TO: OR-NorCAL-NV VHF and HF ARES Stations; SECs, DECs,
ECs, AECs in Oregon District 5 and,
California SV Section (north) Districts 1, 2.
ARRL Officials, other HF EMCOMM stations; and
EMCOMM and Public Safety Officials elsewhere.
Editor: D.W. Thorne, K6SOJ, ARES SEC, SV Section (North)
Assistant ACS Officer MAR III California OES
INTERNET: www.qsl.net/k6soj
CA OES ACS INLAND REGION WEBSITE:
www.acs.oes.ca.gov/Inland/
THE “5-1-2 BULLETIN” - 27 FEB 01 - No. 43
* THIS WEEK’S TOP STORIES .....
EMCOMM IN THE INDIA EARTHQUAKE:
http://www.angelfire.com/in/BARC/
CDC 2001- EMCOMM EURO STYLE:
http://www.reliefweb.int/telecoms/conference/cdc2001/
HAM RADIO SWAP MEET - DOWNTOWN REDDING MALL
SATURDAY MARCH 3, 2001 - 1000L to 1500L
Vendor tables $10.00. Set up time: 0900 - 1000L
Talk-in: 146.64- (CTCSS: 85.5)
Sponsor: Shasta Cascade Amateur Radio Society
Info: Jim, KE6OUA, (530) 222-8001 or ke6oua@arrl.net
NEW SACRAMENTO VALLEY SECTION - MUTUAL AID GUIDE
THE ARES UNDER “SEMS”
by Bill Pennington, WA6SLA
EMCOMM 2001 - UPDATES
REGIONAL NET REMINDER
PLUS:
1 - TRAINING - WHAT CAN WE EXPECT?
2 - NEW OES ACS INLAND REGION WEBSITE
3 - NWS WX SPOTTER CLASSES SCHEDULED
4 - IF YOU HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT ...
5 - COMING ATTRACTIONS
6 - ***UPDATE*** NET ROSTER - 02/27/01
* THE SACRAMENTO VALLEY SECTION - MUTUAL AID GUIDE
has been updated and now includes the entire SV section. Copies will be
available at EMCOMM 2001 and a printable copy is available at: www.qsl.net/k6soj
The Role of the ARRL/ARES, RACES, ACS, and CDF-VIP under the Standardized
Emergency Management System (SEMS) by Bill Pennington, WA6SLA Assistant Chief,
Telecommunications, Inland Region OES ARRL Sacramento Valley Section Emergency
Coordinator (South).
California OES is, by law, working under a document that defines how the
Operational Areas (OAs, are generally defined as a county jurisdiction) are
directly in the Care and Shelter business now. This does makes sense as the
residents of any OA are the responsibility of that OA's government.
The Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) Legislation has
resulted in most OAs signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with local Red
Cross Chapters to provide for representation in their Emergency Operation
Centers (EOCs) as the Care and Shelter Unit Leader. Who else? The Red Cross is
the expert!
The 'unexpected' effect on many ARES units (I'm speaking from 'MY' ARES point of
view here) has been to 'unintentionally' cause the Red Cross to use the OAs
Amateur Radio resources (i.e. RACES, or ACS, and in some cases, even the
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) Volunteers In
Prevention (VIP) operators. This occurs in OAs where CDF contracts with local
government to perform their OES function). If the OA’s Amateurs aren't already
ARES as well (a very good
idea), or the ARES Unit has not been an ongoing, integral part of the Red Cross
team, then those RACES/ACS/VIP operators are being put into the position of
performing a 'traditional' ARES role that they are probably not prepared for.
That of handling H and W and Red Cross disaster welfare inquiry traffic.
NOTE: This type of public service communications being performed by ACS/RACES/VIP
is generally not specifically prohibited by any government agency nor
specifically by FCC rules.
In those places where the ARES hasn't been a strong Amateur Radio Public Service
force (too many places, and mostly our own fault) ARES has a much better chance
of being 'inadvertently' ignored. (Too often, the local Red Cross disaster
chairman hasn't ever worked, nor even met, the ARES Emergency Coordinator or
EC).
