Shakeout

I received the following e-mail from Carl Gardenias, ARRL Orange Section Manager and I feel it reflects the spirit of what amateur radio is all about. Printed in it's entirety with permission:



November 13, 2008

THE GREAT
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SHAKEOUT

I
started my work day at 7am in the morning knowing that today there is a drill
that could determine the lives of many. One week ago, I introduced by workplace
to the Great Shakeout and explained that this isn't just for our work place, but
for our homes. They were very supportive of the efforts that I was conveying and
we had a meeting with all 30 of the employees in our one little area today. I
passed out information on the Shakeout and many other websites to visit to
prepare their homes for a disaster.

At 10:00 am this morning, I flicked
the lights on and off and said "There is an earthquake, do you feel it", we need
to get under our desks, now." I was amazed at the response and participation of
all employees. I had also invited them to listen to my radio to hear the traffic
begin to be transmitted. We heard hospital groups, schools, some churches, and
we listened to SATERN. I, of course, checked in with my business participating
in the Shake out Drill.

Here is the kudos that came out of this drill
for me:

I educated my fellow co-workers on preventative measures in an
emergency/disaster

I educated them to amateur radio and our usefulness
as communicators in a disaster

I also got the interest of at least 4 out
of 30 to train for their technician licenses.

My boss is considering
allowing me to put a small station together in our office, WOW!
Cathy K6VC

In Orange County, while I was at work, I listened to the HDSCS group
communicate with each of her hospital teams. I listened to the RACES groups and
other emergency teams checking in throughout this drill. I also brought my radio
to work and my co-workers also listened to Amateurs pass traffic. They also were
impressed with our abilities to serve as volunteers in emergencies and disaster.
We would be interested in how you participated in this exercise and your
input on what you feel you might do differently the next time we have a drill. I
am interested in putting a newsletter out of all the areas that participated. A
short story, you might say of all who participated and gave their time as
volunteers.

Please email me: gardenias@verizon.net with your story.

All together, we heard from responders from San Bernardino, Riverside
and Orange (couldn't hear Inyo, but if you participated let me know)

73s
Carl Gardenias WU6D
Orange Section Manager
The Juiciest Section

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ARRL Orange Section
Section Manager: Carl H. Gardenias, WU6D wu6d@arrl.org