Amateur radio operators and organizations can play a key role in natural disaster communications. Even if cell, landline and internet service are knocked out, radio messages can still get through. IBTS spoke with Janelle Haible, public information officer for the St. Louis Metro Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) about her experiences assisting her community… Read more
After “Snowzilla” dumped more than 26 inches of snow on Arlington County, Virginia in January 2016, the county had to supplement their 40-pieces of snow removal equipment with 200 pieces of contracted equipment to keep up with storm. Mike Moon, deputy director of operations for Arlington County, Virginia, Environmental Services, was tasked with coordinating… Read more
Unlike other perils, wildfires can last for weeks on end, requiring a constant stream of communications that often exhausts local resources. Effective public outreach requires sound planning and coordination with surrounding localities, state agencies and local media outlets. Use these tips from subject matter experts to prepare for and improve public outreach on wildfires before,… Read more
Results of a National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) survey to determine the social media channels employed by emergency management agencies for public information use. Respondents were state emergency management agencies. States were also asked to break down what types of posts were the most effective, challenges they face and needs they have to be more successful.… Read more
This report condenses a series of meetings held in the summer of 2011 to look at fire department and emergency medical services (EMS) organization activities in Alabama and Georgia during the April 2011 tornados that ripped through southeastern U.S. The report provides an insight into the routines and needs of local fire and EMS agencies in disasters… Read more
Communication and coordination among and between local and state agencies before, during and after a natural disaster is critical, yet local agencies often find themselves lacking sufficient communications plans and struggling to communicate efficiently with other local agencies and state representatives during an incident. Use these tips to identify common areas of disconnect and… Read more
Amateur ham radio operators can download this form from the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) before a disaster and fill in contact information for their local emergency agencies and ARES directors to be prepared for quick communications with other stakeholders during a disaster. ARES also provides useful tips and advice for ham operators before, during… Read more
Local American Radio Relay League (ARRL) district emergency coordinators and ARRL emergency coordinators can download this fillable PDF to use as a template for submitting monthly activity to their section emergency coordinator. The template was created by the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES). ARES Monthly Section Emergency Coordinators Report (PDF)
This manual is intended to serve as a quick trainer and reference for amateurs deployed in the field for emergency services work, primarily through the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES). It provides basic program information, forms and operating aids. A number of templates can be customized for the local area… Read more
This guide provides a step by step summary of the components of the system, its primary data requirements, primary recommendations and key decision points. It also outlines the type of health and safety reports that the ERHMS system can provide to decision makers. Emergency Responder Health Monitoring and Surveillance (ERHMS): A Guide for Key… Read more
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