WEST
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
June 2010
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
·
OUR
· ARES ORGANIZATION -----------------------------------------------------------4
· EMERGENCY COORDINATORS RESPONSIBILITIES ------------------5-11
· AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY SERVICE -------------------------------12-14
· ACTIVATION and OPERATIONS ----------------------------------------------15-21
· TRAINING REQUIREMENTS – Appendix I ---------------------------------22-24
· MUTUAL AID FREQUENCY PLAN – Appendix II ------------------------25-26
· DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS -- Appendix III ------------------------------27-32
· COMMUNICATION ASSISTANCE TEAMS -- Appendix IV -------------33
· SCHEDULE OF FLORIDA NETS – Appendix V ---------------------------34-35
· DEFINITIONS – Appendix VI ----------------------------------------------------36-40
· MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING –Appendix VII ----------------41-42
· ANDERSON POWERPOLE – Appendix VIII --------------------------------43-45
· ARRL EC-001 BASIC COMMUNICATIONS COURSE DESCRIPTION –-46-47
· ARRL EC-016 ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS COURSE ----------------48-50
·
TYPE
III COMMUNICATIONS UNIT LEADER TRAINING (COML) ----51-56
OUR
The mission of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service in the West Central Florida Section is to provide emergency and public service communications support to the residents of West Central Florida.
This communication plan was written as a guide to help each Emergency Coordinator perform his or her duties by providing a comprehensive and concise emergency communication system to be used by all amateur radio operators in emergency situations.
These procedures are set forth in accordance to the rules and regulations of the Federal Communication Commission Part 97.1 (a) of the Communication Act of 1934.
WCF ARES Organization
There are three levels
of ARES organization at the Section Level...SECTION, DISTRICT and LOCAL. See Figure 1 which depicts the typical section
ARES structure.
Figure 1 -- Section structure for ARES.
ARRL FIELD ORGANIZATION
SECTION
EMERGENCY COORDINATOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES:
The
SEC is the assistant to the SM for emergency preparedness. The SEC is
appointed by the SM to take care of all matters pertaining to emergency
communications and the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) on a section wide basis. The SEC post is one
of top importance in the section and the individual appointed to it should
devote all possible energy and effort to this one challenging organizational
program for Amateur Radio. There is only one SEC appointed in each section of
the ARRL Field Organization.
SEC
qualifications and functions:
1.
Encourage all groups of community amateurs to
establish a local emergency organization.
2.
Advise the SM
on all section emergency policy and planning, including the development of a
section emergency communications plan.
3.
Cooperate and coordinate with the Section Traffic Manager so that emergency
nets and traffic nets in the section present a united public service front,
particularly in the proper routing of Welfare traffic in emergency situations.
Cooperation and coordination should also be maintained with other section
leadership officials as appropriate, particularly with the State Government Liaison and Public Information Coordinator.
4.
Recommend candidates for Emergency Coordinator and District
Emergency Coordinator and Assistant
SEC appointments (and cancellations) to the Section Manager
and determine areas of jurisdiction of each amateur so appointed. At the SM's
discretion, the SEC may be directly in charge of making (and canceling) such
appointments. In the same way, the SEC can handle the Official Emergency Stations appointments.
5.
Promote ARES membership drives, meetings,
activities, tests, procedures, etc., at the section level.
6.
Collect and consolidate Emergency Coordinator
(or District Emergency Coordinator) monthly reports and submit monthly progress
summaries to the SM and ARRL Headquarters. This includes the timely reporting
of emergency and public safety communications rendered in the section for inclusion
in QST.
7.
Maintain contact with other communication
services and serve as liaison at the section level with all agencies served in
the public interest, particularly in connection with state and local
government, civil preparedness, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Red Cross,
Salvation Army, the National Weather Service, and so on. Such contact is
maintained in cooperation with the State Government Liaison.
8.
Section Emergency Coordinators are required to earn certification at the ARRL EC-001 Level 1 (BASIC) Amateur Radio Emergency and are
encouraged to complete the EC-016 Advanced Communications Course as well. http://www.arrl.org/ec-016-course
9.
Recruitment
of new hams and League members is an integral part of the job of every League
appointee. Appointees should take advantage of every opportunity to recruit a
new ham or member to foster growth of Field Organization programs, and our
abilities to serve the public.
Requirements:
Full ARRL membership; Technician class license or higher.
ASSISTANT
SECTION EMERGENCY COORDINATOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES:
1.
ASEC
is appointed by the SEC and is assigned specific duties. Amongst those duties are:
2.
Collect and consolidate Emergency Coordinator
(and District Emergency Coordinator) monthly reports and submit monthly
progress summaries to the SEC. This includes the timely reporting of emergency
and public safety communications rendered in the section for.
3.
Maintain
Active liaison with each of the DEC’s and encourage both Inter and Intra
District training
4.
In addition to the listed responsibilities, the
ASEC is
5.
Responsible for all of the SEC Functions in
his/her absence
6.
The ASEC is required within 1 year
of Appointment to earn certification at the ARRL EC-001 Level 1 (BASIC) Amateur Radio Emergency and are
encouraged to complete the EC-016 Advanced Communications Course as well.
DISTRICT EMERGENCY COORDINATOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES:
The ARRL District
Emergency Coordinator is appointed by the SEC to supervise the efforts of local
Emergency Coordinators in the defined district. The DEC's duties involve the
following:
1.
Coordinate the training, organization and emergency
participation of Emergency Coordinators in your district of jurisdiction.
2.
Make local decisions in the absence of the SEC or through
coordination with the SEC, concerning the allotment of available amateurs and
equipment during an emergency.
3.
Coordinate the interrelationship between local emergency
plans and between communications networks within your area of jurisdiction.
4.
Act as backup for local areas without an Emergency
Coordinator and assist in maintaining contact with governmental and other
agencies within your area of jurisdiction.
5.
Provide direction in the routing and handling of emergency
communications of either a formal or tactical nature, with specific emphasis
being placed on Welfare traffic.
6.
Recommend EC appointments to the SEC.
7.
Coordinate the reporting and documenting of ARES activities
in your district of jurisdiction.
8.
Act as a model
emergency communicator as evidenced by dedication to purpose, reliability and
understanding of emergency communications.
9.
Be fully conversant
in National Traffic System routing and procedures as well as have a thorough
understanding of the locale and role of all vital governmental and volunteer
agencies that could be involved in an emergency.
10.
District Emergency Coordinators are required within 1 year
of Appointment to be certified at the ARRL EC-001 Level 1 (BASIC) Amateur Radio Emergency and are
encouraged to complete the EC-016 Advanced Communications Course as well. http://www.arrl.org/ec-016-course
11. Recruitment of new hams and
League members is an integral part of the job of every League appointee.
Appointees should take advantage of every opportunity to recruit a new ham or
member to foster growth of Field Organization programs, and our abilities to
serve the public.
Requirements:
Technician or higher class; Full ARRL membership.
EMERGENCY
COORDINATOR'S
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The County Emergency Coordinator is the key official of the
Amateur Radio Emergency Service of the American Radio Relay League and is
responsible for administrating and coordinating amateur radio communications
between the served agencies and fellow citizens of his jurisdiction. His or her
primary duties are not limited to but must involve the following:
1.
He may appoint as many Assistant Emergency Coordinators as
he deems necessary and assign specific responsibilities to each.
2.
Promote/enhance the activities of the ARES for the benefit
of the public as a voluntary and non-commercial communication service.
3.
Coordinate the training, organization and participation of
the amateur fraternity in support of the community agencies.
4.
Establish a written emergency communication plan for his
jurisdiction, encompassing all served agencies and link these served agencies
with whatever agencies or amateur facilities are required.
5.
Attempt to maintain a resource list of every amateur in his
jurisdiction. This list should contain all of the information about the amateur
such as class of license, type of equipment, whether mobile or fixed, his
availability, CPR or first aid training etc.
6.
Establish a viable working relationship with federal,
state, county and city governmental agencies through the local emergency
management within his jurisdiction. This should include, where possible, a
memorandum of understanding between ARES and the agency.
7.
Establish local and intra district communication networks
on whatever frequencies are necessary to maintain good communication. These
networks should be updated and tested on a regular basis by realistic drills
involving the served agencies and the public.
8.
