From the SERO

Welcome to the new Virginia RACES web site. In an effort to improve access to important information, we have provided a totally different look. Some areas are still under construction, so please check back regularly for future updates and additions.

Virginia RACES strives to keep all aspects of the learning process captivating as well as cutting edge. While this site provides a vast amount of emergency communications information, it is not a substitute for live training sessions, simulated emergency tests, and field experience.

For many who have participated in the Virginia RACES free live training, the sessions offerer not only a solid interactive forum to augment their existing skills, but also the fellowship and camaraderie associated with meeting amateur radio operators of like mind. From swapping technical ideas, to establishing relationships with served agencies attending the session, everyone leaves with more useful knowledge than when they started (including the instructors).

Have you participated in a simulated emergency test lately? While the most desirable SET's involve both amateur radio operators and served agencies, much can be achieved with a small handful of operators and a couple of hours to verify portable equipment operation, test propagation, and pass traffic. Set up a mini-SET in your area to simulate how you would respond in an emergency as both a family member and as a radio operator. "Un-official" mini-SET's also provide a chance for reviewing your "Go" kit to make sure the date codes on emergency rations of food, water, medicine, and batteries have not expired. Involve family members to establish fire escape routes, neighborhood sanctuaries, and procedures to stay in contact.

Many of us wait for Field Day to find out the generator will not start or that the spare antennas are missing. Living in the Commonwealth of Virginia provides us with many opportunities for both good weather and field locations to test out our portable gear throughout most of the year. Setting up portable radio equipment at or near a served agency to participate in a regularly scheduled VHF-simplex or HF net will identify the boundaries for reliable communications and establish goals for improvements. Many simplex emergency nets are starting to involve traffic handling using the Incident Command System format to promote compatibility with served agencies. And it only takes two to start a net.

While we are individuals serious about emergency communications, our priorities are family, community, and radio, in that order. The most effective emergency communications radio operator is one who knows his family is prepared while he serves his community. And the amount of time between our regular jobs, family, and community service is used for the enjoyment of our hobby. See you on the air.