The ARES is the uncontested expert in Public Service communications in
most areas of the country. In those areas where no local ARES/Red Cross
MOU or Plan exists, I strongly suggest that ARES ECs contact their local Red
Cross officials, and “RESELL” ARES Public Service communications to them.
NOTE: Even the ARRLs National Traffic System (NTS) is having its problems, due
to lack of use. The ARRL/ARES can and should provide the major input to that
very well tested, tried, and true system.
Overall I think it best that ARES operators should become trained and registered
as Red Cross Volunteers, with communications as their primary specialty (other
specialties are available and compatible with Amateur Radio and these folks are
volunteers after all) and be issued an “OFFICIAL” Red Cross picture ID card.
If the ARES unit is active, and involved with the Red Cross in an ongoing basis,
they will
be the first to be activated when Red Cross needs auxiliary communications.
Also, Mutual Aid (Mutual Assistance) via ARES for Red Cross auxiliary
communications, using a specific plan that includes Red Cross registered ECs at
all levels, would probably be easier to accomplish and more management friendly
as the Red Cross “red tape” is somewhat shorter than government red tape!
Below is an excerpt from an EOC 'Care and Shelter' document. Look closely at: '
I '- RESPONSIBILITIES, numbers 1 and 2.....
Who will provide the auxiliary Amateur Radio communications when needed when
existing communication are not available?
EOC PROCEDURES MANUAL
Section:
II. Operations
Subsection:
06. Care and Shelter Branch Coordinator (Usually a Red Cross representative via
a MOU)
CARE AND SHELTER BRANCH COORDINATOR
Responsible for managing the EOC branch staff. Coordinates the actions of
agencies responsible for the mass care and shelter of persons displaced by the
disaster.
I. RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Coordinates the procurement of food, potable water, clothing, shelter and
other basic necessities for large numbers of the population affected by a
disaster.
2. Assists with inquiry and registration services to reunite families or respond
to inquiries from relatives or friends.
3. Assists with the transition from mass care to separate family/individual
living.
4. Coordinates provision of welfare services support for mass care facilities
and population within the affected area.
Now back to my OES 'hat'...
Although, not limited to public service communications (many Govt. registered
ARES units are deeply involved with and very adept at public safety
communications), many ARES units need to get back into the public service
drivers seat again. RACES, ACS and VIP operators are (if not already ARES also),
in the vast majority of cases, not trained in public service communications.
And, at this point cannot provide the same
quality service that the ARRL/ARES can.
My (along with other individuals) goal here, is to manage the limited Amateur
resource to the best advantage of everyone. EMCOMM 'communications reservists'
(depending on local amateur radio 'political situation' considerations and the
needs and wants of the served agencies) may need to be 'cross-trained' and/or be
registered with as many government and non-government response agencies as
possible. There are too few skilled and trained ARES, RACES, ACS, and VIP folks
to go around already. And yes, management of this type of situation can be more
difficult.
My recommendation is that all ARES, RACES, ACS, and VIP teams continue operating
within the traditional roles they have played in the past and (if not already in
place) begin a more aggressive campaign to work together and, yes, possibly join
together, to help all our 'served agencies' understand the value of our various
services and roles.
If 'WE' don't do it...it won't get done!
----------------------------------------
Editor's note:
“Public SAFETY Communications’ is defined as EMERGENCY or auxiliary
communications on behalf of government agencies (RACES, ACS, and VIP). “Public
SERVICE Communications” is used to describe EMERGENCY or auxiliary
communications on behalf of non-government agencies such as the Red Cross,
Salvation Army, private hospitals, etc. (ARRL/ARES/NTS). - de k6soj
NEXT WEEK: More on this complex issue.
*** EMCOMM 2001 UPDATE ***
ONLY *** 31 *** DAYS UNTIL EMCOMM 2001 !
Saturday, March 31, 2001
Bishop Quinn High School
Palo Cedro, California (just east of Redding)
-----------------------------------------------
*** REGISTRATION ONLINE ***
www.qsl.net/k6soj (“bookmark”
it)
Pre-registration is requested but not required. But, we would like to know
who and how many are coming. Pre-register by going to the above website and
registering online. The $3.00 registration fee is ONLY payable at the door
on March 31. Registrations are beginning to flow in...from as far south as
San Diego County!