Establish liaison with the National Traffic System and
designate dedicated amateur radio stations [Gateway stations] to liaison
between NTS and local nets. Gateway
stations should be registered with all NTS nets serving their area and if
possible should be part of these nets. All gateway stations should have the
capability to interface with as many modes of communication as possible.
9.
Their prime responsibility is to provide an outlet and
inlet for NTS traffic. If necessary the EC may appoint several gateway stations
provided they are so coordinated as to not cause confusion to the primary serving
networks nor to the served agencies.
10.
Establish a workable call up procedure with at least two
assistant EC's to be implemented in time of a call up.
11.
Establish a workable relationship with the EC's in
adjoining counties as a mutual aid agreement. All served agencies must be aware
of this procedure and it must update periodically.
12.
Establish a means of identification for each ARES member
such as ID cards and some type of visible external identification as shirts,
jackets, vests, caps, etc so that each communicator is easily recognized.
13.
Establish a workable communication plan, in writing, for
each type of emergency so as to involve only those amateurs necessary to
maintain good communications.
14.
Establish RRT Level 1 and Level 2 Teams and assist in developing
ARES Mutual Assistance Team (ARESMAT) at the Section Level.
15. Complete the
ARRL ARECC Level EC-001 Course within 1 year of Appointment as the Emergency
Coordinator and are encouraged to complete the EC-016 Advanced Communications
Course as well. http://www.arrl.org/ec-016-course
16. Recruitment of new hams and
League members is an integral part of the job of every League appointee.
Appointees should take advantage of every opportunity to recruit a new ham or
member to foster growth of Field Organization programs, and our abilities to
serve the public.
Requirements:
Technician or higher class; Full ARRL membership.
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)
ARES is a ready-made organization of
skilled, highly trained communicators and technicians. They are eager to put
their talents to work for any emergency- response agency. For the County
Emergency Manager of our Primary Served Agency, Emergency Management, or the
Salvation Army communications officer, the Red Cross Communications chairman,
the National Weather Service, or the
Making use of it is much like calling the fire department, police
department, or ambulance service. It is an organization -- not just a mob of
talented individuals.
When you want transportation, you don't go to the auto parts store and
the junk yard and choose components to build yourself a car; you go to a dealer
and buy the whole car as a functional piece of machinery.
ARES operates a nation-wide technical infra-structure – HF Nets, VHF and
UHF repeater systems, simplex voice and digital networks that span the
continent and the globe.
We can, and do, provide long-range HF communications to stricken
communities. But we have also learned that local communications are best done
on VHF. And long-range communications travel on HF "backbones" whose
nodes collect outbound traffic from local VHF nets. They return messages the
same way.
ARES Operation during Emergencies and
Disasters
Operation in an emergency net is little different from operation in any
other net, requires preparation and training. This includes training in
handling of written messages--that is, what is generally known as "traffic
handling." Handling traffic is covered in detail in the ARRL Operating
Manual. This is required reading for all ARES members--in fact, for all
amateurs aspiring to participate in disaster communications.
The specifications of an effective communication service depend on the
nature of the information which must be communicated.
Pre-disaster plans and arrangements for disaster communications include:
Identification of Clients who will need Amateur Radio communication services.
It is the intention of the
current Section Staff they we strive to make Emergency Management at the
Local, County and State levels the Primary Served Agency. Discussion with these
clients to learn the nature of the information which they will need to
communicate, and the people they will need to communicate with. Specification,
development and testing of pertinent services.
While much amateur-to-amateur communicating in an emergency is of a
procedural or tactical nature, the real meat of communicating is formal written
traffic for the record. Formal written traffic is important for:
A record of what has happened--frequent status review, critique and
evaluation. Completeness which minimizes omission of vital information.
Conciseness, which when used correctly actually takes less time than
passing informal traffic. Easier copy--receiving operators know the sequence of
the information, resulting in fewer errors and repeats. Digital Modes should be
used when ever possible for even greater accuracy and speed.
Interoperability with other
NFEN forms an HF backbone for the whole NFL section. It has HF/VHF
Gateways from all seven Districts, some of the Counties, and the adjoining
Sections of West Central and
On the other side of the GATEway are the VHF District nets which in turn
connect to the local VHF nets.
HF GATEway stations are scattered all over the District in home stations;
if one area of the District is distressed they still have operational Gateways.
The NFEN Net also has a GATEway into the
The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) requests that all Sections
communications going to them be handled through the NFEN Gateway System. This
means we send and receive our HF traffic to them in this manner.
Because of the way West Central Florida is organized, shelters don't need
long-range communications. All they have to do is connect to a local VHF net.
With that they have all the long-range communications they might need.
This part of the country frequently experiences severe weather. The
hurricane season lasts six months, and all during the year we get heavy rain,
hail, high winds, tornadoes, violent thunderstorms and lightning, with lots of
QRN on HF.
ARES operates year-round, providing lots of opportunities to hone
operator skills. Training for traffic handling and emergency communications
goes on all year.
Conditions vary throughout the country, which means that Amateur
emergency operations also must vary. What works in
National organizations like Red Cross need to be flexible enough to use
whatever systems are still working after a disaster.
ACTIVATION:
The Emergency
Coordinator or his designated assistant of each jurisdiction is empowered to
activate all or any portion of his Emergency Communication Plan IF CALLED UPON
to provide emergency communications for any served agency. If the emergency is
of a local nature and only effects areas within his jurisdiction he need only
notify the Section Manager [SM] and Section Emergency Coordinator [SEC] stating
briefly the nature and reason of call up. If the emergency call up will affect
the jurisdiction of a neighboring EC, then it is the responsibility of EC of
the primary effected area to notify his adjacent EC FIRST and then the SM, and SEC.
If an abnormal amount of
NTS traffic may be generated during the emergency then the STM is to be
notified. In instances where the ARES is called on by a State or National
organization where several jurisdictions are involved, it is the responsibility
of the EC so notified to contact his neighboring EC to coordinate
communications. In this instance, the EC or the
A written communication
plan for each county is not only imperative, it is required to be reviewed,
updated quarterly. It should list served agencies Remember your County’s
Emergency Management should be your Primary served agency, frequencies used,
and key personnel in each county. It must be on file with the SEC and the
neighboring
At the conclusion of
the emergency a message is to be sent to the SM and SEC stating that the
emergency has concluded. A short written report should be prepared and copies
should be forwarded to the SEC and SM. At his option or in conjunction with a
served agency any EC may conduct as many tests to exercise his communication
facilities as he deems necessary. It is suggested that the EC notify the
appropriate parties as he would if it were a true emergency:
It is the intent that your
SEC and SM will only provide what ever support you deem necessary as the EC of
your county. We will come to your county
to help you direct your Operations as invited or if the circumstances are that
your ARES group has been overwhelmed by the nature of the emergency, We will be
there to support you until you and your ARES group can again manage the
emergency.
ARES can also be activated upon the direction of the
Section Manager or Section Emergency Coordinator when more than one county
is/will be affected by an emergency.
Events that could cause such an activation of the Section
ARES Emergency Net include but are not limited to the following:
· Tropical Storms /
Hurricane Weather Events
· Any wide area
interruption of commercial communications and telephone services, electrical utility services or
water services.
· Any terrorist-related incident when requested
by the Regional Domestic Security Task Force (RDSFT)
Information about the Emergency Event, include the nature
of the event, the location, the scope of the event will be relayed on the Section
ARES Net
Those counties directly affected by the emergency will be
released to initiate their local, County Emergency Activation procedures. All
other counties will remain on stand-by until released by the Net Control
Station.
All amateurs are required to obtain a tracking number in
order to
Volunteer their services regardless of going as an
individual or as
part of an organized group. Groups are not issued Tracking Numbers. This
applies to everyone to help keep track of who is assigned where and to be sure
the individual is covered by Workman’s Compensation Insurance from the moment
they leave to the moment they arrive back home.
Tracking Numbers can be obtained from the Section Leadership
or from the Local Emergency Management.
If the event is an emergency occurring outside the West
Central Florida Section, the Net Control Station will provide timely
information about the nature and location of the emergency.
The NCS will pass along any requests for Mutual Aid that has
been presented to the West Central Florida Section ARES leadership. Tracking
Numbers will issued to operators before
being dispatched.
Amateurs coming into the WCF Section to provide mutual aid
communications will be staged at strategic locations as established by Mutual
Aid Agreements between jurisdictions.
