Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1053626
8 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | DECEMBER 2018 | The purpose of EPAP is to prepare for and respond to a catastrophic event that affects our community. In a disaster, electrical power can fail, and telephone, cell phone, and Internet networks will probably stop working. A critical part of EPAP is the Radio Communications System which is independent of electrical power, telephone, and Internet. The system provides an essential link with fire, law enforcement, and medical agencies, and enables communication between District EPAP volunteers within Sun Lakes. The EPAP Communications Unit is headed by Dick Heitman, assisted by eight to 10 volunteers. The Unit works in a radio room in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), located in the Maintenance Building. The Unit provides for radio messaging in any emergency. Within Sun Lakes, trained radio operators are residents representing each District. Licensed Amateur Radio Operators ('Hams") provide communication with emergency operations centers in Banning, Beaumont, local hospitals, medical centers, other nearby communities, and Riverside County Emergency Services. In a disaster, radio communications would be a lifeline to the outside world, sending and receiving information, requesting assistance, and keeping track of residents sent to hospitals. Within each District, vital information is relayed to the EPAP Coordinator, who then contacts the EOC. Radio operators also support each District Medical Rescue Team, and can request medical assistance from the EOC. "There is a shortage of volunteers to staff the EOC and District teams in an emergency," according to Heitman. If an emergency continues for an extended period, radio communications on a 24/7 basis will be vital. Helpers as well as radio operators are needed. EPAP is looking for interested volunteers to take part in this important community organization. There are NO special qualifications or requirements to become a member of the Unit, only an interest and desire to support our community. (However, those who use the ham radios will need to be licensed by the FCC.) Training on operating procedures will be provided, so that each team member knows exactly what to do. For information contact Dick Heitman at 769-1096, or dickheitman@gmail.com. EPAP: COMMUNICATIONS UNIT Radio room in EPAP Operations Center handles all emergency communications for Sun Lakes. Dick Heitman receives reports from radio operators in each District in Sun Lakes. Jeff Burris establishes contact with Banning, Beaumont, neighboring communities, and hospitals. Tina Neugebauer and Dave Klaus contact Riverside County Emergency Services, as well as other agencies.