10/04/2024

The first weekend of October is when ARRL encourages local groups to hold the
Simulated Emergency Test, or SET. Throughout September, ARRL shared materials
about resilience through National Preparedness Month. Now, as entire areas are
washed away in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the utility value of amateur
radio is more necessary and visible than ever.

When disaster strikes, infrastructure fails. As cellular data networks have
gotten more robust, the need for a ready amateur radio service may seem to have
diminished - and then we have situations like are happening in North Carolina.
Ham radio was the only functional tool for communication until cellular on
wheels trucks and satellite internet terminals were deployed after several days
of near total grid-down.

Radio amateurs have stepped up to serve - but they didn't rise to the occasion;
they relied on their training. Rest assured, the success of these hams in
passing critical information as well as health and welfare traffic didn't just
happen. They were trained, experienced, and ready.

One way hams can join the ranks of these prepared communicators is through the
ARRL Simulated Emergency Test. The SET is ARRL's primary national emergency
exercise and is designed to assess the skills and preparedness of Amateur Radio
Emergency Service¨ (ARES¨)[1] volunteers, as well as those affiliated with
other organizations involved in emergency and disaster response.

The SET encourages maximum participation by all radio amateurs, partner
organizations, and national, state, and local officials who typically engage in
emergency or disaster response. In addition to ARES volunteers, those active in
the National Traffic System¨ (NTS), Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service
(RACES), National Weather Service (NWS) SKYWARN¨, Community Emergency Response
Team (CERT), and a variety of other allied groups and public service-oriented
radio amateurs are needed to fulfill important roles in this nationwide
exercise.

"You can't wait until amateur radio is necessary to start preparing. Being
ready starts well in advance. The SET is a good opportunity to test equipment,
modes, and skills under simulated emergency conditions and scenarios," said
ARRL Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV.

Radio amateurs can use the time to update a "go-kit" for use during deployments
and to ensure their home station's operational capability in an emergency or
disaster. To get involved, contact your local ARRL Emergency Coordinator or Net
Manager.


[1] http://www.arrl.org/ares


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