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Dedicated to the support of The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services
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Communicating When Disaster Strikes
Since its early beginnings, The Salvation Army has responded to man-made and natural disasters providing various services to victims and relief workers alike. In recent years, the ever increasing incidence of disaster have required us to expand our ability to respond. This has taken the form of specialized equipment, stockpiled supplies, along with the formation of volunteer teams.
The need to be able to communicate with our teams and equipment in the field is essential. Good communications are the key to an effective response to any disaster. The use of Amateur Radio by The Salvation Army will help us to render quick and effective service to those in need.
For many years, we had relied solely upon such groups as the ARRL to disperse personnel to us, during a disaster. While this has served us well, we generally had no pre-disaster relationship with these operators. As a result, they have little or no knowledge of our organization, services and capabilities. To further enhance the use of Amateur Radio in our Disaster Services, in 1988 we developed the Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network, known as SATERN.
What is S.A.T.E.R.N. (Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network)?
SATERN is a corps of Amateur Radio volunteers who have united themselves with the Disaster Services program of The Salvation Army. While we do not exclude the use of other Amateurs during a disaster, this group does provide us with the nucleus of our communications support system. This will provide us with a complete communications capability, along with the use of cellular phones, CB, GMRS and business band frequencies.
The primary function of SATERN is to provide communications for the Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services. This corps of trained volunteers could also be called upon to assist in a variety of functions within the total operation of our disaster team and their mission of communications.
Missouri Division. As of January 1, 2011 we had 224 members on our active roster.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVES OF S.A.T.E.R.N.
- To develop and maintain a corps of Amateur Radio operators skilled in emergency traffic and communications to assist The Salvation Army during times of disaster.
- Assist in training other Salvation Army personnel to access and use the resource of Amateur Radio for local, regional, national and international disasters.
- Development of training materials and exercises designed to enhance the use of Amateur Radio within the Salvation Army Disaster Services programs.
SERVICES AND OPERATIONS performed by SATERN volunteers may include:
- Providing communications support for mobile units and field operations sites during major emergencies
- Emergency monitoring
- Coordinating the delivery of food, cots, blankets and other materials to shelters and other emergency centers
- Health & welfare inquiries
- Represent The Salvation Army Disaster Services at emergency operations command and service centers
- Participation in weekly radio nets for the development and continued readiness of the SATERN program
- Conducting training programs for individuals interested in securing an Amateur Radio license.
- Provide other support as needed and appropriate
Missouri Division: As of January 1, 2011 we had 224 members on our active roster.