The Great Shakeout Exercise

All,

Our primary aim of participating in the October 19th SHAKEOUT “Did You Feel It’” (DYFI) exercise is to underscore the remarkable proficiency of Winlink. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) will use this Winlink “Did You Feel It” ground truth data to contribute to the calculations of their earthquake intensity assessments when modeling the Modified Mercalli (MMIS) Intensity Scale, a standard index used for earthquake severity (see Figure 1). This data will contribute to event response products, like PAGER, a system that provides fatality and economic loss impact estimates following significant earthquakes, worldwide, and is used by governments, agencies, NGOs, private companies and citizens.

A secondary and extremely important purpose for emergency management at all levels to participate in this exercise is to illustrate the capabilities of the Winlink system to provide situational awareness ground truth regardless of the specific information gathered. 

When we talk about the Winlink Radio-Email System, we're addressing its several services: CISA SHARES, Amateur Radio and Part 90 Public Safety LMR. These services all come together to play a pivotal role in gathering information.   In addition to bridging to the Internet email system over radio for uninterrupted email delivery, the strength of Winlink lies in its ability to promptly deliver precise and near real-time situational data from the ground, regardless of the circumstances or the subject of data being sourced.