SARA Happenings, December 5, 1999

Table of Contents

• Y2K
• Bear Safety Course
• Discussion Lists
• SAR Alberta Sew-On Crests
• Other SAR Alberta Merchandise
• CARES - Ground SAR Joint Exercise
• Let's Hear from You!

Hi,

This is a regular mailing intended to improve communication within the Search and Rescue community in Alberta. It's going out to over 120 e-mail addresses that are listed as the primary contact of SAR Alberta member groups or which were requested to be added to the mailing list. If you want to be added or removed from the list, please contact Brett Wuth wuth@acm.org.

Here are some of the happenings in SAR in Alberta:

Y2K

The SAR Alberta board has discussed what recommendations it should give to member groups in regards to Y2K.

Formally the board adopted a motion that SAR Alberta recommend to its membership that they contact their local Municipal Disaster Director and other potential tasking agencies regarding their potential Y2K response roles.

Disaster Services and the major tasking agencies (e.g. the RCMP) have spent considerable effort planning and preparing for Y2K. They are aware the local SAR groups and know that they are potential resources that they could use. Both the RCMP and Disaster Services have indicated that it is worthwhile contacting the local offices to develop personal contacts. For the RCMP that is the local detachment. For Disaster Services that is the Director of Disaster Services of the Municipality (for contact information see http://www.tu.gov.ab.ca/DIS006.htm).

A SAR group could help by providing a disciplined, organized, self-sufficient group of volunteers that have communications and mobility. Their role would of course be one of support or assistance to the responsible agency. All potential Y2K SAR Responders should ensure their own homes are well prepared for Y2K so they can respond without worrying about their family's well-being.

Useful web sites include http://www.Y2Kalberta.org and http://www.safeguard.ca.

Hinton SAR is hosting, Gary Shelton a well known author of two books on bear attacks: Bear Encounter Survival Guide and Bear Attacks - The Deadly Truth. The course he's giving consists of a 7 hour session that covers bear behavior, bear avoidance, and encounters, and encounter survival strategy including the correct way to use bear spray. A film plus slide show which puts the information into a visual context along with hand outs and information package rounds out this presentation. The course is open to all SAR workers. The cost is $65/person and will be held on April 30th 2000. Contact: Paul Grimley grimley@telusplanet.net 780 865-5047.

E-mail discussion lists are an opportunity to share ideas and get the advice of SAR workers across the planet. There are several different lists that you can join and listen to ("lurk") or partake in. Here's a summary of the various lists that are available which appeared on the SAR-L list courtesy of Garrison St. Clair gunslinger@mail.org.

List type: Urban Search and Rescue (US&R)
List name: USAR
This list is of interest to those involved in US&R. A moderately active list. This list could and should be more active. When a discussion starts on this list many sides get heard.
Unmoderated, listmaster: Craig Luecke craig@vatf1.org.
Subscribe via the web: http://vatf1.org/mailinglist.shtml

List Type: Search and Rescue (SAR)
List name: SAR-L
This is a list for those involved in any aspect of SAR. Topics cover ground, communications, medical, rope, gear, mapping, navigation, etc. A moderately active list with the best "what works" discussions. Lots of viewpoints on this list.
Unmoderated, listmaster: Mike Doyle ().
Subscribe via e-mail (send from the e-mail address that you will use):
mailto:sar-l-request@listserv.islandnet.com
Subject line: subscribe
Body of the message: [leave blank]

List Type: Search and Rescue specialty - K9
List name: SAR-DOGS
THE list for those working K9s in SAR/US&R and a good resource for those who utilize, support, or work with search dogs - in other words search managers, flankers, support personnel, etc. A how-to list as well. VERY active list with some very strong opinions offered.
Moderated, listmaster: Liz Marr lizm@harborside.com
Subscribe via e-mail:
mailto:listserv@apple.ease.lsoft.com
Subject line: [leave blank]
Body of the message: subscribe SAR-DOGS Firstname Lastname [substitute your name for Firstname and Lastname]

List Type: Search and Rescue specialty - Communications
List name: SARCOMM
This list will be of interest to techies working communications, or those with an interest in the commo end of SAR/US&R. A how-to list as well. Occasionally active list.
Unmoderated, listmaster: Jeff Howell w9san@cs.com
Subscribe via the web: http://www.onelist.com/community/sarcomm

List Type: Search and Rescue specialty - Computers in SAR
List name: CSAR
This list will be of interest to those using computers for management or operations, including mapping, GPS, etc. or those with an interest in the use of computers in SAR/US&R. A how-to list as well. Active in spurts.
Unmoderated, listmaster: Paul Lufkin paul_lufkin@hp.com
Subscribe via the web: http://www.onelist.com/community/csar

With the help of Red Deer SAR, sew-on full colour crests of the SAR Alberta logo are available at $10.00 each. Great for your uniform or backpack. Contact Rod Deitrich accountinggod@home.com 403 343-6219.

SAR Alberta is also selling various items with the the SAR Alberta logo or name. License plates are $10. Travel mugs are $6. And ceramic coffee mugs are $5. The society makes a slight profit on these items, but just as importantly it provides a way of increasing awareness of SAR among the public. If you would like to see or order these items you can do so through your Regional Representative or contact Monty Lynes lynesm@lab.gov.ab.ca 780 422-5953.

In Fort McMurray, CARES and ground SAR are planning a joint exercise (simulated crash) for Saturday & Sunday December 11th & 12th, 1999. A Canadian Forces Hercules will be there for the weekend exercise. It is hoped that a good portion of Ground SAR personnel will take part. They want those new to the Hercules to go spotting and those trained and current to go with the Colin and Bob to get lost for the Saturday over night and Sunday morning (Winter Survival Course). Contact Bob Gazzard bob@altech.ab.ca 780 743-1829.

What's happening in your group? What training exercises do you have coming up? What would you like help with? Send me a note and I'll pass the word along. Contact Brett Wuth wuth@acm.org, 403 627-2460.

This document was generated on 5 December 1999 using the texi2html translator version 1.54.