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What is EmComm?      How to Participate      Training      Frequencies      Resources      Directions 

The purpose of the Wireless Society of Southern Maine Emergency Communications Team (WSSM-ECT) is to serve the Cumberland County Emergency Management Agency (CCEMA), and the community in general, by providing emergency communications assistance, conducting programs and training, promoting radio knowledge, fraternalism, and individual operating efficiency, and to conduct activities as to advance the general interest and welfare of Amateur Radio as a viable and efficient means of communications support.

WSSM-ECT Training Net: 4th Thursday monthly on the Falmouth 147.090 + (100 Hz) repeater.

The net focuses on developing skills, such as familiarity with message forms, traffic handling, using modes like FM Simplex, Winlink, Packet, and the FlDigi suite, while fostering an interest in and recruiting newcomers to emergency communications. The net welcomes all forms of traffic, both real and simulated. All are welcome to join us.

W1SFS and others
Jason W1SFS, and others in conversation
W1WMG
Thom W1WMG, programming CW macros


What is Emergency Communications?

Among other things, amateur radio operators are recognized by the FCC as being a pool of talented communicators, who selflessly contribute their time and operating skills to their communities when needed.

As licensed radio operators who are proficient in their craft, hams are a natural choice for providing backup or auxilliary communications to organizations such as Emergency Management Agencies, the Red Cross, local emergency services, SKYWARN, and others. They are called upon during natural disasters, search and rescue operations, disaster recovery situations, HAZMAT spills, and even terrorist attacks.

You're probably visiting this page because you too have had the inkling to put your knowledge, equipment, and experience to practical use. Maybe you've been in a situation where your ability to establish communications in a short amount of time was needed, or maybe you enjoy operating portable on the weekends, or contesting, just for the challenge. Emergency communications combines all of these things, and its a great way to share your skills with fellow hams and learn how to apply them to a common purpose.


Join the Team!

All licensed Amateur Radio operators who are interested in emergency communications are eligible for membership. Membership is by application and free of charge.

Club emphasis is on furthering members’ skills needed for emergency communications through portable operations, education, and exercises.

Join the Team!   WSSM-ECT Constitution
WSSM-ECT logo



Operating Authority

The WSSM-ECT is authorized to operate under the authority of the Cumberland County Emergency Management Agency by a signed Memorandum of Understanding. All actions and procedures relating to communications assistance to CCEMA will be approved in advance by the Managing Director or his/her appointed representative.




Activation

The WSSM-ECT membership will be notified of an activation by email or phone call. When called upon, members will recevie instructions as to how they are needed. This may be as simple as operating from the EMA location for a period of time, or you may be called upon to establish communications at a shelter location, from the CCEMA communications trailer at an incident site, or check on the flood level of a nearby river. Since the situation determines the need, its essential to be prepared, and remember to always be READY, CAPABLE, and PROFESSIONAL.



Training Levels

Training

Within one-year of joining ECT, member operators shall complete the following:

FEMA Course

Leadership

ECT liaison and Team Leaders shall within one year of their appointment complete the following:



Frequencies

Primary Simplex: 146.580 FM ARES HF Statewide (Day): 7262 kHz LSB Primary UHF Repeater: 449.225 (- 103.5)
Secondary Simplex: 146.595 FM ARES HF Statewide (Night): 3940 kHz LSB Primary VHF  Repeater: 147.090 (+ 100.0)
Tertiary Simplex: 147.585 FM ARES HF Statewide NBEMS: 3583 kHz USB DMR - TS2 Group Talk: ME Statewide




Quick Reference Packets:


Kenwood D710 Yaesu FT-7800 / FT-8800 (Trailer) Connect Systems CS801 (DMR)


Resources for Emergency Communicators

WSSM-ECT Ops Manual               Maine Interoperability Field Operations Guide                 National Interoperability Field Operations Guide

Click here to download a simplfied version of the WSSM-ECT Ops Manual (Viewable in a browser)

EmComm links and documents:

ARRL Radiogram Form
ICS-213 Message Form
Intro to NBEMS
FSD-3 Recommended Procedures ICS-309 Communications Log Advanced NBEMS
NTS Quick Reference
ICS-205a Communications List
SKYWARN Operations Manual

Additional links and resources:

Cumberland County EMA
ARES Field Resources Manual
National Incident Management System
American Red Cross Shelters
Maine Emergency Management Angency Presumpscott River Monitor
Homeland Security
FEMA.gov Northeast River Forecast Center



After Action Reviews

Click the links below to download After Action Reviews of some of our recent exercises and on-air activities:

2016 Maine SET (WSSM-ECT)

2017 Maine SET (WSSM-ECT)

2018 Maine SET (WSSM-ECT)

2018 Maine SET (NWS-Gray SKYWARN)

2019 Winter Field Day (WSSM-ECT)

2019 ARRL Field Day Report (WSSM)
2019 Maine SET (WSSM-ECT)

2020 Maine SET (WSSM-ECT)

2021 Maine SET (WSSM-ECT)



Maine Packet Network

The WSSM-ECT is proud to support the Maine Packet Network, which is a consortium of individual amateur radio packet nodes affiliated with county-level Emergency Management Agencies throughout the State of Maine.

The primary objective of the network is to interconnect these agencies with each other, MEMA, hospitals, Red Cross, and others, to facilitate the exchange of accurate and concise public health and safety information. Click here for more information on the Maine Packet Network.


Directions to the CCEMA Bunker



ARES    RACES    Maine Packet Network


  

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Wireless Society of Southern Maine, P.O. Box 6833, Scarborough, ME 04074