For instance in the Tampa Bay Area, the Staging Area is at
the State Fairgrounds in
Florida
Disaster Amateur Radio Volunteer’s Deployment Policy
It is the Policy of the State EOC and supported by All
Three Florida ARRL Section's that:
All mutual-aid deployments from the state-to-county or from
County-to-county will be coordinated through the State Emergency Operations
Center (SEOC) in
No amateur radio operators should be physically responding
to a disaster area without having a mission assignment and tracking number
assigned by the Florida Division of Emergency Management and/or your Section's
leadership. (Exceptions would be those Hams working specifically as Served
agency volunteers and covered by that agencies Workman’s Compensation)
NO Self-Deployments by individuals or groups will be
allowed and you will be turned back and sent home.
We want everyone to be protected by Workman’s Compensation
and Florida’s Good Samaritan’s laws from the moment they leave their home until
they complete their assignments and return home AND that by utilizing this
method we can keep better track and control of where the Amateurs are actually
assigned AND are NEEDED as requested by
the county or counties effected by the disaster.
All Amateur Radio Operator Volunteers must be signed up on
the ARRL Database http://aresdb.ab2m.net/ which
includes entering your drivers license number and those volunteers who have
completed the following minimum training courses will be given preference when
selections for assignments are made:
1.
Operators likely to be deployed
away from their County, ARRL or ARES Officials at the local level (AEC, EC,
RACES Officer), Gateway Station Operators, Local EOC Station Operators or
Liaisons:
ARRL EC-001 Level 1 (BASIC) Amateur Radio Emergency
Communications and are encouraged to complete the EC-016 Advanced
Communications Course as well. http://www.arrl.org/ec-016-course
NIMS IS 100 Introduction to Incident Command System, I-100
NIMS IS 200 ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Assessments
NIMS IS 700 National Incident Management System (NIMS) An Introduction.
FEMA IS 802 Emergency Support Function 2
Operator (ESF2)
ARES
SECTION NET OPERATIONS
SCHEDULED
ARES NET OPERATIONS
West
The ARES Section Net Manager will be responsible for scheduling the Net Control Station and Alternate Net Control Station for these Nets.
ARES / Skywarn Frequency List:
|
COUNTY |
PRIMARY |
SECONDARY |
IRLP NODE |
SKYWARN |
|
|
146.745- |
147.585 Simplex |
|
147.255+ |
|
DESOTO |
147.075+ (100.0) 147.180+ |
147.180+ |
|
147.075+ (100.0) |
|
HARDEE |
147.625- (127.3) |
|
|
147.625- (127.3) |
|
|
147.270+ (100.0) 145.210- (100.0) 442.350+ (100.0) |
147.045+ (100.0) 147.550 Simplex |
|
147.045+ (100.0) |
|
HILLSBOROUGH |
147.105+ (146.2) |
146.940- (127.3) 146.520 Simplex |
|
147.105+ (146.2) |
|
MANATEE |
145.430- (100.0) 146.820+ (100.0) |
146.995+ (100.0) 443.225+ (100.0) 446.500 Simplex |
|
443.225 (100.0) |
|
|
145.330- |
|
|
146.640- |
|
PINELLAS |
145.170- (156.7) 443.400+ (156.7) |
147.030+
(103.5) 146.430 Simplex 146.470 Simplex |
|
145.170- (156.7)
|
|
POLK |
146.985- (127.3) |
146.685- (127.3) 146.565 (S) East 147.375+ (127.3) 444.950+ (127.3) |
4156 |
146.655- (127.3) |
|
|
146.730- (100) |
147.120+ (136.5) |
|
146.730-(100) |
EMERGENCY
NET OPERATIONS
The West
Primary HF ARES Net Operations will be conducted on 7.281 MHz Day time or 3.911 MHz Night time (USB) using SSB and Digital Modes
VHF/UHF Wide Area Repeater System – NI4CE
(145.290, 145.430, 442.650, 442.825, 442.950, 443.450 PL 100.0 Hz.)
Section ARES Nets will be operated on a Section level upon Authorization of the Section Emergency Coordinator or the Section Manager. Such nets will be conducted to support inter-county emergency operations.
Section ARES Information Nets will be conducted as needed
Portable Repeater Frequencies
(State-Wide Non-Protected and subject to change by the FRC)
Repeater TX Repeater RX
446.725 441.725
446.750 441.750
446.775 441.775
146.550 147.550
HF Digital
Operations Are authorized using one of these modes:
· MT-63 (Primary Digital Mode)
· Winlink 2000 - AIRMAIL, PACLINK or RMS-EXPRESS (WinMor)
(VHF/HF)
· D-Star
Analog/Digital Voice and Digital Data Modes
Other Digital Modes which may be used
PACTOR ARQ AMTOR
Mode B (FEC) AMTOR ARQ & SSTV
VHF/UHF Digital modes will used during emergency operations
as follows:
· APRS
144.390 MHz for Vehicle Tracking, Damage Assessment and
Weather Telemetry
446.150 MHz may be used for two hopping APRS operations in
locations where terrain or man-made obstacles prohibit operations through a
Digipeater.
· AX.25 PACKET
Point-to-point messaging using the SEDAN system (145.77)
and the FADCA FPAC Switch Network.
· TCP/IP Packet
2.4 GHz, 802.11b operations can be employed for high speed
voice, video and data transmissions as needed. These point-to-point links will
interconnect with existing Packet networks and the Internet as needed.
· SSTV
SSTV operations will utilize simplex VHF/UHF operations
when possible. Intercounty SSTV operations will be conducted at pre-designated
times via VHF/UHF repeaters as available and as needed. Urgent Damage
Assessment transmissions to County Emergency Operations Centers and the
National Weather Service station (WX4TBW) will command Priority.
APPENDIX I
These requirements are in
compliance with the requirements of the Department of Homeland Security and of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency and apply to all potential disaster
responders, volunteer and professional.
The listing below merely identifies the various categories of potential
responders as they apply to amateur radio.
ARES registration with one of the approved Section Databases (WCF
Section uses the aresdb.ab2m.net database) and is a requirement.
We also have added the
EMCOMM training of the American Radio Relay League. This is not in the DHS/FEMA
guidelines but is a League recommendation and one that is being applied in
nearly all states in the Country.
Any person not meeting
these requirements will not be eligible
for deployment,
participation, reimbursement, liability protection, etc.
Operators that will be deployed locally only
or operating at home stations: (This is a *requirement for all ARES, ACS or
RACES members)
ARRL EC-001 Level 1 (BASIC) Amateur Radio Emergency Communications
Communications
NIMS IS 100 Introduction to Incident Command System, I-100*
NIMS IS 200 ICS for
Single Resources and Initial Action Assessments*
NIMS IS 700 National Incident Management
System (NIMS) An Introduction. *
FEMA IS 802 Emergency
Support Function 2 Operator (ESF2
*DHS Requirement for All First Responders
Operators likely to be
deployed away from their County, ARRL or
ARES Officials at the local level (AEC, EC, ACS or RACES Officer), Gateway Station
Operators, Local EOC Station Operators or Liaisons:
1.
ARRL EC-001 Level 1 (BASIC) Amateur Radio Emergency
Communications .
NIMS IS 100 Introduction to Incident Command
System, I-100
NIMS IS 200 ICS for Single Resources and
Initial Action Assessments
NIMS IS 700 National Incident Management
System (NIMS) An Introduction.
FEMA IS 802 Emergency
Support Function 2 Operator (ESF2)
Drivers License on File
at http://aresdb.ab2m.net
ARRL or ARES Leadership at the District Level,
Deployed Operators with Management or Supervisory
Assignments, State or
Federal EOC Liaisons:
ARRL EC-001 Level (BASIC) Amateur Radio Emergency Communications and are
encouraged to complete the EC-016 Advanced Communications Course as well.
http://www.arrl.org/ec-016-course
NIMS IS 100 Introduction to Incident Command
System,
I-100
NIMS IS 200 ICS for Single Resources and
Initial Action Assessments
NIMS IS 700 National
Incident Management System (NIMS) An Introduction.
FEMA IS 802 Emergency Support Function 2
Operator (ESF2)
Drivers License on File at http://aresdb.ab2m.net
ARRL or ARES Leadership at the Section,
Division or National Level, State or National ESF-2 Representatives:
1.
