Emergency Communications & Amateur Radio Orange County Teen CERT Steven Ahlbom, W3AHL OC ARES/AUXCOMM EC 06/29/18

Emergency Communications Outline My background Amateur Radio event photos The importance of communications in emergency response Various roles of CERT in communications during an activation How to use a communications plan Identify communication modes used in emergency response CERT Emergency Communications

Emergency Communications Outline (cont’d) Amateur Radio overview ARES, AUXCOMM, SKYWARN How to properly communicate using communications devices Use tactical call signs and pro-words to make and acknowledge a call Table top exercise Over-the-air exercise Resources CERT Emergency Communications

Emergency Communications Please … Casual format There are no “dumb questions” If I use a term you aren’t familiar with, ask what it means CERT Emergency Communications

Emergency Communications Introduction Effective communications is the greatest logistical problem during an emergency event NIMS ESF #2 – Comm’s CERT volunteers can be part of the solution CERT Emergency Communications

Emergency Communications Introduction Communications in disasters Hurricane Katrina September 11th Mineral, VA, earthquake NC ice storms, hurricanes, tornados Fiber optic cable damage Power outages CERT Emergency Communications

Emergency Communications Overview Role of CERT emergency communications during an activation Communications plans Communication modes Basic radio anatomy Communications operations Practical exercises CERT Emergency Communications

Role of CERT Emergency Communications Intra-team communications Allows volunteers to quickly and effectively communicate with each other Essential for functions such as light search and rescue and when dealing with large crowds Other examples? CERT Emergency Communications

Role of CERT Emergency Communications (cont’d) Communicating up to the next level Tiers of communication CERT volunteers are “eyes and ears” CERT Emergency Communications

Role of CERT Emergency Communications (cont’d) Effective communications promotes safety Calling for help when needed Reporting safety-related incidents or concerns Accountability – Team leader keeping track of team members CERT Emergency Communications

Emergency Communications Communications Plan What is a communications plan? Logistical emergency plan Who communicates to whom How information flows CERT Emergency Communications

Communications Plan (cont’d) CERT Communications Plan How the CERTs are activated and volunteers are contacted How CERT members communicate with each other How CERT communicates to other emergency responders Fits into jurisdiction plan CERT Emergency Communications

Communications Plan (cont’d) CERT Emergency Communications

Communications Plan (cont’d) Command Other Agencies Team B Leader Team A B1 B2 B3 A1 A2 A3 Communications plan diagram (completed) CERT Emergency Communications

Emergency Communications Communication Modes Runners Landline telephone Cell phone Computer communications Satellite phone/data terminal Two-way radio CERT Emergency Communications

Two-way Radio Communications What is it? Not a one-way broadcast Organizations Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) DHS/OEC Auxiliary Communications (AUXCOMM) Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) Merged with ARES/AUXCOMM in NC. CERT Emergency Communications

Emergency Communications Two-way Radios How they work Frequencies Channels Range Antenna, power level, atmospheric conditions Repeater vs. simplex CERT Emergency Communications

Two-way Radios (cont’d) FRS/GMRS Hybrid ($35-45) Channels 1-7: Shared between FRS and GMRS (no license required when operating at lower power settings) Channels 8-14: FRS-only channels; lower power, 1 mile range Channels 15-22: GMRS-only; higher power New FCC rules in 2017 for hybrid units. 2-3 mile range using UHF 462 & 467 MHz frequencies. CERT Emergency Communications

Two-way Radios (cont’d) FRS/GMRS Hybrids Advantages and limitations are the same as FRS radios and GMRS radios Widely available Handheld only Non-licensed users cannot operate on GMRS channels (2017 rules change license rqmt.) CERT Emergency Communications

Two-way Radios (cont’d) Multiple-Use Radio Service (MURS) Advantages Handhelds or base units available 3-4 mile range for handhelds (VHF 151 MHz, 2 watts). Increase range with repeaters and external antennas (60’ height limit) Transmit voice or data No license required CERT Emergency Communications

Two-way Radios (cont’d) MURS Limitations Limited to 5 channels Limited availability More expensive than FRS/GMRS radios ($40-80) Image from: http://www.dakotaalert.com/catb2b1/product_info.php?cPath=36&products_id=193 CERT Emergency Communications

Two-way Radios (cont’d) Citizen Band (CB) Advantages No license required 40 channels Disadvantages Casual conversation Not reliable Not recommended for CERT use CERT Emergency Communications

Two-way Radios (cont’d) Public Safety Bands Advantages Direct communication to emergency first responders, if authorized Extremely reliable Range up to 20 miles with simplex, 50 miles with repeaters Handheld, mobile, or base units CERT Emergency Communications

Two-way Radios (cont’d) Public Safety Bands Limitations Requires authorization of jurisdiction Expensive Must be used with jurisdictional protocol Licensed to municipality or government entity CERT Emergency Communications

