The Mission of the Florida State DCAT is to:

a.   Provide trained communicators in National Traffic System message       handling,  Field Operation, Amateur Television Damage Assessment, ICS, SKYWARD and Auxiliary Radio Communication.

b.   Assist ARES, RACES, REACT, DMAT, OES and CAP groups with radio communication needs.

c. Increase awareness level of the general public of the beneficial uses of 2 way radio in disasters via direct interactions and education.

       Florida State DCAT provides direct assistance to Florida's Emergency Management agencies. The purpose of the mutual aid plan is to back up those Radio Services and Teams in disaster areas. This would provide support to Emergency Management with further resources to meet their needs.

EOC Support:   Many Emergency Management agencies find a shortage of internal staff during a major event. In Flagler, Osceola, Dade, Pinellas and Brevard counties, ARES and REACT Teams provide additional support to their local EOC's. Members help staff radio communications, ESATCOM, LGR, and other county systems. Other Teams staff their own communications, and provide auxiliary communications support to coordinate relief efforts.

Helping with field communications:    Most Public Services Communication Systems overload during a major disaster. Some Amateur Radio Systems overload during a prolong disasters. General Mobile Radio Service, (GMRS) is a UHF system that DCAT utilize. This service, not extensively used a during an emergency.

Amateur Radio Support:   Florida State DCAT works closely with ARES and other amateur radio organizations. A good example of this is in Osceola County after the tornado outbreak. Florida State DCAT mobilized its 50ft tower trailer; UHF repeater, generator and personal to relive fatigue disaster workers for three days. Florida State DCAT members provided communications links to shelters, nursing homes, hospitals, and EOC's during emergencies. By using CB, GMRS, Ham and other forms of communication, they get the job done.

Where is Florida State DCAT helping Emergency Management and others in Florida? 

The following is a list of events that Florida State DCAT was requested to support or assist with in the past eight years.

BREVARD COUNTY

Supported local REACT and ARES communication during the Palm Bay wildfires. Supported local REACT team with {4} public services function.

FLAGLER COUNTY 

Supported Flagler County REACT and helped staff the EOC during wildfires. DCAT members staff the county radio systems, ESATCOM, and numerous other functions. 

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY

Supported ARES communication during the State of Florida 98 Hurricane exercise Assisted over the past {4} years with the Sebastian 4th of July Community with event communication.

Supported ARES shelter communication during Hurricane Floyd.