67. The message flow to, from, and within the EOC and Field Command Post
will break down and become inefficient and unmanageable.
COMMENT: If we intend to provide communications for agencies, it is
ESSENTIAL that all of us in EMCOMM be PROFICIENT and ACCURATE operators.
When normal channels of communication fail (and they will) or become so
overloaded that essential, even EMERGENCY traffic may not get through.
AMATEUR RADIO MAY BE THE ONLY MEANS OF COMMUNICATION. AROs in EMCOMM must
know proper operating and traffic handling procedures. Remember: “RADIOS
do not communicate... PEOPLE communicate!” Sloppy
communication methods are NEVER appropriate in emergency or disaster situations.
If you are an EMCOMM operator:
1. Practice good operating practices in ALL of your ham radio contacts.
2. Learn how to say what you have to say with a minimum of verbiage.
3. Make sure messages can ONLY be interpreted to mean what they are
supposed to mean.
4. Do not use “cutesy” lingo or jargon.
5. Learn and use ITU phonetics. (I actually once heard a ham use
“Juarez”
as the phonetic for “W”!)
6. Follow ARRL guidelines and operating procedures.
7. There is only one standard for accuracy: ONE HUNDRED PERCENT
ACCURATE!
8. Keep your station and mobile gear in good operating condition.
9. Set an example for others to follow.
10. Practice, and live by, “The Amateur’s Code”.