Winter storms (and other incidents) can suddenly wipe out the
power grid as well as landline communications. There
have been multiple widespread power outages in the past month
lasting from a few hours to several days to a week or more.
If you and/or our local emcomm team don’t have a plan that is
specific to power outages, here are some suggestions that you
can adopt or adapt and add to your personal and team plan:
BEFORE THE POWER OUTAGE:
1 - MAINTAIN your radios, accessories, lighting,
and other gear in a “state of readiness”.
Keep your batteries charged, your
generator serviced, and a enough fresh fuel (safely stored) to
keep it running at least 24 hours.
Always keep the fuel tank in your
vehicle(s) at least 1/2 full. (When the power is out...service
stations cannot pump fuel.)
2 - PARTICIPATE in daily and weekly emcomm nets,
drills, and training.
Get to know the leaders and
other members on your local team.
Know your local and regional
emergency plan.
3 - CULTIVATE good public relations on a daily
basis.
Let your friends, neighbors, and local
community leaders know what amateur radio is and what it is
capable (and not capable) of doing.
DURING A POWER OUTAGE AND/OR TELEPHONE SYSTEM FAILURE:
1 - CHECK ON your family and neighbors.
Especially any elderly, disabled, or infirm persons you know.
They may be on home medical support
equipment. If assistance is needed, summon help as
appropriate.
2 - ACTIVATE your station by connecting to your
auxiliary power source.
Monitor designated local and section emcomm
frequencies.
Keep an accurate log of pertinent
information and traffic.
3 - CONSERVE power, and help keep the frequencies
clear by not transmitting unless you have traffic or useful
information.
4 - IF AN EMCOMM NET (local or
regional) has been activated, check in when your area is
called.
Advise the NCS of your availability for
assignment(s).
5 - YOU MAY BE asked to stay at home and serve as
a relief NCS or a relay station.
Emcomm stations (fixed or mobile) with
both VHF and HF are especially valuable..
6 - IF YOU GO MOBILE, travel self-contained.
Appropriate clothing, food and drink.
First Aid Kit. Tool Kit. A
good flashlight or two plus extra batteries is essential.
Keep a clipboard, notepad, pens and
pencils, and maps handy.
7 - RESPOND as directed by your NCS or go to the
nearest location where people congregate during an emergency.
This may be a local fire station, community
hall, school, church, general store, or even an intersection.
When surveying an affected area, be alert
for people who may have an immediate need for communications or
other special needs.
REMEMBER: Just because you are a public service
emcomm operator, you have no special privileges.
Obey all laws, and stay out of the way of emergency
vehicles, pubic utility trucks, etc.
8 - IDENTIFY yourself as an emergency
communications unit. Wear your WRRL, ARES® cap, jacket, or
other ID materials.
EMCOMM LICENSE PLATES
or magnetic signs are good on vehicles, or you can make
your own placards and place them on your dashboard or visor.
9 - INTRODUCE yourself to local officials,
community leaders, and residents.
Briefly tell them who you are, what you
are there for, where you will be located, and that they may refer
persons to you who need to send a message.
Always remain courteous, non-judgmental
and helpful.
DO NOT SPECULATE OR FEED "the
rumor mill"...ESPECIALLY OVER THE AIR!
10 - KEEP IN CONTACT with the NCS or other active
stations.
If you are part of an organized team,
keep the NCS informed of your location.
You may be asked to move to
another location (such as a hospital, utility office or city
hall).
11 - IF YOU LEAVE your post or assignment
notify the NCS. Allow enough time for him/her to find a
replacement.
12 - KNOW how to format a radio message and also
know your own limitations.
Don't try to be a “marathon
operator”.
When your relief arrives, give
him/her a brief report, turn over your log and/or notes, and go
get some rest. You may be needed tomorrow.