Who is WCEC?
Wood County Emergency Communications Inc. (WCEC) is an all volunteer Non-Profit organization, created to provide back-up and overload communications to all Public Safety agencies in Wood County, West Virginia and the surrounding counties in WV and OH. Read more in our Mission Statement to see what we do. For more information on Emergency Communicators and Amateur Radio read the "Who Are We?" article.
The organization's Bylaws are available in Adobe pdf format by downloading them here. You can also read the WCEC Operation plan.
Capabilities:
- Mobile communications command center setup
- Skywarn operating under the National Weather Service
- Digital Communications statewide via D.A.R.E.N.
- Voice Communications via handheld and mobile radio and in house wired and wireless telephone systems.
- Both fixed and mobile voice repeater setups available.
2010 upcoming training sessions
- Packet Radio Class
- Date: February 6th
- Date: February 6th
- Emergency Telephone System Calss
- Date: February 21st
- Location: Eastwood Fire Station
- Time: 9:00AM
- Duration: about six hours
- NIMS Class (National Incident Management System)
- Date: to be announced
- Location: Eastwood Fire Station
- Time: to be announced
- Amateur Radio Licensing Class (Parkersburg Amateur Radio Klub)
- Dates: Monday, February 15, 2010 & Monday, March 15, 2010
- Location: Mary's Plane View Restaurant, Wood County Airport.
- Time: Dinner 6:00PM - Meeting 7:00PM
How to prepare for public service communications
As well as disaster communications, we provide communication services to the public durin
g special events such as marathons and bike-a-thons. It is imperative that the members of any Amateur Radio groups such as WCEC present themselves in a favorable light to the public and the organizations which they serve during these occasions.
It is the purpose of the The Special Events Communication Manual, published by Steven R. Ewald, WV1X to provide Amateur Radio organizations with the knowledge to be responsible volunteers in their respective communities. All Amateurs who wish to provide their community with special event communications assistance should take the time to read Steve’s article.
It is published on the ARRL Website
WCEC Holds annual picnic
Members of Wood County Emergency Communications, their families and friends enjoyed a picnic dinner at McDonough Park on Tuesday, August 4th. Among the dignitaries present was Wood County Sheriff Jeff Sandy.
Ken Harris Director WCEC was interviewed by The Parkersburg News and Sentinel and a short business meeting was held following the meal.
The interview by Natalee Seely is available here.
W.A.R.N. System Implemented
The W.A.R.N. System (Wide Area Rapid Notification) is being implemented in the Wood County, WV area. All residents are encouraged to participate. The system stores telephone numbers of residents and notifies them when there is an emergency which might endanger their well being or require an evacuation.
The system can warn of chemical leaks, floods, train wrecks, storms or any other event that might endanger the public. Our area has a high potential for any of these happening at any time.
To register your home phone and your cell phones just go to the Citizen Warn website and fill out the form. It could save your life.
Amateur Radio Education & Technology Program (ETP)
Amateur Radio is best known to the general public for its role in emergency communications during disasters. Despite many advances in communications technology, emergency management agencies and relief organizations continue to call upon Amateur Radio for assistance.
In steps the Amateur Radio Education & Technology Program whose goal is to improve the quality of education by providing a sound curriculum focused on wireless communications to school students.
The curriculum is designed to enhance student learning through application of mathematical and scientific concepts. This project emphasizes integration of math, science, writing and speaking, geography, technology and social responsibility within a global society.
The ARRL has developed an education project to introduce teachers to this resource and enable them to make the most effective use of it in their classroom to prepare students to become responsible citizens who can contribute to society by becoming good communicators.
Some activities that schools can do with Amateur Radio are:
- Perform an important role in emergency communications around the world
- Contact astronauts through ARISS (Amateur radio on the International Space Station)
- Participate in national School Club roundup of Amateur Radio operators
- Join in local transmitter hunts, called “Fox Hunts,” for fun and excitement
- “Work the radio” to contact as many foreign countries as possible, a goal of many Amateur Radio operators
- Link up with schools through local, state and national nets.
Read more about the Education & Technology Program on the ARRL website
Sub Menu
National Homeland Security Knowledgebase
Upcoming Activities
- WCEC Business Meeting
7:00 PM, February 2, 2010 at the Lubec Civic Center, Lubec, WV. - ARES Registration
If you are interested in registering with ARES in the Wood/Washington County area, contact Ken Harris. Blank forms are available in the training section.
Hamfest Survey
We now have a survey form up to gather information on how we did at the 2009 Parkersburg Hamfest. We also want to solicit your comments and advice on organizing the 2010 Parkersburg Hamfest.
You can go to this form as many time as you like, all comments will be presented to the 2010 Hamfest Committee for consideration.
Please fill out our survey, Thanks
Amateur Radio and Linux
Computer magazine Linux Journal has devoted their January 2010 issue to Amateur Radio. Read about the trend of the technical side of Amateur Radio being explored in areas that one never thought it would.
Major Computer Publication Devotes January 2010 Issue to Amateur Radio
The 2009-2010 ARRL Repeater Directory now available
When traveling your vehicle should have one. They are extremely handy in an emergency. ARRL Product Catalog
US Amateur Radio Bands
The ARRL has published new Frequency Allocation charts for the
Amateur bands. Available in Color and Black an White, they may be
downloaded and printed from their website. These print nicely on
regular 8½ X 11 Paper.
US Amateur Frequency Chart
Notice: The clock have moved to the Training page.