As I’m sure you are aware, DSARC is working toward being ready to assist in a time of disaster or other emergency.  I strongly urge all DSARC members to get involved with this effort. To be effective, we will have to coordinate our activities with other groups and governmental agencies such as our local Mobile County EMA;  state agencies in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Louisiana; Church and Civic Organizations that may also be helping; and Radio Operators from other areas. 

To facilitate this, we have adopted the ARRL ARES / ARES Connect program and FEMA Training Guidelines, since they are the most widely used standards, and provide a national database of trained, ready responders.  Using this framework, we will be able to cut through most of the red tape we encountered in Florida last year, and provide timely assistance when it is needed the most. 

This requires that all of our EMCOM participants have a certain level of training.  Yes, it will take some time and work on your part, but it is well worth the effort. 

Attached you will find a form asking what training you already have.  Please take a few minutes to fill it out and return it to me as soon as possible.  Please note that in order to be a full-fledged participant you MUST complete the Required Courses. All of the Required and Recommended Courses, except the Red Cross First Aid,  are available online for free.   There are a number of other classes and training opportunities available and I encourage you to take advantage of them.  However, I would recommend that you pursue the required classes first. 

Also keep in mind that to be considered “complete”, you must print out any certificates of completion you may receive.  These are required by MCEMA and most state / federal agencies. If you don’t have a certificate, then you may have to re-take the course.

Best Regards

Dave Brill   KK4NSF