There is a very high level of interest in what is happening with this hurricane due to its scale and likelihood of causing serious damage.

I asked Josh to put together a quick bullet list of what’s happening in EmComm with relation to Ian.  If you have any comments or suggestions please shoot Josh an email.

Thanks.

David

• Communications with SM’s and SEC’s in FL began last week.
• Working with David Siddall to submit the Emergency Request for a Temporary Waiver for Symbol Rate Rules that has now been approved
• Online Zoom meeting with Communications Leaders in FEMA Region 4
• Florida ARES has been requested in several shelter locations
• Florida Emergency Management requested ARES members to operate in the state emergency operations center.  They can fulfill this request at this time.
• Arc Thames, W4CPD, SEC North Florida, has been designated the Florida Amateur Radio Liaison for Florida Emergency Management
• Zoom Calls held Monday 9/26, and Tuesday 9/27 included SEC’s, SM’s and ARRL HQ to go over the incident action plan for the event including the comm plan.  In those meetings Florida officials asked not to share the frequencies nationwide at this time due to past experience with intentional interference.  Discussions were very positive and it is apparent that all 3 sections were working with members to prepare as much as possible
• Emergency Management has worked with the PR and News Team to get information out regarding response.  One important message is for volunteers not to self-deploy. 
• EM Staff are monitoring weather news outlets and online VOIP amateur radio net.
• Our W1AW Winlink station has been switched to be able to handle PACTOR IV and our SHARES Station has been activated.
• Ham Aid kits are ready to ship if needed and FL has been briefed on what is available in addition to what they have pre-deployed
• Several meetings with CISA communications officials as well as RAC partners who have offered any support they can provide. 
• Emails with National Hurricane Center with coordination for support (hams in place at the NHC)