Hot Springs Amateur Radio Club Announces First Simulated Emergency Test (SET)

Strengthening Emergency Communications for Fall River County and Beyond

HOT SPRINGS, S.D. — The Hot Springs Amateur Radio Club (HSARC) is proud to announce its first-ever Simulated Emergency Test (SET) — a cornerstone training exercise designed to strengthen emergency communication capabilities across Fall River County and the greater Southwest South Dakota region.

The event will take place on November 29th 10:00 a.m. to noon, and will bring together amateur radio operators, local agencies, and regional partners to test readiness, improve coordination, and enhance community resilience when it matters most.

Purpose and Scope

The Simulated Emergency Test (SET) serves as both a training platform and a readiness evaluation for the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and supporting agencies. By simulating real-world disaster conditions, participants will:

• Assess Operational Readiness: Test the ability of amateur radio operators to quickly establish and maintain communication networks during simulated emergencies.
• Strengthen Agency Relationships: Enhance coordination with local partners, including Fall River Emergency Management, Hot Springs Police and Dispatch, the Sheriff’s Office, hospital staff, and EOC’s
• Enhance Operator Skills: Provide hands-on practice in emergency net procedures, message handling, and rapid situational reporting.
• Promote Regional Interoperability: Encourage cooperation among amateur radio clubs across county and state lines.
• Build Public Awareness: Demonstrate how amateur radio bridges critical communication gaps during disasters and community crises.

Key Details

 Primary Cross-County Frequency:

• 146.700 / 444.700 MHz (VHF repeater) with 146.2 Hz PL tone
• 146.520 MHz simplex (local operations)
• Additional regional frequencies may be activated as needed.

Regional Engagement

Invitations have been extended to Fall River Emergency Management, local law enforcement, and healthcare facilities to participate and observe. This cooperative effort underscores the importance of interoperable, community-based communication resources that can continue to operate when conventional systems fail.

Event Format

Operators will be assigned to both fixed and mobile stations, simulating key communication links between hospitals, Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs), shelters, and field units.
Activities will include:

• Relaying simulated emergency messages
• Maintaining accurate operational logs
• Delivering timely situational updates under simulated stress conditions

Objectives

This exercise aims to:

• Evaluate radio equipment, repeater systems, and backup power under field conditions
• Strengthen partnerships with local agencies for real-world response
• Provide realistic disaster simulation and on-air coordination experience
• Demonstrate amateur radio’s role in public safety and preparedness

Volunteer Participation

The success of the 2025 SET depends on amateur radio operators from across Fall River County and surrounding areas.
Whether you’re an experienced ham or newly licensed, your participation is essential!

Operators will:

• Staff assigned stations at hospitals, EOCs, and shelters
• Relay simulated emergency traffic across the network
• Coordinate with served agencies for accuracy and speed
• Take part in a post-event debrief to identify lessons learned

No prior emergency communications experience is required — training, guidance, and mentorship will be provided.

Join the Effort

This is an opportunity to gain valuable skills, strengthen community preparedness, and be part of something that truly matters.

Date: November 29th 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Hot Springs & Regional Operating Sites

For more information or to volunteer, contact:
hsarc@k0hs.net
 www.k0hs.net

Together, we’re building stronger signals — and a stronger community.
73 from the Hot Springs Amateur Radio Club (KØHS)