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Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Course
Level 1
Version 4 – February 2009
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Acknowledgements
The presenters would like to thank the American Radio Relay League for permission to use copyrighted ARECC Level 1 course material that is included in this classroom presentation material
In addition, supplemental material has been obtained through various sources including the Citizen Corps CERT website, Seattle Emergency Management, King County Emergency Management, Washington Military Department Emergency Management Division, Washington State ARES/RACES, King County ARES/RACES, Seattle ACS, Western Washington Medical Services Team
Slides for this presentation were developed by Brian Daly, WB7OML, EC - King County (WA) District M - Western Washington Medical Services Team and leadership team of the Seattle ACS. Permission is granted to any amateur radio team to use provided credit is given to the developer.
Presenters: Brian Daly WB7OML DeWayne Sennett KE7DXW Alan Jones KD7KUS
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Logistics
Activity Sheet
Course Evaluation Sheet
3 lessons, followed by a short break
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Overview
Welcome! And Thank You!!
We are here to improve professionalism and effectiveness of our public service efforts Share a common base of knowledge, skills and
procedures Learn new skills, new ways of thinking about existing
skills
Make note of any ideas you may have, and submit on the course evaluation sheet
Share stories of how this applies to your local teams
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Introduction
Objectives of the course To provide a baseline level of knowledge
and skill in Amateur Radio Emergency Communications for anyone wishing to assist their local emergency communications organizations
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First, let’s start out with a scenario ….
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Scenario
1,660 dead 24,200 injured 9,700 buildings destroyed 29,000 buildings severely
damages and unsafe 154,000 buildings
moderately damaged with use restricted
130 fires burn All major highways
experience partial closures lasting months
Utilities cut in areas with poor soils
Port facilities badly damaged
Businesses disrupted due to collapsed supply houses, transportation closures, communication outages
Property Damage $33B
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Scenario – Where?
Katrina?
Tsunami?
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Scenario
Scenario for a Magnitude 6.7 Earthquake on the Seattle Fault Seattle Fault M6.7 Shallow Quake Fault Rupture at surface in Bellevue
Losses similar to the M6.7 Northridge earthquake U.S. most costly to date
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Lesson 1: Introduction to Emergency Communications
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What is a Communication Emergency?
A Communication Emergency exists when: A critical communication failure puts the public
at risk
Variety of circumstances leads to a communication emergency Overload or damage to critical day-to-day
systems
What are some potential causes of a Communications Emergency locally?
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Western Washington Communications Emergency
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Arizona Communication Emergencies
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Other Communication Emergencies
PSAP Failure
TerrorismGrid Failure
Hospital/EMS Comm Failure
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Which of these may result in a communication emergency?
Pacific Northwest windstorm Western Washington snowfall of December 2008 Nisqually earthquake 9-1-1 center telephone outage Widespread power outage Cascadia subduction zone earthquake Internal hospital PBX outage Cable television system outage Avalanche at Snoqualmie Pass Western Washington floods of 2007 or 2009
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Disaster
Disaster “ill-starred” “dis” – Latin for “away” “astrum” – Latin for “stars”
Conversations about disaster Typically surrounded by fear and superstition
“Why don’t we tell people what to do when the nation is on Orange Alert against a terrorist attack – instead of just telling
them to be afraid?”
- Amanda Ripley, “The Unthinkable”
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Exercise
Rank order the following disaster risks for Seattle/King County from highest risk to lowest risk
Consider both: Frequency & Effects of the
disaster
Tornadoes Floods Landslides Terrorism Hazmat Incidents Volcanic Eruptions Conflagrations Earthquake Windstorm Tsunami/Seiches Air Crashes Civil Disorders Snowstorm Droughts/Water Shortages
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Seattle Risks
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Useful Reading
http://www.seattle.gov/emergency/
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King County Disasters
King County is at risk for a wide-range of natural, technological, and human-caused disasters
Between 1964 and 2005, King County has had 20 presidential declared disasters most of which were severe weather events
Have the potential for: severe weather events
• floods, ice, wind, and snowstorms landslide risks transportation and fixed-site hazardous material issues could be vulnerable to terrorist activities
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Earthquakes
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Pacific Northwest Earthquakes
Source: earthquake.usgs.gov
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Pacific Northwest Earthquakes
Source: http://www.pnsn.org
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Seattle Earthquakes
Source: earthquake.usgs.gov
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A Few Earthquake Resources
The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network http://www.pnsn.org/
KING5 Earthquake http://www.king5.com/quake/
Washington State Emergency Management http://emd.wa.gov/hazards/haz_earthquakes.shtml
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Pacific Northwest Volcanoes
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Major King County River Systems
http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/waterandland/flooding/documents/flood-hazard-management-plan.aspx
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King County Flooding
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2006 Flooding
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Winter Weather
King County Snow & Ice Plan http://www.govlink.org/storm/roads.asp
City of Seattle Snow & Ice Plan http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/snowandice.htm
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Emergency Coordination Zones
Emergency Coordination Zone 1 - East King County was created from former
Fire Zones 1 and 2 Emergency Coordination
Zone 3 – South King County was created from a merger
of Fire Zones 3 and 4 in July 2002
Emergency Coordination Zone 5 - the City of Seattle
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King County Disaster Plan
The population density, complex system of governance, and significant risks we face (for both natural and technological disasters) created the need to plan for a coordinated response among public, private, tribal and nonprofit entities in King County
http://www.metrokc.gov/prepare/programs/regionalplan.aspx
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Arizona Earthquakes
Source: http://www4.nau.edu/geology/aeic/aeic.html
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What Makes a Good Emcomm Volunteer?
Common Attributes: Desire to help others without personal gain of
any kind Ability to work as a member of a team Ability to take direction from others Think and act quickly
• Under stress and pressure of an emergency
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Where Do You Fit In?
Amateurs bring: Equipment Skills Frequencies
Create expedient emergency communications network under poor conditions Flexible, expandable
We are licensed & preauthorized for national and international communications
However….
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Where Do You Fit In?
Radios, Frequencies and Basic Radio Skills are not enough!
Without specific emergency communication skills, you can easily become part of the problem
Technical and Operating Skills are critical… And so is your ability to function as a team
player within your organization as well as the organization you are serving
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What You Are Not
Important to know your limits of responsibility as an emergency communicator
Specifically: You are not a first responder You have no authority
• Cannot make decisions for others
• Cannot make demands on the served agency You can & should make decisions affecting your own
health & safety
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What You Are Not
You cannot “do it all” If the served agency runs short of specialized
help, it is not your job to fill it• especially if you are not trained for the job!
But you can fill in an urgent need or perform jobs where communication is an integral part, if you are qualified
You are not in charge!
Leave your ego at the door!
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Day-to-Day vs. Emergency Communications
“Day-to Day” Amateur Radio No pressure to get a message through Do things at your leisure No one’s life depends on it
Public Service Events Scheduled and Planned
Field Day Plan for 2-day operation
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Day-to-Day vs. Emergency Communications
Emergency Communications
May involve both Amateurs and non-Amateurs
Happen in real-time• Unplanned, little or no warning• May go on for several days
May have several nets simultaneously• Pass critical messages in a limited timeframe
Portable stations, quickly set up and operational anywhere
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The Missions
Varies with specific agency served Example: American Red Cross
• Provide communications needed to maintain shelters and other relief efforts
Example: State/Local Emergency Management• Interagency communications• “eyes and ears” of the emergency managers
What are some of the missions you might see?
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Communicating – Job #1
Important to remember your job is: “communicating”
Communicating does not automatically imply amateur radios Be prepared to use any means required
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Communicating – Job #1
Our job – GET THE MESSAGE THROUGH Don’t think about how to use the ham radio to
send the message ---
Just think about the best and fastest way to send it
• If the best way is a FAX, cell phone, CB or FRS – use it
• If an agency asks you to use their radio system, use it
Your Operating Skills are just as important as your Ham Radio Resources
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Anatomy of a Communications Emergency
Early phase of a disaster Severe storm “watch” or “warning” period
In many cases, no immediate need for emergency communications
• Earthquake may be an exception
Monitor developments and prepare to deploy
Some nets may be activated• Hurricane, Skywarn
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Anatomy of a Communications Emergency
Once need for more communication resources is identified Served agency puts out call to volunteers
• Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
• Field locations
“Rapid Response Team” (RRT) Minimal, quick response in a very short time Backed up by a more robust response after 1-2 hours
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Anatomy of a Communications Emergency
“Resource” or “Logistics” net may be established Handle incoming emcomm volunteers Direct resources where needed most Unassigned volunteers check in and monitor
Once Operations Begin…
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Anatomy of a Communications Emergency
Message Volume Grows Quickly Confusion
Relief Operators
Replacement Operators
Food and Water
Sleeping Accommodations
Batteries
Fuel
Radio Failures
Antenna Failures
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Communication Assignments
Staffing a Shelter Handle calls for
information, supplies, personnel
“Shadowing” Communication link for
an official
Gathering Weather Information
Collecting/Transmitting Damage Reports
Pass health/welfare inquires
Pass messages outside of the disaster area
Handle logistical needs for served agency
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Need for Flexibility
Nets will be set up, re-arranged, and dismantled as needs change Remain flexible to meet needs of served
agency
Over time, communication needs diminish Nets closed Operators released
Not long after the operation has ended…
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After-Action Review
Review the effectiveness of response Within the emergency communications group,
and/or with the served agency• Format can be a formal net, email, or face-to-
face meeting Should occur as soon as possible
Critiques done properly can greatly improve yourorganization’s – and your own - effectiveness
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Lesson 1 Activities
1a. List three ways in which Emergency Communications are similar to Non-emergency Communications.
1b. List six ways in which Emergency Communications differ from Non-emergency Communications.
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Lesson 1 Questions
1. When does a communication emergency exist?
A. Whenever the public is at risk.
B. When there is an earthquake in your area and the public is inconvenienced.
C. When a critical communication system fails and the public is inconvenienced.
D. When a critical communication system fails and the public is put at risk.
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Lesson 1 Questions
2. Which of the following is it most important for an emcomm group to do at the end of an emergency communication operation?
A. Review the effectiveness of its response.
B. Take photos of the activity.
C. Call the local newspaper to schedule interviews.
D. Review the activities of the first responders.
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Lesson 1 Questions
3. Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of emergency communicators?
A. Making demands on the agency being served.
B. Having radios, frequencies and basic radio skills.
C. Being licensed and preauthorized for national and international communications.
D. Possessing emergency communication skills.
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Lesson 1 Questions
4. Which of the following describes the function of a Rapid Response Team (RRT)?
A. To handle large-scale emergencies over an extended period.
B. To deploy a quick response in a very short time.
C. To establish and operate a storm watch prior to any emergency.
D. To review the effectiveness of an emergency communication group.
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Lesson 1 Questions
5. In an emergency situation -- when a served agency asks you to forward an urgent message -- which one of the following methods would you NOT employ?
A. CB radio
B. Family radio
C. Informal, conversational grapevine
D. The served agency's own radio system.
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Supplemental Exercise
Information to Send List of requested hospital supplies
CERT Team report from neighborhood search
SITREP to full team membership
Tactical communications from local shelter
Specific patient information for transfer from one facility to another
Communication Method Amateur Radio
FAX Machine
Internet email
FRS Radio
Landline phone
Match the information to an appropriate communication method
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Lesson 1 References
ARRL Public Service Communications Manual http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/pscm/sec1-ch1.html
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Lesson 2 – The Served Agency Relationship
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Attitude is Everything
“Working with ham radio operators is like herding cats.. Get them the heck out of here!” Words of one emergency management official
Attitude is everything! This has been a weak point for amateurs historically Will most affect your relationship with the served
agency
Amateur means we are not paid for our efforts
Professionalism means getting the job done efficiently – with a minimum of fuss!
Think of Yourself as an Unpaid Employee
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Who Works for Whom?
You work for them! “Them” being the served agency
Your job? Meet the communication needs of the served agency
How to end a relationship with an agency: Be a “Know it all” “I will show you how good I am and how inadequate you
are” “I can do this better than you!”
But I thought “volunteers” do not have to take orders…
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Taking Orders
You do not have to “take orders” as a volunteer
However…as a volunteer… You implicitly agree to accept and comply with
reasonable orders and requests from your “employer”
If you are not comfortable with this, then don’t volunteer
But what if there is a situation where you can’t comply…
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Handling Situations Where You Can’t Comply
Situations where you may not be able to comply include: Personal, Related to safety and health, You do not consider yourself
qualified or capable of meeting the demand,
Or perhaps the request is something that is not permitted under FCC rules
How to Handle: Respectfully explain the
situation Work with the served
agency or your superiors in the communications group
Come up with an alternate solution
If discussion becomes difficult or uncomfortable Pass the discussion to your
emcomm superiors to handle
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Scenario
What would you do in these circumstances?
1. Your agency has asked you to relay a message on their 800MHz system. You have not been trained on this system.
2. Your agency has asked you to pass a patient’s name and specific health details to another hospital.
3. Your agency representative (non-licensed) tells you to run an errand and while you are gone, he will operate the amateur radio station and pass several messages that he has written.
