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1994-11-13
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Bid: $RACESBUL.323
Subject: RB 323 How Long, How Soon?
TO: ALL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCIES VIA AMATEUR RADIO
INFO: ALL COMMUNICATIONS VOLUNTEERS IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE
INFO: ALL AMATEURS U.S (@USA: INFORMATION)
FROM: CA GOVERNORS OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
(W6SIG@WA6NWE.CA) Ph: 916-262-1600
2800 Meadowview Rd., Sacramento, CA 95832
Landline BBS Open to All: 916-262-1657
RACESBUL.323 RELEASE DATE: April 25 , 1994
Subject: OPS - How long and how soon?
Your questions are welcomed. Several have asked the
following in one way or another: "What I've heard from RACES
and the ARRL seems to assume that the RACES member should be
willing to report to a (hopefully) pre-assigned duty station and
remain there for several days in the event of a major disaster.
Is this the case?"
Comment: Previous bulletins have covered the aspects of
one's obligation to family first. Still, there are Strike Teams
that do make that commitment and dedication, as do key
participants of a well prepared communications reserve, like the
RACES, the OES Auxiliary Communications Service, or others.
Strike Teams and key responders are for a short quick response
to fill in until the slower mobilizing units can respond; then
they retire.
An extended response of several days is uncommon except in major
emergencies and then only by a few specialists. Sometimes at the
onset of a sudden emergency 12 hour shifts are utilized until
events settle down. Normally, except in the worst of situations,
regular participants are scheduled on and off 4, 6 or 8 hour
shifts, and expected to return home for rest when physically
possible. In some emergencies transportation disruption might
preclude a return home, in which case the responder might be
away for an extended period. For that reason dedicated
responders are prepared in advance for that eventuality.
An effective Radio Officer or Shift Supervisor will NOT allow
extended participation without adequate rest and relief unless
there is absolutely no alternative in the worst of disasters. To
do so is an open invitation to operator fatigue, loss of
concentration, along with stress and its ensuing problems in
addition to concern about one's family and property.
The process of programming responder participation starts in the
mind of the Radio Officer, Shift Supervisor or Staffing
Coordinator. Even in emergencies extending for weeks, the
effective supervisor schedules shifts to recognize and alleviate
stress, fatigue and overly active ego or adrenaline drives.
EOM