by Kate Shunney
Morgan County’s independent backup emergency communications network has been busy making the most of their radio experience and the gift of two radio towers from the county to build out a secondary layer of connectivity in case of major disaster locally.
The incorporated group — Morgan County Emergency Communications Network, Inc. – will host a Morgan County Preparation Day this Sunday, November 3 to talk about their efforts and what local households can do to be prepared for unforeseen challenges. 
Their first event, to be held at the South Morgan Volunteer Fire Department meeting hall starting at 1 p.m., is an informative training that’s open to the public.
Run by the Morgan County Emergency Communications Network, the event promises a free emergency “Go Bag” to registered attendees. That will include a two-way emergency radio which could be used if other forms of normal communication with emergency authorities don’t work.
Network organizer John Petersen said one radio will be given to each of 200 families.
The Morgan County Commission contributed county funds to help pay for the radios.
In addition to these giveaways, the Preparation Day lineup includes talks by Petersen, Morgan County’s Office of Emergency Services Director Jason Hoover, Morgan County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Johnnie Walter, Morgan County EMS head Kevin Duckwall, Morgan County 911 Director Marshall Younker and a fire service presenter. Each will talk about likely emergency scenarios in this area, how those would affect families and what infrastructure is in place and is important for community operations and recovery.
Network presenters will include Lori Marino of American Contingency. She will talk about resources in place for disaster situations and what households should have on hand to meet the disruptions of an extended disaster event. John Walton, Vice President of Morgan County Emergency Communications Network, Inc., is set to train attendees on the use of two-way radios and talk about communications in an emergency situation.
Petersen said his group, which holds a Memorandum of Understanding with the Morgan County Commission, is an “integral part of the county’s emergency response plan.”
Made up largely of skilled amateur radio operators, the Morgan County Emergency Communications Network is “actively building out a county-wide infrastructure” to add additional communication options for county residents, responders and those outside the area.
In March of 2021, the county gave the group an unused tower at The Pines and in June of 2022, the county gave the group an abandoned tower and building on Cacapon Mountain to use as part of a backup radio network. County officials also agreed to share space in a planned backup Office of Emergency Services building with the Morgan County Emergency Communications Network. Construction of that building has been delayed by the high cost of bids.
“MCECN exists for those unfortunate times when nothing else works,” Petersen said.
He pointed to the events in Tennessee and North Carolina following Hurricane Helene, which created unprecedented and catastrophic flooding that isolated many.
“[It] should serve as a warning that we must come together as a community to help each other make emergency response plans—before a disaster strikes. If we wait until one is upon us, it will simply be too late,” Petersen said.
Morgan County Emergency Communications Network, Inc. is installing radio repeaters on local towers to enhance radio connections. Petersen said his network of members can monitor that two-way radio traffic and “act as an intermediary” between the people and law enforcement or 911 if needed.
The Preparation Day is meant to get households thinking about their level of preparedness, said Petersen.
“You need to be aware of the possibilities in order to be prepared,” he said. “You can’t reasonably respond unless you’re informed.”
“When these things happen, if you haven’t thought about it, you’re already out of time and money and options,” Petersen said.
Those interested in attending the free event can reserve a seat by registering at www.PrepareMorganCounty.com – the group’s private website.
