ARES Set/Exercise 2023

Scenario for 2023 Nevada ARES section Exercise/set on Nov 25th

The Scenario was an unknown hacker group has attacked the power grid in the United States. The power outage hit Nevada midday on November 23, 2023, Thanksgiving Day. Holiday travel has been at record levels. The nationwide power outage has placed the cell providers on very limited backup power, resulting in no coverage. The local Internet and cable TV providers have lost their connectivity due to limited backup power for their systems. Landline telephones are out of service as well.

Citizens are making runs on local stores to purchase food, water and other provisions. Stores require cash only due to their POS systems not working. Major looting is taking place. Gas stations are unable to pump their products. The city water systems are running on emergency power in some areas. Hospitals are on backup generators with limited fuel reserves. Some local public service VHF communication systems are functioning including mountain top repeaters if commercial power is not restored soon the site generators will run out of fuel. The Nevada 800 MHz System is failing due to hacking and loss of power at sites.

Washoe County Emergency Manager and ARES Coordinator. Requested WCARES Team for communication support on Sat 11/23/23. The Team was to provide support communications as needed. Reports from Hospitals, Shelters and Fire Depts was sent to the local REOC for processing.