FCARC and ARES


[bullet] Current BULLETIN from Franklin Cty. ARES EC
ARES = Amateur Radio Emergency Services, and is synonymous with FCARC. The ARES EC (emergency co-ordinator) in Franklin County is Pat Gorman Sr. KE4WZY ke4wzy@acpub.duke.edu and can usually be found on the air on 145.110-, 28.445 USB, 29.620 FM, or 146.880-.

During an emergency, area A.R.E.S. activities may be activated. A good example is where Franklin County A.R.E.S. was activated during the January 1996 ice storms. Transportation was provided for people requiring medical treatment regular, supplies were delivered for those needing them, vital communications were maintained with the Franklin County E.O.C. (Emergency Operations Cenetr), etc.

The Franklin county A.R.E.S. EC appoints AEC's (Assistant Emergency Coordinators) to assist in the coordination of Franklin County A.R.E.S efforts. The Franklin County EC and AEC's are:


EMERGENCY OR DISASTER?

[bullet]I have read several documents that explain the difference between a disaster and an emergency. An emergency is "a situation which requires a coordinated response to protect health, safety, and welfare of people, or to limit damage to property". DISASTERS "are disruptive and cause organizations and systems to break down or cease to function in any effective manner".

[bullet]Disasters have several recognizable results:

[bullet]Disruption is a key ingredient of a disaster. Confusion happens automatically. If we are ready to handle the confusion, the first part of a disaster can be shortened. The key ingredient to overcome confusion is communications. Good, solid, dependable communications. This is the area that the amateur operator can excel.

[bullet]An emergency is an obvious local type situation in which one uses any available means to react. The amateur operator usually has at their disposal the means by which to call for the necessary assistance as needed in an immediate emergency and usually does so.

[bullet]A disaster takes a much more concerted effort by many people. When that happens communications is a necessity. To prepare for such a situation requires training and planning.

[bullet]Starting in April we are going to begin some short precise training sessions. We encourage all amateur operators in the area to participate to whatever degree possible. These sessions will be short and will include emergency personnel that may need our assistance and will get them familiar with our capabilities.

[bullet]Thank you to all amateurs that have volunteered to serve their communities and made wonderful contributions to help in these situations.

Sincerely,
KE4WZY Pat Gorman
ke4wzy@acpub.duke.edu
Franklin Co. E.C.

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