Over the next week, we'll be helping with a drill to simulate ARES response to an emergency on Cape Cod. They are including resources from outside, adjoining districts, to see how to integrate them. Should be interesting. It's a virtual drill, but, I think doing evercises like this helps shake out the bugs before we have a real incident. I like the idea of checking in volunteers from beyond the immediate drill area to see how well they can be incorporated into the team and what kind of availability of resources we have on short notice. What follows was an invitation with more info.

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Subject: South Shore EMCOMM resource net exercise
Hi Ron,
Date: 9 May 2009
Time: 0900-1100 EDST

This basic/low level exercise is sponsored by South Shore ARES.
It is being conducted to simulate a disaster situation on Cape Cod that will require relief operators from our adjoining district. ARES and RACES operators that wish to participate are asked to check in briefly on either the Bridgewater 147.18 repeater or the Fairhaven 145.49 repeater.
EC's and RACES officers can also gather the information from their group and pass it along with a single checkin.

For this exercise, look at your schedule for the next week and provide a date and shift(s) you could be available to deploy to Cape Cod. If you would be unavailable, that is fine too. Just check in or let your ARES EC/RACES officer know. Please plan a 12 hour window. Two hours to travel and brief, 8 hours on shift, and 2 hours to debrief and travel home. For the exercise we are assuming 0800-1600, 1600-2400, and 2400-0800 shifts. No deployments will actually occur.

A brief checkin is all that is requested. The information could also be communicated via Echolink
(*NEWENG) or even via email.

Exercise objectives
-Validate contact information and communicate with Emcomm operators -Exercise the leadership to assemble communication resource information -Net Control/liason to communicate the relief information to the Cape Cod ARES DEC

Cape Cod ARES is also conducting a low power QRP exercise Saturday am 1000-1200. An attempt will be made to voice relay the available relief head count and shifts to the CC ARES DEC.
WINLINK may also be used.

Thank you for your interest in public service.

South Share ARES District Emergency Coordinator Carver RACES officer