CARES’ PIO (Public Information Officer), Lonny Johnson N7CGI, issued this media release, immediately following CARES members’ participation in the “Iron OR” Simulated Emergency Test held on Nov. 9 2024:
Clackamas County Supported Amateur Radio Disaster Drill
Local HAM’s prepare for various public safety governments.
Clackamas County, Oregon – On Saturday, November 9th, approximately 30 members of the Clackamas Amateur Radio Emergency Services (CARES), the County’s civilian unit from the Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES), took part in a Simulated Emergency Test (SET). The goal of the exercise was to send radio traffic and electrical messages to other participating teams within Clackamas and other Oregon counties via amateur (“HAM”) radio. During major disasters like earthquakes, floods, and fires, conventional communications through cellular and other public networks (like the internet) can become inoperable and that’s where the nationwide network of ARES comes in.
In a disaster, for example, a local hospital needs to report its operating condition and needed supplies from various government agencies and supply chain organizations. These messages can be transmitted by voice, radio to radio. That’s a lot of information that if transmitted by voice, can take a lot of time. A not so new, yet powerful resource that ARES relies on is called Winlink – global Radio Email. This program allows a trained ham radio operator to send texts, emails, documents and photos virtually anywhere. These documents transmit in seconds and those seconds can save lives.
CARES consist of 5 groups covering the East, West, South, Lake Oswego and Oregon City sections of the County. These volunteers train many different ways weekly to be ready when and if called upon. The County recorded over 15,000 hours of training by these volunteers in 2023 alone. Their support is not limited to disaster preparedness either. CARES members use their skills and equipment to support many other entities and events such as the Red Cross, endurance races like the Hood to Coast and Mountain Marathons, NOAH WX communications, Oregon City’s Concert in the Park and the annual Teddy Bear Parade.
CARES and other amateur radio groups are always looking for more volunteers. Training is available and those interested should contact their local group. CARES is an IRS 501©(3) charitable organization.
For more information please visit: https//Clackamasares.org, or call 503-522-8240