Posted: 6/14/2007 10:26:46 AM EDT
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Are there any ARES Races members here? I have a quick question. First off do you use your own personal vehicle a lot? We do here in WY. We use them at parades, walks, bike rides, monitoring the air shows, etc. There has been some talk of getting permission to use some sort of emergency lighting to give vehicles more of an official status. The local law enforcement usually know who we are and what were doing but the public usually doesn't. I was curious is any of the other ARES RACES groups use any kind of emergency lighting on their vehicles? |
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I participate in ARES. DO NOT put those faggoty lights on your vehicle! Too hard to show an ID and copy of your license (which you are supposed to have on you anyway...)? That's my opinion, and you don't want to end up here! Scott |
Not hard to show a ID at all. It would just be helpful to have some sort of light or something when I'm parked where I'm not supposed to be or whatever. |
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Why a light? Why not a piece of paper that says "Emergency Communications" on the dash where anyone can read it? Just seems like some folks (not accusing you) want to have any excuse to pretend to be more than they are. We are volunteers who provide comms. We're not professionals, not first responders, etc. Just people. Don't put lights on your car...I beg you!! (both of my comments here are mostly  but I really don't see the need for the light, and I hate the posers.)
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But man, after looking at that site and some of the REACT Teams I'm thinking twice! |
I see what you are saying. I do know that they are getting ARES/RACES Magnetic signs to put on our vehicles when they are in use. |
That would do nicely. Resist the urge, man! Repeat after me: "I don't need lights on my vehicle." Besides, they're illegal in many states unless you are an (real, full time) emergency response vehicle, or licensed cartage guy (tow truck driver/hauler). |
| I'm an Assistant Emergency Coordinator with ARES. Like Scottman said, we simply have dashboard signs with our seal that say "Official Vehicle". Of course we also have ARES IDs but don't expect something like that to get you in where others can't (like through police lines). Maybe if you're on your way to a shelter, EOC, or something but I wouldn't be surprised if you're turned away. We're also getting IDs from the Sheriff's Office that simply ID us (and the fact that we've had the background check the EOC requires) and again don't provide any special privileges. |
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Depending on the area, it may be legal, and might be a good idea to get some amber flashing lights. I know here, blue and red are restricted, but amber is fine. If you are out in a storm and have your car parked by the side of the road, an amber strobe isn't a bad idea. Also for special events if you need to have your vehicle parked in a non standard spot, it is good just so people realize it is there and don't slam into it. As far as I know, all ARES operations happen with personal vehicles, unless you get some rich organization to get some cars. |
RACES/ARES member here, one of the AECs actually. There are no real reasons I see to having any sorts of blinky lights on a POV, some sort of pre-printed sign for everyone to put on teh dash of their car is a low cost wacker-free way to give an idea of who you represent. I'd rather refrain from parking my vechicle where it can be hit, but that's just me. If anyone has lots of lights, feel free to post pics so I can out them on hamsexy myself  |