EMA event is termed a success

Libby ham radio club demonstrated

creativity and professionalism during the Lincoln County Emergency

Management Agency’s ‘Operation Sandbagging Stations’ Saturday.

A briefing was held at 9 a.m. for the

ham radio operators, beginning with a description of sandbagging

site locations by EMA Director Vic White.

Radio club President and command center

head operator for the drill, Bill Cunnane at 9:45 a.m, launched the

exercise.

“Check in when you arrive to make sure

the stations are manned,” Cunnane said. “The drill is over when

‘stand down’ is called.”

Operators from the ham club — Rick

Klin, Jay Goley, Doug Griffiths, Jim Sinning, Graeme Baker and Eric

Christenson — volunteered their time to assist the EMA with the

exercise.

Disaster and Emergency Services

coordinator, Martha Smith was present throughout the exercise.

“I’ve attended so many of these

exercises,” Smith, said. “You guys (HROC) have such a great

attitude.”

The club managed the command center

transmitters, while site-operators relayed scenarios to create a

realistic exercise. EMA Deputy Lisa Oedewaldt, Goley and Cunnane

documented every step of the drill. The documentation would be used

later during the debriefing to determine the areas in need of

improvements.

“This exercise gave us some things to

think about,” Smith said.

The exercise site scenarios included

possible volunteer injuries, food and water needs, crowd control

and radio equipment problems. Deviating slightly from the dialogue

the exercise was spirited thanks to the operators’ creativity.

During an actual emergency, this

exercise provided the teams with more accurate timeframes for

certain incidents.

“Volunteers need to know who to report

to, how many volunteers are needed and knowing how long it will

take for things to happen is important,” Smith said.

In an emergency, volunteers and

officials tend to lose track of time. With good communication,

knowing when and where supplies and volunteers are going can make

all the difference.

White conducted the debriefing

following the drill. The team will plan for multiple channels for

communication and transmissions during an emergency, using as many

as 18 stations.

Operators were reminded of their

responsibility as the eyes and ears on site. Information

transmitted to the EMA command center by HROC would be used to make

informed decisions in a flooding emergency.

The HROC is pleased with the outcome

and their ability to communicate clearly and accurately throughout

the drill.

“We overwhelmed him (Cunnane), but he

did really well,” Griffins said.

“We (EMA) want to express our gratitude

for everything these guys (HROC) did for the exercise,” White

said.

Prior to the exercise, the HROC

volunteered their time to install a new antenna, purchased by the

EMA, for the building. The club regularly attends EMA flood

meetings, remaining well informed and prepared for their jobs in

communication.

“One of the benefits of living is

small-town America, we can count on volunteers to help,” White

said.