Just wrapped up our county Simulated Emergency Test last weekend and wanted to share some observations. This event was a booming success. Over five hundred messages with form-data were sent, along with nearly two hundred ICS-213's and almost a hundred shelter reports and staff assignment forms, but we had some real learning moments too.

Our biggest surprise was how many operators struggled with battery management during the 48-hour scenario. It's a good idea to keep one of these available along with spare alkaline or lithium cells in your go-kit for a real-life EmComm scenario. Also learned that emergency stations work best if there are at least two operators on duty at all times. One should stay completely focussed on the radio traffic.

What caught your group off-guard during recent exercises? Let's share lessons learned so we can all improve our preparedness.

Great writeup! Our biggest issue was operators forgetting to eat during the exercise. Do not skip meals just because things are busy. You may not think that you need to eat anything, but volunteers have suddenly fainted without feeling any early symptoms that something was wrong. Had to remind everyone that self-care is part of good EmComm practice.

This was my first SET and I was nervous about making mistakes, but everyone was super supportive. Caution is good, but don't let it prevent you from participating and volunteering. Everyone makes mistakes on their first try, or first dozen tries, and everyone survives them. You will find that most other hams will be sympathetic and supportive of your efforts.

One thing we learned from recent hurricane responses is the importance of interoperability. Amateurs demonstrated their adaptability by communicating successfully with a multitude of amateur, commercial, public service, EMA, Salvation Army and Red Cross radio systems and personnel. Make sure your exercises include coordination with other agencies, not just ham-to-ham traffic.