Sometimes We Get Noticed

I wanted to share this story of interest to others who volunteer and support their communities in times of need. After recent major forest fires in the mountains above Colorado Springs with the loss of several lives and 350 homes lost, and a resulting 32,000 evacuees, flash flooding became our next urgent concern. Our local RACES team was activated by the Sheriff's Office to act as spotters for rising streams and possible flash flooding.

On a recent night as I stood in rain on the center span of the steel pedestrian bridge about 20' above a dark raging torrent of Monument Creek's muddy water, a passerby stopped to observe with me and comment about how amazingly fast the water had come up. I quickly agreed and said "Yeah, my buddy and I have been here awhile watching it and you should have seen it -- it went from just ankle deep to chest high in a matter of seconds!" Seeing my yellow safety vest he asked if I was with the city works or other agency. I said, "No, we're just a bunch of ham radio operators who volunteer our time to the county; we're actually with the El Paso County Sheriff Office." I then went on to explain there was similar flash flood spotter teams strategically placed throughout the county watching streams rise and then using our radios to report observations back to the EOC. He said, "It's great to know someone's out here watching our backs!" He then turned and extended his hand to shake mine and said "Nice to meet someone on the front lines." He thanked me for being there and then went on his way.

I must say I wore a proud smile as I walked back across the bridge in the drizzle realizing that yep, that's what we do alright; we're out here watching our community's back while they sleep, watch TV, and live their lives. It sure felt great and meant a lot to be paid a huge unsolicited thanks, especially from someone who probably is sleeping a little better tonight knowing that someone has his back! -- Steve Galchutt, WG0AT, Monument, Colorado

Article posted from 'The ARES E-Letter for July 11, 2012'

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ARRL Offers Online ARES Training

ARRL offers online training for hams who want to participate in the Amateur Radio Emergency Service.  The time for training is before a disaster...not during one. Two courses make up the ARRL ARES® training program. Enroll Today!

The former Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC) series of three training courses has been reconfigured into two courses: An introductory course and a course for leaders and managers. Introduction to Emergency Communication (#EC-001) Revised in 2011, this is an update of the former Level 1 course. It is designed to provide basic knowledge and tools for hams who want to serve as a Public Service volunteer. It provides an opportunity for non-hams who rely on communications in emergency situations to learn about Amateur Radio and its unique role in emergencies. The course is offered online using the Moodle learning platform. The Introduction to Emergency Communication course has six sections with 29 lesson topics and a 35 question final assessment. Participants should plan on completing the course in approximately 45 hours over a nine week period. This is a mentored course, in which you may work according to your own schedule. Cost is $50 for ARRL members and $85 for non-members. For start dates, registration deadlines and more visit www.arrl.org/online-course-catalog Now Accepting Enrollments for July and August Sessions. Register Today! The Introduction to Emergency Communication Course Book -- 4th Edition An introductory course designed for Amateur Radio volunteers who want to serve as part of an ARES® response team. Please note: this book is the course transcript for the Introduction to Emergency Communication course (EC-001) and is an optional resource. Special Offer! Only $19.95 (retail $24.95) -- Order Now Enter Coupon Code ARES prior to checkout • Offer valid through Sunday July 22, 2012 Cannot be combined with other Coupon Code offers and is not applicable towards course enrollment. Book and course are separate transactions. Book is purchased through the e-store at www.arrl.org/shop. Public Service and Emergency Communications Management for Radio Amateurs (#EC-016) Launched in 2010, this course is designed for Amateur Radio operators who will be in leadership and managerial roles, organizing other volunteers to support public service activities and communications emergencies. Participants will learn how radio amateurs prepare to support local community events and, when working in coordination with governmental and emergency response organizations, how to deploy their services. This is a self-study course. For more information and to register visit www.arrl.org/online-course-catalog.

Training Comment for the SLC SE Division Net

July 5, 2012 Training Comment

for the Salt Lake City Southeast Division Net

By T. Mike Smith, KM7TMS

            Awakening this morning to a cooler, moist day was an unusual and pleasant experience.  After so many days of high temperatures and dry air, you probably savored the day as I did.  It has been a time of heat and fire.  Checking this morning I found active large fires spread across the state.  The Church Camp, Clay Springs, Millville, Miner, Pole Creek, Quail, Seeley, Shingle, and Wolf Den were active.  The nearly 3000-acre Quail Fire in American Fork Canyon was the biggest close one, although it was anticipated to be contained during the night.

 

            We have seen campfires, fireworks, shooting, access and vehicle restrictions, along with various admonitions from important people because of the extreme fire danger.  We have seen thousands evacuated from their homes and extensive property damage and public expense.  This morning’s total acreage for Utah wildland fires for the year was just over 100,000 acres with just over 99,000 of that being human caused – I was shocked, usually it is more spread.  As we are a long way from the normal fall fire relief, we can look forward to this danger continuing for a while, despite the relief today’s moister weather brought us.

Since our last Southeast Division Net, we have had a major Salt Lake Valley fire.  The Rose Crest Fire down at Herriman started last Friday when a truck’s hot exhaust put dry grass ablaze.  Of the Utah fires, this one probably grabbed our attention the most; after all, it was a significant fire in our valley.  Perhaps some of you listened to portions of the radio traffic that occurred.  In addition to the first responders, there were ham operators and some CERT individuals responding.   The rapid response is credited for significantly reducing the fire damage.  If you haven’t taken occasion to see some of the many fine pictures, you might Google Herriman Fire 2012 for some great response and fire-line images.  A person cannot view the latter and not be impressed with the life-threatening dangers this type emergency poses.  Having fought grassland fires before, I know them as dangerous, hot and dirty.

As radio operators and CERT-trained responders -- for those of us who are also the latter-- we are again reminded of the importance of our skills which are repeatedly needed, especially when the emergency arrives in our own neighborhood.