SATERN (Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network) provides emergency communication support to The Salvation Army and other emergency or disaster responders wherever needed.
Communication is often one of the essential services lost following a large scale disaster. Communication towers and antennas can be destroyed by heavy ice or high winds, and power lines may be knocked down or damaged. The Salvation Army's SATERN emergency response system is a tactical communications network designed to ensure that vital supports reach disaster survivors and workers when they need them most.
To achieve these goals SATERN groups can establish local, long-range and global radio communications networks. SATERN volunteers establish health-and-welfare nets, pass messages between field workers and their respective command posts, string up antennas and operate from emergency generators.
SATERN has traditionally been primarily composed of amateur radio operators who volunteer their time and equipment to provide communications during disasters. However, The Salvation Army responds to many emergencies where telephone, cellular, satellite and internet infrastructure continues to function.
SATERN volunteers are valuable assets, and generally have technical skills that are in high demand by Emergency Disaster Services. For this reason SATERN teams may also set-up and maintain ad-hoc networks including file sharing, email and internet. As well, volunteers may assist at special events and emergency exercises.
The purpose of SATERN is to acquire and train personnel skilled in emergency communications and message handling, who will support Salvation Army operations in local, regional/Divisional, national and international disaster situations.
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For more information on SATERN, please contact us.
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