ARRL 2020 Simulated Emergency Test (SET) Scheduled for October 3 – 4 Weekend
The 2020 ARRL Simulated Emergency Test (SET) will take place October 3 – 4. The annual, nationwide exercise provides ARES volunteers the chance to test personal emergency-operating skills and communication readiness in a simulated emergency deployment. ARRL is asking participants to adhere to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and local health department COVID-19 guidelines by staying home, maintaining safe distances when around people, and following recommended cleaning and disinfecting practices.

ARRL Field Organization leadership at the Section and local levels — as well as many other volunteers who are active in public service and emergency communication — are developing emergency scenarios with a variety of agencies and organizations they’ve partnered with in the past during real emergencies and disasters.

Given the ongoing pandemic, an in-person emergency exercise may not be possible this year, but volunteers are encouraged to adapt to the circumstances. Station and skills readiness are tenets of the Amateur Radio Service. Any time we spend on the air will contribute to developing and practicing our personal radio communication capability.

Volunteers with ARES, the National Traffic System (NTS), the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), SKYWARN™, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN), and other allied groups and public service-oriented amateur radio groups are among those eligible to participate in the SET to practice emergency operation plans, nets, and procedures.

ARRL has long-standing relationships with several national organizations including the American Red Cross, the National Weather Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Salvation Army, among others.

This year’s SET can be a chance to reach out to these partners — at a safe distance and/or via online meetings and teleconferences — to establish or review plans and develop working relationships.

ARRL Field Organization leaders have the option of conducting local or Section-wide SETs on dates other than the October 3 – 4 focal-point weekend, but no later than the end of the calendar year. Contact your local ARRL Emergency Coordinator or Net Manager or ask your Section Manager. Additional information about SET and the reporting forms are available on the ARRL website. – ARRL