NOTE: There are no doubt many EMCOMM operators or public officials that
do not receive this bulletin. IF YOU KNOW of anyone who you think
would be interested in
EMCOMM 2001...please feel free to pass on the information and assist them in
getting pre-registered.
Thank you.
--------------------------------------------
The curriculum and class schedule is in it final planning stages.
When ready, it will be announced here, and on the SV (north) ARES Website.
---------------------------------------------
We now have tentative commitments from seven (7!) agencies to bring
mobile or airborne EMCOMM units for display. (Redding PD,
Shasta-Trinity CDF, Siskiyou County SAR, American Red Cross, California OES,
Trinity County Amateur Radio Club, and CHP H-14.)
UPDATES? Check www.qsl.net/k6soj
often
VE TESTING AT EMCOMM 2001
VEC: W5YI
COST: $10.00
VE’s: From SCARS and ARCA
TIME: 0700L
“WALK-INS”: OK
TALK -IN: 146.64- or 146.55 simplex
MORE INFO: Mac, W7MAC < mac@snowcrest.net
>
or Dick, WO6P < DIANDDE@snowcrest.net
>
REGIONAL ARES NETS
WEDNESDAYS:
1900 to 1930L - The OR-NorCAL-NV Regional ARES is on 3987 LSB (1982 LSB
alternate)
1930 to 2000L - A.R.E.S. LEADERSHIP NET on 3987 LSB (1982 LSB alternate)
DAILY:
1200 to 1230L -Jefferson Noon Net on 7232 LSB
TRAINING BULLETINS that appear in this bulletin are also archived at:
www.qsl.net/k6soj
(PLUS A “PLETHORA” OF ADDITIONAL TRAINING MATERIAL)
------------------------------------------------------------------
1 - TRAINING -
(NOTE: The article: “DISASTER / MAJOR EMERGENCY -- WHAT CAN WE EXPECT?
by Lt. Dan Blackston, Chula Vista Police Department” appeared in its entirety
in BULLETIN # 36 (January 9) and is archived at www.qsl.net/k6soj.
Continued now, are excerpts from that excellent article with comment.
-------------------------------------------------------------
#16. Electric power will be interrupted or will fail completely. Under the (pun
intended) “current” electrical power crisis, it may not take a disaster to
cause power to be interrupted. In fact, a power system failure or
interruption may be the cause of some emergency scenario All the more reason to
be able to switch your station to auxiliary power in a matter of minutes.
At EMCOMM 2001, one of the workshops will be on the topic of: EMERGENCY
POWER SOURCES.
2 -***NEW*** OES ACS INLAND REGION WEBSITE:
www.acs.oes.ca.gov/Inland/
3 - SKYWARN NEWS:
Jim Reynolds, Chief Warning Coordination Meteorologist, Medford NWS
Gary Pederson, N7GK, Asst. Medford SKYWARN Coordinator
D.W. Thorne, K6SOJ, Asst. Medford SKYWARN Coordinator
CURRENT NWS WEATHER BULLETINS AND WARNINGS ARE AVAILABLE VIA A LINK AT:
www.qsl.net/k6soj
-----------------------------------------------
SKYWARN is the National Weather Service program of trained volunteer
spotters reporting severe weather
The ARRL/ARES has a national “memorandum of understanding” (MOU) with the
NOAA/NWS.
-----------------------------------------------
*** UPDATE ***
WEEKLY Medford NWS SKYWARN NETS: Sundays at 1930L on
the
Mt. Ashland
147.26+ repeater (WX7MFR/R). It is also relayed via 146.55 SIMPLEX
(Siskiyou and Klamath Counties);
on the Likely 146.97- repeater (Modoc County)and on the REGIONAL ARES
frequency of 3987 LSB.
(1982 LSB alternate). SKYWARN will be activated on these frequencies
during
severe weather events.
------------------------------------------------
PACKET
NODE NOW OPERATIONAL ON MT. ASHLAND
145.030 MHz, ID is: skywrn. NWS Medford is asking for SKYWARN and ARES
packet stations to connect
and let them know your location, the type of antenna and power you use to
access the Mt. Ashland node.
