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#Post#: 5361--------------------------------------------------
TGIF Emergency Response Services (TGIFERS)
DIR By: VE3RD
Date: November 2, 2023, 3:02 pm
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Last month, there was an Annular Solar Eclipse on Saturday 14
Oct 2023, and with it Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) conducted a
simulated emergency test. This was more than just a test to
determine if there were any effects on propagation from the
Annular Solar Eclipse on that date. This was also to test the
response from local ham organizations in preparation for a
possible real issue that may develop during the Total Solar
Eclipse on 8 April 2024.
During the TGIF Nets on 6 October, and again on 13 October there
was a presentation as to what was expected from the TGIF group.
We expected a report that indicated whether or not you
experience any effects from the eclipse. It wasn't just the
content of the report that was important. The report itself was
an indicator of participation.
I promoted the TGIF Network with the RAC organization, talking
about the number of Talk Groups, the number of hotspot connected
to TGIF(>400) during our Friday night meetings and the checkins
that usually numbered just over 100. Leading them to believe
that TGIF was a potential player in this exercise.
Sadly to say, we did not get the expected response, with only
two reports submitted, and only one checkin on the talk group
(30200) designated for this exercise. This effectively removed
TGIF from future consideration as a viable Emergency Services
Player.
A D-Star group grabbed the Digital spotlight. They linked a
number of reflectors together and held a very active session
throughout the day on Saturday 14 Oct. Second up(This is
unconfirmed) was group of Fusion Users that managed a small
showing.
RAC conducted their own Exercise across the province of Ontario
along with a local ham club in the Niagara Peninsula using the
old RF Communications methods.
We are going to get only one more shot to get TGIF recognized as
a player in the Emergency Services Field, and this will be
totally unofficial and organized internally.
There will be a massive exercise around the Total Solar Eclipse
on 8 April 2024. This eclipse will cross the North American
Continent crossing through US States and Canadian Provinces.
(Including Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio,
Pennsylvania, Southern Ontario, Western New York, Vermont,
Maine, New Brunswick, PEI, and Newfoundland.) The Annular Solar
Eclipse on 14 Oct. 2023, was called a Ring Of Fire as the moon
was further from the earth and was not large enough to
completely block the sun. The moon will be closer to the Earth
on 8 April 2024 and with this Total Solar Eclipse we will see
100% coverage in areas along its path, as indicated by the map.
HTML https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/map/2024-april-8.
Because of
this full coverage, it is expected that a large number of
visitors from around the world will converge into this full
coverage area and all support services will be strained (ie:
Traffic, Medical, Police etc.)
With your support, I would like to organize a group effort to
show what we can do, to provide Emergency Services, to hold our
own emergency services exercise. This situation has the
potential to turn real.
I have created an online sign up sheet for Volunteers to
participate in our own private exercise. This will NOT be
officially sanctioned, but, if we get enough support, I will
report our activity to the powers that be at RAC, and possibly
change their mind about TGIF.
Volunteer Sign Up Sheet:
HTML https://pgtto.com/?page_id=706
Also with Roberts (K4WZV) endorsement, I have tentatively given
this group the Name "TGIF Emergency Response Services" (TGIFERS)
The response to the online volunteer sign up sheet will
determine whether or not we proceed with this project. If you
have a problem accessing the sign up sheet, send me an email at
ve3zrd@gmail.com
Phil VE3RD
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