ARRL EC-001 Level (BASIC) Amateur Radio Emergency Communications and are
encouraged to complete the EC-016 Advanced Communications Course as well. http://www.arrl.org/ec-016-course
NIMS IS 100 Introduction to Incident Command
System, I-100
NIMS IS 200 ICS for Single Resources and
Initial Action Assessments
NIMS ICS 300,
Intermediate ICS
NIMS ICS 400, Advanced
ICS
NIMS IS 700 National Incident Management System
(NIMS) An Introduction.
FEMA IS 802 Emergency Support Function 2
Operator (ESF2)
Drivers License on File
at http://aresdb.ab2m.net
Additional information on
those courses can be found at:
http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/crslist.asp
The background on the
EMCOMM courses is at:
http://www.arrl.org/courses-training
In addition to the listed
NIMS courses, there are a number of other programs that would benefit the
amateur
radio response to
disasters on the FEMA websites.
APPENDIX II
WCF
Mutual Aid Frequency Plan (WD4AHZ)
To be used to make it simple for Mutual Aid Amateur Radio Operators
coming in from another county to know where to operate.
Amateurs can use the list to preprogram their radios and use an
Alphanumeric display to match the list. Then, for example all an amateur
from another county going into
SAR-1 (
No wondering what frequency
are being used
WEST
Section
Wide:
HF
7.281 MHz USB Day Time Voice and Digital
3.911 MHz USB Night time Voice and Digital
VHF/UHF
145.430 - 145.290- (All have a PL 0f 100.0Hz)
442.650 + 442.825+ 442.950+ 443.450+ (All have a PL 0f 100.0Hz)
Cha-1 146.745 - Hil-1 147.105 + (PL 146.2)
Cha-2 147.255 + Hil-2 146.940 -
Cha-3 147.585 (Simplex) Hil-3 146.520 (Simplex)
DeSoto:
Manatee:
Des-1 147.075 + (PL 100.00) Man-1 145.430 - (PL 100.00 if needed)
Des-2 147.180 + Man-2 146.820 - (PL 100.00 if needed)
Des-3 146.555 (Simplex) Man-3 146.955+ (PL 100.00)
Man-4 443.225+ (PL 100.00)
Man-5 446.500 (Simplex)
Hardee
Har-1 146.625 - (PL 127.3) Pas-1 145.330 -
Hig-1 147.270 + Pin-1 145.170 - (PL 156.7Hz)
Hig-2 147.045 + Pin-2 147.030 + (PL 103.5Hz N, 156.7Hz M,
Hig-3 147.550 (Simplex) 192.8Mz S)
Pin-3 146.430 (Simplex North Co.)
Pin-4 146.470 (Simplex South Co.)
Polk:
Pol-1 146.985 - (PL 127.3) Sar-1 146.730 - (PL 100.0)
Pol-2 146.865 - (PL 127.3) Sar-2 145.130 -
Pol-3 146.685 - (PL 127.3) Sar-3 147.120+ (PL 136.5)
Pol-4 146.550 (County Wide S) Sar-4 146.580 (Simplex)
Pol-5 146.565 (East Polk S)
Pol-6 146.580 (West Polk S)
Portable Repeater Frequencies
(State-Wide Non-Protected and still unapproved)
Repeater TX Repeater RX
446.725 441.725
446.750 441.750
446.775 441.775
146.550 147.550
APPENDIX
III
DIGITAL
COMMUNICATIONS Plan
for the West Central
It is planned that digital communications will take on an increased role in
WCF Section Emergency Communications Operations and will become
a familiar and useful part of our nets.
HF digital modes are has been available to a limited subset of hams with general or higher class licenses. This may change soon. Getting the changes proposed by ARRL implemented should be a top priority for senior state level ARES managers.
There are currently a fair number of very active ARES hams across the state that lack HF privileges despite taking a very active role in emergency communications.
The Internet is simply another tool in the toolbox and should be incorporated into the plan at all levels. While failure is a possibility the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Those risks that exist are manageable through redundancy and alternative modes.
This document will adhere to the viewpoint that the primary duty of emergency communicators is to get the message through by any means available.
Current Status of Digital Communications in
On the VHF/UHF front, there basically four modes currently being used. These four modes are:
APRS
SSTV
WL2K E-mail over RF (VHF) from the field to a Airmail,
Paclink Node , or FPAC Switch – All
Communications teams are strongly encouraged to include this tool as a regular
part of their Emcomm equipment.
RMS Packet Nodes with Full-time Internet Connectivity are needed
APRS
APRS is a real-time tactical digital communications protocol for exchanging information between a large numbers of stations covering a large (local) area. As a multi-user data network, it is quite different from conventional packet radio.
APRS is different from regular packet in four ways. First by the integration
of maps and other data displays to organize and display data. Second, by
using a one-to-many protocol to update everyone in real time.
Third, by using generic digipeating, so that prior knowledge of the network is
not required, and
station. Therefore APRS is totally unsuited for long haul or NTS style message traffic. However, APRS is a viable means for the dissemination of information in a one to many mode such as the issuing of weather bulletins. APRS is also useful in the tracking of assets in a SAR type environment or during the deployment of damage assessment teams.
APRS provides universal connectivity to all stations by avoiding the
complexity and limitations of a connected network. It permits any number
of stations to exchange data just like voice users would on a voice net.
Any station that has information to contribute simply sends it, and all
stations receive it and log it. Secondly, APRS recognizes that one of the
greatest real-time needs at any special event or emergency is the tracking
of key assets. Where is the Event Leader? Where are the emergency
vehicles? What’s the Weather at various points in the County?
To answer these questions, APRS is a full featured automatic vehicle
location and status reporting system too. It can be used over any 2-way
radio system including HAM, CB, Marine Band, and Cellular Phone. Now
there is even a nation-wide LIVE APRS tracking network on the Internet!
APRS is on 144.39 throughout the North American Continent.
The
In Florida, an operator can move information to the State
Warning Point, the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, or any one of a
number of local Emergency Operations Centers Amateurs involved in emergency
communications should use every tool available to get the job done. If you are
in a part of
OTHER DIGITAL MODES WHICH CAN BE
UTILIZED IN AN
EMERGENCY
PACKET - Packet uses AX.25, a version of the X.25 protocol, which has been adapted by hams for VHF Packet radio. Packet allows multiple stations to time-share the same radio frequency. Data is broken up into blocks, or packets, which are transmitted and acknowledged independently.
A few HF stations operate Packet at 300 baud, but it is not considered reliable, at least by PacTOR enthusiasts. Packet radio is amateur radio digital communication utilizing American Standard Code for Information Interchange [ASCII]. Each packet of information contains a header or
protocol and 128 bits of information. Normal packet radio has only shown usefulness in passing bulk message traffic (Email) from point to point. It has been difficult to apply conventional packet to real time events where information has a very short life time and needs to get to everyone.
PACTOR/ARQ - A digital radio protocol developed by a group of German hams in the early 80's, allowing faster and more reliable communications than Amtor. The name comes from Latin for the "Mediator". PacTOR operates at 100 or 200 baud depending on conditions, with net throughput of up to 18 characters per second. (Requires a TNC) are HF digital error-free modes. It differs from Packet in that it provides for Forward Error Correction.
PACTOR-II/ARQ - An improved version of the original PacTOR protocol, also designed by SCS, the same group that did the original PacTOR protocol. PacTOR-II is a two-tone phase-shift system rather than FSK, and operates at basic rates from 100-800 baud depending on conditions. Net throughput is up to 140 characters per second depending on conditions. (Requires a TNC) are HF digital error-free modes. They differ from Packet in that they provide for Forward Error Correction.
SOUND CARD DIGITAL MODES
The following are just a few of the most popular digital modes which are easy to use by utilizing a Sound Card Interface, and a suitable sound card program. There are plenty of FREE sound card programs available. Sound card interfaces can be easily constructed for under $10.00 or there are numerous already built off-the-shelf commercial sound cards available.
MT-63 It is the Primary Digital Emergency Communications mode
to be used by the WCF
MT-63 is a
DSP based advanced HF mode for Amateur Radio, intended to provide high
performance keyboard - to - keyboard conversational operation on HF bands under
poor conditions. MT63 utilizes a number of revolutionary ideas, and is
technically very complex and takes full advantage of DSP in sound cards
controlled by the free terminal programs.
MT63 is no more difficult to operate than most other digital Modes, and is easy
to tune. It also provides much better performance on HF than most other modes
for transmitting and receiving signals on amateur and MARS radio bands.
The specialty of
MT63 is its performance when conditions are both weak and unstable. It also
copes with incredible QRM.
