ARES / CERT and the Houston to Austin MS-150
Amateur radio operators form the primary Houston-to-Austin communications network for the BP MS 150. Operators are assigned to several different groups or stationed at different locations along the route. Both Harris County Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) and Harris County Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT) are proud volunteers of the Houston to Austin MS-150 bike tour. In addition to these two groups a number of hams from both San Antonio and Austin lend support as well.
MS-150 Plan and Goals Overview
- The purpose of ARES participation in the MS-150 is to provide communications support within the parameters established by the MS-150 using MURS radio and amateur radio. The communications support will be located at sites determined by the MS-150 Staff.
- The ARES teams will assist the CERT teams at the SAG stops (break points), SAG vans, buses & trucks in a communications role only.
- In addition the ARES teams will utilize the ICS by using the appropriate forms to record all emergency and priority traffic. Each team can use their discretion with respect to logging other items.
- In additions the ARES teams shall also be prepared provide communications between the SAG stop manager the event staff VIA amateur radio.
- The goal is for the CERT, SAG and ARES teams to work together to provide effective communications between SAG drivers, rest stops, and the event staff. And to provide effective access and egress control for vehicles into and out from rest stops.
- Anything else is outside of the stated purpose.
Call for volunteers
- Eight teams of 4 members are needed for Saturday and 5 teams for Sunday from Harris County ARES. Waller County ARES will be providing a ninth team as a result of the third start position, and Austin area hams will be handling the ride from Bastrop into Austin.
- All teams should assume that they will work the same break point as previous years. There is no need to change assignments and re-learn what was learned from previous year's experiences.
- Teams should tweak their team size to fit the need of the individual break point. Please relay to Marni Rosen the number of CERT volunteers needed for your team. If you have CERT already working with you, please advise who they are for the roster.
- As of this writing all break point locations are the same as previous years with the exception of Industry (BP4) which is always in flux until the last moment.
- If any team member has not visited their assignment, its highly recommended a trip to the site for review or training. A number of people are available to go with you on the trips and assist you.
- The CERT/ARES teams need supplies, tent, signs, stakes, radios, batteries, caution tape, bull horns, etc. These are provided by the MS Society for you and are picked up at the Addicks Park & Ride on Saturday morning. All break points will need to have the exact same supplies. How they are used is up to you. A vehicle is also provided for you to transport team member to and from thier assignments as well as supplies. Privately Owned Vechiles (POV's) may also be used as long as break point supplies are transported to and from the assignments.
- All ARES team members need to come to the event ready to perform main net duty and are expected to stand above the crowd and aid their fellow man.
- All vans will be at the disposal of the IC should an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) be activated.
- Informational / training meetings for both ARES and CERT will be conducted at the MS headquarters where detailed information will be updated as necessary. These are a great time for ARES and CERT members to meet and work out details on who will be responsible for getting the vehicle, exchanging contact information, aqauinting new team members with the unique details of your assignment.
- Each year brings its own weather challenges. Therefore, we must all think about our personal assignments but come preparedto help out in the event of a disaster.
- Emergency communication is what we are training for as ARES.
- Emergency response is what we are training for as CERT.
To volunteer, you need at least a 2 meter/VHF radio (dual band preferred) that has at least 25 watts output and a gain-type antenna. Or, be working with a team that a properly equipped station will be available for you to use. If stationed in a Tour vehicle, your radio must be easily transferred between vehicles. Food and sleeping areas are provided; you need to bring your own bed linens. A secure parking area will be provided for your vehicle.
Once you have volunteered you need to contact your EC and advise them you need a link to the latest "Volunteer Form" and return that to Jeff Walter, KE5FGA.
Depending upon your assignment volunteer hours begin at 0430 hrs. on Satuday and end around 1900 hrs. Sunday. There will be two information meetings before the ride. To volunteer contact your ARES Emergency Coordinator.
- Breakpoints: (Sometimes called SAG stops) Provide communications for supplies and medical problems. Normally, this is a one-day commitment, but this depends on your location.
- Medical Vehicles: Operators ride in ambulances and first responder vehicles for emergency communications. This is a two-day commitment.
- BP MS 150 Staff: Operators ride with Tour staff to provide communications for important issues during the ride. This is a two-day commitment.
- SAG Vehicles: Provide communications for SAG drivers who pick up riders who have mechanical problems or cannot ride. This is a two-day commitment.
- Supply Trucks: Provide communications so supplies can be routed to needed locations. This is a two-day commitment.
- NET Control: NET Control operations are set up in Houston, Bellville, La Grange and Austin. There are two NETS running at all times and many operators are needed to cover this important position. This is a one- or two-day commitment, depending on your location.
- Houston Command Post: The command post oversees medical incidents and other issues. The command post monitors the ride on HF, VHF and UHF amateur bands. Medical vehicles are tracked with APRS units. The command post receives calls from event and services personnel to coordinate situation response. You can work from one hour to two days. The command post is open from midnight Friday to midnight Sunday.
- Motorcycle Hams: If you have a motorcycle and an amateur radio license, you can help with the motorcycle group. With an amateur radio on your motorcycle, you can be in contact with the action on the ride.
Hot Links
- And just what is a SAG?
- Frequency Guide
- Sag Stop Leader
- Sag Stop Training 1
- Sag Stop Training 2
- Bike Tour Survial Guide
- Routes
What about sleeping arrangements? ARES and CERT will be staying free of charge at either the Lone Star Campground near La Grange or the Outback closer to Columbus.