So an issue I have seen in emergency communications when working with ARES, is that depending on each emergency agency in every state, some have good relations with local ARES groups, or like in my area theres agencies in the county that basicly refuse to include us as help or a solution to their comms problems when they arise. So maybe there is not much relation between ARES and the emergency agencies in Florida. But thats not to say they are non existent just few and far between in areas which as an emergency communicator, is very concerning.
I am in a county that hasn't had interaction with the EM in years. I complain to the EC and nothing changes. We don't even have exercises with ourselves. We did some help during a major flood in 2020 but not with communications in the field. I actually considered letting my ham license lapse when it needed to be renewed recently. Two other counties near me have active groups. I usually look to engage with them.
There could be any number of reasons behind this... On part of the Public Service agencis, * them not wanting to admit that they could/would need help/support, * The agencies not knowing about/understanding the capabilities of amateur emcomm, * having had negative experience with amateur emcomm - either what they've personally experienced, or "heard" about. And the part of amateur emcomm, * little/no coordination/interaction between amateur emcomm groups (ARES, REACT, CERT, SATERN, SKYWARN, CAP, CG Aux, ARC, etc.. ), * amateur emcomm "politics" & "personalities" e.g. where one or two "groups" think they are "IT" and actively alienate other groups/operators who are competent but not part of/don't pay lip service to the other, * amateur emcomm operators who "self-deploy" and who are not known to Public Safety, with some acting like quasi Public Safety. I make these observations based on first-hand experiences. The way to get eliminate the problems is through a series of roundtable meetings, chaired by a leader(s) of State/County/Municipal Governance /Emergency Management where parties from both sectors are invited to contribute. One "office" or point of contact who's job is to coordinate amateur emcomm. In the end, everyone has to realize and accept that this business is about saving lives, and there's no room for egos, attitudes, and "private clubs." In my State, the difference between Parish (County) emcomms is day & night.
@@baronedipiemonte3990 YOU NAILED THIS RESPONSE. A lot of times hams are their own worst enemy and the actions of a few have ruined it for those that strive to be a professional and deliver a great service when called upon. I think the best way to mitigate this is to use examples like North Carolina which was a great response from hams as the standard that could be offered during a crisis in all areas.
Thank you. The "unseen" amateurs were about the only "infrastructure" that didn't fall short. And that's not meant to be a criticism of the public infrastructure... one can't predict what bridges, roads, etc... are going to fail, and under what conditions. And the response/recovery agencies & staff can only do with what they have/been given. And there's certainly no room for politics and misinformation which lead to more problems. Brainstorm/plan for every conceivable natural & manmade incident , and at least have a basic, modifiable plan or guide... reminiscent of the Cold War era, but without the paranoia.
In its own unique ways, Milton looks to have been as bad as Katrina. Primarily with regard to its physical and social geography, the infrastructure. This event definitely needs a thorough, State agency, and Federal review. Not a "witch hunt" or finger-pointing session, but a non-partisan fact-finding and remediative "investigation". Especially in the North Carolina area.
couldn't agree with you more, however, these events were instantly turned political and now nothing from the government's involvement can be anything but non-partisan.
@@RANTStrategiesExactly. The disaster was depravedly exploited, and that exacerbated everything. Time for everyone from politicians to the people to quit being one party or the other, and just be an American.
So an issue I have seen in emergency communications when working with ARES, is that depending on each emergency agency in every state, some have good relations with local ARES groups, or like in my area theres agencies in the county that basicly refuse to include us as help or a solution to their comms problems when they arise. So maybe there is not much relation between ARES and the emergency agencies in Florida. But thats not to say they are non existent just few and far between in areas which as an emergency communicator, is very concerning.
I am in a county that hasn't had interaction with the EM in years. I complain to the EC and nothing changes. We don't even have exercises with ourselves. We did some help during a major flood in 2020 but not with communications in the field. I actually considered letting my ham license lapse when it needed to be renewed recently. Two other counties near me have active groups. I usually look to engage with them.
There could be any number of reasons behind this... On part of the Public Service agencis, * them not wanting to admit that they could/would need help/support, * The agencies not knowing about/understanding the capabilities of amateur emcomm, * having had negative experience with amateur emcomm - either what they've personally experienced, or "heard" about. And the part of amateur emcomm, * little/no coordination/interaction between amateur emcomm groups (ARES, REACT, CERT, SATERN, SKYWARN, CAP, CG Aux, ARC, etc.. ), * amateur emcomm "politics" & "personalities" e.g. where one or two "groups" think they are "IT" and actively alienate other groups/operators who are competent but not part of/don't pay lip service to the other, * amateur emcomm operators who "self-deploy" and who are not known to Public Safety, with some acting like quasi Public Safety. I make these observations based on first-hand experiences. The way to get eliminate the problems is through a series of roundtable meetings, chaired by a leader(s) of State/County/Municipal Governance /Emergency Management where parties from both sectors are invited to contribute. One "office" or point of contact who's job is to coordinate amateur emcomm. In the end, everyone has to realize and accept that this business is about saving lives, and there's no room for egos, attitudes, and "private clubs." In my State, the difference between Parish (County) emcomms is day & night.
@@baronedipiemonte3990 YOU NAILED THIS RESPONSE. A lot of times hams are their own worst enemy and the actions of a few have ruined it for those that strive to be a professional and deliver a great service when called upon. I think the best way to mitigate this is to use examples like North Carolina which was a great response from hams as the standard that could be offered during a crisis in all areas.
Thank you. The "unseen" amateurs were about the only "infrastructure" that didn't fall short. And that's not meant to be a criticism of the public infrastructure... one can't predict what bridges, roads, etc... are going to fail, and under what conditions. And the response/recovery agencies & staff can only do with what they have/been given. And there's certainly no room for politics and misinformation which lead to more problems. Brainstorm/plan for every conceivable natural & manmade incident , and at least have a basic, modifiable plan or guide... reminiscent of the Cold War era, but without the paranoia.
In its own unique ways, Milton looks to have been as bad as Katrina. Primarily with regard to its physical and social geography, the infrastructure. This event definitely needs a thorough, State agency, and Federal review. Not a "witch hunt" or finger-pointing session, but a non-partisan fact-finding and remediative "investigation". Especially in the North Carolina area.
couldn't agree with you more, however, these events were instantly turned political and now nothing from the government's involvement can be anything but non-partisan.
@@RANTStrategiesExactly. The disaster was depravedly exploited, and that exacerbated everything. Time for everyone from politicians to the people to quit being one party or the other, and just be an American.