PSK31 – Using a computer sound card as the “radio modem”, this mode has become the favorite for HF keyboard-to-keyboard QSO’s. It uses a maximum bandwidth of 80 hertz and takes full advantage of DSP in sound cards controlled by the free terminal programs. Noise is sharply reduced and QRM is virtually a non-issue with only 10 watts needed to work thousands of miles. 50wpm speed is easily attainable for those who can type that fast. PSK31 and other weak signal HF modes offer some potential for use in poor band conditions but with the lack of error
correction may be little better than SSB or CW. Other flavors of PSK-31 are PSK-64 and PSK-128 faster but less reliable in noisy band conditions.
SSTV is a digital mode which can be used on VHF/UHF and HF and is underused here in West Central Florida. While there is a small dedicated group of amateurs who regularly exchange SSTV transmissions, it isn’t being used to any extent for the sending of pictures from a disaster site
and/or for Disaster Assessment pictures to be sent to the EOC or Red Cross. It should be.
WINLINK 2000 – Airmail, Paclink or RMS-Express (WinMor) are enhancements of the previous experimental WL2K Telpac Node. These software packages provides streamlined setup to deliver full WL2K BBS capability to the wireless ham user using AX.25 packet in combination with WL2K’s Telnet Servers. These digital modes are simple to install and run and requires a minimum of computer and radio equipment. The Airmail or Paclink software run independently from the normal Winlink MBO (PMBO) software on virtually any Windows 98 and later computer. Other less expensive software (WinMor) is has also been developed to allow the windows style message format used on the internet to be available to the amateur in the field and because most amateurs are already using the internet messaging systems it is both easy to learn and will be a great asset to our served agencies. WL2K software (Airmail, Paclink or RMS-Express (WinMor) are ideal for temporary emergency setup or unattended remote locations where it can deliver reliable wireless communication to the “last mile”.
WINLINK 2000
(Airmail has an SMTP server.)
This will be for groups that will set up a portable
computer as a server at some remote location using Airmail's SMTP server and
WL2K on a LAN that they make on site. Here is an example.
APPENDIX IV
RAPID
RESPONSE TEAMS:
All County EC’s are encouraged to develop RRT Level 1 and
Level 2 teams either individually or working with the ASEC to develop combined
county teams.
A RRT is small team within the EC's larger Ecomm group. Their
job is to put a few strategically placed stations on the air within the first
half-hour to an hour. These stations will usually include 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".
A Level 2 RRT response follows within a few hours, bringing
additional resources and operators. Level 1 teams have pre-assigned jobs, and
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, depending on
local needs.
ARES
Mutual Assistance Team (ARESMAT):
The Section SEC will encourage the formation of ARESMAT
Teams both at the Section and County levels.
When a communication emergency 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 counties. The ARESMAT
concept was created to meet that need. These teams consist of hams that are
willing and able to travel to another area for a period to assist ARES groups
based in the disaster area. They 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 is still in
charge -- you are there to do what they need done. In a sense, the host ARES
group becomes a "served agency".
APPENDIX V
LOCAL MHz NET NAME
TIME
0655.................3.940...............FPTN.....
1200.................7.242...............FMTN....
1700.................7.242..............TPTN.....Tropical
Phone Traffic Net
1800.................3.940...............FAST.....
Traffic Net (Early)
1830.................7.051...............FMSN....
Net (5-13 wpm)
1900.................3.651..............QFN.......
Session (18 wpm)
1930.................3.950..............NFPN.....
2200.................3.651...............QFN......
Session
(18 wpm)
2230.................3.940...............FAST.....
Traffic Net (Late)
VHF/UHF
Traffic Nets
SPARC Nightly…….. NTS Net (Local) 147.060+….………… (
Eagle Net Nightly… NTS Net (WCF)…NI4CE Repeaters… (
FLORIDA
SECTIONS ARES HF NETS
TIME/DAY KHZ NET NAME
0730 Sat............................3940................AIN..........ARRL
Information Net
0800 Sat...........................
3940................SFAN......
0830 Sat………………………3911………….…WCF...…West Central Florida ARES
and Section Information Net
0900 Except Sunday……..3950................NFAN........
APPENDIX VI
DEFINITIONS:
FCC
- The Federal Communication Commission [FCC] is the
Government agency charged with regulation of interstate and foreign
communication.
ARRL -The National Association for Amateur Radio formerly called the
American Radio Relay League [ARRL] is the national organization of
amateur radio operators that has memorandum of understanding with
national served agencies that use amateur radio operators as primary
or secondary means of communication. The Amateur Radio Emergency
Service [ARES] is that part of ARRL dedicated to implement the FCC
mandate under Part 97. 1 (a).
DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT [DEM] is the agency of the state or local government empowered by statutes to govern during natural or man made emergencies.
The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) consists of licensed
amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and
equipment for communications duty in the public service when disaster
strikes. Every licensed amateur, regardless of membership in ARRL or
any other local or national organization, is eligible for membership in the
ARES. The only qualification, other than possession of an Amateur Radio
license, is a sincere desire to serve. Because ARES is an amateur service,
only amateurs are eligible for membership. The possession of emergency-
powered equipment is desirable, but is not a requirement for membership
The SECTION MANAGER [SM] is the duly elected official of the ARRL to
manage the designated West
The SECTION EMERGENCY COORDINATOR [SEC] is the appointee of the SM to coordinate the emergency communications of the West Central
The Assistant SEC's [ASEC] are appointed by the SEC and are assigned specific duties.
The DEC
- DISTRICT EMERGENCY COORDINATOR is the appointee of the SM and SEC to
coordinate the emergency communications of the West
The Emergency Coordinator [EC] is the appointee of the SM and SEC to
coordinate the emergency communications of a designated county.
The Assistant Emergency Coordinator [AEC] is appointed and directed by the EC of the particular county.
National Traffic System [NTS] is the official ARRL national network for routing traffic between sections.
The STM - Section Traffic Manager - Supervises the traffic handling organization at the section level--that is, to coordinate all traffic efforts within the section, regardless of mode or National Traffic System affiliation, so that routings within the section and connections with other networks and digital traffic nodes will result in orderly and efficient traffic flow
The ACC - AFFILIATED CLUB COORDINATOR. The primary contact and resource person for each Amateur Radio club in the section, specializing in motivating, providing assistance and coordinating joint activities of radio clubs
The BM -Bulletin Manager - Responsible for recruiting and supervising a team of Official Bulletin Stations to disseminate news and information of interest to amateurs in the section and to provide a means of getting the news and information to all OBS appointees
The OOC - Official Observer Coordinator - Supervises the maintenance monitoring work of the section Official Observers, and coordinates special Amateur Auxiliary efforts with Headquarters and the SM.
The PIO - Public Information Coordinator - The section's expert on public information and public relations matters. The PIC is responsible for
organizing, training, guiding and coordinating the activities of the Public
Information Officers (PIOs) within the section
The State Government Liaison - Is knowledgeable on state legislative and regulatory proposals. The SGL needs to be a amateur radio operator who can monitor and respond appropriately to those proposals having the potential to affect Amateur Radio. This is an active, responsive mission, not merely a passive, "stand by the sidelines and watch" function
The TC - Technical Coordinator - Coordinates all technical activities within the section. Oversees and coordinates the work of the sections Technical Specialists
Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS) provides Primary Amateur Radio and backup Government communications support for Emergency Management (EM) utilizing whatever means of communication that is Available and authorized for use by EM.
Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service [RACES] is the part of the amateur radio service that provides communication for civil defense purposes only during local regional or national emergencies. It is an integral part of ACS where that service exists.
Military Auxiliary Radio Service (MARS) is a Department of Defense sponsored auxiliary communication program, established as three separately managed and operated programs by the United States Army, Navy/Marine Corp, and Air Force. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Auxiliary_Radio_System
National
Communications System (NCS)
A Federal agency, the 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. These include the
SHARED
RESOURCES (SHARES) HIGH FREQUENCY RADIO PROGRAM
What is the mission
and purpose of the SHARES Program?
SHARES combines
existing high frequency (HF) assets from 101 Federal, state, and industry
organizations into a single emergency voice and data message handling network,
supporting national security and emergency preparedness (NS/EP) when normal
communications are destroyed or unavailable.
What is
the make-up of the SHARES network?
