Emergency Communications at Sunshine Acres and
vicinity.
The radio "hams" at Sunshine Acres who are members of the American Radio
Relay League's Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) are establishing a continuous
monitoring plan. (ARES is a National system) This includes not only the licensed
2 meter (VHF) amateur radio frequencies but Citizen's Band (CB) Channel
9 (HF) as well. In the event an emergency situation does occur, the Family
Radio Service (FRS) will also be monitored and can be used to call for help
on FRS Channel 1 (UHF). These frequencies are intended to make possible direct
communication with anyone here, not just hams, in the event of a disaster,
emergency, or phone service disruption where assistance is needed. The hams
will still be able to contact Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) in the
Sequim or Port Angeles Fire Stations using battery power or generators if
there is a power outage. In the event of a major disaster, the Port
Angeles EOC at the Courthouse becomes the primary Center and has direct links
to the necessary agencies to provide assistance. In addition, messaging sevice
can be provided through ARES and the National Traffic System (NTS), when
appropriate.
The monitoring will take place in the homes of the hams, but similar equipment
will be in the Diamond Point Fire Station in the event continuous manning
of the Station is necessary during an emergency.
You can obtain either a CB or FRS radio and be able to call for help in
an emergency. Someone will respond and try to assist you. For further
information, you may call John Moore at 681-2425.