Questions? contact Gary, N7GK < gpederso@orednet.org
>
The connect to NWS packet bbs is 145.090 and the ID is NWSMFR. Then
connect
to NWSBBS, e.g., c
nwsmfr. Then, c nwsbbs. The NWSMFR at nws mfr is a node.
-------------------------------------------------
NWS WEATHER SPOTTER CLASSES:
March 31 - at EMCOMM 2001. Palo Cedro, California
April 30 - Curry County 7-9 PM in the Blue Room in the County Annex
Building,
Gold Beach., OR.
May 1 - Coos County 6-8 PM Coquille Fire Hall, Coquille, OR
May 2 - Douglas County 7-9 PM Ford Room of the Douglas County
Library,
Roseburg, OR
-------------------------------------------
NOTE: Medford NWS will be offering additional classes soon. Watch this
spot
and/or check in to the
SKYWARN and/or ARES nets for updates and announcements.
The NWS/Medford
“service area” consists
of nine counties: Coos, Curry, Douglas, Klamath, Jackson, Josephine, Lake,
(OR); Modoc and Siskiyou
(CA). If you have any questions about the SKYWARN program, contact: Gary/N7GK
< gpederso@orednet.org >
via e-mail or on 147.26+ (Mt. Ashland).
----------------------------------------------
REGIONAL ARES WEATHER AND ROAD NETS (ARESWARNS) for SV Districts 1 and 2 are
on the
MUTUAL AID FREQUENCIES of 7232 LSB (daytime) and 3987 LSB (nighttime).
1982LSB (nighttime
alternate). Up/down QRM. OREGON District 5, and all ARES stations
elsewhere, are CORDIALLY
INVITED to participate. During a SEVERE WEATHER EVENT, the HF WARN meets
hourly AT THE
BOTTOM OF THE HOUR, until all information and traffic is passed, (more
often as needed).
LOCAL ARES WARNS are activated by a local EC or AEC per your local plan.
Check with your EC for
more information about your area. It is recommended that they meet at the
TOP OF EACH HOUR, and
include a local HF - VHF station for relay / interface duty with the
regional net.
-----------------------------------
Check in to the JEFFERSON NOON NET daily at 1200L on 7232 // 3987 LSB for
announcements regarding
anticipated severe WX.
-----------------------------------
***NEW*** CURRENT NWS WEATHER BULLETINS AND WARNINGS ARE NOW ON A LINK ON
THE HOME PAGE AT: www.qsl.net/k6soj
4 - IF YOU HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT OR SOMETHING OF INTEREST TO REPORT about your ARES team or other EMCOMM unit...and would like it posted in the 5-1-2 BULLETIN...send it to: k6soj@arrl.net
5 - COMING ATTRACTIONS...
*** WHAT CAN WE EXPECT? THE SERIES CONTINUES
*** WHAT IS A TEAM?
*** HOW PREPARED ARE YOU? - A FUN QUIZ
*** CW. QRP. HAS IT ANY PLACE IN EMCOMM?
*** EMCOMM 2001 - MARCH 31, 2001 - PALO CEDRO, CALIFORNIA ***
*** FIELD DAY 2001 - JUNE 23-24
6 - NET ROSTER - UPDATED - FEBRUARY 27, 2001
A current 5-1-2 ARES Regional Net Roster is at:
www.qsl.net/k6soj/nets/net.htm
ECs and AECs: WE NEED YOUR HELP - BE A NET CONTROL OPERATOR!
(NOTE: ALL ARES Leadership personnel (ECs, AECs, DECs, and SECs), and ARRL
OES and ORS, from
any District and/or Section are welcome to check in as visitors. If you wish
to be on the discussion list
(second round), just indicate that when you check in.)
IF YOU ARE A PRIVATE OR GOVERNMENT PUBLIC SERVICE AGENCY, OR JUST A "MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC"; AND YOU NEED EMERGENCY OR DISASTER RELATED COMMUNICATIONS...JUST CALL UPON "5-1-2". WE'RE OPEN...24 HOURS A DAY!
*** PLEASE REMEMBER TO CONSERVE ENERGY ***
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