Madrid, April 09, 2024.- The Government delegate in Madrid, Francisco Martín, has delivered today a total of 12 diplomas to the collaborating staff of the National Emergency Radio Network (REMER) as a public recognition of the disinterested and prolonged dedication in time of these volunteers.
These diplomas are awarded after 4 years of permanence and also at 10, 20, 30, 35 and 40 years of age. This is the way in which the Government Delegation, as the operational command of Civil Protection, wants to highlight the effort and dedication of radio amateurs for their years of work and collaboration.
In the Community of Madrid, the volunteers of the network amount to 165 who, since 2018, are distinguished with these diplomas in recognition of their dedication and permanence as they are fulfilling years in it.
After the presentation of these diplomas, held in the auditorium of the Government Delegation, Francisco Martín wanted to thank the winners “for a task they carry out in an altruistic way, totally selfless and using their free time and their own means, on many occasions”. On behalf of the government, Martín has highlighted “his praiseworthy attitude of public service because it saves lives, being that attitude of prevention, waiting and preparation for so long much more admirable”.
The delegate of the Government has pointed out “the constant technical and technological evolution that the field that REMER collaborators handle as radio amateurs needs, advances that require greater qualification and training to assume new risks that affect people and their property.” “Therefore, due to their perseverance and organization, these volunteers have become an indispensable part of the chain of the National Civil Protection System, which allows us to be preventive.”
Finally, Francisco Martín wanted to encourage those present “to continue working with passion, dedication and perseverance”, pointing out that “Madrid and all of Spain owe a debt of gratitude to you”.
About the REMER
The National Emergency Radio Network is constituted as an alternative state-wide network and complementary to other communications networks used by the General Directorate of Civil Protection and Emergencies of the Ministry of the Interior.
It is composed of accredited radio amateurs, permanent voluntary collaborators of the National Civil Protection System, who use their own means of radio communications to fulfill their citizen right and duty of collaboration in emergencies that they voluntarily assume as members of the REMER. Their collaboration is therefore essential as support for the National Civil Protection System.
Over the last few years, the Emergency Radio Network has been adapting to technological advances, incorporating the use of mobile and social networks as complementary tools. However, radio remains the most effective instrument for communicating in emergency situations, where situations of blackouts, interference or use of inhibitors occur. Thanks to their work, it is possible to avoid the existence of areas without coverage, known as “cracked areas”.
REMER performances in Madrid
With the COPO-22 Protocol, a procedure was established on the flow, format and registration of alerts on adverse weather phenomena of snow in the Community of Madrid, which could be of interest to the Civil Protection Unit.
The protocol was activated between December 3, 2022 and April 30, 2023, thus covering the winter period in which the risk of snowfall is highest.
The FL-23 protocol recorded alerts on forest fires in the Community of Madrid and was activated between June 19 and September 30, 2022. A total of 4 fire sightings were reported during this period.
On September 16, 2023, a stage of the cycling race “La Vuelta” was held, with arrival in the municipality of Guadarrama. From the City Council of this locality and through the Government Delegation in Madrid, the participation of the REMER was requested as an element of support for the communications of the municipal security operation to be deployed on the occasion of that event.
Finally, REMER participated in INUNCAM-23, a simulation on the Flooding Plan of the Community of Madrid executed on November 28, 2023. A total of 18 REMER employees participated in the exercise.