UPDATE 10/15 08:51 AM: ICS form download updated to version 3.
The Western Massachusetts section of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service will hold their 2023 Simulated Emergency Test from 10:00 AM local time on Saturday, 21 October to 10:00 AM local time on Sunday, 22 October 2023. This test will involve ARES members attempting to receive and report airport weather information to the Department of Defense via the US Army Military Affiliate Radio System.
The Simulated Emergency Test (SET) Situation is as follows:
“Repeated patterns of wet weather have been experienced throughout the Western Massachusetts section, leaving soils saturated and incapable of absorbing additional rainfall. Several instances of flooding have already led to road washouts impacting the transportation sector.
The first arctic cold front of the season approaches with a large pressure differential producing a sudden onset of high winds. With root systems already weakened in soft soil, large numbers of trees are felled throughout the section. Multiple roads become impassible. Wire and cable damage has lead to degradation of the Public Switched Telephone and cellular networks. Calls placed without GETS/WPS are taking up to one hour to complete.
Resource requests for high priority items are ready to transport via air to local airports but with no ability to receive local weather conditions at those airports ARES has been tasked with reporting local airport weather information.”
The ARES Mission for the SET is as follows:
“WMA ARES members will attempt to receive local airport weather information broadcast on the VHF-AM Aviation Band of 119-136 MHz. Any weather reports received will be transcribed for later reporting. WMA ARES members will report the information received during ARES nets to be held within the 24-hour exercise period. US Army MARS stations will attempt to check in to these nets and receive these reports. Reports may also be sent via WinLink.”
The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment, with their local ARES leadership, for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes. For more information, visit wma.arrl.org.
Important Exercise Documents for Download