NJ ARES Simulated Emergency Test

By | November 24, 2023
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Shows John DeGood operating a WINLINK station at The College of New Jersey
NU3E operates a WINLINK station at The College of New Jersey

Several members of the David Sarnoff Radio Club participated in the annual “Simulated Emergency Test” or “SET” as part of our relationship with Mercer County “Amateur Radio Emergency Service” or “ARES” and the American Red Cross of Central New Jersey.

K2GW Wrote:

I just wanted to share with you the results of the combined NNJ & SNJ Simulated Emergency Test  that was held 14 October 2023.  The Red Cross was extremely happy to have the assistance of the Amateur Radio community to ensure they can respond during emergencies. Numerous club members participated.  If you’d like to get involved, please contact Mercer County Emergency Coordinator, John Pugh, WJ3P at wj3p@arrl.net, or check in on the Mercer County ARES Net held Thursday nights at 7:30 PM on the W2MER repeater, 147.105 MHz +.600 PL 123.0.

73, Gary Wilson, K2GW ASM, SNJ, ARRL

New Jersey ARES 2023 Simulated Emergency Test

14 October 2023

  • Successfully tested emergency communications for the American Red Cross of New Jersey and New Jersey ARES per mutual support agreement signed on August 25, 2023.
  • Simulated a severe tropical storm with high winds approaching from the southeast simultaneous with an astronomically high tide.
    • Resulting evacuation of barrier islands and coastal areas, flash flooding inland, and establishment of ARC shelters throughout the State.
    • Assumed that ARC shelters, chapter offices, and administrative sites in New Jersey lost commercial communications.
  • The exercise compressed 3 days of messages into 3.5 hours.
  • 61 Amateur Radio Operators provided successful emergency communications for:
    • 9 Shelter locations.
    • 4 American Red Cross Chapter Offices.
    • 2 County Emergency Operations Centers.
    • Plus, additional liaison and backup net control stations.
  • Utilized both VHF Amateur Radio voice and digital modes.
    • Voice communications used for announcements, instructions, and clarifications.
    • Radio Data sent via WINLINK used for ARC forms and Welfare messages.
  • The operation passed 324 ARC forms and 556 tactical messages during the 3.5-hour exercise.
  • ARC staff planner monitored the entire operation at N2ARC.
E-mail to club Nov 16, 2023

A Couple More Photos:

Rebecca, K3RPM stands next to a sign reading "Alexander Hall" in front of that building at TCNJ.
K3RPM operates 2-meter HT during the SET
View of equipment used for WINLINK connection during SET