I just received this, and it is MOST interesting!
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Subject: SLOECC, Message From SLO DEC
The Cell Phone system went down about 5 minutes after the quake. The Land-line system went down immediately. All Amateur and County Communications sites worked flawlessly. Thousands of citizens could not call 911. This is why ARES/RACES Amateur Radio is so critical. Please consider the Public Phone System, both Cell and Land-line, are in existence to make money for the stock holders. The Public Safety Radio System that includes Amateur Radio exists to provide for the well-being of the community.
I thought you might be interested in the following:
Vernon L. Halterman N6RAN Communications Technician II County of San Luis Obispo Information Technology Department Communications Division (805) 781-4002 vhalterman@co.slo.ca.us
- ----- Forwarded by Vern Halterman/CountyofSLO on 01/07/2004 09:26 AM -----
Now that the dust has cleared, we can take a look at our role in the recent earthquake. Our response was professional and much appreciated by our served agencies.
For a long time now we've been telling other people and ourselves that cell phones aren't the miracle we believe them to be. Yes, we've become dependent upon them and they're very convenient. BUT they didn't work when we needed them the most, in the middle of a "disaster."
When the shaking stopped many of you responded immediately to your respective Emergency Communications Centers. Within a few minutes we were passing meaningful traffic.
Because the quake wasn't as bad as it could have been, our role did not last more than a few hours. Then telephone communications gradually returned to normal, and we were able to begin to stand down. In the initial confusion and damage assessment, however, we were needed and we were there.
We functioned almost seamlessly with the agencies we serve. Yes, there were a few glitches and some things we can do better next time, but everything worked in the way it is supposed to. The events of that day proved ourrole is not obsolete and that we are still needed.
I think part of the reason we did so well is based on experience and training. For years now, many of us have taken part in the "Diablo Drills," the "Camp Bob" exercises, and have worked at CSTI. We have also helped the Red Cross several times when fires raged in the county, swollen rives created problems, and when neighborhoods were threatened by chemicals.
I was going to try to acknowledge every amateur radio operator who volunteered. I've changed my mind. I will undoubtedly leave someone out and I don't want to do that. So, let me simply say good work to you all. Thank you from those agencies we serve, and especially those people we helped...even though they may not know we were there.
Regards,
Bill Peirce DEC, SLO County ( District Emergency Coordinator, Amateur Radio Emergency Service)