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How are Volunteers Viewed?
“Less than useful” or “Part timers” Professionals view when they don’t work regularly with
competent volunteers Some agencies have learned volunteers cannot be
depended upon when needed most Need a positive, and long established relationship
Professionals Great amount of time and effort into skills and training “able to handle all possible situations without outside
assistance”
Middle of Incident is not the time to change “we don’t need you” attitude
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Non-Communicating Roles
I thought you said our job should be limited to “communicating”? Yes and no…
Events happen quickly, agency’s communications must move fast too
Job description is more like…. “any function that also includes communication” Defined by the served agency
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Non-communicating Roles
Because the job description may be broad… Pre-planning to clearly define jobs is essential Obtain job-specific training in advance Take part in exercises and drills
Flexibility is becoming increasingly important to continue our contribution to public safety
as Amateur Radio Operators
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Example Job Descriptions
Radio operator, using Amateur or served agency’s radio systems
Dispatcher, organizing the flow of personnel, vehicles, and supplies
Resource coordinator, organizing assignments of disaster relief volunteers
Damage assessor, evaluating and reporting damage conditions
Van driver, moving people and supplies from location to location
Searcher, also providing communication for a search and rescue team
What are some other examples?
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Served Agency Relationships
Define general relationships Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Statement of Understanding (SOU) Statement of Affiliation (SOA)
Actual working relationships are more precisely defined at the local level
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Example Relationships
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Statement of Affiliation,
making ARES an affiliate member of DHS's Citizen's Corp community readiness program
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Military Affiliate Radio
System (MARS) and at the national level with ARRL
American Red Cross Chapters may have their
own communication teams, or they may have a SOU with a local ARES group
The Salvation Army Salvation Army Team
Emergency Radio Network (SATERN)
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Example Relationships
State and Local Emergency Management Radio Amateur Civil
Emergency Service (RACES)
SKYWARN Sponsored by the
National Weather Service
SKYWARN volunteers collect on the spot weather observations
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Talking to the Press
Press will be hunting for any tidbit of information
They should never get information regarding a served agency or its efforts from you Don’t try to put yourself in the
spotlight
Refer all requests to the served agency’s public spokesperson or “Public Information Officer”
Consequences for unauthorized comments could include being asked to leave – or worse
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FCC Rules on Supporting News Gathering
§97.113(b) Prohibited transmissions An amateur station shall not engage in any form of
broadcasting, nor may an amateur station transmit one-way communications except as specifically provided in these rules; nor shall an amateur station engage in any activity related to program production or news gathering for broadcasting purposes, except that communications directly related to the immediate safety of human life or the protection of property may be provided by amateur stations to broadcasters for dissemination to the public where no other means of communication is reasonably available before or at the time of the event.
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What if the Press is Bugging You?
Explain that they are impeding you from doing your job
Refer the reporter to the PIO or another emcomm management person
If your organization permits, you may discuss your part of the emergency communication effort But only if separate from the served agency (i.e. ARES)
“Press policy” should be defined in advance by emcomm group and served agency All team members should know the policy
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Scenario
There has been a major disaster. You are located at a field location where patients have just been transported to your Hospital. A TV reporter at your location asks you to ask the Hospital how many patients have admitted to the Hospital so that he can report it on the next newscast.
What do you do?
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Volunteering Where You are Not Known
Emergency occurs in a neighboring area Where you are not a member of the responding
communication group Or perhaps your own group and you have not been active
It is best to make your offer before making any significant preparations, or leaving home
It is possible that your offer might be welcomed, but it is equally possible that it will be refused Served agency has specific requirements, such as
specialized training, official IDs, and time consuming background checks
Most emcomm managers prefer to work only with operators whose abilities and limitations they know
If you are turned away, accept the situation gracefully
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Volunteering Where You are Not Known
If your offer of assistance is accepted, the situation you find may vary quite a bit Well-organized effort
• Your role will be clear• Someone to help orient you to the response effort, provide
any required information, and answer your questions
Not so well-organized effort• You might be given an assignment, but with little
additional information or support• Should be prepared to improvise and fend for yourself
Best time to offer your services to an emcomm group is well before any emergency occurs
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Mutual Assistance
An emcomm group should define in advance procedures for supporting the mission With team members you are familiar with With “spontaneous volunteers” which includes:
• Your team members you may not be familiar with
• Amateurs from the local community whom you are not familiar with
• Amateurs from neighboring communities (or perhaps even across the country)
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Mutual Assistance Resources
First Resource Locally registered, trained, and equipped team
members Second Resource
Registered and trained members/team from a nearby jurisdiction
Third Resource Spontaneous volunteers, those that just “show up” Can cause more problems Each individual evaluated and judged on their own
merits
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Worker’s Compensation
Worker’s Compensation Law is Complex Regulated by individual state’s laws Some states, Worker’s Compensation insurance coverage
may be extended to volunteers• Working on behalf of a government or non-profit agency
In many cases, volunteers are not paid employees of the served agency, and are not covered
Emcomm managers should investigate own state laws See 118-04 Washington Administrative Code
• http://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=118-04 See 38.52 Revised Code of Washington (RCW)
• http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=38.52
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Scenario
Are these scenarios covered or not covered under the Emergency Worker Program (118-04)?
1. An earthquake occurs and you respond to your local hospital.
2. You and your significant other have just finished an evening of celebration which included wine. You get a call to deploy to your assigned location.
3. You are deploying to your EOC assignment and in trying to get to the EOC as quickly as possible, you run a red light.
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Scope of WAC 118-04
Emergencies, disasters, and related incidents that are determined by appropriate state or local authorities to require the use of emergency workers and that are authorized by the issuance of an emergency management division mission number.
Search and rescue missions, including urban search and rescue and evidence search missions, that are conducted under the authority of local law enforcement officers and that are authorized by issuance of an emergency management division mission number.
Training events authorized by issuance of an emergency management division training event number.
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Registration
Emergency workers shall register in their jurisdiction of residence or in the jurisdiction where their volunteer organization is headquartered by completing and filing an emergency worker registration card, Form EMD-024 or equivalent, with the local emergency management agency The information provided during registration may be used by local
authorized officials to conduct criminal history and driving record background checks
Failure to truthfully respond to statements set forth on the registration form may result in the denial of registration, revocation of registration as an emergency worker, or denial of compensation for claims or damage.
Each emergency worker shall be assigned to an emergency worker class as listed in WAC 118-04-100 in accordance with their skills, abilities, licenses, and qualifications. Communications includes, but is not limited to, any emergency
communications activities carried out in accordance with approved state or local emergency operations and communications plans.
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Highlights of WAC 118-04
Personal Responsibilities Be aware of and comply with all applicable responsibilities &
requirements Notify on-scene official if they have been using any medical prescription
or other drug that may render them impaired, unfit or unable to carry their assignment.
Comply with all other requirements as determined by the authorized official using their services
Inform the on-scene authorized official whether they are mentally and physically fit for their assigned duties.
• If not fit for currently assigned duties may request a less demanding assignment that is appropriate to their current capabilities
Prohibited Use of narcotics or any illegal controlled substance Alcohol
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When Are You On-Duty?
Emergency workers are considered to be on duty when they are performing their duties during a mission, evidence search mission, or training event authorized by the emergency management division and they are under the direction and control of an authorized official.
Upon notification by an authorized official to report to duty at a specific time and place, emergency workers are entitled to the benefits and provisions under chapter 38.52 RCW when acting in compliance with such notification and these rules. Eligibility for compensation shall be limited to the time and
distance necessary to travel to the duty station, performance of services, and reasonable time and reasonable time to return to the point of origin.
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Vehicles, Vessels, or Aircraft
Must possess valid operator’s license
All emergency workers driving vehicles to or from a mission must possess a valid driver's license and required insurance. Use of private vehicles, vessels, boats, or aircraft by
emergency workers in any mission, training event, or other authorized activity without liability insurance required by chapter 46.29 RCW is prohibited
• Washington 25/50/10 for autos Unless specifically directed otherwise by an authorized
official in accordance with RCW 38.52.180
Must adhere to all applicable traffic regulations during any mission, training event, or other authorized activity
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What If I Get Injured?
Eligibility Requirements The injured person shall have been a registered emergency worker, activated by
an authorized official for an authorized activity under the provisions of chapter 38.52 RCW, and shall have reported to or been in the process of reporting to the authorized on-scene official.
In the event of injury to an emergency worker, the responsible agency's on-scene authorized official shall be notified as soon as possible.
Documentation shall include any reports, mission logs, ambulance and hospital bills, receipts, medical reports, or other information helpful in describing the extent of the injury, the circumstances under which the injury occurred, and the costs that were incurred as a result of the injury.
The injury, disability, or death shall not have been caused by the willful misconduct, gross negligence, or bad faith of the claimant.
Only property that is deemed necessary and reasonable for the mission activity shall be considered for compensation, if lost or damaged.
Compensation for the loss or theft of property left unsecured or for damage which could have been prevented through reasonable care may be denied.
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WAC 118-04 After Action Reporting
After action reports shall be filed for: All missions
• The required information includes location and other data on the incident, response, weather conditions, results, and resources used.
Training events. • The required information includes data on the training
activities conducted, resources used, problems noted, corrective actions assigned, and other information of a training nature.
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WAC 118-04 After Action Reporting
WAC 118-04 After Action Reports Shall Include Information from the participating emergency workers,
including individual daily activity reports, other reports, rosters, mission event and communications logs,
Lost person information forms Training event logs Plans of instruction Instructor lists Any other information that may be helpful in a
descriptive reconstruction of the mission or training event
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Does an ARES team automatically fall under WAC 118-04 for all activities?
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Other Legal Protections
Federal Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 Services to government agencies or Section 501c(3)
organizations are provided immunity from liability• If acting within scope of official duties
Provides broad liability protection for Amateurs in most contexts, especially under ARES
Exceptions:• Cause harm while operating a motor vehicle• Grossly negligent• Engages in criminal acts
http://www.races.net/voluntr.html
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Good Samaritan Law
RCW 4.24.300 Immunity from liability for certain types of medical care Any person, including but not limited to a volunteer provider
of emergency or medical services, who without compensation or the expectation of compensation renders emergency care at the scene of an emergency or who participates in transporting, not for compensation, therefrom an injured person or persons for emergency medical treatment shall not be liable for civil damages resulting from any act or omission in the rendering of such emergency care or in transporting such persons, other than acts or omissions constituting gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct
• Any person rendering emergency care during the course of regular employment and receiving compensation or expecting to receive compensation for rendering such care is excluded
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Lesson 2 Activities
1. Locate the ARRL website. Conduct a search for the Statement of Understanding (SOU) between The American Red Cross and ARRL. List three forms of assistance the Red Cross may request of ARRL ARES and NTS. (Hint: when searching the ARRL website, search on the term MOU rather than SOU).
2. If you were asked to develop a Statement of Understanding (SOU) between your local emcomm group and a local served agency, what general topics would you include?
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Lesson 2 Questions
1. Which of the following best describes your main job as an emergency communicator?
A. Dispatcher, organizing the flow of vehicles, personnel, and supplies.
B. Weather spotter.
C. Radio operator, using Amateur or served agency radio systems.
D. Resource coordinator, organizing the assignments of disaster relief volunteers.
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Lesson 2 Questions
2. Which of the following best describes the role of a modern emergency communicator?
A. You are strictly limited to communication tasks.
B. You may be asked to serve any function that includes communication.
C. You do anything a served agency asks.
D. Discuss the situation with the served agency, and develop an alternative solution.
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Lesson 2 Questions
3. If you are asked by a served agency to perform a task that falls outside FCC rules, which of the following is a proper response?
A. Document the request, and then do what is asked.
B. Document the request, but refuse to do it.
C. Leave immediately.
D. Discuss the situation with the served agency, and develop an alternative solution.
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Lesson 2 Questions
4. In an emergency situation, which of the following is the most appropriate response that you as an emcomm group member can make to an inquiry from the press?A. Answer any question that you are asked.B. Volunteer information and make yourself
helpful to them.C. Refer all inquiries to the served agency's
public information officer (PIO).D. Ignore them and hope they will go away.