As of March
2010, over 1340 HF radio stations, representing 101 Federal, state, and
industry entities resource
contributors. There are SHARES stations situated in every state and at 17
overseas locations. Nearly 200 emergency planning and response personnel also
participate in SHARES. Over 150 HF frequencies are earmarked for use in SHARES.
The NCS also has the ability, if needed, to communicate via non-government
emergency radio groups such as SATERN, Maritime Mobile Service Net, REACT,
INTERCON, Radio Rescue Net and the Hurricane Watch Net. The National
Communication System publishes
SHARES HF Radio Bulletin’s, to periodically keep members updated on program activities that can be
accessed at http://ncs.gov/shares/ . .
FEMA/HS
FNARS
Federal Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security - FEMA National Radio System (FNARS)
This is a FEMA high frequency (HF) radio network designed to 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. At the state level, FNARS radios are typically
located at the states emergency operations center (EOC).
Radio
Emergency Associated Communications Teams (REACT)
REACT is another national Ecomm group, whose 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).
REACT has an organizational structure similar to ARRL/ARES, with local teams who directly serve many of the same agencies served by ARES and other ham radio Ecomm groups. REACT has MOU’s with many of these agencies, as well as with ARRL. REACT's mission is somewhat broader than that of ARES. They offer crowd and traffic control, logistics, public education, and other services that usually (but not always) include a need for radio communication.
EDICS
Emergency
Deployable Interoperable Communications System.
MARC
Multiple Agency Repeater Communication Unit. A 100 foot Aluminum
portable tower with antennas for 700-800 Megahertz (MHz) and Very High
Frequency (VHF) with a compliment of at least 40 handy-Talkies (HT) a
generator, air conditioned (AC)
S.E.T.
- Simulated Emergency Test
GPS
- Global
Position
System
POD - Points of Distribution sites. The initial PODs are predetermined by
each county. These are the site that the State of
Food, Water, Ice and Blue Tarps along with a compliment of National Guard
personnel who are there to help distribute those items, A fork lift, a
pallet jack and port-a-potties are part of the initial items or personnel
sent (the actual numbers are dependant on the POD level assigned by
potential population for that site. I, II or III)
FEMA/DHS
- Federal Emergency Management/ Department of Homeland Security
EOC - Emergency Operations Center i.e., PCEOC = Pinellas County EOC
FDEM
- Florida Department of Emergency Management
SERT
- State Emergency Response Team
CERT
- Citizens Emergency Response Team
APPENDIX VII
UNDERSTANDING OUR
MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING, STATEMENTS OF UNDERSTANDING & STATEMENTS OF
AFFILIATION
Understanding
our Memoranda of Understanding
... of these agencies, and our "method of operation" under
each of our national-level formal agreements, a.k.a. Memoranda of Understanding
(MOU). First,
however, a few basics: An MOU provides a framework for cooperation and coordination with
agencies to which we as radio amateurs provide communication.This includes Statements
of Understanding (SOU) and Statements of Affiliation (SOA)
http://www.arrl.org/memoranda-of-understanding-mou
The premier justification for continued access to our piece of the spectrum pie is, and always will be, public service. A major part of our public service
activity is conducted in the context of the League's formal agreements with six "heavy hitters" of the emergency management community. These include, not in order of importance, the American Red Cross, the National Weather Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International, the National Communications System, and the Salvation Army. Let's take a brief look at each of these agencies, and our "method of operation" under each of our national-level formal agreements, a.k.a. Memoranda of Understanding (MOU). First, however, a few basics: An MOU provides
a framework for cooperation and coordination with agencies to which we as radio amateurs provide communication services.
At the national level, this means Headquarters-to-Headquarters contact
periodically, for exchanging news, views, information, and points of contact in the field. For example, ARRL staff attends the annual Red Cross partnership meeting, along with representatives from other agencies and organizations (from the government and non-government, private and commercial sectors) that have MOU’s with the congressionally-chartered organization. The idea is to get to know one another on a face-to-face basis, so that when the detritus hits the fan, you know whom to call and whom you can count on. At the local level, an MOU serves two purposes:
First, it's a door opener. A new ARES group is more likely to be heard and
taken seriously by a local NWS office when accompanied by the agreement document signed by the head of the agency. The served agency says, in effect, we have examined this organization of radio amateurs and have found them to be trustworthy and able to render substantial and needed services for our field operations in times of emergency. The agency head is telling its field offices,
"Go get 'em--they are good for us."
Secondly, once your foot is in the door, the provisions of the MOU document spell out the capabilities and organization of the servers (us), the organization and needs of the served agency (them), and the methods of operation. These are broad guidelines that lead to the establishment of a
local memorandum of understanding or similar document that sets forth the detailed operational plans and policies to be subscribed to by both parties during drills and actual events. The most important step here is to ensure that both parties to the local agreement have a realistic assessment of the resources brought to the table by the servers, and the needs of the served.
APPENDIX VIII
The
WCF endorses the
Either
the 15-ampere or 30-ampere sizes may be used, or both sizes mate with each
other. The plastic parts are the same for both sizes. The barrel area (which
holds the wire) of the 15-ampere silver-plated contact is smaller than that of
the 30-ampere contact, but the contact area is the same. The connectors
dovetail
together into a compact unit.
Housings
should be mated according to the diagram above, viewing from the contact side
(opposite the wire side), tongue down, and hood up, RED on the LEFT, BLACK on
the RIGHT. Use a 3/32-inch-diameter roll pin, 1/4 inch long, to keep the
housings from sliding apart.
Highly
conductive silver-plated copper contacts allow minimal contact resistance at
high currents. Self-wiping action on make and break keeps conducting surfaces
clean. Contact dents keep connectors mated in high-vibration applications and
provide quick-break, snap action upon disconnect.
Noncorrosive
stainless-steel leaf springs maintain constant contact pressure—ideal for
frequent connections/disconnections and intermittent overloading. Durable, high
impact-resistant, polycarbonate housing with UL94V-2 flammability ratings comes
in many colors for circuit traceability and coding.
Identical
connector halves are genderless—making assembly quick and easy and reducing the
number of parts stocked. Molded-in dovetails allow for a customized harness in
a variety of configurations. When the connectors are disconnected, no metal
parts are exposed. The 15-ampere contacts are designed for 16-20 AWG wire and
the 30-ampere contacts are designed for 12-16 AWG wire. The contacts can be
soldered or crimped to wires. An expensive crimping tool (#1367G1) is available
from
To
remove a contact from the housing, use
Here
are the
15 A
Black
Red Complete Connector
#1395G1
#1395Housing Only
#1327G6
#1327Contact Only
#1332
#1332
30 A
Black
Red Complete Connector
#1330G4
#1330Housing Only
#1327G6
#1327Contact Only
#1331
#1331
The
connectors can be panel mounted with clamp receptacles, consisting of two
aluminum plates (
The
plastic housings come in other colors also. Red and black are suggested for
standard dc connectors (red as positive and black as negative).
Anderson
PowerPole Ideas: Get Everyone Connected!:
http://home.comcast.net/~buck0/app.htm
Sources
of Anderson PowerPole:
Allied Electronics
Tel: 800-433-5700
http://www.alliedelec.com/
Cable X-Perts
Tel: 800-828-3340 (orders only) or (847)
520-3003
Fax: (847) 520-3444
http://www.cablexperts.com/
mailto:cxp@ix.netcom.com
D&L Antenna Supply Co.
Tel: 800-965-8880 (orders only) or (913)
677-8674
Fax: 800-219-9392 (orders only) or
(913)-677-2648
http://www.wavehunter.com/
dandl@birch.net
DC Power
Tel: (503) 649-3295
http://www.dcpwr.com/
wesa@dnc.net
Ford Electronics, Inc.
8431 Commonwealth,
Tel: (714) 521-8080
Fax: (714) 521-8920
http://www.fordelectronics.com/
PowerWerx.com sales@fordel.com
Tel: (714) 570-3303
Fax: (714) 990-5532
http://www.powerwerx.com/
info@powerwerx.com
West Mountain Radio sales@westmountainradio.com
http://www.westmountainradio.com/
18 Sheehan Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854
Tel: (203) 853-8080
Fax: (203) 299-0232
ARRL
EC-001 BASIC COMMUNICATIONS COURSE DESCRIPTION
Course No. EC-001
Description. A basic course to raise awareness and
provide additional knowledge and tools for any emergency communications
volunteer. This course has 23 lesson units, is expected to take approximately
25 hours to complete over an 8-week period. Basic computer, Internet, and email navigational skills
are required. Senior hams are encouraged to
participate!
