If no one saw the ice or slid on the roadways, that is not surprising since the disaster was a mockup.
County amateur radio operators were working with the Okmulgee County Emergency Management office to make sure everything was operational in the event of such a disaster.
Tim Craighton, Emergency Management director, said the radio operators spent the morning providing radio contact through the county emergency operations center."Using emergency powered radios and working with local agencies, the hams will establish radio communications networks which can be used should there be a failure or overload of normal services such as was seen in the days following many types of incidents," Craighton said.
He pointed out the volunteers provide services and equipment at no charge in the event of such emergencies. "Even though they don't get paid, their service in a crisis can be priceless."
During the simulated emergency, the radio operators set up and organize local traffic nets using both very high and ultra high frequency radio communications. Often that is the only way the area can be in contact with state and national agencies.
Part of the simulation included a power outage where the operators were required to get electricity from a trailer that was equipped with solar and battery power.
