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The Sussex County Emergency Operations Center has joined forces with the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service to bring a new level of preparedness to the county in the event of a disaster.
The two groups met on Jan. 10 at the current emergency operations center on Airport Road in Georgetown to discuss the opening of the new emergency facility on Rudder Lane, scheduled to open this spring. According to the EOC, the federally regulated and licensed amateur radio operators, known as “hams,” will be used to staff the new operations center and will be critical during emergency situations.
“Amateur radio operators have been our ‘eyes’ and our ‘ears’ around the country in the past, relaying vital information, for instance during ice storms and hurricanes,” stated Joseph Thomas, director of the EOC. “The formation of the local Radio Amateur Civil Engineering Service group now gives us a unit that we can turn to in times of need, one complete with specific duties and a common structure.”
The recent formation of RACES Sussex chapter has allowed for the integration of the talents and resources of amateur operators in our area, he said.
During construction of the new EOC center, the RACES program will give volunteers unique training opportunities. The program, headed by John Ferguson, aims to link radio operators throughout the county in the event of a large-scale disaster that might devastate land-line and wireless telephone services.
Due to recent changes in standards for emergency operations, interested volunteers will need to meet specific requirements and receive certification by the state before serving in the EOC system.
James Turner III, director of the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, claims that state assistance will be available for the upkeep of the new EOC facility and training sessions will be offered to the RACES members.
“Volunteers will participate in drills, exercises and other events weekly to develop proficiency in their craft,” said Ferguson.
Instances in the past where radio amateurs have assisted state emergency relief efforts include the 2006 flooding of Seaford, after roads were shut down in response to the extreme conditions. With similar severe weather conditions possible in our state’s future, both the EOC and RACES hope that the union of the two groups will lead to a more prepared emergency response.
“Historically, a major hurricane has never had its eye cross a Delaware border,” noted Ferguson. For more information on RACES, contact Ferguson at 302-855-9385 or visit www.sussexcountyraces.com.
Tom Walsh can be contacted at tomwalsh1@verizon.net
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