Two-way Radios (cont’d) Amateur Radio (a.k.a. ham radio) Advantages Various data types (voice, text, data, photos, documents, e-mail, television) Range in excess of 100 miles with repeaters Operate using simplex or repeaters Good availability Moderately priced Handheld, mobile, and base stations available CERT Emergency Communications

Two-way Radios (cont’d) Amateur Radio Advantages (cont.) Reliability Interoperability More simultaneous conversations possible Connect to computer Connect to global positioning system (GPS) and automated position reporting system (APRS) CERT Emergency Communications

Two-way Radios (cont’d) Amateur Radio Limitations Requires license No business use Operators cannot be paid Complex radios Complex protocols (?) Image from: http://www.icomamerica.com/images/products/large/91A_91AD_1.jpg CERT Emergency Communications

What is the Amateur Radio Service FCC Definition: a radiocommunication service for the purpose of self-training, intercommunication and technical investigations carried out by amateurs, that is, duly authorized persons interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest. [97.3(a)(4)] Basis & Purpose (First & fifth of five basic principles): Recognition and enhancement of the value of amateur radio service to the public as a voluntary noncommercial communications service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications Continuation and extension of the amateur’s unique ability to enhance international goodwill. [97.1(a)] CERT Emergency Communications

Emergency Communications FCC Licensing Over 800,000 licensed hams in USA; 2,010,000 in world. FCC License Classes Technician – above 30 MHz, limited HF use below 30 MHz. 35 questions out of a pool of 428, must have 74% correct to pass. New pool effective 7/1/18. General – operate all bands & modes, except frequencies reserved for Extra class. 35 questions, pool effective through 06/30/19. Extra -- additional segments in each HF band. 50 questions out of pool of 712, effective through 06/30/20. CERT Emergency Communications

Emergency Communications Getting a License ARRL website: http://www.arrl.org/licensing-education-training Online study guides Printed study guides Online practice tests Local VEC (Volunteer Examiner Coordinator) exam sessions by the OCRA club every month Links to several of each in your handout CERT Emergency Communications

Push-to-Talk Button (PTT) Basic Radio Anatomy Antenna Volume & On/Off Switch Microphone Push-to-Talk Button (PTT) Speaker CERT Emergency Communications

Basic Radio Anatomy (cont’d) Battery Location Headset Input Jack Channel Monitor Scan Button Privacy Line (PL) Selector & Lock Settings Transmit Call Tone Channel Selector CERT Emergency Communications

Basic Radio Anatomy (cont’d) Battery Location Changing and charging batteries Radio may be unusable when charging Battery substitution Carry extra batteries Don’t overcharge SAFETY NOTE: Alkaline batteries are NOT rechargeable CERT Emergency Communications

Basic Radio Anatomy (cont’d) Privacy Line Selector Privacy codes or PL tones Not really “private” Not standard from model to model Blocks who you can hear, not who can hear you Many repeaters require a PL tone to open the repeater CERT Emergency Communications

Amateur Radio Frequency Bands High Frequency (HF) 160M 1.8-2.0 MHz 80M 3.5-4.0 60M 5.3-5.4 (Ch) 40M 7.0-7.3 30M 10.1-10.15 20M 14.0-14.35 10M 28.0-29.7 VHF 6M 50-54 MHz 2M 144-148 1.25M 219-225 UHF + 70cm 420-450 33cm 902-928 & up to many GHz! CERT Emergency Communications

Amateur Radio Equipment Handheld (HT) - VHF, UHF, dual-band. $40-$500+. 3-5 watts TX power. Mobile -VHF, UHF, dual-band, HF. $150-$1500+. 10-50+watts TX power. Base - Same as above, but $500-$5000. 10-200 watts Power Supply – AC powered or rechargeable batteries CERT Emergency Communications

Amateur Radio Equipment (Cont’d) HT antenna – optional 17” whip for VHF, adapter for external gain antenna Mobile antenna – Permanently installed or magnetic mount Base or portable antenna – Dual-band gain or VHF/UHF or wire dipole for HF Coax – 50 ohm feed line from radio to antenna. Use low loss for VHF/UHF Ask advise from hams before buying!! CERT Emergency Communications

American Radio Relay League (ARRL) The ARRL is the national association for Amateur Radio in the US, founded in 1914. Their web site has a wealth of information, some of which requires a membership to access. Membership fees are $49 annually, except $25 for those 21 or younger with no older ham’s living at your address. Includes QST magazine. Explore arrl.org for more info. CERT Emergency Communications

Amateur Radio Emergency Service ARES® Licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment, with their local ARES leadership, for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes. ARES is an ARRL sponsored program, but ARRL membership is not required (except for EC and AEC). The ARRL ARES program is undergoing some “enhancements” this year. NC ARES does not require their recommended training currently, nor registration in their new ARES database. CERT Emergency Communications