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Lesson 2 Questions
5. Which of the following will most affect your relationship with a served agency?
A. Your radio and electronic equipment.
B. Your knowledge of FCC regulations.
C. Your attitude.
D. Your radio skills.
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Lesson 2 Reference Links
Reference links: American Red Cross - www.redcross.org The Salvation Army - www.salvationarmy.org SKYWARN - www.SKYWARN.org Military Affiliate Radio Service (Army) -
www.asc.army.mil/mars/default.htm Federal Emergency Management Agency - www.fema.gov ARRL MOUs (SOUs) with various agencies -
www.arrl.org/Fand ES/field/mou/index.html ARRL -- Served Agencies -
www.arrl.org/FandES/field/pscm/sec1-ch7.html
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Lesson 3 - Network Theory and the Design of Emergency Communication
Systems
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Network Theory
Study of information transfer between multiple points
During an emergency Messages vary greatly in terms of length, content,
complexity, and other characteristics Available communication pathways vary in how well
they handle messages having different characteristics
Network theory is the process of matching a particular message to the best communication pathway
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Single versus Multiple Destinations
Broadcasting and one-to-one (exclusive) communication channels Some messages are for one single addressee
while others need to be received by multiple locations simultaneously
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Simplex Radio System
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Remote Base System
This is the same as Simplex, except the transmitter is on a hilltop or other high object
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Repeater System
Transmit and Receive on different frequencies
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Simulcast Radio System
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Simulcast with Voting Receivers
Remote or satellite receivers are used in addition to regular repeater receivers to pick up relatively weak portable and mobile signals
Audio from these receivers is routed to a central voting comparator or voter where the best received audio is selected
The strongest signal is not always selected; that with the highest signal-to-noise ratio is typically best
Selected audio may come from multiple receivers during a single transmission
Some systems are configured to lock on to a single receiver, once chosen, for a transmission
Selected audio is routed to the ultimate receiving locations, such as consoles or repeaters for retransmission
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Simulcast with Voting Receivers
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High Precision versus Low Precision
Precision is not the same as accuracy All messages must be received accurately
• Sending a list of names or numbers requires precision at the "character" level
• A report that "the lost hiker has been found" does not require precision at the character level
Over low-precision communications channels (such as voice modes) even letters of the alphabet can be misinterpreted
• Unless a phonetic system, feedback, or error-correcting mechanism is used
• Typing out a low precision message that "the delivery van containing the coffee has arrived at this location" on a high-precision packet link = more time consuming (and inefficient) than a simple voice report
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Precision and Message Handling
Precision is a point of confusion in message handling Not all messages need high precision Sending a message that needs low precision using
formal high precision methods will waste time and tie up the communications channel
Tactical messages generally do not need high precision Formal message traffic generally needs high precision
ICS-213 forms May be high or low precision depending upon content
If you are not sure – ask the originator
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Complexity
Which of these is a more complex message? A doctor at a hospital may use a radio to instruct an
untrained field volunteer how to splint a fractured leg A shelter manager may report that he is out of water
Long and complicated messages Recipient cannot remember or comprehend the entire
message upon its arrival Detailed maps, long lists, complicated directions, and
diagrams • Hard copy or electronic storage for later reference• Fax, email, and packet radio provide this
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Timeliness
Some messages are extremely time-critical Others can tolerate delays without adverse effect
Relief workers/communicators are very busy people Handling non-time-critical messages may prevent them
from handling a more pressing emergency
Highly time-critical messages must get through without delay
Timeliness includes the establishment of a communications link
Total elapsed time from the time the message originates to the time it is delivered to its final
party
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Priority
QSK Ability to "break in" on a communication in progress
Example: communication pathway is in use with a lengthy, but low-priority, message. A need suddenly arises for a high-priority message Can the high-priority message take precedence and
interrupt the low priority one to gain access to the channel?
Some communications modes allow for this; others do not
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Characteristics of Communication Channels
Consider the communication channels that might be used in an emergency
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The Telecom Network
http://www.artesyncp.com/resources/teledata/
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Telephone
Surprisingly reliable one-to-one communication pathway Ideal for messages containing sensitive or confidential
information, such as casualty lists
No specialized communication training required
Localized and small-scale emergencies Operational with plenty of unused capacity
Large-scale disasters Complex central switching and control system can quickly
become overloaded Power
Very good for transferring simple information requiring low precision
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Cellular Phone
Simple to operate - do not require a licensed communication volunteer Ideally suited to one-to-one communications
Lightweight and can be carried in a pocket
Reliant on a complex central switching and control system that is subject to failure or overloading Designed for busy hour capacity, limited battery life
both on handset and at cell site
There is no "go to simplex" contingency option with cellular phones
Unlike landline, cellular phones have RF issues…
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Cellular RF Issues
Multipath
Fading
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FAX
Fax machines are widely available Computers modems can send and receive fax
High-precision, lengthy, and complex information Four-page list of first-aid supplies can be faxed much
faster than it can be read over a voice channel and transcribed
Permanent record of the message as part of the transfer process
Rely on the phone system, and add one more piece of technology and opportunity for failure Require 120Vac
• Is an inverter part of your emcomm equipment?
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Two-Way Voice Radio
Simple and easy to operate Public service bands or ham frequencies, whether SSB or FM, via
repeater or simplex
Operate on multiple frequencies
Generally self-contained, enhancing portability and increasing reliability of the system in adverse environmental conditions
Ideal for broadcasting
However, while a message is being transferred between two stations, the entire channel is occupied, preventing other stations from communicating Using radio for one-to-one communication can be very distracting to
stations not involved in the exchange Low precision inherent in voice modes of communication
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Trunked Radio
Conventional system, frequencies are allocated for channel use by function Dispatch, car-to-car,
tactical, mutual aid, etc.
In a trunk radio system, all users share a pool of frequencies
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Trunked Radio Systems
Highly popular with public service agencies
Fundamental purpose behind trunking … Allow increased message density on fewer circuits
But when an emergency strikes and communication needs skyrocket, the channels quickly become saturated Priority queue results, and messages are delayed Medium and low priority messages, and even some
high-priority messages, might not get through unless important stations are assigned a higher priority in the system's programming
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Trunked Radio Systems
Trunked systems rely on a complex central signaling system to dynamically handle the mobile frequency assignments If the central control unit
goes down, the entire system — base and mobile units — must revert to a pre-determined simplex or repeater-based arrangement
Risky in emergency situations because of the small number of frequencies available to the system
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Trunked Radio System
Message on Channel 1 same frequency
Reply on Channel 1 same frequency
Conventional System
Message on Talkgroup 1, uses frequency 1
Reply on Talkgroup 1, uses frequency 6
Next message on Talkgroup 1, uses frequency 3
Next reply on Talkgroup 1, uses frequency 8
The frequencies are entirely random within the system and dependent upon which frequencies are available at that exact moment
Trunked System
If the system uses a repeater, then Tx and Rx are different frequencies but do not change
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Talkgroup
On conventional radio systems, frequencies are allocated according to channel use, i.e., one frequency for dispatch, one for car-to-car use, one for mutual aid use, etc.
On trunked radio systems, a different method for identification is used since any frequency can be used by any agency on that system “Talkgroup” is analogous to “channel”
This method involves the use of various numbers called "trunking IDs" or "talkgroups IDs" used to identify different agencies and their uses
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Trunked Radio Types
Most Common in U.S.: Motorola - Type I, II, IIi
Hybrid, Smartnet, Smartzone, & Privacy Plus systems.
EDACS (Enhanced Digital Access Communication System - owned by M/A-COM)
LTR (Logic Trunked Radio - mainly used in the private business sector)
Other Systems: iDEN Harmony MPT-1327 OpenSky SmarTrunk Tetra
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Digital Trunked Radio System
APCO Project 25, or “P-25” Public safety industry standard developed by the Association
of Public Safety Communications Officials
Interoperability according to a public safety industry standard and not by system manufacturer Coordinate communications with other agencies and
jurisdictions Purchase radios and other equipment from more than one
vendor Upgrade or migrate systems without replacing all your
equipment Share resources with other organizations to control costs
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Example Trunked System
http://www.macom-wireless.com/news/EDACS_VIDA.pdf
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Packet Radio
Facilitate high-precision message transfer Near-perfect accuracy in transmission and reception Permanent record of the message for later reference No need for a conversion step before transmission
Generally self-contained
Perfect for the distribution of high-precision information to a large number of destinations simultaneously
Real-time packet messages require the operator to use a keyboard Common packet protocols are inefficient when transferring precision
graphics, drawings, and all but the most rudimentary maps
May not be reliable along marginal RF paths
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Store-and-Forward Systems
Bulletin boards, messaging gateways, electronic mailboxes, etc Subset of packet radio
Non-time-critical messages and reference material Good for when sender and receiver cannot be available
simultaneously
Not limited to digital modes Voice-answering machines, NTS-like arrangement of liaison stations can function as
voice-based store-and-forward systems
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Other Modes
Slow-scan television Fast-scan television Satellite communications Human couriers Internet Email WinLink IRLP, Echolink
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Planning and Preparation
Give advance thought to the kinds of information that might need to be passed during each kind of emergency they wish to consider Will maps need to be transferred? What about long lists of names, addresses, supplies, or
other detailed identification? Will the communications consist mostly of short status
reports? Will the situation likely require transfer of detailed
instructions, directions, or descriptions? Will they originally be in verbal, written, or electronic
form?
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Planning and Preparation
Consider the origins and destinations of the messages Will one station be disseminating information to
multiple remote sites? Will there be a lot of one-to-one messages? Will one station be overloaded while others sit
idle? Will a store-and-forward system, even via
voice, be useful or necessary?
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Planning and Preparation
Content of the messages should also be considered Will a lot of confidential or sensitive information be
passed? Will there be a need for break-in or interruption for
pressing traffic or can one station utilize (tie up) the communications link for a while with no adverse consequences?
Frequency of occurrence (count of messages) of each type should also be estimated
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Planning and Preparation
Most important step: The characteristics of the high-volume
messages should be matched to one or more appropriate communication pathways
Take action to increase the likelihood that the needed modes will be available during the emergency …
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Planning and Preparation
“Jump kit" emergency packs contain 2-meter radios, extra batteries and roll-up antennas
How about doing the same thing for some additional communication modes, too? Put a list of critical phone numbers (including fax numbers,
pager numbers, cellular numbers) in your kit. Make sure your local packet digipeater has battery backup. If you are likely to be assigned to a school, church, or office
building, see if you can get a copy of the instructions for using the fax machine to keep in your kit.
If the phones are out, know how to interface the fax machine to your radio.
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Planning and Preparation
Advance scouting It is a good idea to see if fax machines are in place and
whether they will be accessible in an emergency. • Is there a supply of paper available?
Are the packet digipeaters within range of every likely communication post?
Can computers be made available or will hams have to provide their own?
How will backup power be provided to the computers? Can a frequency list be developed, along with
guidelines of when and how to use each frequency?
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Planning and Preparation
Contingency planning = critical importance How many times has a repeater gone down,
and only then did the communicators wish they had agreed in advance on an alternate simplex frequency?
What will you do if you need to send a map and the fax machine power fails?
Suppose you are relying on cellular phones and the cellular network fails?
Remember, if you plan for problems, they cease to be problems and become merely a part of the plan.
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Planning and Preparation
Training Manning roster, assignment lists, and contingency
plans • Tied in to the training and proficiency
Questions you might want to ask are: • Who knows how to use a cellular phone? • Who knows how to use fax software? • Who knows how to upload or download a file from a
packet BBS? • Who knows how to touch-type?
A little advance planning and effort can go a long way to turning a volunteer mobilization into a versatile, effective,
professional-quality communication system
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Planning and Preparation
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Planning and Preparation
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Lesson 3 Activities
1. Make a list of the kinds of messages that might need to be handled during a communication emergency likely in your area. Match the kind of message (tactical messages, served agency manpower requests, welfare inquiries, medical information, casualty lists, requests for supplies, shelter resident lists, etc) with the appropriate communication mode(s) (packet or other digital modes, FM phone, CW, HF SSB, etc.)
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Lesson 3 Questions
1. What mode should be used to send a list of casualties?
A. VHF repeater system.
B. A secure mode.
C. Packet radio.
D. An HF net.
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Lesson 3 Questions
2. What types of messages are good to send by fax?
A. High precision, lengthy and complex messages.
B. Simple low-precision, and short messages.
C. Messages to many destinations simultaneously.
D. High detail color photographs.
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Lesson 3 Questions
3. What types of messages should be handled by a packet bulletin board system?A. Time sensitive messages of immediate
priority.B. Low precision messages.C. Non-time-critical messages and reference
material, when the sender and receiver cannot be available simultaneously.
D. Messages to be "broadcast" to numerous stations.
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Lesson 3 Questions
4. What is the pitfall that is common to telephone, cellular phone and trunked radio systems?A. They do not take advantage of the benefits of
Amateur Radio.B. They are all difficult to use.C. They are seldom available at shelters and
public safety agencies.D. They all require the use of a complex central
switching system that is subject to failure in a disaster situation.
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Lesson 3 Questions
5. Which of the following is an example of an efficient communication?
A. A ham communicating a lengthy list of needed medical supplies over a voice net.
B. A lengthy exchange between two stations on a primary voice net channel being shared by a large number of users.
C. Typing out a digital message that "the delivery van containing the coffee has arrived at this location" on a high-precision packet link.
D. Sending a shelter list on the office fax machine.
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Lesson 3 References
For more information on this topic, see "Network Theory and the Design of Emergency Communication Systems" Part 1, October 1997 QST, Public Service column. Part 2 appears in November 1997 QST, Public Service. See also a discussion of communications theory in The ARRL Emergency Coordinator's Manual.
