Section Managers representing all RAC Sections coast to coast
concluded discussions recently regarding NTS (National Traffic
System), and they confirmed ongoing support of NTS encouraging
operators to continue to support NTS by passing traffic on a regular
basis. NTS digital and Win link 2000 is the preferred system for ARES
Units to remain interoperable and functional in a digital world and
operators who have digital capability are encouraged to keep the
system busy.
Doug Mercer VO1DTM/VO1DM CEC
Radio Amateurs of Canada – Chief Field Services Officier
In December of 2012 Industry Canada put out a Request For Proposals
(RFP) to update the amateur radio question bank. RAC responded and
subsequently entered into a contract with Industry Canada
in January 2013 to update the amateur radio question bank. RAQI was engaged by
RAC to collaborate on the French language Continue reading RAC Completes First Phase of Review of Amateur Radio Exam Questions→
This year the shakeout exercise will be held October 17th. ARES units should mark this date on their calendars and if at all possible participate. Lets see if we can break last years record number of ham radio participants. Don’t forget to register. For full details go to
Why slow slip can portend a major earthquake. WE need to be prepared. The article is interesting and informative. Some think Cascaidia is due or overdue for a very large quake. This would impact Washington State as well as British Columbia. There is a theory the effect would be felt well inland. To read this informative article go to
Once again ham radio proves it worth. Out of cell phone range, in the Green Swamp Wildlife Management Area with the water rising is generally not the best time to get stuck in the mud. That’s exactly what happened to one Florida Ham who used his radio to get assistance and out of trouble. For all the details go to
This weekend on Sunday, March 10, at 2am clocks spring forward. Don’t forget to the change the clocks AND the battery in the various smoke and CO monitors.
The annual communications academy will be held at South Seattle Community College on April 13/14 2013, This is a training workshop for Volunteers in Emergency Communications. To get all the details go to http://www.CommAcademy.org
Whenever there is an event the media is there with their reporters standing out in the weather relating the “story.” ARES is there too providing communication and other assistance. This is the response phase. After the event is over the media moves on to the next crisis, but those involved in the event may have much left to clean up. This is the recovery. For a short three minute video on the Sandy Recovery in NJ go to the website below. We must always remember that the recovery can be just as important as the response.
This is an interesting article and occurs two years of the Christchurch NZ earthquake. The article compares Seattle and Christchurch. The comparisons are even closer when you look at Victoria BC. Remember, it is difficult to prepare AFTER the event has occurred.
The article below brings up several good points in emergency planning. We all know that what actually happens during an event does not always exactly follow the plan. The plan often provides a guideline.. Planning is important and this article provides some insight into the planning process.
