• Thad Hicks

Emergency Radio Network Participates in Statewide Exercise

Jackson, MS (08/11/2014) - The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) in the Alabama-Louisiana-Mississippi Division participated in a Simulated Emergency Test (SET) on Saturday, August 9, 2014.  The SET was sponsored by the Mississippi Section of the American Radio Relay League.

Several local members of SATERN and the Jackson Amateur Radio Club came to the ALM Divisional Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) Center in Jackson, MS, to participate in the SET.  In addition to the exercise, participants were trained in the operation of the station including its remote control features. 

Four members of the Tupelo Amateur Radio Club were assigned in a support function to the Tupelo, MS Salvation Army with simulated emergency communications.  Tupelo was struck by an EF-2 tornado on April 28, 2014, which damaged some 2,000 residences and 100 businesses.  The local radio amateurs were using a local tornado scenario during this year's SET.

Southern Territory SATERN Coordinator Bill Feist stated, "SATERN participation in this year's exercise was a great success.  We had an opportunity to raise awareness of SATERN amongst the amateur radio and emergency management community around the state of Mississippi.”  Feist added, “In addition to the exercise, we were able to train local operators on both the remote control and on-site operation of our emergency communications equipment.” 

Communications is one of the services offered by The Salvation Army during a disaster.  Capable staff and volunteers are vital in this type of operation.  An exercise like the Mississippi SET is a perfect example of how The Salvation Army works on being prepared for whatever they encounter.