Each lesson consists of text, quiz
questions, and Student Activities, which are
required for successful completion. The course also includes an online 25
question Final Assessment. A score of 80% is required to pass. Every student is
assigned a mentor/instructor to review student activities, guide him/her
through the course and determine when all course requirements have been
successfully completed.
Register for this
course Syllabus.
|
LEARNING |
TITLE |
|
A |
Credits |
|
1 |
Introduction
to Emergency Communication |
|
2 |
Amateurs
as Professionals - The Served Agency Relationship |
|
3 |
Network
Theory and the Design of Emergency Communication Systems |
|
4 |
Emergency
Communication Organizations and Systems |
|
5 |
Served
Agency Communication Systems |
|
6 |
Basic
Communication Skills |
|
7 |
Introduction
to Emergency Nets |
|
8 |
Basic
Message Handling - Part 1 |
|
9 |
Basic
Message Handling - Part 2 |
|
10 |
Net
Operating Guidelines |
|
11 |
The
Incident Command System |
|
12 |
Preparing
for Deployment |
|
13 |
Equipment
Choices for Emergency Communication |
|
14 |
Emergency
Activation |
|
15 |
Setup,
Initial Operations, and Shutdown |
|
16 |
Operations
& Logistics |
|
17 |
Personal
Safety, Survival, and Health Considerations |
|
18 |
Alternative
Communication Methods |
|
19 |
What
to Expect in Large-Scale Disasters |
|
20 |
Hazardous
Materials Awareness |
|
21 |
Marine
Communications |
|
22 |
Other
Learning Opportunities |
|
23 |
Modes,
Methods, and Applications |
Required
Student Activities
Here is a sample of representative
Student Activities that are required in the course.
LU 1.1 1a. List three ways in which emergency communications are similar to day-to-day communications. 1b. List six ways in which emergency communications differfrom
Non-emergency Communications. 2. In an emergency situation, a served agency
asks you to forward an urgent message. Which one of the following methods would
you NOT employ? In one or two sentences, tell why you selected your answer. a.
CB radio
b. Family radio
c. Informal, conversational grapevine
d. The served agency's own radio system. Share your responses to both
activities with your mentor.
LU 2 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? Share your work with your mentor.
LU 3 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.). Send a summary of your work to your mentor.
ARRL
EC-016 ADVANCED COMMUNICATONS COURSE COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS
ARRL
ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS COURSE DESCRIPTION
EC-016, Public Service and Emergency
Management for Radio Amateurs
This course,
number EC-016, is an online course, available for you to view and study as
you have time available. Members and Guest Members may access this course on
our website.
If you are
currently serving in a leadership role in your local ARES organization or are
training to assume more management responsibility, you may want to complete the
final assessment for this course and earn the certificate of completion
validating your study.
To enroll for the
final assessment and certificate you will need to document completion of a list
of prerequisites, obtain a recommendation from your ARRL Section Manager and
pay an administrative fee.
. Taking the Final Assessment for Public Service and
Emergency Communications Management for Radio Amateurs (EC-016)
After completing the Public
Service and Emergency Communications Management for Radio Amateurs course you may choose to take a final
assessment to earn a certificate of course completion. To enroll for the
final assessment certain requirements must be met. The Public Service and Emergency
Communications Management for Radio Amateurs course requires that you have
previously completed ARRL’s Emergency Communications Level 1/Basic course,
certain FEMA courses and have some experience with Amateur Radio and public
service/emergency communications. To apply for the Final Assessment and course
completion certificate you will also
need to supply a reference from your ARRL Section Manager, stating the reason
for your participation. Section Managers will take into account your
relevant experience or role within public service and emergency communications
and whether you are in good standing within the amateur radio
community. Anyone who wants to receive a course completion certificate for
this new course (which we refer to in shorthand as “Advanced EmComm” or “Emcomm
for Managers”) will first need to document that they have satisfied these requirements. After
providing the necessary documentation, you will need to pay an enrollment fee
of $35.00 to gain access to the course’s final exam. This fee will help to
offset the cost of developing the course and for the online testing service as
well as costs for administrative support.
Documenting
Course Requirements These
requirements need to be documented and verified by the ARRL Continuing
Education Program office:
|
Item |
Source |
|
An
Amateur Radio license |
ARRL
FCC database |
|
Completion
of ARRL’s Level 1/Basic course, and |
ARRL
Continuing Education database |
|
Recommendation
from ARRL Section Manager |
*Applicant
must request this from his/her ARRL Section Manager |
|
|
|
|
FEMA
courses that are prerequisites for this course: |
|
|
ICS-100 (basic
ICS) |
*Copy
of FEMA transcript or certificate |
|
ICS-200 (supervisory) |
*Copy
of FEMA transcript or certificate |
|
ICS
(NIMS)-700 |
*Copy
of FEMA transcript or certificate |
|
ICS-300,
a classroom course, is also highly recommended, but not required |
Copy
of FEMA transcript or certificate (optional) |
|
|
|
|
FEMA
courses that need to be completed prior to the final assessment for this
course: |
|
|
IS-800
(National Response Framework) |
*Copy
of FEMA transcript or certificate |
|
FEMA
IS-240, Leadership & Influence |
*Copy
of FEMA transcript or certificate |
|
FEMA
IS-241, Decision Making & Problem Solving |
*Copy
of FEMA transcript or certificate |
|
FEMA
IS-250, Emergency Support Function 15 (ESF15), External Affairs |
*Copy
of FEMA transcript or certificate |
|
FEMA
IS-1, Emergency Manager, An Orientation to the Position |
*Copy
of FEMA transcript or certificate |
|
IS-288,
The Role of Voluntary Agencies in Emergency Management |
*Copy
of FEMA transcript or certificate |
|
IS-244,
Developing and Managing Volunteers |
*Copy
of FEMA transcript or certificate |
|
FEMA
IS-120.a, An Introduction to Exercises |
*Copy
of FEMA transcript or certificate |
|
FEMA
IS-130, Exercise Evaluation and Improvement Planning |
*Copy
of FEMA transcript or certificate |
|
FEMA
IS-139, Exercise Design |
*Copy
of FEMA transcript or certificate |
Please note:
the list of FEMA course as prerequisites, as well as those referenced
internally within the course, may change as FEMA makes changes to its course
offerings or the course is modified to introduce new content.
You will need to provide documentation for the items that are marked by
an asterisk (*).
Documentation can be mailed or emailed to:
ARRL
Continuing Education Program
225 Main
Street Newington, CT 06111-1494
or by email to cep@arrl.org
Application for the Final Assessment. You must apply to take the final
assessment by submitting an application. When you have documented all the requirements outlined
above you will receive a confirming email from the ARRL Continuing Education
office. After you have paid the course evaluation fee of $35.00, you will
receive information to access the online exam site and the final
assessment.
Exceptions. In some cases, the requirement
to hold an Amateur Radio License and to complete the ARRL Introduction to
Emergency Communications Level 1/Basic Course may be waived. If you are
not a licensed radio amateur but are a member of a governmental organization or
NGO and have some role or responsibility related to emergency response, you
will need to obtain a recommendation from the local ARRL Section Manager
describing your role and stating the reason for your interest in earning the
course completion certificate.
Taking the Final Assessment. The final assessment is a
50-question online exam that includes multiple choice questions and true/false
questions. You will have the ability to log in and out of the exam site
whenever you choose. Once you have completed all questions and submitted
your exam it will be scored and your score reported to you. You must
achieve a score of 80% to pass. If you do not pass on the first attempt, you
will be permitted another try. When you pass the final assessment you
will be prompted to provide your name so that a course completion certificate
can be generated. You can print the certificate on your printer. ARRL
will be notified of your successful completion so we can update your student
history. ARRL will notify your Section Manager of your successful completion.