For more information on any of the elements presented, please consult the following links: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/pscm/index.html
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Lesson 3 References
For additional general information, please see The ARRL Operating Manual, chapter on emergency communications. See also the ARRL ARES Field Resources Manual. For local information, or to learn more about ARES and NTS net operation in your area, contact your Section Manager (SM) (http://www.arrl.org/field/org/smlist.html.), your Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC) or District Emergency Coordinator (DEC). See also The ARRL Net Directory for a list of ARES and NTS nets operating in your area.
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Lesson 4 – Emergency Communication Organizations and Systems
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Why is organization important to emcomm?
Imagine a random group of volunteers trying to tackle a full-scale disaster communication emergency, working together for the first time
They do not know each other well, have very different approaches to solving the same problem, and half of them want to be in charge
Get the picture?
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Why is organization important to emcomm?
Emcomm organizations: Provide training Provide a forum to share ideas and develop workable
solutions to problems in advance of a real disaster
When the time comes to assist the served agency, you will be as prepared as you can be. Response will occur more smoothly Challenges will be dealt with productively The served agency's needs met
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ARES
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Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)
Program sponsored by the ARRL since 1935 Part of the League's field organization, which is
composed of "Sections“• Most Sections are entire states, but some larger states
have two or more Sections• Washington – 2 Sections
Elected Section Manager (SM) appoints the ARES leadership
Some larger Sections are further divided into two or more Districts
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ARRL Sections
Western Washington Section (WWA)
Eastern Washington Section (EWA)
http://www.arrl.org/sections/EWA.html
http://www.arrl.org/sections/WWA.html
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ARES Organization Structure
Assistant SectionEmergency Coordinator
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Washington ARES Regions
http://www.wastateares.org/
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WWA ARES Leadership
Western WA ARRL Section Manager Jim Pace, K7CEX
Western WA ARES Section Emergency Coordination (SEC)
Ken Dahl, K7TAG
Assistant SEC – MST (District M) Marina Zuetell, N7LSL
Assistant SEC - Training Monte Simpson, K2MLS
District 1 Emergency Coordinator (DEC)
Bill Frazier, W7ARC
District 2 Emergency Coordinator Owen Mulkey, NØWO
District 3 Emergency Coordinator Duane Braford, WB7ROZ
District 4 Emergency Coordinator Marc Lacy, KD7RYY
District 5 Emergency Coordinator Steve Mc Keen, W7QLO
District 6 Emergency Coordinator Kirk Bellar, N7UK
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WWA Emergency Coordinators
Region 6 King County: Brian K Daly, WB7OML (District M) Michael A Matteson, N7SIC Richard K Olsen, N6NR Robert R Phelps, K7UW H Ward Silver, N0AX
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ARES MOUs
ARES MOUs at the national level: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) American Red Cross Salvation Army National Weather Service
Local groups often have MOUs or other written or verbal agreements with: State and city emergency management departments Hospitals Schools Police and fire departments Public works agencies
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RACES
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Why RACES?
Recall, the FCC or President can suspend amateur radio operations due to a national emergency But in the event that the President invokes his War
Emergency Powers, amateurs involved with RACES might be limited to certain specific frequencies (while all other amateur operation could be silenced)
RACES, administered by local, county and state emergency management agencies, and supported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of the United States government, is a part of the Amateur Radio Service that provides radio communications for civil-preparedness purposes only, during periods of local, regional or national civil emergencies
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Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES)
Federal government created RACES after WWII Need for Amateur Radio operators as an integral part of
a state, county, or local Civil Defense (CD) agency in time of national emergency or war
RACES authorization provides the means to continue to serve the public even if the President or the FCC suspends regular Amateur operations RACES rules provide for use of almost all regular
Amateur frequencies, but place strict limits on the types of communications made, and with whom
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RACES
RACES is a radio communication service conducted by volunteer licensed amateurs, and is designed to provide emergency communications to local or state civil-preparedness agencies Amateurs operating in a local RACES organization must be
officially enrolled in that local civil-preparedness group
Sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Emergencies are not limited to war-related activities, but can include natural disasters such as fires, floods and earthquakes
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RACES
"Civil Defense" (now known as “Emergency Management" in most states) utilization of Amateur radio operators has changed dramatically. Fewer "pure" RACES operators today
Increasingly, RACES-registered operators also belong to ARES, and can "switch hats“
• The RACES regulations make it simple and possible for an ARES group whose members are all enrolled in and certified by RACES to operate in an emergency with great flexibility
Emergency management officials like this arrangement since it provides more flexibility, and gives them more direct control over their ham radio volunteers.
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RACES Rules
A station operating under RACES may only communicate with:
1) A RACES station licensed to the local civil defense organization;
2) Other RACES licensees;
3) Certain amateur stations registered with civil defense organizations;
4) Certain US government stations authorized by the responsible agency to communicate with RACES stations and;
5) Stations in a service regulated by the FCC when authorized by the FCC [97.407(d)].
A station operating in ARES may communicate with any amateur station.
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RACES Rules
RACES members may transmit only messages related to:
1) Impending danger to the public or affecting national defense during emergencies;
2) The immediate safety of individuals, the immediate protection of property, maintenance of law and order, alleviation of human suffering and need, and combating armed attack and sabotage;
3) The dissemination of information to the public from a local civil defense organization or other government or relief organization and;
4) Communications during RACES drills [97.407(e)].
RACES drills and tests can’t exceed a total time of one hour per week With proper authorization, such drills and tests may be conducted for a period not to
exceed 72 hours and such drills can occur no more than twice in a calendar year [97.407(e)].
There are no specific limits on ARES drills and tests.
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Dedicated RACES Operating Frequencies
1800-1825 kHz 1975-2000 kHz 3.50-3.55 MHz 3.93-3.98 MHz 3.984-4.000 MHz 7.079-7.125 MHz 7.245-7.255 MHz 10.10-10.15 MHz 14.047-14.053 MHz 14.22-14.23 MHz 14.331-14.350 MHz 21.047-21.053 MHz
21.228-21.267 MHz 28.55-28.75 MHz 29.237-29.273 MHz 29.45-29.65 MHz 50.35-50.75 MHz 52-54 MHz 144.50-145.71 MHz 146-148 MHz 222-225 MHz 420-450 MHz 1240-1300 MHz 2390-2450 MHz
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Washington RACES
Certified RACES operators carry State Emergency Worker cards with them while participating in RACES functions Issued and controlled by local Emergency Management
Departments
Other special qualifications may also required such as First Aid and CPR training, basic SAR techniques and map reading along with special training in operation of amateur radio equipment and message handling
http://www.wastateares.org/
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RACES Officials
State RACES Officer Bob Purdom, AD7LJ
Assistant State RACES Officers Ken Dahl, K7TAG Gordon Grove, WA7LNC
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Is your group ARES, RACES, or both? If you think you are RACES, remember you
need to follow FCC rules for RACES Who is your RACES officer?
What is your group’s plan in the event the President or FCC suspends regular Amateur operations?
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Switching Hats
Although RACES and ARES are separate entities, the ARRL advocates dual membership and cooperative efforts between both groups whenever possible for an ARES group whose members are all enrolled in and certified by RACES to operate in an emergency with great flexibility
Using the same operators and the same frequencies, an ARES group also enrolled as RACES can "switch hats" from ARES to RACES and RACES to ARES to meet the requirements of the situation as it develops
For example, during a "non-declared emergency," ARES can operate under ARES, but when an emergency or disaster is officially declared by a state or federal authority, the operation can become RACES with no change in personnel or frequencies
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ARES vs. RACES FAQ
Q. During an emergency, when is ARES activated? How about RACES? A. ARES is activated before, during and after an
emergency. Generally, ARES handles all emergency messages, including those between government emergency management officials. RACES, on the other hand, almost never starts before an emergency and is active only during the emergency and during the immediate aftermath if government emergency management offices need communications support. RACES is normally shut down shortly after the emergency has cleared.
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ARES vs. RACES FAQ
Q. Which stations may a RACES station communicate with? How about ARES stations?
A. A station operating under RACES may only communicate with:
1) A RACES station licensed to the local civil defense organization;
2) Other RACES licensees;
3) Certain amateur stations registered with civil defense organizations;
4) Certain US government stations authorized by the responsible agency to communicate with RACES stations and;
5) Stations in a service regulated by the FCC when authorized by the FCC [97.407(d)].
A station operating in ARES may communicate with any amateur station.
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ARES vs. RACES FAQ
Q. What type of communications may be transmitted by stations operating under RACES?
A. RACES members may transmit only messages related to:
1) Impending danger to the public or affecting national defense during emergencies;
2) The immediate safety of individuals, the immediate protection of property, maintenance of law and order, alleviation of human suffering and need, and combating armed attack and sabotage;
3) The dissemination of information to the public from a local civil defense organization or other government or relief organization and;
4) Communications during RACES drills [97.407(e)].
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ARES vs. RACES FAQ
Q. How long may RACES drills and tests be held? What about ARES?
A. RACES drills and tests can’t exceed a total time of one hour per week. With proper authorization, such drills and tests may be conducted for a period not to exceed 72 hours and such drills can occur no more than twice in a calendar year [97.407(e)].
There are no specific limits on ARES drills and tests.
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ARES vs. RACES FAQ
Q. How can I register for RACES? How about ARES?
A. RACES and ARES are both vital organizations and need your participation to make them effective. To register for RACES, contact your local civil defense office or Emergency Operations Center.
To register with ARES, complete an ARRL Form FSD-98 and send it to your local EC. You can obtain this ARRL form and others from ARRL HQ and, if you have access to the World Wide Web, from: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/forms/ - fsd-98.
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SATERN
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Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN)
Salvation Army volunteers Partner with FEMA, participate in NVOAD
• National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, and with volunteer organizations (VOADS) on state and local levels
HF networks Logistical communication between various
Salvation Army offices Health and welfare messages
146.820- (103.5)
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Civil Air Patrol
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Civil Air Patrol
Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is the civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force
Volunteer, non-profit, benevolent organization made up of aviation-minded adult and cadet members committed to serving the nation
The system operates in support of all CAP missions, including Emergency Services, Aerospace Education and the CAP Cadet Program.
The focus of the CAP system is tactical communications, including air to ground, ground team to ground team, and communication with mission base
Using volunteer operators trained to professional standards, the CAP communications network is a ready force for homeland security and the protection of life and property
The nation-wide CAP communication system has 840 high-frequency radio stations, 5,000 fixed-land radio stations and 10,000 mobile radios, deployed in CAP units in every state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico
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CAP Frequencies
NATIONWIDE C.A.P. CHANNELS ABOVE 30 MHz
AM 119.3500 Search and Rescue (Aircraft) (Rural Areas Only) AM 120.8500 Search and Rescue (Aircraft) AM 121.5000 AIRCRAFT EMERGENCY CHANNEL (Civilian and
Military) AM 121.6000 Practice Emergency Beacon (ELT-2) AM 121.7750 Practice Emergency Beacon (ELT-1) AM 122.0000 Flight Watch Nationwide Channel (Above 5,000
feet) AM 122.7000 Glider Operations (Shared with
UNICOM/MULTICOM) AM 122.8000 Glider Operations (Shared with
UNICOM/MULTICOM) AM 122.9000 Search and Rescue (Aircraft) AM 123.1000 Search and Rescue (Aircraft) FM 143.7750 Search and Rescue (CAP Channel 6) FM 143.9500 Search and Rescue (CAP Channel 7) FM 148.1250 Repeater OUTPUT (CAP Channel 2) (Also used
for simplex) FM 148.1375 Simplex (CAP channel 3) FM 148.1500 Repeater OUTPUT (CAP Channel 1) (Also used
for simplex) FM 148.7375 Search and Rescue (CAP Channel 5) FM 148.9750 Search and Rescue (CAP Channel 8) FM 149.4000 Old CAP Primary Channel (Now used for simplex
only) FM 149.5375 Search and Rescue (CAP Channel 4) (Aircraft-to-
Ground Primary) FM 149.8950 Packet Digipeater (Primary Packet Channel) FM 149.9100 Aircraft Repeaters FM 149.9250 Packet Digipeater (Secondary Packet Channel) FM 149.9400 Aircraft Repeaters
HF Frequencies:
2371 HF Network Nationwide USB 2374 HF Network Nationwide USB 4466 Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Northeast/Southeast Regions 4469 Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Northeast/Southeast Regions 4506 Civil Air Patrol (CAP) North Central Region 4509 Civil Air Patrol (CAP) North Central Region 4582 Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Middle East/Pacific Regions 4585 Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Middle East/Pacific Regions 4601 Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Great Lakes/Rocky Mountain Regions 4604 Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Great Lakes/Rocky Mountain Regions 4627 Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Southwest Region 4630 Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Southwest Region 7635 HF Network Nationwide USB 14902 HF Network Nationwide USB 26617 HF Network Nationwide USB 26620 HF Network Nationwide USB Search and Rescue
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NDMS & DMAT
Visual LEVEL1.189
National Disaster Medical System (NDMS)
Federally coordinated system that augments the Nation's medical response capability
Purpose of the NDMS is to supplement an integrated National medical response capability for assisting State and local authorities in dealing with the medical impacts of major peacetime disasters
Provide support to the military and the Department of Veterans Affairs medical systems in caring for casualties evacuated back to the U.S. from overseas armed conventional conflicts
National Response Framework utilizes the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS), as part of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Preparedness and Response, under Emergency Support Function #8
National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) Response Teams
Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT)
Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Teams (DMORT)
National Veterinary Response Team (NVRT)
National Nurse Response Team (NNRT)
National Pharmacy Response Teams (NPRTs)
Visual LEVEL1.190
Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMAT)
DMAT is a group of professional and para-professional medical personnel (supported by a cadre of logistical and administrative staff) designed to provide medical care during a disaster or other event
Responsibilities may include triaging patients, providing high-quality medical care despite the adverse and austere environment often found at a disaster site, patient reception at staging facilities and preparing patients for evacuation
NDMS/DMAT personnel are required to maintain appropriate certifications and licensure within their discipline
When personnel are activated as Federal employees, licensure and certification is recognized by all States
Washington-1 Disaster Medical Assistance Team (WA-1 DMAT) is located in Seattle
Visual LEVEL1.191
King County Search & Rescue
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KCSARA
Promote a unified organization of field teams
Enable an interchange of knowledge and field techniques
Deploy qualified personnel as required by the mission needs
Promote education of the public in wilderness safety and recreation
Promote training and maintain the highest proficiency in search and rescue techniques and operations of the member units
Promote the education and deployment techniques needed for responses to search and rescue and natural disasters
Respond to numerous incidents involving lost or injured hikers, hunters and children. SAR volunteers also assist in times of natural disasters like flooding, wind storms and earthquakes
Member Units 4X4 Search & Rescue Explorer Search And Rescue King County SAR Operations King County Search Dogs Northwest Horseback SAR Pacific Northwest Trackers Rescue One Seattle Mountain Rescue Ski Patrol Rescue Team
145.110- pl 103.5
Visual LEVEL1.193
Requirements from WAC 118.04
Washington State Requirements
These requirements are codified in Washington Administrative Code 118.04
The exact content, length, and refresher cycle has been interpreted through an agreement of King County Sheriff's Office, and the unit leaders of King County Search and Rescue Association; last reviewed on February 20, 2007
King County Sheriff’s Office requires the Introduction to Emergency Worker course for all SAR members who joined after January 1st, 2004, and WAC118.04 requires:
First Aid Pathogen Awareness Cardiopulmonary Resusitation (CPR) Crime Scene Awareness Basic & Intermediate Helicopter Safety Map & Compass SAR Survival SAR Techniques
Visual LEVEL1.194
Rapid Response Teams
Visual LEVEL1.195
The "Rapid Response Team" (RRT)
First minutes of an emergency … Sometimes important to get the basic essentials of a
network on the air quickly
RRT is small team within a larger emcomm group
Put a few strategically placed stations on the air within the first half-hour to an hour Usually the emergency operations center (EOC), a
resource net NCS, and often a few field teams where needed most
This is commonly known as a "Level 1 RRT response"
Visual LEVEL1.196
RRT
Level 2 RRT response follows within a few hours, bringing additional resources and operators.
