UPDATED: Added KB1BH to the list of participants.
The ARRL Simulated Emergency Test (SET) was held on 3 Oct 2020 from 09:00 12:00 DST. Along with other counties in Western Pennsylvania (WPA) Centre County participated in the Exercise. The American Red Cross as well as Skywarn operations were coordinated into the drill. Coined Keystone Horizon, the exercise included digital and voice communications over HF frequencies and voice communications over VHF repeaters. Fourteen amateur radio operators participated.
The WPA Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC), K3FAZ, Steve, provided the following scenario.
“OBSERVED LATE SEASON SEVERE WEATHER (HIGH WINDS, HEAVY RAINFALL AND TWO POSSIBLE TORNADOS) HAVE CAUSED NUMEROUS POWER OUTAGES, ROAD CLOSURES DUE TO DOWNED TREES AND UTILITY LINES PLUS FLASH FLOODING REQUIRING THOSE IN LOW LYING AREAS TO SEEK EMERGENCY SHELTER. THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN REPORTS OF INJURIES FROM SEVERE WEATHER RELATED INCIDENTS.”
Participating amateur radio operators.
Centre County:
- K3CWP, Carmine
- N3LI, Mike
- K3ROG, Rick
- K3HOT, Greg
- W3SWL, Brett
- WX2DX, Bill
- W3JHG, John
- AD3K, Bob
- KB3KJ, James
- N3CRM, Chuck
- W3KCK, David
- KB1BH, Ken
Mifflin County:
- KC3NQI, Susan
Huntingdon County:
- KM3A, Gene
Clearfield County:
- KC3KVS, Bob
Using digital modes to relay messages to the ARC headquarters in Pittsburgh was a particular emphasis of the drill. Several nights of training in FLDIGI and Winlink preceded the drill to assure proficiency in those modes. The Nittany Amateur Radio Club graciously allowed ARES to use its station above Pine Grove Mills as Net Control for WPA. All HF communications were conducted on 80 meters. VHF messages were sent over the 146.85, W3YA repeater above Boalsburg.
Simulated messages from ARC shelters to ARC headquarters were relayed using both digital modes. HF voice messages were sent to Pittsburgh also. Simulated shelters without digital capability used voice messaging only.
Skywarn operations were also conducted on VHF repeaters throughout the thirty three county area covered by the National Weather Service, Central Pennsylvania office. Six stations with weather reports checked in.
This was the most extensive participation in the SET for Centre County in recent years. It proved the viability of amateur radio to conduct messaging when public circuits may be down or overloaded due to a disaster, in this case a weather event. It renewed contact and cooperation with ARC officials in Pennsylvania.
Our thanks to all who participated in the drill. Special thanks to the ARC for participating and to W3XOX, Kevin, and other Blair County hams who participated. Kevin also acted as the backup net control station.
Carmine W. Prestia, Jr., K3CWP
EC Centre County
ASM WPA