Communication facilities located at the Gaudet School (Middletown Shelter), Middletown EOC, Melrose School (Jamestown Shelter), and Providence Red Cross were utilized.  Participants were from NCECT, Middletown EMA, Portsmouth EMA, Jamestown EMA, and the Red Cross.

By any estimation, the drill was a great success.  It demonstrated an ability to develop and coordinate a multi-agency communication plan, and successfully carry out Shelter to EOC communications using four different communication channels (Landline, Red Cross Repeater, Ham Repeater, and Ham Simplex).  Despite three drill “failures” (Phones down, Red Cross Repeater Down, Ham Radio Repeater down), the plan proved to be resilient, and messages were successfully transferred using NIMS/ICS procedures.

The resourcefulness of Ham Radio was well apparent as one system after another “failed”.  The Ham’s technical skills, and frequency agility came to the rescue.

Hats off to our own John King for all his hard work in developing the plan and setting up the drill.  We know RIEMA was paying attention, and hopefully this sort of drill activity will spread throughout the state.

Chuck Kesson, KB1ZZX, passes a message at the Middletown EOC during the July 26 Shelter Communication Drill