Level 1 teams have: Pre-assigned jobs Short-term (12-24 hour) "jump kits", ready to go
whenever the call comes
Level 2 teams have: Longer term (72 hour) jump kits, and A variety of other equipment, possibly including tents,
portable repeaters, extended food and water supplies, sleeping gear, spare radios, and generators
Visual LEVEL1.197
ARESMAT
Visual LEVEL1.198
ARES Mutual Assistance Team (ARESMAT)
Communication emergency which lasts longer than a day or two, or when the scale of the emergency is beyond the ability of a local ARES group to handle Help can be requested from neighboring areas
ARESMAT teams consist of hams who are willing and able to travel to another area for a period to assist ARES groups based in the disaster area May also bring additional resources in the form of radios,
antennas, and other critical equipment
If you travel to another area as part of an ARESMAT, remember that the local group you are supporting is still in charge You are there to do what they need done The host ARES group becomes a "served agency"
Visual LEVEL1.199
ARESMAT Basic Action Elements
Pre-Departure Functions Notification of activation/assignment Credentials should be provided for recognition by
local authorities Provide a general and technical briefing on
information from the requesting authority Invitation, transportation (including routes in
disaster area) and accommodations considerations, and expected length of deployment should all also be reviewed with the team members
Visual LEVEL1.200
ARESMAT Basic Action Elements
In-Travel Functions Team leaders should review situation's status: Job assignments Checklists Affected area profile Mission disaster relief plan Strengths and weaknesses of previous and current
responses Maps Technical documents Contact lists Tactical operation procedures Response team requirements
Visual LEVEL1.201
ARESMAT Basic Action Elements
Arrival Functions Check with host ARES officials and obtain information about: Frequencies in use Current actions Available personnel Communication and computer equipment Support facilities that could be used by the team to support
the relief effort
Host's ARES plan in effect for the disaster should be obtained
Establishment of an initial intra-team communication network and an HF or VHF channel back to the home section for morale traffic
Visual LEVEL1.202
ARESMAT Basic Action Elements
“In-situ Functions” Make an initial assessment of functioning
communication facilities Monitor host ARES officials' communications, and other
response team relief efforts to coordinate operations and reduce duplication of effort
Team members should be monitored and their capabilities to perform their duties evaluated
Proper safety practices and procedures must be followed
Daily critique of communication effectiveness with served units and communication personnel should be conducted
Visual LEVEL1.203
ARESMAT Basic Action Elements
Pre-Demobilization and Demobilization Functions Extraction procedure should be negotiated with served
agencies and host ARES officials before it is needed To get volunteers' commitment to travel and participate,
they must be assured that there will be an end to their commitment
• Open-ended commitments of volunteers are undesirable, partly because they make potential volunteers hesitate to become involved
Leaders coordinate with host ARES officials and served agencies to determine when equipment and personnel are no longer needed
Visual LEVEL1.204
ARESMAT Basic Action Elements
Pre-Demobilization and Demobilization Functions (continued) A team critique, begun on the trip home, should be
conducted, and individual performance evaluations on team members should be prepared
Copies of critiques should be sent to both the home SEC and in-disaster SEC
Problems stemming from personality conflicts should be addressed and/or resolved outside of formal reports, as they only provide distractions to the reports
Equipment should be accounted for. A post-event evaluation meeting should always be
conducted, and a final report prepared upon which an update to the inter-sectional ARESMAT plan can be made
Visual LEVEL1.205
Remember, the “we can handle it” syndrome is common
As soon as you suspect mutual assistance is needed, the EC should notify the DEC or SEC
Visual LEVEL1.206
Visual LEVEL1.207
Military Affiliate Radio Service (MARS)
Department of Defense sponsored auxiliary communication program, three separately managed and operated programs US Army US Navy/Marine Corp US Air Force
Operate disciplined and structured nets on assigned military radio frequencies adjacent to the Amateur bands
MARS has a strict set of rules regarding the type, content and format of messages
Special call signs are issued for MARS use
Visual LEVEL1.208
MARS
MARS stations handle quasi-official and morale messages for the three services MARSGRAMS free public service, intended to boost the
morale of Soldiers, airmen, sailors, and other authorized users worldwide
During times of emergency, MARS provides backup communication networks to military, federal, state, and local agencies
Advantage of the MARS system is that it is specifically authorized to communicate with other government radio services in time of emergency, including the federal SHARES HF networks More on SHARES later
Visual LEVEL1.209
Army MARS Mission
To provide Department of Defense sponsored emergency communications on a local, national, and international basis as an adjunct to normal communications.
To provide auxiliary communications for military, civil, and/or disaster officials during periods of emergency.
To assist in effecting normal communications under emergency conditions
Headquartered at Fort Huachuca, Arizona
Assigned to the Headquarters, United States Army Network Enterprise Technology Command/9th Signal Command (Army) (NETCOM/9th SC(A)), which directly reports to the Department of the Army's Chief Information Officer/G-6
Visual LEVEL1.210
MARS Links
Army: http://www.netcom.army.mil/mars/default.aspx http://wa.mars.hfradio.org/about_wamars.html
Navy-Marine: http://navymars.org/
Air Force: http://public.afca.af.mil/library/factsheets/
factsheet.asp?fsID=7037
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National Traffic System
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National Traffic System (NTS)
NTS consists of local, regional and national nets operating on a regular basis to pass messages (traffic) from place to place
Day-to-day usage Handles non-critical organizational messages for its own
members and ARRL field organizations, radiograms for the public, and various personal messages
E-mail NTS has seen a significant decrease in the number of
messages passed through the system, and a corresponding decrease in membership and overall effectiveness
NTS still has an important role in emergency communication
More Later ….
Visual LEVEL1.213
Local Radio Clubs
Redmond ARES
Visual LEVEL1.214
Local Radio Clubs
Not every area has a working ARES or other nationally affiliated emcomm group
In many cases, the void is filled by local radio clubs who either work informally with served agencies, or with a formal MOU
Visual LEVEL1.215
National Communications System (NCS)
NCS consists of 23 government organizations tasked with ensuring that the Federal Government has the necessary communication capabilities under all conditions from day-to-day use to national emergencies and international crises; includes: Forest Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Coast Guard, FBI, ATF, and others who have a variety of communication
assets.
The Manager of the NCS is also the Director of the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), usually an Air Force general.
Visual LEVEL1.216
SHARES
US Government's "Shared Resources System" pairs MARS with various federal agencies and state
emergency operations centers to provide a high frequency (HF) communication backbone if normal communication systems should fail
Key communications companies such as AT&T, and agencies such as the Red Cross have SHARES radios
The SHARES system utilizes a number of nationwide and regional networks
Visual LEVEL1.217
SHARES
http://www.ncs.gov/n3/shares/shares.htm
Visual LEVEL1.218
FEMA INTEGRATED NETWORK
Facilities linked with high-speed terrestrial circuits that provide integrated voice, data, and video network service
Routers connect FEMA facilities and provide access to the internet
Private Branch Exchange (PBX) systems provide voice capability through FEMA’s Integrated Network, Public Network, and Federal Telephone System (FTS)
Disaster Field Offices are quickly added to architecture to provide a robust field operating environment
Visual LEVEL1.219
FEMA INTEGRATED NETWORK
Jessup, MD
Frankfort,KY
Emmitsburg,MD
Chicago, IL
Bothell, WA
Kansas City,MO
Maynard, MA
Thomasville,GA
Presidio
Denver, CO
Boston, MA Lanham, MD
Philadelphia,PA
New York, NY
Atlanta, Ga
Albany, NY
HyattsvilleNPSC
Region 6(+NTC)
Mt. WeatherHeadquarters
Elkridge, MD
Olney, MD
FIA
Altern-
ate
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FEMA National Radio System (FNARS)
Provide a minimum essential emergency communication capability among federal agencies, state, local commonwealth, and territorial governments in times of national, natural and civil emergencies
FEMA monitors the FNARS HF frequencies on a daily basis
FNARS is an Single Side Band (SSB) radio system that can transmit both voice and data, and that has the capability to operate in both secure and non-secure modes
At the state level, FNARS radios are typically located at the state emergency operations center (EOC) http://www.emd.wa.gov/telcom/
telcom_other_radios_systems.shtml
Visual LEVEL1.221
FNARS
S A IP A NC N M I
G U A M
H A W A II
A . S A M O A
W A
A L
O RID
M T
W Y
N D
M N
W I
IAN E
C OU TN V
C A
A Z
N M
T X
O K
K S
M O
A R
L A
M SG A
F L
S C
T N
K Y V A
W V
IL IN
M I
O H
P A
N Y
M A
V T
N HM E
S D
N C
D E
N J
C T
R I
M D
A L A S K A
N E T C O N T R O L
R E G IO N A L H E A D Q U A R T E R S /F R C 'S
S T A T E O R T E R R IT O R Y
F E M A H E A D Q U A R T E R S
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http://www.reactintl.org/
Visual LEVEL1.223
Radio Emergency Associated Communications Teams (REACT)
REACT is a national emcomm group members include Citizen's Band (CB) radio operators, hams,
and others
In addition to CB and Amateur Radio, they may use General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS), Family Radio, and the Multiple Use Radio Service (MURS).
Organizational structure similar to ARES
Mission is somewhat broader than that of ARES. Offer crowd and traffic control, logistics, public education,
and other services that usually (but not always) include a need for radio communication.
Visual LEVEL1.224
REACT
Mission:We will provide public service communications
to individuals, organizations, and government agencies to save lives, prevent injuries, and
give assistance wherever and whenever needed.
We will strive to establish a monitoring network of trained volunteer citizen-based communicators using any and all available
means to deliver the message.
