May 2025

DEC Bulletin

In the wake of growing concerns over natural and man-made disasters, it is imperative that ARES® members rigorously plan for and develop robust disaster communication strategies.

Know your Area. ARES® members are responsible for planning and developing the disaster communications capabilities of their assigned Areas (generally, their home ZIP codes). Implementation of such planning should be based on ARES® resources and coordinated with District and Served-Agency plans.

The planning process assesses hazards, needs, and existing capabilities based on potential risk impact. First-hand, visual familiarity with current and changing conditions in assigned areas is essential for effective communications planning.

The initial responsibility lies within the designated area. Perspectives should encompass adjacent areas, as well as those impacted or affected. A comprehensive understanding of District-wide operations is fostered through collaborative exchange of plans and ideas. Operators are required to prepare for service in their respective areas while remaining adaptable for reassignment and support roles. Consistent participation in the routine ARES® net is essential to initiate the interchange process.

Operators are advised not to relocate or "roam" unless explicitly instructed or if it is necessary for their immediate personal safety. Responses from districts and served agencies rely on foundational levels providing information and services predictably, from, to, and within their assigned areas as outlined in established plans.

The inefficient duplication of efforts and unforeseen gaps arise when operators do not adhere to area-based and border-specific plans. Effective mitigation, response/relief, and recovery actions necessitate the application of cooperative strategies and expectations.

Geographic dispersal and personal knowledge of community realities form a foundation for trustworthy and meaningful understanding of emergency/disaster conditions. Essentially,

The following list is a suggested list of locations to identify in the respective areas of responsibility. Additions and deletions should be checked on a regular basis.

UTILITIES

Power sources, water pumps (record numbers), drainage systems, flood control areas.

BUILDINGS OR FACILITIES FOR SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Nursing homes, educational institutions, senior citizens' centers, day care facilities (both adult and child), and hospitals.

BUSINESS OR FACILITIES WHERE LARGE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE CONGREGATE

Schools, shopping malls/large stores, sports/recreational/physical fitness centers, churches.

DETENTION FACILITIES

Prisons/jails, halfway houses, youth facilities, residential treatment facilities, police substations.

Other locations where substantial groups of individuals might gather, particularly during specific periods.

Shelters, hotels/motels, restaurants, transportation, overpasses, underpasses, bottlenecks (long term street construction), libraries.

The terms ARES® and Amateur Radio Emergency Service® is both registered trademarks of the American Radio Relay League, Inc. and are used by permission.

Questions and comments are always welcome and encouraged. Send an email to the address shown below.

Lew Maxwell, KB5HPT

Amateur Radio Emergency Service

DEC, District 6, WTX Section

TX RACES: DRO-8A

Email: ldmax12@yahoo.com