Shelter surveys provide an opportunity to establish & verify documentation and test gear & propagation under favorable conditions. This year R1D5 plans to reexamine many known shelter sites as well as visit for the first time several new shelter sites. R1D5 creates and maintains a document called a Key Location Form for each shelter. A Key Location Form addresses the five Ws and one H (who, what, when, where, why, and how) to assist members with deployment and communication setup in less than favorable conditions. Knowing a shelter’s unique environment and testing communications ahead of time helps to further ensure a successful outcome should that shelter become activated.
Recently five R1D5 members surveyed four new shelters in the Highlands Ranch area. Two teams of two surveyed one shelter in the morning and one shelter in the afternoon. The 5th member was stationed at the EOC in Castle Rock to provide feedback on propagation testing in addition to evaluating the accuracy of the EOC’s Key Location Form. Communication methods tested included analog voice, digital (DMR) voice, and Winlink email over radio using packet and Vara.
All in all, shelter surveys not only function to benefit R1D5’s readiness but also provide an opportunity to come together, meet new people, and see new things. On the day of the shelter surveys the R1D5 group met for breakfast and lunch. Throughout the day they also met some great people at the shelters and engaged in good conversations. The shelter tours provided an opportunity to get out and explore new locations as well as test R1D5’s adaptability and agility. At the end of the day that feeling of accomplishment was worth the all the effort employed.
R1D5 thanks Dick, WB0EVA, for his hard work and efforts to coordinate the many shelter surveys to be conducted in 2023.