REACT and ARRL have an MOU
Visual LEVEL1.225
Emergency Warning Systems
Visual LEVEL1.226
Emergency Alert System -- EAS
Current EAS system has evolved from the earlier Emergency Broadcast System (EBS) and the original "CONELRAD System" developed during WWII
EAS relies on radio and TV broadcast stations to relay emergency alert messages from federal, state, and local authorities
Messages may pertain to any immediate threat to public safety, including enemy attack, storm warnings, earthquake alerts, and wildfires
Messages are relayed from station to station using automatic switching systems and digital signaling
Visual LEVEL1.227
Washington EAS Plan
State of Washington Emergency Alert System EAS Plan
Innovations in Washington State Plan:1. Broadcasters are not expected to originate messages, they just
relay them. Government agencies originate all EAS messages at the both the State and Local levels. LP1 & LP2 stations may not be manned, but their equipment will still relay the proper alerts automatically.
2. EAS messages pass through the network in the background and stay in the background as much as possible. What is called a daisy chain of broadcast stations is avoided except for backup.
3. NOAA/NWS is fully integrated into the system, so events that were not originated by NWS are still routed through their transmitters.
Visual LEVEL1.228
Washington EAS System
VHF relay network that utilizes a Washington State Patrol frequency. This network is controlled from the Washington State
Department of Emergency Services building at Camp Murray Washington.
This network gives full state coverage.
The decoder/encoder installed at the WSDEM not only can initiate EAS messages, it can also receive them and relay them.
Decoders/Encoders are to be installed at all NWS offices through out the State
Visual LEVEL1.229
Washington EAS System
Visual LEVEL1.230
Washington EAS System
Visual LEVEL1.231
Western Washington EAS MatrixAREA NAME COUNTIES LP
STA SRN SITE
NOAA SITE & FREQ
LRN FREQ
EAN SOURCE
CENTRAL PUGET SOUND
ISLAND SNOHOMISH KITSAP KING PIERCE E.JEFFERSON
1- KIRO-710
GOLD 155.475 COUGAR 162.55 MILLER 162.425
W. Tiger Mtn. 450.0875
KIRO -710 or SRN 155.475
2-KPLU-88.5
CLALLAM EAST PORTION CLALLAM
1 -KONP -1450
GALBRAITH 155.475
MILLER 162.425 .
45.86 KIRO-710 or SRN 155.475
2- NWS 162.425
CLALLAM (WEST) WEST PORTION CLALLAM
1-KVAC-1490
ELLIS 155.475 OCTOPUS 162.425 Neah Bay 162.550
. KIRO-TV via NWS RADIO
2-KLLM-103.9
COASTAL W. JEFF G. HARBOR PACIFIC
1-KXRO-1320
BAW FAW or NASELLE 155.475
OCTOPUS 162.425 NASELLE 162.400
TBD KIRO-710 or SRN 155.475
2-KDUX-104.7
COWLITZ WAHKIAKUM
COWLITZ WAHKIAKUM
1-KZOE-90.3
BAW FAW 155.475
BAW FAW 162.475 or NASELLE 162.40
450.100 LRN to monitor SRN @ 155.475
KIRO-710 or SRN 155.475
2-KLOG-1490
LEWIS LEWIS 1-KELA -
1470 BAW FAW 155.475
BAW FAW 162.475
155.100 KIRO-710 or SRN 155.475
2-KMNT-102.9
MASON- THURSTON
MASON THURSTON 1-KGY-1240
GOLD 155.475 COUGAR 162.55 or BAW FAW 162.475
155.145 KIRO-710 or SRN 155.475
2-KGY-96.9
NORTHERN PUGET SOUND
WHATCOM S. JUAN SKAGIT
1-KGMI-
790 GALBRAITH 155.475
MILLER PK 162.425
Mt. Const. 450.0625
KIRO-710 or SRN 155.475
2-KISM-92.9
PORTLAND/ VANCOUVER
CLARK 1-KXL-750 CLARK CO. COMM CENTER 155.475
GOAT MT 162.550
166.250 NPR via SR-OPB
2-KGON-92.3
Visual LEVEL1.232
Washington EAS Links
http://www.wsab.org/eas/eas.html
http://www.eas-wa.info/
Visual LEVEL1.233
NOAA Weather Alert and National Weather Radio (NWR)
NWR is an all-hazards public warning system, broadcasting forecasts, warnings and emergency information 24 hours a day directly to the public Natural (e.g., tornado, hurricane, floods, earthquakes) Technological accidents (e.g., chemical release, oil spill,
nuclear power plant emergencies, maritime accidents, train derailments)
AMBER alerts Terrorist attacks
NWR uses seven frequencies in the 162MHz band
Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) remain silent until an alert is received for a specific
geographic area
NWR and the EAS use the same digital protocols NWR is primary means for NWS alerts to activate EAS
Visual LEVEL1.234
NWR in Washington
Visual LEVEL1.235
NWR in Washington
Call Sign Site Name Site Location Frequency PowerKEC91 Astoria Naselle Ridge 162.400 300
WXM62 Capitol Peak Capitol Peak 162.475 330
WXN21 Cle Elum Sky Meadows 162.400 300
WNG604 Davis Peak Cowlitz County 162.525 100
KZZ73 Dayton Patit 162.525 300
WNG566 Goldendale Goodnoe Hills 162.525 100
KAD93 H Street - Blaine Area H Street - Blaine Area 162.525 100
KIH36 Neah Bay Bohokus Peak 162.550 100
WWF49 Okanogan Tunk Mtn. 162.525 50
KXI27 Olympic Nat'l. Park Mt. Octopus 162.425 330
WWH27 Plymouth Sillusi Butte 162.425 100
WWG24 Puget Sound Marine Miller Peak 162.425 90
WWF56 Richland Richland 162.450 300
KHB60 Seattle Couger Mtn. 162.550 100
WXL86 Spokane Spokane Mtn. 162.400 100
WXM34 The Dalles Columbia Gorge 162.400 300
WXM48 Wenatchee Eagle Rock 162.475 100
KIG75 Yakima Ahtanum Ridge 162.550 300
Visual LEVEL1.236
NWR in Washington
NOAA Weather Radio in Washington Additional Sites (not shown)
Astoria, OR 162.400 MHz Pendleton, OR 162.400 MHz Abbotsford, BC 162.550 MHz
Blaine 162.525 MHz Puget Sound Marine
162.425 MHz Bonners Ferry, ID 162.500 MHz
Cle Elum 162.400 MHz Richland 162.450 MHz Lewiston, ID 162.550 MHz
Dayton 162.525 MHz Seattle 162.550 MHz Portland, OR 162.550 MHz
Forks/Mt Octopus 162.425 MHz Spokane 162.400 MHz Vancouver, BC 162.400 MHz
Goldendale 162.525 MHz The Dalles, OR 162.400 MHz Victoria, BC 162.400 MHz
Heppner, OR 2 162.425 MHz Umatilla, OR 162.500 MHz
Neah Bay 162.550 MHz Upper Cowlitz Basin
162.425 MHz
Neahkahnie, OR 162.425 MHz Wenatchee 162.475 MHz
Okanogan 162.525 MHz Woodland 162.525 MHz
Olympia 162.475 MHz Yakima 162.550 MHz
Visual LEVEL1.237
NWR Coverage in Washington
White: Signal level of greater than 18dBuV: Reliable coverage Green: 0dBuV to 18dBuV: picking up a signal is possible but unreliableRed: Less than 0dBuV: Unlikely to receive a signal
Visual LEVEL1.238
NWR Seattle Coverage
King CountySAME: 053033
Visual LEVEL1.239
NWR Coverage - Arizona
Visual LEVEL1.240
NWR Questions
Do you have a NWR Radio as part of your home disaster plan? Battery operated?
Is it continuously monitoring for an EAS tone? Local SAME code?
Do you periodically “exercise” your NWR during the weekly tests?
Visual LEVEL1.241
NAWAS (National Warning System)
“Hardened" and secure national wireline phone network connecting the warning points in each state (usually the state police HQ or state EOC) to the Federal Government
The National Warning System (NAWAS), a major component of the Civil Defense Warning System (CDWS), was established with the primary purpose of providing a capability to warn the nation of a threat of a nuclear attack
NAWAS can be used for emergencies related to peacetime nuclear accidents, railroad disasters, downed aircraft, and warning of potential natural disasters (e.g. hurricanes, floods, tsunami's, and tornadoes).
Center of NAWAS operations is the National Warning Center at NORAD's Cheyenne Mountain command and control complex in Colorado
Provide notification in case of enemy attack, and to inform and coordinate alert and warning information among states in a given region
Visual LEVEL1.242
NAWAS
State/Local WP Lines
ANWC
THOMASVILLE, GA
ALASKA
HAWAII
Warning Centers
FEMA Regional CentersState Warning Points Main Lines - WC’s
/RegionsRegion to State WP Lines
Visual LEVEL1.243
Washington NAWAS
Primary State Warning Point located in the state EOC
Alternate State Warning Point located in the Washington State Patrol (WSP) communications center, Yakima
Twenty-nine (29) local primary warning points
NAWAS is a voice only network that allows simultaneous signaling and broadcasting to one or more warning points
Visual LEVEL1.244
Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP)
Should an incident involving the storage and eventual incineration of chemical munitions at Umatilla Depot Activity pose a life threatening situation for communities within Benton County and surrounding areas, alert notification and information exchange between state and local authorities must occur automatically or within minutes after the event occurs
Visual LEVEL1.245
Tsunami Warning System
National and international network of warning points to provide timely exchange of tsunami warning information
Information is relayed to a wide range of government, civil defense, military, and international tsunami research/warning points within each country or area
Visual LEVEL1.246
All Hazard Alert Broadcasting (AHAB) Radio
All Hazard Alert Broadcast system is a single unit or network of warning sirens strategically placed to warn those who are outside or who are in close proximity to a siren
All Hazard Alert, the siren may be activated for an impending disaster, like a distant tsunami, or it may be activated for a hazardous material incident providing instructions to shelter- in-place
The sirens are placed on the top of a pole which looks much like any other utility pole
Visual LEVEL1.247
AHAB
Point Hudson AHAB Station
Visual LEVEL1.248
TO BE COMPLETED
Cape Disappointment
OPERATIONAL (49) Aberdeen Bay Center Clallam Bay Copalis Beach Diamond Point Fort Worden Grayland (2) Hoquiam Ilwaco La Push (Makah Tribe) Long Beach Lower Elwha Lummi Nation (2) McAlder McMillin Neah Bay
Washington State All-Hazard Alert Broadcasting (AHAB) Network
Island County
Ocean City Ocean Park (4) Ocean Shores (4) Orting (3) Puyallup (2) Pacific Park Port Angeles Port Townsend Sandy Point Seattle (3) Seaview Sumner Surfside Taholah (Quinault Nation) Tokeland (Shoalwater Bay Tribe) Westport (3)
Visual LEVEL1.249
National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC)
U.S. Geological Survey operates the National Earthquake Information Center, located in Golden, Colorado
Issues rapid reports for those earthquakes that register at least 4.5 on the Richter Scale in the United States, or 6.5 on the Richter Scale (or are known to have caused damage) anywhere else in the world
Public warning reports are disseminated in the affected areas via the NWR and EAS systems
Visual LEVEL1.250
Washington State EOC
Essential numbers to know: 1-800-258-5990 State EOC, State Emergency Operations
Officer (SEOO) (24 hrs), Emergency Line (primarily for use by local/state/federal agencies for reporting/coordinating emergency situations)
1-800-854-5406 State EOC, WHEN ACTIVATED for emergency situations
1-888-849-2727 State EOC, State Emergency Operations Officer (SEOO) (24 hrs), Search and Rescue Line (primarily for use by local jurisdiction SAR agencies for requesting SAR missions/support)
(253) 512-7000 Emergency Management Division (EMD), main business line
(253) 512-7203 State EOC Fax line (253) 512-7200 EMD Administrative Fax line
Visual LEVEL1.251
King County Frequencies
Visual LEVEL1.252
Lesson 4 Student Activities
1. Go the ARRL website (http://www.arrl.org/). Locate the MOU between ARRL and the American National Red Cross. According to the MOU, how is a "disaster" defined?
Visual LEVEL1.253
Lesson 4 Student Activities
2. Go to the ARRL web site (http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/pscm/foreword.html) section entitled "Public Services Communications Manual". Find the answers to the following questions:
A. Is ownership of emergency-powered equipment a requirement for joining ARES?
B. Who can authorize RACES operation?
C. If the President were to invoke his War Emergency Powers, could there be any restrictions on Amateur Radio operation? If so, how would the two-meter band be affected for RACES operation?
D. What are the two primary components of ARRL's public service field organization?
Visual LEVEL1.254
Lesson 4 Questions
1. Which of the following best describes the ARES organizational structure?
A. ARRL -District-Section-County
B. ARRL-Section-District-County
C. ARRL -County-Region-Section
D. ARRL -State - Region-Section
Visual LEVEL1.255
Lesson 4 Questions
2. Which of the following best describes the ARES chain of command within a Section?A. Section Manager-District Emergency Coordinator-
Emergency Coordinator, Assistant Emergency Coordinator -Section Emergency Coordinator.
B. Section Emergency Coordinator- Section Manager-District Emergency Coordinator-Emergency Coordinator-Assistant Emergency Coordinator.
C. Section Manager-Section Emergency Coordinator-District Emergency Coordinator-Emergency Coordinator-Assistant Emergency Coordinator.
