+ GUIDELINES AND “GENERIC” PLAN FOR
WIDESPREAD AND / OR EXTENDED POWER OUTAGES AND TELEPHONE SYSTEM FAILURES by D.
W. Thorne, K6SOJ
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 nets, drills, and training. Get to
know your EC, AEC, and other members of your ARES team. Keep familiar with 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. 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 - AS SOON AS a net 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. ARES stations (fixed or mobile) with both VHF and HF are of
special value.
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...as is a clipboard, notepad, pens and
pencils, and local maps. Keep an adequate supply of blank RADIOGRAMS
ready.
7 - RESPOND as directed by your NCS. 0r, 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. Obey all laws, stay out of the
way of emergency vehicles, and periodically keep the NCS station informed of
your location.
8 - IDENTIFY yourself as an emergency communications unit. Wear your ARES
cap, jacket, or other ID materials. On vehicles, the magnetic ARES signs
are nice. Or you can make placards and place them on your dashboard or sun
visor.
9 - INTRODUCE yourself to local officials. Briefly tell them who you are,
what you can do, where you will be located, and that they may refer persons with
emergency, priority, or health and welfare messages to you. Remain polite,
but DO NOT initiate or accept ROUTINE traffic until the NCS gives the “OK”.
10 - THE NCS (at the direction of the EC or acting EC) may ask you to move to
other locations (such as a hospital, clinic, utility office or city hall).
11 - IF YOU MUST leave your post or assignment notify the NCS. Allow
enough time to find a replacement.
12 - KNOW your own limitations. Do not try to be a “marathon
operator”. When your relief arrives, give him / her a brief report, and go get
some rest. You may be needed tomorrow!