posted by WY3X on 2002-07-09

Life's too short for the politics.

I used to be involved in such things. Quit from it about 10 years ago and haven't looked back.

Sure, these orgs do need manpower to perform the public services. I just can't stand the dictators, or those who think I'm stepping on someone's toes or stealing their thunder. I have no need of such people, so they should be able to get along just fine without me. Let's see how many of them can actually sit down and handle some traffic rather than parade for some official bigwigs.

The main lesson to them should be: Never, EVER, browbeat your volunteer help. You might not get them back the next time. They aren't getting me back anytime soon. I'll find some other way to serve the public need.


Posted by AD7DB on 2002-07-09

Lots of opportunities

I'm involved with my city's RACES organization, the Glendale Emergency Amateur Radio Service (GEARS). I am also heavily involved with my city's Red Cross Chapter, where one of my specialties is in communications support.

There are many, many ways for people to get involved in their community using their ham radio gear. All you have to do is ask around. It's just a matter of time before some emergency hits your home town. Better to be trained and prepared before it happens.
Posted by KD6JLS on 2002-07-08

Currently inactive status I have been a member of the 4th Region
IL Navy-Marine Corps MARS for over 10 years. Our current
emphasis is on Emergency Communications and ECOM
preparedness.
Posted by NT9E on 2002-07-08

Emergency Organizations

I was only able to check one, but our ARES group is also a RACES group. Also, I am the State Director for Army MARS here in WV (http://www.qsl.net/armymars/wvarmymars.htm).


I would like to suggest that if any Amateur out there is not involved in an Emergency Organization to really think about it. What better way to pay back to the hobby but to help provide a public service.


Not everyone can volunteer to help with Emergency Organizations due to work, family and other circumstances, but these organizations need volunteers. Even if you can't get out to help due to a handicap or other circumstances you could still volunteer and help from you home QTH as a relay station.


73
Juddie, KC8CON/AAA3WV/AAT3EM
State MARS Director - WV Army MARS
WV ARES Zone 7 District Emergency Coordinator
Fayette Co. ARES A.E.C.
WV ARRL Section Traffic Manager
Posted by WD8WV on 2002-07-08

a question...

what ever became of "NTS" I was involved with them for many years and whenever an emergency communication need occurred nts dissapeared! I was told learning how to handle traffic, and running a traffic net is good training for emergencies. I hear a few NTS nets and they just do qcwa junk mail and birthday greetings...so my question is how come NTS does not participate in emergency communications???

marty ka7gkn@arrl.net
Posted by KA7GKN on 2002-07-08

I try to volunteer

But the emergency communications organizations are filled with odd politics and people who want to be something they aren't. We should be communicators, and leave the policing and first-aiding to the police and EMS.

With the availability of cell phones, hams are almost a hindrance at events I used to be involved in.
Posted by K7FU on 2002-07-08

To Political!!!

No Time! I have never really belonged to a formal emergency organizations only amateur radio clubs. I do monitor the local weather frequency for the benefit of my co-workers and keep our facility informed.
I have always acknowledged that you do not have to be a member of an organized emergency group to help. Besides from the groups I have had contact with in the Dayton area it is filled with nothing but POLITICS.
Besides there are plenty of hams within the Dayton area who look down upon those who do not do public service/emergency communications. Very insulting.

Posted by WD8MGO on 2002-07-08

No thanks.

I would rather spend my time actually preparing than posturing. It has been my experience that ham radio emergency organizations are more concerned about the "organization" than ham radio during emergencies. For example, everyone worries about how many check ins will be on the net this weekend, or when the jacket patches or bumper decals will arrive, but nobody seems to care the repeater has no backup power!!
Posted by KE4MOB on 2002-07-08

Local Support

I am directly involved with the local police department, volunteer fire department, Civil Air Patrol, and Kenai Borough Emergency Management Office. I keep their systems functional and operating. It's my pleasure to help out and give back to the community. Not too many hams in this part of the world...

Joe
WL7M
Fritz Creek, Alaska
Posted by WL7M on 2002-07-07

Emergency Org's

I have been a member of the Los Angeles County Disaster Communications Service (LACDCS)since 1987. This Service is an Amateur Radio volunteer organization that supports the LA County Sheriff’s office. I was on duty during the Los Angeles Riots and the Northridge Quake. I have not been very active at all compared to about 1000 other volunteers that support Wild Fire Communications and other activities supported by the Sheriff. I very strongly suggest that we all get more involved with Skywarn, RACES, or other organizations that need our support during disasters.
73
Larry
KC7QN
Posted by KC7QN on 2002-07-07