D. Section Manager-Section Emergency Coordinator-Emergency Coordinator District Emergency Coordinator-Assistant Emergency Coordinator.
Visual LEVEL1.256
Lesson 4 Questions
3. Which of the following best describes a Level 2 RRT?
A. Is a first responder in any emergency.
B. Operates a few strategically placed stations within the first hour of an emergency.
C. Responds within a few hours and is prepared with longer term (72 hour) jump kits.
D. Is always affiliated with SATERN.
Visual LEVEL1.257
Lesson 4 Questions
4. Which of the following best describes an ARES Mutual Assistance Team (ARESMAT)?A. Is generally available for tasks lasting less
than one day.B. Is always from the local area.C. An ARES team who are willing and able to
travel to another area.D. Is called out only when the President
suspends regular Amateur operations.
Visual LEVEL1.258
Lesson 4 Questions
5. Which of the following is true about REACT?
A. REACT is a part of ARRL.
B. REACT does not have an MOU with ARRL.
C. REACT's mission is more restricted than that of ARRL.
D. REACT's resources include CB, Amateur Radio, GMRS, FRS, and MURS.
Visual LEVEL1.259
Lesson 4 Reference Links
National Communication System: www.ncs.gov REACT International: www.reactintl.org FEMA National Radio System: www.fema.gov
Use site search box to find “FNARS” Amateur Radio Emergency Service: www.arrl.org/Fand
ES/field.pscm/sec1-ch1.html National Weather Radio:
http://205.156.54.206/nwr/index.html Emergency Alert System (EAS): www.fcc.gov/eb/eas/ Hawaii EAS:
http://www.scd.state.hi.us/04_Preparedness/communications/eas/eas.htm
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Lesson 4 Reference Links
National Earthquake Information Center: http://wwwneic.cr.usgs.gov/ Enter exactly as shown. There is no dot between "www"
and "neic". Army MARS: www.asc.army.mil/ Navy MARS: http://ns1.maf.mobile.al/users/navymars Air Force MARS: http://public.afca.af.mil/public/mars1.htm SATERN: http://satern.org/satern.html or
http://www.qso.com/satern411/
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Lesson 5 - Served Agency Communication Systems
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Community Repeater Systems
“Community" or "shared" repeater uses a different CTCSS tone for each of several user groups One repeater shared by the water, public works, and
sanitation departments, licensed as a single "local government" radio system
Each department uses a different CTCSS tone
When using any shared frequency -- repeater or simplex -- it is important to press the "monitor" button for a moment before transmitting. Disables the CTCSS decoder, temporarily allowing you
to hear any transmissions being made on the frequency
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Continuous Tone Controlled Squelch System
Motorola Way to get more than one Land Mobile customer on the
same frequency at almost the same time Invented Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System or
CTCSS for short• Patented it as "PL" short for "Private line".
Other manufacturers, finding that the system was absolutely necessary to stay competitive came up with "Channel Guard" (CG) "Quiet Channel" "Call Guard" Many other names for the same thing to avoid lawsuits for
marketing a patented system
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CTCSS
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CTCSS
100.0No Access
100.0100.0
146.82PL 100.0
103.5
103.5
146.82PL 103.5
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CTCSS
Amateur equipment "tone" for encode only "tone squelch" for encode/decode
Coordination in Western Washington Western Washington Amateur Relay
Association http://www.wwara.org
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Digital Squelch Tone
DPL = Digital Private Line
Uses sub-audible digital code words Each code word is unique and all code words
may be used on the same channel without interference
134.4 bits per second
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Going Beyond Amateur Radio
Emcomm volunteers may be asked to use the agency's own communication systems
Most served agencies will have their own communication systems and equipment Ranging from modest to complex
Work with the served agency well in advance to determine Whether the agency will need you to use its equipment Under what conditions
On-air procedures will definitely be different Training and drills may make Amateur Radio emcomm
operators proficient
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Types of Served-Agency Radio Systems
Each agency will probably have its own radio system Large city and state police and fire radio systems More than one channel, assigned to different purposes
• Fire department "dispatch" channel
• One or more "fireground" channels
FCC allocates specific radio frequencies to different types of agencies, and some for multi-agency use A frequency designated for use by police agencies may
only be used for police business
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State and Local Government Radio Systems
Police, fire, sheriffs, highway, and other state, county, or city departments Learn their standard operating procedures Know their "phonetic alphabet" system
National Police Frequency 155.475 MHz Intercommunication between any police
agency, regardless of state or jurisdiction
Be careful not to lapse into a ham radio operating style
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State of Washington
State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) warning systems:
National Warning System (NAWAS) • A dedicated landline voice system used to pass warning and notification information
among federal, state, and local agencies
Emergency Alert System (EAS) • In coordination with the broadcast industry, EAS is used to provide alert type information
essential to the public concerning an emergency
Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP)
A Central Computerized Enforcement Service System (ACCESS)• A landline data system primarily used by law enforcement agencies that are available
to pass warning and notification information to local emergency management agencies.
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State of Washington
State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) voice systems:
Commercial Telephone/Satellite Phone
• Primary means for communicating with local and state agencies.
• Includes public switched, cellular, facsimile, and secure capabilities
• Mitsubishi ST-121 satellite terminal emergency back-up system
Emergency Management Weather Information Network (EMWIN)• A satellite based automated network for receiving real-time weather
data including warnings from the National Weather Service.
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State of Washington
State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) radio systems:
Comprehensive Emergency Management Network (CEMNET) • A Very High Frequency (VHF) radio system that is the primary back-up system for
communicating with all county and city EOCs or Command Posts. It is used day-to-day by local government and some state agencies.
State Emergency Communications Using Radio Effectively (SECURE)
• A High Frequency (HF) radio system used for point-to-point communications. It operates on eight assigned frequencies between 2-8 MHz. Use is limited to agencies having this capability.
Emergency Management Radio Systems State Agency Emergency Net - 800 MHz
• Primarily designed to provide a capability for state agencies within the Capitol Campus, Tumwater, Lacey and surrounding areas to communicate with the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during emergency situations or disasters
• Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES)
• Backup communication system that provides emergency communications to state and local government using Amateur Radio operators (HAMS) and their equipment
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State of Washington
Other Radio Systems Used by EMD: FEMA MERS - Mobile Emergency Response System FNARS - Federal National Radio System STARCNET - State Area Command Net OSCCR - On-Scene Command & Coordination Radio SAR - Search and Rescue Net REDNET/FIRECOM - Fire Communications Net (Mutual
Aid Channel) NLEEC - National Law Enforcement Emergency
Communications HEAR - Hospital Emergency Alerting Radio MEDNET - Medical Net
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State of Washington
Other HF and VHF Radio Systems Included is use of National Guard, Civil Air Patrol,
and the United States Coast Guard systems and other public safety systems
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State Agency Emergency Net
Incorporated into the Department of Transportation's 800 MHz trunked radio system on Capitol Peak
Provide a capability for state agencies within the Capitol Campus, Tumwater, Lacey and surrounding areas to communicate with the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
State Emergency Operations Officer (SEOO) monitors the net on a 24-hour basis.
Communications checks of the net are scheduled on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month to ensure operational readiness
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Comprehensive Emergency Management Network
Primary backup communication link between the state EOC and local EOCs throughout the state
CEMNET operates primarily on three (3) frequencies, F1 45.200 MHz
• King County, Bellevue, Seattle, Redmond, Kirkland F2 45.360 MHz F3 45.480 MHz
CEMNET is tested weekly with local emergency management jurisdictions on the following schedule:
Western Washington stations: Tuesday, 0900 hours Central Washington stations: Wednesday, 0900 hours Eastern Washington stations: Thursday, 0900 hours
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CEMNET
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SECURE
State Emergency Communications Using Radio Effectively) high frequency (HF) net Also known as CEMNET II Secondary emergency back-up communications capability
for intra- and inter-state use
HF frequencies assigned are: 2.326 MHz (Upper Sideband (USB)) 2.411 MHz (USB) 2.414 MHz (USB) 2.587 MHz (USB) 2.801 MHz (USB) 5.192 MHz (USB) 7.801 MHz (USB) 7.935 MHz (USB)
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FEMA
Mobile Emergency Response System (MERS) Five MERS locations are strategically placed throughout
regions of the country Able to respond to all 10 FEMA regions, providing quick
action to disaster areas MERS, a subset of FEMA, can be anywhere in the nation
within hours after a disaster and can set up a temporary communications infrastructure
FEMA Operations Net, a VHF high-band system primarily used by FEMA MERS for communicating with FEMA personnel
For EMD purposes, this net is used as a secondary capability for communicating with FEMA Region X and MERS Operations located in Bothell, Washington
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Multi-Radio Van (MRV)
Description: The MRV is a 30-foot long communications van mounted on a Kenworth chassis with a total weight of 44,000 pounds. The rear section of the roof opens to reveal a 2.4 meter satellite antenna, while the rest of the roof contains antennas for use with its radio suite. The inside of the van houses the MRV's screen room that contains its communications equipment and a small office/work area in the front. The truck has two built-in 20 kW generators which provide self-contained power for the entire operation. There is also a Second Antenna System (SAS) that is mounted on another truck which can be connected to provide a second satellite link.
Capabilities: The MRV provides an interface to a variety of communications medium. It contains High Frequency (HF) Radios; Very High Frequency (VHF) Radios and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Radios, all with telephone interface capability. It also contains a Ku band satellite system which can provide connectivity for telephones, Local and Wide Area Network (LAN/WAN), compressed video teleconferencing, and Broadcast Video. There are also computers with scanning, printing, copying and facsimile capabilities. The MRV also has a small telephone switch to provide limited telephone support.
Functions: The MRV provides a mobile communications platform that can quickly deploy to provide the initial means of communications for the disaster response team and/or the Disaster Field Office (DFO) until permanent communications mediums can be restored to the area.
