Sep 30

Response Efforts to Hurricane Helene Continue

Many of our dedicated volunteers have been working tirelessly, providing critical support ranging from radio operations at county EOCs to offering health and welfare communications for families, friends, and neighbors. This storm has tested us in ways many of us have never experienced before. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for continuing to serve your communities in any capacity you can.

 

As of now, the following frequencies are actively carrying traffic related to the Upstate of South Carolina and Western North Carolina:

 

146.61 -0.600 (Greenville, SC, Caesar’s Head)

145.190 -0.600 (Mt. Mitchell)

147.135 +0.600 (DCS disabled during disaster; Caesar’s Head Alternate in Greenville)

SCHEART is currently facilitating county-to-state communications and is also monitoring reports from any affected areas.

 

Information That May Be Useful to Track or Report:

Gas Station Status: Are stations open, do they have fuel, and can they process debit/credit card transactions?

Power Restoration: Are critical infrastructure facilities (e.g., hospitals, emergency services) restored? What is the status of traffic control on major highways?

Road Closures: Report major highways, bridges, and other key routes that are closed.

If you know anyone in need of a welfare check, please contact your net control station to determine if they are accepting that information and how to proceed.

 

I hope you all remain safe, and I pray for a swift recovery for you and your families. You are all in Nancy’s and my thoughts and prayers.

Best Wishes and 73,

 

Billy L. Irwin – K9oh
Assistant Section Manager – SKYWARN Program Manager
ARRL – South Carolina Section

Sep 27

South Carolina ARES Activated in Response to Hurricane Helene

South Carolina ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) has been officially activated to support emergency communications in response to Hurricane Helene, which is expected to impact the Upstate region of South Carolina. ARES volunteers are working closely with local emergency management and SKYWARN networks to provide critical communication services as the hurricane approaches.

With Hurricane Helene threatening to bring heavy rainfall, high winds, and potential flooding, ARES members are on high alert, relaying important weather updates and damage reports to the National Weather Service (NWS) and other emergency response agencies. Their efforts ensure that real-time information is available to guide response and recovery efforts, enhancing public safety.

As part of this activation, amateur radio operators are encouraged to monitor local nets for updates and standby for further instructions. All volunteers are urged to be prepared for extended activation periods and to ensure the readiness of their equipment.

The activation highlights the vital role that ARES volunteers play in disaster response and recovery during major weather events like Hurricane Helene.

For more information or to participate in this effort, contact your local ARES Emergency Coordinator or visit the South Carolina ARES website.

Stay safe, stay informed, and prepare for the potential impacts of Hurricane Helene.

Jun 19

Weather Bulletin: Above Normal Temperatures Forecast for South Carolina on ARRL Field Day

Weather Bulletin: Above Normal Temperatures Forecast for South Carolina on ARRL Field Day

Issued: 21:24 June 19, 2024

Date: June 21-23, 2024

 

Location: South Carolina

 

Alert Level: Elevated

 

Details:

South Carolina is expected to experience above normal temperatures this weekend, with highs reaching the low to mid 90’s across the majority of the State. Volunteers setting up for Field Day across the state should be prepared for prolonged heat exposure on Saturday and Sunday. We ask all of you to refamiliarize yourself with the below precautions.

 

 

Safety Precautions:

 

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages as they can lead to dehydration.

 

Limit Outdoor Activities: Minimize outdoor activities, especially during peak heat hours (10 AM to 4 PM). If possible, schedule activities in the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler.

 

Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing to help your body stay cool. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for added protection.

 

Stay Cool Indoors: Spend time in air-conditioned buildings such as malls, libraries, or community centers. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, consider visiting public places that offer relief from the heat.

 

Check on Vulnerable Individuals: Keep an eye on elderly family members, young children, and pets to ensure they are staying cool and hydrated.

 

Use Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen with a high SPF (30 or above) and reapply regularly, especially if you’re swimming or sweating.

 

Know the Signs of Heat Illness: Be aware of symptoms of heat exhaustion (heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea) and heat stroke (high body temperature, confusion, loss of consciousness). Seek medical attention immediately if you or someone else shows signs of severe heat-related illness.

 

Emergency Contacts:

In case of a heat-related emergency, call emergency services immediately.

