NOTIFICATION DRILL NOV 2nd @ NOON

The Ohio Section Emergency Response Plan (OSERP) consists of many components.  So allow me to add some focus to what we're doing on Saturday, November 2nd at 12 Noon.

I point your attention to the Alerting paragraph in the OSERP on page 6 of 19.  On Saturday, November 2nd at 12 Noon, every Emergency Coordinator (or designee) in the Ohio Section will simulate their county ARES team has been activated by a served agency.  Think about every step that takes place after activation.  Go through the motions of completing each step.  What am I talking about?  Simulate going through your call up procedures.  Simulate getting a net on the air.  Simulate having stations check in and stand by for possible assignment.  Try to relate it to real time as best as you can.  Then, in real time, make every possible effort to telephone your DEC.  Brief him on the situation or in this case, indicate your county has been activated.

After which, each District Emergency Coordinator will telephone the Section Emergency Coordinator and brief him on county activations.

Here are some answers to questions I have received.

Question 1.  Who do I call if my DEC is not available?
Answer 1.  You call the Section Emergency Coordinator.

Question 2.  Are we bringing up any nets?
Answer 2.  No.  Not the focus of this drill.

Question 3.  Are we contacting Ohio HF Net or OHDEN?
Answer 3.  No.  Not the focus of this drill.

Question 4.  What if my EC is out of town or unavailable?
Answer 4.  The Emergency Coordinator needs to assign someone to initiate the drill at 12 Noon.

Question 5.  What time will the drill conclude?

Answer 5.  The drill will conclude at 3PM or when all counties report activated.

Question 6.  Can we email or text?
Answer 6.  No.  Not the focus of this drill.

Question 7.  Can we leave a message on answering machine or voice mail?

Answer 7.  Yes.  But follow up with Section Emergency Coordinator via telephone.

Question 8.  What is it you're hoping to achieve?

Answer 8.
1.  Every county Emergency Coordinator (or designee) to telephone and make contact with their District Emergency Coordinator in a timely manner or when deemed appropriate in accordance with the Ohio Section Emergency Response Plan.

2.  Every District Emergency Coordinator (or designee) to telephone and make contact with the Section Emergency Coordinator in a timely manner or when deemed appropriate in accordance with the Ohio Section Emergency Response Plan.

3.  Section Emergency Coordinator telephone the Ohio Section Manager in a timely manner or when deemed appropriate in accordance with the Ohio Section Emergency Response Plan.

Any questions?  Again, we have three weeks to prepare.  Take advantage of them prep time.