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STARC
State Area Command (STARC) net HF system primarily used by the Washington
National Guard for intra-state emergency communications between Headquarters, STARC in Camp Murray and each Army/Air National Guard armory/station
It is also used by the guard for interstate communications with other National Guard units
For EMD purposes, this net is to be used as a secondary capability for communicating with local jurisdictions and deployed National Guard units
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Medical Radio Systems
MedStar 10 simplex VHF frequencies with a dial-type pulsed-tone encoder to signal
specific hospitals Still in use in some rural areas, but is quickly being replaced by more modern
systems
Emergency Medical Radio Service 10 UHF duplex frequency pairs; one assigned to the hospital, the other to the
ambulance, and 7 VHF simplex channels
Medical Emergency Delivery Network (MEDNET) Primarily used by ambulance services for communicating medical operations with
hospitals while en route. 462.950 Mhz and 468.175 MHz
Hospital Emergency Administrative Radio (HEAR) Primarily used by ambulance services for administrative communications with hospitals 155.340 MHz or 155.280 MHz
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Other Radio Systems
On-Scene Command and Coordination (OSCCR) Primarily used by public-safety agencies, "on-scene" at an event/incident, for command
and coordination of activities between agencies. OSCCR can only be employed in the simplex mode via mobile and/or handheld equipment
156.135 MHz
Search & Rescue (SAR) Primarily used by Search and Rescue organizations for coordinating operations
between SAR units Can only be employed in the simplex mode via mobile and/or handheld equipment 155.160 MHz
State Fire Control Channel (REDNET/FIRECOM) Primarily used by fire departments and districts for coordinating operations between
firefighting units 153.830 MHz
National Law Enforcement Emergency Channel (NLEEC) Primarily used by law enforcement agencies for mutual operations. Also used by EMD
for activation of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) relay network 155.475 MHz
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American Red Cross
Nationally licensed frequency 47.42MHz Primarily for disaster or emergency operations Some chapters also use 47.50MHz
Chapters may rent space on commercial systems or license their own VHF or UHF systems for day-to-day operations
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Trunked Systems
Allow several "low volume" users to share a single radio system Several co-located repeaters tied together, using computer
control to automatically switch a call to an available repeater One radio in a group is switched to a new frequency, all the
others in the group automatically follow Channel switching and assignment data is transmitted on a
dedicated channel
Amateur Radio does not currently use this type of system
In emergency situations most trunked systems suffer from a lack of reserve capacity
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King County Trunked System
The primary purpose of the system is to provide emergency radio communications services for all the police, fire, emergency medical services, public school districts and public hospitals within King County
The secondary purpose of the system is to provide, to the extent possible within the constraints of available funding and limited spectrum availability, sufficient capacity within the system to service other public agencies with emergency response duties
http://www.metrokc.gov/emd/800MHz.htm
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King County Trunked System
The regional system consists of several subsystems joined together by electronic switching equipment to provide highly reliable region-wide communications
Each subsystem has been implemented by what is called a Subregion Subregions are either individual governments or interlocal agencies who
have a shared responsibility to build and operate the system Subregions include:
The City of Seattle King County Valley Communications Center
• An interlocal agency composed of the cities of Auburn, Kent, Renton, Tukwila and Federal Way
Eastside Public Safety Communications Agency • EPSCA, an interlocal agency composed of the cities of Bellevue,
Kirkland, Redmond, Mercer Island and Issaquah
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King County Trunked System
http://www.metrokc.gov/emd/mapof800.htm
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King County Trunked Radio Systems
http://www.metrokc.gov/emd/flowch800.htm
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Seattle Columbia Simulcast
852.6875 CITY OF SEATTLE (COLUMBIA SIMULCAST) 866.3125 CITY OF SEATTLE (COLUMBIA SIMULCAST) (DIGITAL - RARE USE) 868.175 CITY OF SEATTLE (COLUMBIA SIMULCAST) (CONTROL CHANNEL) 852.9125 CITY OF SEATTLE (COLUMBIA SIMULCAST) 866.4375 CITY OF SEATTLE (COLUMBIA SIMULCAST) 853.4375 CITY OF SEATTLE (COLUMBIA SIMULCAST) 866.2875 CITY OF SEATTLE (COLUMBIA SIMULCAST) 868.875 CITY OF SEATTLE (COLUMBIA SIMULCAST) 867.2875 CITY OF SEATTLE (COLUMBIA SIMULCAST) 854.1875 CITY OF SEATTLE (COLUMBIA SIMULCAST) 868.475 CITY OF SEATTLE (COLUMBIA SIMULCAST) 868.675 CITY OF SEATTLE (COLUMBIA SIMULCAST) 854.3625 CITY OF SEATTLE (COLUMBIA SIMULCAST) 866.8875 CITY OF SEATTLE (COLUMBIA SIMULCAST) 851.4125 CITY OF SEATTLE (COLUMBIA SIMULCAST) (SECONDARY CONTROL CHANNEL) 867.7625 CITY OF SEATTLE (COLUMBIA SIMULCAST) (OVERFLOW) 866.7375 CITY OF SEATTLE (COLUMBIA SIMULCAST) (DIGITAL - RARE USE) 851.1875 CITY OF SEATTLE (COLUMBIA SIMULCAST) (CW ID CHANNEL :24 & :54) 866.3375 CITY OF SEATTLE (COLUMBIA SIMULCAST) 851.9375 CITY OF SEATTLE (COLUMBIA SIMULCAST) 867.7875 CITY OF SEATTLE (COLUMBIA SIMULCAST) 866.7125 CITY OF SEATTLE (COLUMBIA SIMULCAST) - UNVERIFIED 851.9875 CITY OF SEATTLE (COLUMBIA SIMULCAST) 866.6875 CITY OF SEATTLE (COLUMBIA SIMULCAST) (OVERFLOW)
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EPSCA Simulcast
868.525 EPSCA (SIMULCAST) 866.9875 EPSCA (SIMULCAST) 867.3125 EPSCA (SIMULCAST) 867.8125 EPSCA (SIMULCAST) 868.200 EPSCA (SIMULCAST) (SECONDARY CONTROL CHANNEL) 867.4875 EPSCA (SIMULCAST) 867.8875 EPSCA (SIMULCAST) (OVERFLOW CHANNEL) 866.2125 EPSCA (SIMULCAST) 853.3875 EPSCA (SIMULCAST) 866.4625 EPSCA (SIMULCAST) 852.6375 EPSCA (SIMULCAST) 866.9125 EPSCA (SIMULCAST) 854.2375 EPSCA (SIMULCAST) 851.8875 EPSCA (SIMULCAST) 868.825 EPSCA (SIMULCAST) 868.775 EPSCA (SIMULCAST) (CONTROL CHANNEL) 851.1375 EPSCA (SIMULCAST) (CW ID CHANNEL :24 AND :54)
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Seattle Police Talkgroups (Seattle Simulcast)
3216 SPD Citywide ATG (patch ID?) 3248 SPD West 3280 SPD North 3312 SPD South 3344 SPD East 3408 SPD Data 3440 SPD Tac 1 3472 SPD Tac 2 3504 SPD Tac 3 3536 SPD Tac 4 3568 SPD Event 1 3600 SPD Emergency 3632 SPD East Tac 3664 SPD South Tac 3696 SPD North Tac 3728 SPD West Tac 3760 SPD Inv Tac 1
3792 SPD Inv Tac 2 3824 SPD Ctr 1 3856 SPD Ctr 2 3888 SPD Cmd 1 3920 SPD Cmd 2 3952 SPD Cmd 3 3984 SPD Cmd 4 4016 SPD Cmd 5 4048 SPD Cmd 6 Harbor Ptrl 4080 SPD Narc 1 4112 SPD Narc 2 4144 SPD Narc 3 4176 SPD NTF 4208 SPD Vice 1 4240 SPD Vice 2 4336 SPD Emer Rsp Team 1 4368 SPD Emer Rsp Team 2 4400 SPD Hostage Neg 1 4432 SPD Hostage Neg 2 4464 SPD Internal Invest
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Redmond Police Talkgroups (EPSCA Simulcast)
Redmond (EPSCA Simulcast) 18544 Redmond PD Dispatch 18416 Redmond PD Tac1 18384 Redmond PD Tac2 18448 Redmond PD Admin 18480 Redmond PD Investigations 18512 Redmond PD Traffic
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Bellevue Police Talkgroups (EPSCA Simulcast)
21424 Bellevue PD Disp 1 (Primary dispatch) 21392 Bellevue PD Disp 2 21360 Bellevue PD Records 21328 Bellevue PD Tac 1 21296 Bellevue PD Tac 2 21264 Bellevue PD Training 21232 Bellevue PD Car To Car 21200 Bellevue PD Events 21168 Bellevue PD Detectives 21136 Bellevue PD SDU 21104 Bellevue PD Traffic 21072 Bellevue PD Comm Center
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Eastside Fire
Eastside Communications (to be NORCOM in July2009) currently dispatches the following Fire Departments:
Bellevue Fire Department Kirkland Fire Department Redmond Fire Department Mercer Island Fire Department Woodinville Fire & Life Safety Bothell Fire Dept (including the Snohomish County parts of Bothell) Kenmore/Northshore Fire Department Shoreline Fire Department King County FD 10 (Issaquah and all the outlying county areas east of Bellevue to include Duvall, Carnation, Fall City, North
Bend, City of Snoqualmie) King County FD 50, Skykomish Fire (and approx. 6 miles beyond Stevens Pass) Snoqualmie Pass Fire Department (and several miles over the pass, joint response with Kittitas County Fire)
Talkgroups:
22384 Eastside Fire Disp 1 22352 Eastside Fire Disp 2 22224 Eastside Fire Tac1 22192 Eastside Fire Tac2 22160 Eastside Fire Tac3 22128 Eastside Fire Tac4 22096 Eastside Fire Tac5 22064 Eastside Fire Tac6 22032 Fire Tac7 22000 Fire Tac8 21968 Eastside Fire Tac-9 (was Training Pool 3) 21936 Eastside Fire Tac-10 (was Training Pool 2)
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APCO Project 25 Radio Systems
P25 radios are extremely flexible Operate in both analog and digital voice modes, and as
part of trunked and conventional radio systems
Radios from several manufacturers can be programmed to communicate with each other seamlessly, as can radios from different agencies and jurisdictions
Digital modes offer excellent audio quality, and optional encrypted modes offer message and data security
Not as effective in rural or mountainous areas Reception of digital signals
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Phoenix P25 System Example
Simulcast A: Phoenix PD
867.06250 867.17500 867.21250c 867.26250 867.38750 867.41250 867.68750 867.71250 867.76250 867.87500 867.91250 867.96250c 868.16250 868.18750 868.23750 868.33750 868.48750 868.51250
Simulcast A: Phoenix Police and Municipal Services transmitting from 9 sites in Phoenix:
Site 1 (WPNW554): Downtown Phoenix, 200 West Washington.
Site 3 (WPWX741): SW Phoenix, Fire Sta34, 50 N. 51st Ave.
Site 4 (WPWT692): Maryvale, 4020 W. Glenrosa.
Site 5 (WPWR968): Squaw Peak Area, Phx PD Substation, 6208 N. 24th St.
Site 6 (WPXE694): North Mountain (North Central Phoenix), 10600 N 7th St.
Site 7 (WPWS651): Sky Harbor Airport area, T4, 3800 E Sky Harbor Blvd.
Site 8 (WPWY575): Conv Fire Ops: Far N. Desert Hills. 701 W Carefree Hwy.
Site 9 (WPWS758): North Phoenix, Adobe Mountain, 23060 N. 27th Avenue.
Site 26 (WPXE706): NE Phoenix, 15040 N. Tatum Blvd.
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Telephone Systems
Business telephone systems Answering incoming calls Placing outside calls Placing and answering intercom calls Making "speed dial" calls Overhead paging Placing calls on hold, and then retrieving
them. Transferring calls to another extension. Transferring calls to voice mail, if available Retrieving calls from a voice mail box
Good idea to keep user's manual close at hand
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Satellite Telephones
Becoming more common among served agencies as the cost of ownership and airtime decreases Inmarsat, Iridium, Thuraya, and Globalstar Iridium’s 66 satellite low earth orbit (LEO) constellation
has the most coverage with 100% Inmarsat at 98% Globalstar with 80% land-area coverage
Require line-of-sight to the satellite
Typically expensive
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Satellite Telephones
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Satellite Data Systems
Satellite systems in use by public service agencies vary greatly Two-way data and voice communication One-way reception of voice, data, or video
NOAA Emergency Management Weather Information System (EMWINS) system Obtain up-to-the-second weather maps and information http://iwin.nws.noaa.gov/emwin/index.htm
Agency will have to provide training if they want you to operate this equipment
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EMWIN
Emergency Managers Weather Information Network (EMWIN provide the emergency management community with access
to a set of NWS warnings, watches, forecasts, and other products
EMWIN is a supplement to other NWS dissemination services, which include: NOAA Weather Radio (NWR), NOAA Weather Wire System (NWWS), Family of Services (FOS), NOAAPORT, and NEXRAD Information Dissemination Service (NIDS).
Commercial EMWIN vendors: http://www.weather.gov/emwin/winven.htm
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EMWIN
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Other Agency-Owned Equipment
Fax machines, copiers, computers, and similar devices Some copiers and computer programs are
quite complicated and may require instruction in their use
Computer software used in public safety applications is usually specially written for the purpose and may require extensive training in the rare situation where you will be required to use the system
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Monitoring Agency Radio Systems
Analog Scanners V/UHF FM Aircraft
Analog Trunking Scanners Seattle, EPSCA “Trunking” “Triple Trunking”
Digital Scanners P25 systems (Phoenix) “Digital”
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Lesson 5 Student Activities
1. Using the links provided, answer the following questions:
A. What do Sections 97.403 and 97.405 of the FCC Rules and Regulations (www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/rules-regs.html) Part 97 state about Amateur communications during emergencies?
B. Which courses offered by IMSA (www.imsasafety.org/certify.htm) pertain to radio operations? To what extent do these courses pertain to emcomm operations?
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Lesson 5 Questions
1. When emcomm team members are called upon to operate on Public Safety Radio Systems, which of the following may they NOT do?A. Use special "10 codes".B. Use the served agency's standard operating
procedure.C. Use the phonetic alphabet employed by the
served agency.D. Engage in casual conversations.
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Lesson 5 Questions
2. Which of the following is another trademarked version of Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System (CTCSS)?
A. Private Guard.
B. Private Channel.
C. Line Guard.
D. Private Line.
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Lesson 5 Questions
3. Which of the following best describes the newer Emergency Medical Radio Services?
A. Ten UHF duplex frequencies and seven VHF simplex channels.
B. Ten simplex VHF frequencies with pulsed tone encoders for each hospital.
C. Seven UHF duplex frequencies and ten VHF simplex channels.
D. The MedStar system with channels Med 1 through Med 10.
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Lesson 5 Questions
4. Which one of the following statements is true about trunked systems?
A. Trunked systems are able to operate without the use of computer controllers.
B. The number of frequencies on a trunked system is always a multiple of 10.
C. Amateur radio does not currently use this type of system.
D. Most trunked systems have ample reserve capacity
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Lesson 5 Questions
5. When emcomm teams work with a served agency, a number of assumptions are made. Which of the following assumptions are true?A. Amateur radio operators can operate any
communication equipment they encounter.B. There are NO significant differences between amateur
radio operating procedures and the procedures used by the served agencies.
C. Served agencies must provide training if amateur operators are to be used effectively.
D. All phonetic alphabets are essentially the same and are thus interchangeable.
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Lesson 5 Reference Links
FCC -- Public Safety Radio Service: http://wireless.fcc.gov/publicsafety/ FCC Rules -- Ham Radio: www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/rules-
regs.html APCO -- www.apco911.org International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA): www.imsasafety.org/ Dispatch Magazine: www.911dispatch.com/ Project 25 -- www.project25.org Inmarsat -- www.inmarsat.com Globalstar -- www.globalstar.com iridium -- www.iridium.com Thuraya -- www.thuraya.com (United Arab Emirates) Motorola -- http://www.motorola.com/cgiss/networks.shtml
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