For an ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) group, the script shifts to a formal, tactical emergency format. It incorporates ARES terminology, formal traffic handling capacity, and structured check-ins (including signal reports and power sources) to test true deployment readiness.
## ARES Great ShakeOut Radio Net Script
## 1. Pre-Drill Activation & Briefing
(Net Control Station [NCS] opens the frequency 5 minutes prior to the official ShakeOut time, usually 10:10 AM)
“CQ, CQ, CQ. This is N6ZDH, Net Control Station for the San Joaquin County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) Great ShakeOut Net.
This net is being activated for the annual Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill. This is a simulation designed to test our emergency communications readiness following a major seismic event. This is a drill. I repeat, this is a drill.
All ARES members are instructed to prepare their stations. In exactly five minutes, we will simulate the arrival of the earthquake. Please stand by.”
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## 2. The “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” Phase
(At the designated drill time, e.g., 10:15 AM)
“Break, Break. All stations, the simulated earthquake is occurring NOW.
Drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, and hold on. Protect your head and neck. Do not transmit during the simulated shaking unless you have an actual, real-world life-safety emergency.
[NCS: Maintain absolute radio silence for 60 seconds]
The shaking has stopped. Assess your immediate surroundings for real-world hazards. If clear, check your radio gear, backup power systems, and prepare to check in.”
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## 3. Net Formalization & Call for Emergency Traffic
“This is N6ZDH, Net Control for the San Joaquin County ARES Great ShakeOut Drill Net.
This net is now a directed net. All communications must go through Net Control.
Before we begin routine drill check-ins, is there any Priority or Emergency traffic? Real-world emergency traffic takes absolute precedence. Any station with emergency traffic, call Net Control now.”
[Pause and listen. If none, proceed.]
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## 4. Structured ARES Check-Ins
“Hearing no emergency traffic, we will begin ARES check-ins. To simulate post-earthquake limitations, we will take check-ins by power source and location.
When you check in, please provide your Call Sign (using standard ITU phonetics), your Tactical Location, your Power Source (Battery, Generator, or Commercial), and your Drill Status (e.g., ‘All Clear’ or a simulated damage report).
* Category 1: Stations operating on Battery or Solar power only, please check in now.”
(Acknowledge and log stations)
* Category 2: Stations operating on Generator power, please check in now.”
(Acknowledge and log stations)
* Category 3: All remaining ARES stations on Commercial power, please check in now.”
(Acknowledge and log stations)
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## 5. Exercise Scenario / Traffic Handling (Optional)
(Use this section if your ARES group passes simulated ICS-213 forms or Winlink messages)
“Net Control is now ready to receive simulated ICS-213 damage reports or Winlink check-ins. If your station has drill traffic for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), please state your call sign and the priority of your traffic.”
Any station capable of sending ICS-213 forms over Winlink please send them now on 145.070 MHz.
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## 6. Net Closure
“This is N6ZDH, Net Control Station. The San Joaquin County ARES Great ShakeOut Drill Net is now concluding.
Any station capable of sending ICS-213 forms over Winlink please send them now.
Any person licensed or not may send an email report to N6ZDH@winlink.org.
A total of [Number] stations participated in today’s exercise. Thank you for testing your emergency backup power and communication capabilities. Your readiness ensures our community’s safety.
The net is now deactivated at [Current Time] local time, and the frequency is returned to normal amateur use.
Any person licensed or not may send an email report to N6ZDH@winlink.org.
This is N6ZDH, 73.”