The GIS team at the Williamson County EMA have put together an updated Siren Test Monitoring system. This system will look familiar to some of you and is now ready to be used.
There will typically be an announcement on the WCARES repeaters at noon (an hour before the siren test) to confirm whether the testing is going ahead or has been cancelled for that day.
Update: The siren test is on for today (Saturday Nov 4, 2023) – there is still time to sign up to monitor one of the sirens. Go to the Events calendar and click on the “SIREN TEST MONITORING” event.
The County EMA has requested our assistance as they restart the county siren tests. These tests will be conducted every month on the 1st Saturday at 1:00 pm. To conduct these tests, the County has set up a web-based siren selection and reporting system.
Please consider helping out with this activity.
To signup to monitor a siren to be tested, please go ahead and follow the link below (and in the WCARES Notes) and select your siren.
Updated sign up link
To sign up to monitor a Williamson Co. siren test, please use this link.
You will receive an e-mail after you submit the sign-up form; this e-mail will contain a link to a results form for your selected siren. On the day of the test use this form to report whether the siren went off, at what time and for how long etc.
There will typically be an announcement on the WCARES repeaters at noon (an hour before the siren test) to confirm whether the testing is going ahead or has been cancelled for that day.
Remember to check your e-mail for the link to the survey to report the results of your monitoring.
Jeff Standifer (WB5WAJ) delivers a briefing at the start of the SET.
Tim Kreth (AD4CJ) meets with Gino Fantoni (EMA) at Franklin Fire Station #2.
Tim Kreth (AD4CJ) meets with Gino Fantoni (EMA) at Franklin Fire Station #2.
Laura Marler (N4CLO) running Net Control
WCARES members gathering at the EOC prior to the exercise.
Gene Cheatham (K4ARC) delivers a message to the 911 Supervisor.
Gene Cheatham (K4ARC) copies a message in the 911 center to relay it to the 911 Supervisor.
Doug Miller (W4DML), JK “Hoop” Hooper (K9QJS), and Michelle Wright (N2IDK) at the Shelter at Williamson County Fire Station 24. (Present but not pictured: John Farrish (NM4N))
Tim Kreth (AD4CJ) deploys his Go-Kit at Franklin Fire Station #2 as Gino Fantoni (EMA) looks on.
It can get crowded in the Auxcomm Room during an exercise!
James Smith (KD4KMM) and Andy Rudolph (KY4DF) at the Shelter at Williamson County Ag Expo Park.
James Smith (KD4KMM) and Andy Rudolph (KY4DF) at the Shelter at Williamson County Ag Expo Park.
Tim Kreth (AD4CJ) demonstrates his Go-Kit at Franklin Fire Station #2 to EMA Specialist Gino Fantoni.
This list is only for sirens in the unincorporated areas of Williamson County. The test Will take place this Saturday at 1PM. After you monitor the siren please send reports by email to wb5waj@arrl.net . In the email please include the following:
As most of you already know, Ed Hudgens stepped down as Emergency Coordinator at the end of 2021. Thank you, Ed, for the great job you did during the last two years. Your leadership was much appreciated.
Beginning today, I took on the role of EC with a few thoughts I am passing on for your consideration:
Given that WCARES is an ARRL ARES organization, we need to ensure that we, as a group, are always ready, willing, and able to provide Williamson County with reliable emergency communications support. After all, that is the reason the county government has invested so generously and continues to do so, in our communications infrastructure.
Training exercises and public service events are invaluable in honing our skills as emergency communications specialists. I challenge each of you to take part in as many of these activities as possible.
The skills of WCARES members and our resources do not have to be limited to Williamson County. As I reach out to the Emergency Coordinators of surrounding counties to exchange ideas and share best practices, please be open to assisting where needed.
We will discuss these topics and more at upcoming monthly meetings. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or wish to share thoughts and ideas on the above comments or any other matters relevant to our organization.
I look forward to working with every one of you in the coming year!
During the September 18th WCARES monthly meeting, Todd Horton (Director of the Williamson County EMA) gave a fantastic presentation.
His PowerPoint title slide asked, “What is Emergency Management?”
Todd provided a thorough answer and went well beyond this to include the structure of the Williamson County EMA, their vision, their capabilities, facilities, and much more.
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