NON-ARRL
COMMUNICATIONS COURSES AVAILABLE TO AMATEURS
(Upon
Recommendation of the EC, SEC and SM)
COML Type III Training
Communications Unit Leader
Training Courses
In the coming months, the Office of Emergency Communications is
offering several opportunities to take the All-Hazards Type III Communications
Unit Leader (COML) training course (see below for upcoming dates). This course
trains emergency responders on how to serve as radio communications unit
leaders during all-hazards emergency operations. This training will
significantly improve communications across the multiple disciplines and
jurisdictions responding to an incident. This COML training will qualify
emergency responders as lead radio communications coordinators if they possess
the necessary prerequisites, including knowledge of local communications;
communications systems; and local, regional, and state communications
Press Office
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
1 www.dhs.gov
Fact Sheet
TYPE III
COMMUNICATIONS UNIT LEADER
TRAINING
Background
During all-hazards
emergency response operations, communications among multiple
jurisdictions and
disciplines—including emergency medical, fire, and law enforcement
services—is essential.
Unfortunately, the absence of on-scene communications coordination has often
compromised critical operations. To close this capability gap, the Department
of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) in
partnership with the Office for Interoperability and Compatibility (OIC), the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Integration Center (NIC),
and practitioners from across the country developed performance and training
standards for the All Hazards Type III Communications Unit Leader (COML) as
well as formulated a curriculum and comprehensive All-Hazards Type III COML
Course.
Type III COML
Training
The Type III COML course
trains emergency responders to be communications unit leaders during
all-hazards emergency operations, significantly improving communications across
the multiple disciplines and jurisdictions responding to an incident. This COML
training will qualify emergency responders to lead ICS communications units if
they possess the necessary prerequisites, including knowledge of the following:
local communications; communications systems; and regional, State, and local
communications plans. COML responsibilities include developing plans for the
effective use of incident communications equipment and facilities, managing the
distribution of communications equipment to incident personnel, and coordinating
the installation and testing of communications equipment. Meeting the prerequisites
outlined below, and upon completion of formal classroom training, students must
complete and have signed off on a comprehensive position-specific All-Hazards
COML Task Book before they can be certified as a Type III COML.
Incident Scale
Incident
response is categorized into five types, according to incident magnitude and
complexity.
The type of response operation needed for an incident is determined by the
level of resources required to address the incident as well as its duration
(e.g., one hour, several weeks). As the most complex incident, a Type I
response necessitates a multi-discipline, multi-jurisdiction response for a
significant duration, such as recent large-scale natural disasters. As the
least complex incident, a Type V response requires limited resources and time,
such as a small fire or routine traffic stop. A Type III event includes:
•
Activation of some or all of the Command and General Staff positions, as well
as
Division/Group
Supervisor and/or Unit Leader-level positions.
• A
Type III Incident Management Team (IMT) or incident command organization
managing
initial action incidents with a significant number of resources, an extended
attack
incident until containment/control is achieved, or an expanding incident until
transition
to a Type I or II team.
•
Extension into multiple operational periods.
•
Typically, a written Incident Action Plan (IAP) for each operational period.
TYPE
III COMMUNICATIONS UNIT LEADER
TRAINING
Background
During
all-hazards emergency response operations, communications among multiple
jurisdictions and disciplines—including emergency medical, fire, and law
enforcement services—is essential. Unfortunately, the absence of on-scene
communications coordination has often compromised critical operations. To close
this capability gap, the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of
Emergency Communications (OEC) in partnership with the Office for Interoperability
and Compatibility (OIC), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),
National Integration Center (NIC), and practitioners from across the country developed
performance and training standards for the All Hazards Type III Communications
Unit
Leader (COML) as well as formulated a curriculum and comprehensive All-Hazards
Type III COML Course.
Type
III COML Training
The
Type III COML course trains emergency responders to be communications unit
leaders during all-hazards emergency operations, significantly improving
communications across the multiple disciplines and jurisdictions responding to
an incident. This COML training will
qualify
emergency responders to lead ICS communications units if they possess the
necessary prerequisites, including knowledge of the following: local
communications; communications systems; and regional, State, and local
communications plans. COML responsibilities include developing plans for the
effective use of incident communications equipment and facilities, managing the
distribution of communications equipment to incident personnel, and coordinating
the installation and testing of communications equipment. Meeting the
prerequisites
outlined below, and upon completion of formal classroom training, students must
complete and have signed off on a comprehensive position-specific All-Hazards
COML Task Book before they can be certified as a Type III COML.
Incident
Scale
Incident
response is categorized into five types, according to incident magnitude and
complexity. The type of response operation needed for an incident is determined
by the level of resources required to address the incident as well as its
duration (e.g., one hour, several weeks). As the most complex incident, a Type
I response necessitates a multi-discipline, multi-jurisdiction response for a
significant duration, such as recent large-scale natural disasters. As 1
www.dhs.gov
the
least complex incident, a Type V response requires limited resources and time,
such as a small fire or routine traffic stop. A Type III event includes:
•
Activation of some or all of the Command and General Staff positions, as well
as Division/Group Supervisor and/or Unit Leader-level positions.
•
A Type III Incident Management Team (IMT) or incident command organization managing
initial action incidents with a significant number of resources, an extended attack
incident until containment/control is achieved, or an expanding incident until
transition
to a Type I or II team.
•
Extension into multiple operational periods.
•
Typically, a written Incident Action Plan (IAP) for each operational period.
Required
COML Course Prerequisites
1.
A public safety communications background with exposure to field operations;
this experience should be validated by the authority who supervised the
student.
2.
Fundamental public safety communications technology, supervisory, and personnel
management skills. These include, but are not limited to:
•
Knowledge of local communications and communications systems
•
Frequencies and spectrum
•
Technologies
•
Knowledge of local topography
•
Knowledge of system site locations; regional, State, and local communications
plans; and regional and local Tactical Interoperable Communications Plans, if
available
•
Communications and resource contacts
3.
Completion of the following training courses:
•
IS-700
Explains
the purpose, principles, key components, and benefits of NIMS. The course also
contains Planning Activity screens, allowing participants to complete planning
tasks during this course.
•IS-800b
Introduces
participants to concepts and principles of the National Response Framework.
•
ICS-100
Introduces
ICS; provides the foundation for higher-level ICS training; describes ICS history,
features, principles, and organizational structure; and the relationship
between ICS and NIMS.
•
ICS-200
Provides
training on, and resources for, personnel who are likely to assume a
supervisory position within ICS.
•
ICS-300
Provides
training on, and resources for, personnel who are required to implement
advanced application of the ICS.
NIMS
Compliant
The
National Incident Management System (NIMS) provides a consistent, nationwide approach
for agencies to manage emergency response operations. Recognized by the FEMA/NIC
as supporting NIMS, the Type III COML course is being made available to States and
localities.
2
Next Steps
OEC
is currently working on a plan to provide COML training throughout the country
in late 2008. Please contact comltraining@hq.dhs.gov
if you would like to be added to any
distribution lists regarding the dates and locations of any training.
The
Homeland Security Grant Program and the Interoperable Emergency Communications
Grant Program may be used by States to fund and/or attend COML training.
For
additional information on COML efforts, including the Type III COML course,
visit the SAFECOM website at
www.safecomprogram.gov/SAFECOM/currentprojects/comltraining/comltraining.htm
Incident Communications
Technician
Course Description:
This course is designed to
provide the prerequisite knowledge and skills necessary to perform the tasks of
a communications technician (COMT) in the Incident Command System (ICS).
Topics include: installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of
National Incident Radio Support Cache (NIRSC) communications equipment on
incidents. The course consists of classroom instruction, field exercises,
a written exam, and a practical final exam.
Objectives:
- Identify and describe the responsibilities of
the COMT prior to, during mobilization, and demobilization.
- Identify and explain basic communications
theory, the capabilities of NIRSC specialty equipment and assist with
installation, and hazards and risks on various incidents and how to
mitigate them.
- Recognize, plan for, and demonstrate the
ability to provide adequate incident communications coverage.
- Demonstrate proper installation of equipment,
the ability to properly program NIRSC incident handheld radios, and the
ability to accurately troubleshoot and field repair NIRSC equipment.
Target Group:
Personnel desiring to be
qualified as a communications technician (COMT).
Minimum Instructor
Qualifications:
Lead instructor must be a
qualified communications unit leader (COML).
Unit instructors must be qualified incident communications technician (COMT).
Also see Instructor Certification
at the beginning of the Field Manager's Course Guide.
Prerequisites:
None required, but suggested
reference and training includes:
Basic Fire Suppression Orientation, (S-110)
Basic Incident Command System (I-200)
Firefighter Training (S-130)
Basic Aviation Safety Student Guide (NFES 2097)
Offer Level:
Regional, state, or area
Courses
focused on other positions in the Communications
Unit, including the Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM), and Radio
Operator (RADO), are being developed.