Mark your calendars: The ARRL Simulated Emergency Test (SET) is set for October 1-2, 2011. This nationwide exercise is the chance to test your emergency operating skills and the readiness of your communications equipment and accessories in an emergency-like deployment. ARRL Field Organization Leaders at the Section and local levels -- along with many other volunteers who are active in public service and emergency communications -- are developing emergency-like scenarios in consultation with a variety of agencies for whom radio amateurs are known to provide service during emergencies.

To find out how you can step up and be a part of the local or Section-level activities, contact your Section Manager. You can find contact information for all 71 ARRL Section Managers on page 16 of any issue of QST. Additional contact information may also be found on the ARRL website.

The Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®), the National Traffic System (NTS), the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) and members of the ARRL Field Organization will participate and practice emergency operation plans, nets and procedures.

Building Relationships

The ARRL Simulated Emergency Test is an ideal opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of Amateur Radio and to improve them when necessary by experimentation. Community and public service agency officials will learn first-hand by taking a role in the SET and by providing an objective evaluation afterwards from their perspective.

The ARRL has long-standing relationships with several national organizations, including the American Red Cross, the National Weather Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Salvation Army (among several others). Find more information on these and other national served agencies here.

National Preparedness Month

Once again this year, ARRL is a National Preparedness Month Coalition Member. National Preparedness Month (NPM) is in September, and this is a nationwide effort to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. The US Department of Homeland Security is working with a wide variety of organizations -- including the ARRL -- to highlight the importance of emergency preparedness, as well as to promote individual involvement through events and activities across the nation. We encourage you to consider this year’s Simulated Emergency Test and all its preparations as a demonstration of Amateur Radio’s readiness and as an active participant in National Preparedness Month.

SET to Go!

In consideration of local and Section-wide schedules with agencies and many others, ARRL Field Organization Leaders have the option of conducting their local or Section-wide SET on another weekend in the fall season. Check with your local ARRL Field Organization leadership for the exact date in your area. Your help is needed, and the ARRL SET is a great way to get involved in emergency communications. Information about specific SET guidelines and reporting forms for these ARRL Field Leaders are posted on ARRL website.