Introduction

SRQARES MEMBERS SHOULD ENSURE THAT THEIR RADIOS ARE PROGRAMMED WITH THE FREQUENCIES/ CHANNELS LISTED IN THE ICS-217. THIS ICS-217 CAN BE FOUND ON THE SRQARES WEBSITE <link>

There are three levels of activation, in addition to the “normal or routine” Alert Level 4 and SRQARES adopts the WCF Section Alert Levels;

Alert Level 3: One or more ARES group is on standby for possible activation in one or more WCF Counties

Alert Level 2:  One or more WCF Section ARES Groups (Counties) are activated.

Alert Level 1:  All WCF Section ARES Groups (Counties) are activated

Usually, the ACTIVATION will follow in order, Level 3, then Level 2, then Level 1.

The ALERT LEVEL is notification to the SRQARES members that the potential for ACTIVATION exists, and to what degree activation is possible or probable. Not all ACTIVATIONS will result in a MOBILIZATION.

An ALERT LEVEL 3 would coincide with an NWS/NOAA Tropical Storm Watch/ Warning and Alert Level 2 would coincide Hurricane “WATCH” or other severe weather event or emergency.

An ALERT LEVEL 1 would include, but not be limited to the posting of an NWS/NOAA Hurricane “WARNING” or other imminent severe weather event or other type of emergency.

Most emergencies follow some recognizable build-up period during which actions can be taken to achieve maximum readiness. These readiness conditions are used as a method of increasing the alert posture of SRQARES members.

SRQARES has adopted a color code for the Alert Levels and this is consistent with adjacent counties.