Leigh: Red Cross operations are being managed out of the National office in Virginia, and the Southwest Service Area office in Houston, Texas. The Red Cross relies on conventional phone and cell phone communication when available. Additionally, they deploy portable high-bandwidth satellite systems, both from trucks (9 are located strategically around the country, and were already heading to staging areas last Thursday), which can communicate from DC to light, and air-shipped self-contained units. These units provide e-mail, and VOIP phone communication for Red Cross operations.
You are correct that the Red Cross does not have Amateur Radio operators at its shelters at this time. We are in the Life and Safety phase of this operation. Right now people are in danger. We do not have the time, manpower, or resources to handle anything other than emergency traffic at this time. After they are safe, we will begin the task of Health and Welfare Traffic. The Greater Houston Chapter Communications Room has been staffed 24/7 since Monday. We are monitoring all the emergency and H/W nets on 20/40 M. There is no information coming out of the affected areas at this time (undoubtedly because there are no operating stations in these areas.) We would like to be doing H/W, but we are simply overwhelmed in the field. Paul Rubin N8NOV Asst. Director, Volunteer Communications Committee Greater Houston Chapter American Red Cross Houston, TX
