Operations Order: Winter Storm Activation
Subject: MS ARES Activation – Winter Storm Emergency Communications
I. Situation
A significant winter storm is predicted to impact Mississippi this upcoming weekend, beginning Friday, January 23. This system poses a high risk for travel disruptions, power outages, and extreme cold weather issues. While not all of the state will be directly impacted, there will be significant enough issues that we will all be impacted. Get ready to pass traffic and do the "thing" we do if asked!!
• Served Agencies: Local EMA, NWS, and state agencies requiring emergency communication (emcom) support.
• Weather Conditions: Sub-freezing temperatures and potential frozen precipitation across the state.
II. Mission
Mississippi ARES will activate at 1200 hours (Noon) CT, Friday, January 23, 2026, to provide storm reporting and EMCOM services via DMR, HF, and VHF/UHF networks. Operations will remain active for the duration of the weather event.
III. Execution
1. Concept of Operations
Amateur radio operators will monitor and report local conditions, prioritize life-safety traffic, and support served agencies if primary communications fail.
2. Communication Tasks
• North of I-20: Use North East Mississippi DMR Talkgroup 31285 for storm reports.
• South of I-20: Use Lucedale DMR TG 312801 for storm reports.
• Mississippi Section Phone Net (MSPN): Convene at 1730 hours, 23 Jan, and remain on standby/active as needed for HF support
• HF Frequencies are 3862 KHz SSB and 7238 KHz SSB. Dedicated Net Control Operators may be needed for HF Operations.
• Local Spotting: Use DMR for severe weather traffic; ensure local civil authorities are notified of immediate threats first.
3. Coordinator Instructions
Net control stations (NCS) will manage traffic on designated DMR Talkgroups. Coordination between leadership will be conducted via this GroupMe and local VHF/UHF repeaters.
IV. Administration & Logistics
Personal Readiness: All members should be prepared for a minimum 72-hour self-sufficiency period. Ensure your "Go-Kit" is updated for cold weather.
Emergency Communications Prep Checklist:
• [ ] Charge all HT batteries and backup power banks.
• [ ] Test HF and VHF/UHF antennas for ice-load stability.
• [ ] Verify DMR codeplugs are updated with TG 31285 and TG 312801.
• [ ] Ensure backup power (batteries/generators) is fueled and operational.
• [ ] Program local NWS Skywarn frequencies into mobile/base units.
V. Command & Signal
• Primary Signal: DMR Talkgroups (31285 / 312801) and HF (MSPN).
• Secondary Signal: Local VHF/UHF repeaters.
• Tertiary Signal: GroupMe and SMS Texting (data permitting).
• Safety: Do not attempt mobile operations in hazardous road conditions unless specifically tasked and equipped for such travel.