 

Stay Informed:

Stay tuned to local weather updates and follow guidance from local authorities for any additional safety instructions.

 

Prepare now to stay safe during this period of above normal temperatures across South Carolina.

 

Robert Webster – WR8RW – Section Emergency Coordinator Billy L. Irwin – K9OH – Assistant Section Manager – SKYWARN Program

May 15

Winlink Wednesday

As you know Winlink is a very important tool in the volunteer emergency communicator toolbox.  We want to get South Carolina on the map.  The challenge is to send a Winlink message as explained here, every Wednesday before midnight. And we can get South Carolina on the map. This training task is coordinated by Mark Goddard,  KN4KRZ,   goddard.mw@gmail.com

How? Send a Winlink message to KN4LQN as formatted below. Send the message in any mode including Telnet, VARA FM, VARA HF, or any others.
 
To: KN4LQN 
Subject: Winlink Wednesday Check-In 
Message body: call sign, first name, city or town, county, state (HF or VHF, etc.) 
 
Your message will look something like mine below. Except, of course, with your information in the message:
 
Then, check back on Thursday, May 17 to see your callsign’s place marker on this week’s map.
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Here’s a screenshot of results from yesterday’s (May 15th). Winlink Wednesday. It’s difficult to see some of the callsigns, so here’s a link in case you want to zoom in to see your specific area:  https://www.qsl.net/kw4shp/WinlinkWed/WWmap.html
THANKS to everyone who checked in and contributed to this impressive increase from last week. If you missed this week, not to worry. You’ll have another opportunity next Wednesday, May 22nd.
Thanks and 73,
Mark
KN4KRZ

May 13

Sat. Jun 08, 2024 10am-3pm ARES/AUXC Quarterly Training (ARES/AUXC)

Registration for the June Quarterly training has been sent out via email. If you did not get it then please contact your ARES EC/DEC.

June 8 2024 at the EMD

2779 Fish Hatchery Road, West Columbia SC 29172

Mar 30

This is the Baltimore City fire department radio traffic of Key bridge collapse

https://youtu.be/g3lz-oBnmYE?si=hMaqwwcq6shaA9p6

 

 

This is the first time I have heard first responder traffic during a significant event. This group always remained calm and professional. It would be awesome if the SC amateur volunteer community (ARES and AUXC ) could train to this level of communications.
This is also the first time I have heard ICS in action. You can follow command being transferred up then out to a unified command . Then break out groups under the unified command off onto their own groups and the groups get assigned talk groups. The only negative was that it appears some of the mutual aid counties/agencies were not setup to talk to Baltimore Fire but they solved that with liaisons.
From my point of view as a radio operator, the communications ( not the ICS aspect, we would not be asked do that) is something I would like to emulate.
Steve Nixon
KC4UAL

Jan 12

Significant Weather Event, SCHEART Linked Repeater Network

When a big weather event is expected the SCEMD might requested the SCHEART VHF repeaters be linked statewide during the event. When that happens the state EOC ( K4EMD ) will be monitoring the SCHEART network for damage reports or other significant information that needs to be relayed to the State Warning Point..
—
So what  “significant information” is the state EOC wanting to hear about?
The County/State EOC is looking for infrastructure damage or situations impeding emergency response.
Here are few examples:
1) Infrastructure issues like a vehicle bridge is underwater or washed out.
2) A tornado or funnel cloud has touched down on the ground.
3) The dam has broken  and the roads downstream are flooding.
4) A train has derailed.
5) The river is so high that the bridge supports might not be safe.
—
All other weather related information should be reported to the Skywarn net. Ask your local Skywarn leadership were that net is located and what training you should have to make an accurate report.
The state EOC operator is not able to pass on your Skywarn spotters report to the NWS. You are expected to join a Skywarn net local to you and deliver that report yourself.
—
IF the county EOC is activated and running a net on their tactical repeater/frequency,  it is expected that you will report all significant information ONLY to the county EOC. The county EOC will handle the report and forward whatever they need to K4EMD.  In many weather related situations the county EOC is not activated and in those situations you would make your report to K4EMD, the state EOC directly.
—
The state EOC, K4EMD usually does not run a NET for weather related events. Usually K4EMD is monitoring and will reply to you if asked. You can call for K4EMD or net control either way and if the state EOC is activated an operator should reply. If not just wait a few minutes and try again.

