The Simulated Emergency Test for the Western Massachusetts Section ran from 0830 to 1200 local (1330-1700 Zulu) Sunday, 10 November 2024. We developed a scenario based upon Hurricane Helene and its impact in the mountainous terrain of western North Carolina. In our scenario heavy rainfall over the Western Massachusetts area began to fall on soil already saturated from prior storms. Over the course of 24 hours rainfall totals across the area ranged from 11 to 31 inches. The resulting damage to infrastructure left many areas isolated. Cellular, landline, roads and power were destroyed in many areas. Water systems were damaged or contaminated in many areas.
Amateur radio operators checked in to our regular ARES Nets and reported damage in their immediate area using a simplified reporting system that accounts for building damage, flooding and transportation status. Net Control Stations collected reports from their check-in stations and forwarded this data out of the affected area via WinLink or email, in the same manner as was done in Hurricane Helene.
Participating stations were given 90 minutes to send damage reports and could use any one of multiple channels ranging from VHF and UHF FM to HF single sideband voice. Repeaters on Mount Greylock, Mount Tom and other locations provided wide-area coverage. Net Control Stations were given 2 hours to move information out of affected areas. We demonstrated our unique capabilities in several ways:
I am pleased to report that 30 stations participated in our SET. Reports were received from almost every corner of the WMA Section.
After Action Review
Thing that went well –
- Participants reported being well prepared for the exercise. Extensive pre-exercise publicity led to informed participants.
- Reporting nets went smoothly, participants understood the situation, what they needed to do, and what info was requested
- Franklin County was able to find a location to set up in the field after finding out Greenfield was lacking an EOC
- County-level collaboration worked well between ARES leadership and gave a sense of the simulated magnitude of the event
Areas we could improve –
- Some voice traffic was passed too quickly for accurate copy, requiring time-consuming repeats.
- Backhaul needs more resiliency. Internet-based email can work when net control is outside the affected area but WinLink, NBEMS, DMR or other options should be improved.
- More ARES members should be capable of setting up in the field in case of damage to home stations or other need.
- More county/community level leadership to triage reports when the traffic level is larger.
I would like to thank every participant who helped to make the SET a success, in particular the Net Control Stations who were key in making this work as well as it did. As we saw in North Carolina, the work of the NCS is a critical component in these efforts.
I hope to see you all again next year for SET 2025!
73,
Charles Chandler WS1L
WMA ARES Section Emergency Coordinator