Welcome to Cupertino ARES/RACES
This site is operated by and for Cupertino Amateur Radio Emergency Service (CARES) members interested in emergency preparedness and amateur radio communication. Visitors are welcome to check us out.
What's News!
Managing the response during a Pandemic
Posted by Cupertino Citizens Corps, 2 Aug 2020
Given that the COVID-19 pandemic will be with us for a while, it is prudent to have a carefully though-out plan that guides a Cupertino Citizen Corps (CCC) emergency response. The complication of such cascading emergencies -- earthquake during a pandemic, or a wild-land fire threat during a pandemic -- must be factored into our existing plans to ensure we can not only meet any assigned mission, but also maintain the health and safety of both city responders and community members.To this end, supplemental procedures and protocols for handling a response during a pandemic event was developed by CCC and approved by Cupertino OES. These changes are now in effect. The Infectious Disease Response Plan outlines new procedures, roles and responsibilities, and policies that we need to follow for the foreseeable future. Go-kit material additions are also called out.
A review of the plan will be held in at the September monthly CARES meeting.
A different kind of Field Day
Posted by Darryl KI6LDM, 4 Jun 2020
In recent years, California has seen a series of destructive wild fires, mud slides and other related disasters. One critical component of being prepared for such events is communications. For instance, during last year's PG&E PSPS events, vital communication infrastructures â€â€ cell phone, Internet and land lines -- failed during the power outage.This is where the CARES comes in. On Saturday, June 27th, CARES will be participating in this year's Amateur Radio Relay League sponsored Field Day; a national contest and test of our ability to operate under adverse conditions. Unfortunately, due to COVIDâ€19, we will not be setting up in public but will be participating virtually.
However, if you are interested in listening to Field Day communications, check out the KFS WebSDR HF receiver, a live stream of the Amateur HF bands as heard on the Pacific Coast. We hope to see you again at next year's Field Day!
Update 20 Jun: Details for CARES participants: Presentation Slides, 2 meter Band Plan, and Field Day Packet which includes the rules, details, and more. More Details...
COVID19 -- County Snapshot
Posted by Jim KN6PE, 31 May 2020
Update: July 31: Here's the snapshot of Santa Clara County cases as of this evening. These 2 graphs are derived from the county report-out from Santa Clara County Public Health.Activated! PSPS Event
Posted by Jim KN6PE, 8 Oct 2019
The City of Cupertino activated Citizen Corps to respond to a Public Safety Power Shutdown (PSPS) event that impacted 15% of Cupertino residents. CARES provided ICP and communications support for an information outreach effort performed by CARES, CERT, MRC, and City Staff. The mission: ensure affected residents were aware that a power outage was eminent and describe the services that the City was offering. A flyer was left at all 3300 residences with more details.In Cupertino, the power outage started at about 11:00pm on 9-Oct-19 Wednesday night. By 2:00pm Thursday, power was restored. The short duration of the outage was good news for everyone impacted given the outage was expected to last for up to 7 days.
This event helped validate several of our processes, procedures, and training that we have in place. It also helped uncover some areas that needs work. See the After Action Report submittal to the City. More Details...
Upcoming Activities
5 Sep 2024, General Meeting
Cupertino Parks on the Air Overview, Zoom, 19:30 to 21:00
3 Oct 2024, General Meeting
Windshield Survey and Drill Prep, St Jude Parish Hall,19:30 to 21:00
19 Oct 2024, CCC Exercise
Communications Exercise using Windshield Survey and Ark Support. 08:00 to 12:00
7 Nov 2024, General Meeting
Informal Message Passing, St Jude Parish Hall,19:30 to 21:00
5 Dec 2024, General Meeting
Topic Year End Review, St Jude Parish Hall,19:30 to 21:00