Oct 30

Can I do ARES & AUXC Both ?

Apr 07

What is required to join ARES ?

The Amateur Radio Emergency Services team is always looking for new members. People excited about providing communications in an emergency situation.  So how do you join ARES and what is the difference between level 1 and level 2?

ARES level 1 is the entry level, join the team come on in and look around. Talk to others that have been on the team for years and get the feel of what is expected as an ARES volunteer. You do not need to take any FEMA ICS or ARRL course to join ARES.

ARES level 2  So now you know what it is and you want to continue. You want to build your own go box and you want to deploy to a local emergency operations center (EOC). At this level you will increase your skill level by completing several FEMA ICS courses and the ARRL course.

ARES Level 3 You like everything ARES stands for and you want to contribute more.  To be appointed into a leadership position you need to step up to level 3. At this level you will learn about more advanced subjects.   Only the Section Emergency Coordinator can make ARES leadership appointments.

ARES level 1 you are required to do the following:

1) Get a copy of the ARES Task Book.  Click on the menu item above and download the latest copy.

2) Fill out and send in the ARES membership application. Again this is a menu item above.

3) Study for and pass the Technicians license test. Many local clubs have study groups and they provide the testing. If you need a contact then click on CONTACT above and let us know, we will find a local club for you to study and test with. You must have a Technician license, or higher to join ARES.

That is all you need to do to join the ARES team. After you join you might consider advancing your skill level by working on ARES Level 2, which you can read about in the Task Book.

Jun 08

Difference between ARES, RACES and Auxcomm, in South Carolina

ARES:
FCC Licensed Amateur Radio Operators who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment, with the local ARES leadership, for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes. ARRL/ARES provides basic training curriculum and exercise opportunities. The list of agencies a volunteer might end up serving is long but could include a County EOC/CERT, Hospital radio room, Red Cross ERV/Shelter, Nursing Home radio room, NWS office.  Once you register with an agency your training & credentialing will be completed with them.

Who decides when ARES will be activated?

That would be the agency ARES volunteers are serving.  ARES is a registered trade mark for the ARRL.  The roles in emergency communication is really defined by the agencies, state, county, local government or NGO they serve as volunteer communicator.  Without these served organization ARES has no role to support.

Leadership is provided by the ARES county or state EC
Click on the LEADERSHIP DIRECTORY tab above for contacts.

 

RACES:
Amateur Radio Operators that  have registered with their EOC for volunteer communications service should the President of the United States order the shutdown of all amateur radio transmissions per FCC rule 97.407 ***
RACES operators are allowed to transmit only by order of the EOC they volunteer for.
Each RACES volunteer must be endorsed by the respective county or state EOC.

Leadership is provided by each EOC / RACES Officer, county or state.

 

AUXCOMM:  is not an organization, it is a training standard.

An all inclusive term used to describe the many organizations that provide various types of communication support to emergency management, public safety and other government agencies as described in themselves. This includes but is not limited to Amateur Radio, Military Radio, Citizens Band Radio, DMR, DMRS, FRS, SatCom, Skywarn and many others.
Members of Auxcomm all have the title of Auxiliary Communicator.
Auxcomm is a position specific specialist certification.

Leadership is provided by the State EMD
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The above information is specific to South Carolina, a home rule state, some states have organized these three groups differently. An example is some states may not organize RACES with the county EOC.  Check with your local EOC for direction.

 

Some common terms we use often….

EC = Emergency Coordinator (for a county)

SEC = Section Emergency Coordinator (State EC in South Carolina)

SM = Section Manager (State Manager in South Carolina )

EM = Emergency Manager

REM = Region Emergency Manager

EOC = Emergency Operations Center

DEC = District Emergency Coordinator

EMD = Emergency Management Division

ARES = Amateur Radio Emergency Service

RACES = Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service

NGO= Non-Government Organization

VOAD = Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters

one or coalition of (usually not-for-profit) Second Responder organizations in the United States. These groups voluntarily help survivors after a disaster. One example is the American Red Cross.

 

*** It has been reported that FCC part 97.407 was removed from law at some point in the past. This was investigated and found to be an opinion. FCC 97.407 is still in effect as of Sept 2021 here is the link if you would like to check for yourself.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-97/subpart-E/section-97.407
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