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ARES-Red Cross utilizes CARLA for regional exercise
Last updated on September 1, 2020 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Local/Nationwide Red Cross Drill: Initial Reports
Indicate Success
The widely promoted Local/Regional/National ARES-
Red Cross Exercise was conducted on May 30,
with initial reports now coming in that are
indicating widespread participation and interest.
Locally-organized ARES exercises in 28 states
across the country simulated emergency conditions
and commercial power interruptions while working
with their local Red Cross chapters to handle
simulated shelter message traffic. The messages
were entered into the Winlink (or Fldigi)
system in the ARC-213 message format. CDC COVID-19
protocols were observed. Designated regional
or state message hubs across the country received
the messages from the local nets and passed
them to a simulated Red Cross national authority,
via the Winlink email system.
Members of the ARRL Sacramento Valley and San
Joaquin Valley Sections participated with the
California Gold Country Region Red Cross and 32
operators from throughout northern California
were involved. The operators sent 35 voice messages
using the California Amateur Radio Linking
Association (CARLA) network, and 66 digital
messages using both HF and VHF gateways, to a
simulated Red Cross Operations Center. With current
pandemic events in mind, the operators were
emailed the messages to be sent to the operations
center.
Amateur Radio Liaison Jim Piper, N6MED, of the
American Red Cross thanked all operators that
assisted. Piper stated that many important lessons
were learned, and that the Red Cross will be
putting some changes into effect immediately. --
Michael Joseph, KK6ZGB, Sacramento Valley
Section ARRL Public Information Officer