Emergency Communications ARES (Cont’d) Training may be required or desired to participate fully in ARES events. A weekly ARES Training Net is held at 0930 every Saturday on the 442.150+ PL131.5 W4UNC repeater. This net is open to all licensed amateurs. The nightly NC Tar Heel Emergency Net (THEN) is on 3.923 MHz at 19:30. Monday is ARES night, with Tom, N4TAB, NC SEC as the NCO. CERT Emergency Communications

Emergency Communications ARES (Cont’d) In NC volunteers must complete IC-100, 200, 700 & 800 online courses and register in the AUXCOMM database to deploy for an incident or exercise with any agency or NGO using ICS. AUXCOMM registration is not required for Public Service events. See the “Orange County ARES Overview.pdf” file link listed in your handout for more details. CERT Emergency Communications

Emergency Communications SKYWARN Skywarn is a National Weather Service (NWS) program of trained volunteer severe weather spotters that provide local on-the-ground weather reports via radio or Internet. In the Triangle area the Central Carolina SKYWARN coordinates training and reporting using the 146.880- (no tone) repeater in Raleigh. Web site: https://www.centralcarolinaskywarn.net/ also on Facebook. Raleigh NWS: https://www.weather.gov/rah/skywarn CERT Emergency Communications

Emergency Communications Net Operations Net Control Operator Radio “traffic cop” Coordinates radio traffic Duties: Direct you to call Direct you to stand by Prioritize calls based on nature of message Direct you to a different channel or net CERT Emergency Communications

Emergency Communications Tactical Call Signs Assigned by Net Control Operator Based on function and location Names are not needed Tactical call signs do not change for duration of assignment For amateur radio op’s, must still ID with FCC call sign at end of transmission (indicates you’re done) or every 10 minutes. CERT Emergency Communications

Tactical Call Signs (cont’d) Making a call STANFORD SHELTER, PARKING LOT (discuss net options) Acknowledging a call PARKING LOT, go ahead (Tactical calls used to establish link) Transmitting a message 2 standard and 1 bariatric wheelchairs are needed at front entrance Acknowledging receipt of message Roger, W4ABC Terminating a call W4XYZ Amateur radio call signs used to indicate exchange is complete. CERT Emergency Communications

Emergency Communications Radio Use Speak across the microphone Keep antenna vertical Improving reception Elevation: Higher ground, hold radio in air Moving near window Rotation to avoid body obstructing signal CERT Emergency Communications

Emergency Communications Radio Use (cont’d) Headsets with microphones Hands-free use (??) Speaker Mic Keep radios on Lock settings to avoid changing channel accidentally Cheaper radios are NOT weatherproof. Look for IP63-67 ratings. Image from: http://www.planetheadset.com/motorola-radio-accessories.php?type=earpiece#top CERT Emergency Communications

Emergency Communications Message Sending Use plain text, no 10 or Q codes. Speak slowly, especially when excited. State only facts, unless opinion is requested. Write out message to be sent when possible, same for receipt. ICS-213 General Message form preferred. Carry small notepad and pen with you at all times for notes. Try to give addresses for location, rather than landmarks Avoid giving names of injured or deceased over the air. Messages should be specific on who requires how many of what, where and when. Review messages given to you, but never modify them without sender’s OK. CERT Emergency Communications

Pro-Words (Procedural) “All before” “All after” “I spell” (use standard phonetics) “Affirmative” “Negative” “Break” “Emergency” CERT Emergency Communications

Emergency Communications Phonetic Alphabet A--Alfa B--Bravo C--Charlie D--Delta E--Echo F--Foxtrot G--Golf H--Hotel I--India J--Juliet K--Kilo L--Lima M--Mike N--November O--Oscar P--Papa Q--Quebec R--Romeo S--Sierra T--Tango U--Uniform V--Victor W--Whiskey X--X-ray Y--Yankee Z--Zulu 9--Niner CERT Emergency Communications

Practical Exercise – Role-playing Scenario: School Fire Alarm Evacuation. Team 3 not responding to roll call CERT Leader: Ask for location and status Team 1: In room 203, clearing 2nd floor. Team 2: Moved outside front entrance, first floor clear. Team 3: [No reply to roll call, last location near Gym] Team 4: At meeting area in south parking lot Cafeteria is clear. Use script for exercise. CERT Emergency Communications

Emergency Communications Resources OCRA Club: https://ncocra.org/ See Info/OCRA Documents section OCRA-DFMA.groups.io: https://groups.io/g/OCRA-DFMA See Files section for Emergency Communications, Repeater Coverage folders. Have to request to join group, moderator will approve. Tar Heel Emergency Net (THEN): http://www.ncarrl.org/nets/THEN/index.html NC Section ARRL news: http://www.ncarrl.org/index.html ARRL Public Service: http://www.arrl.org/public-service ARRL ARES Manual: No longer recommended Winlink Radio E-mail: http://www.winlink.org/ plus various Google groups ICS Online Training courses: http://training.fema.gov/is/nims.asp Central Carolina Skywarn: http://centralcarolinaskywarn.net/ CERT Emergency Communications

Emergency Communications Module Summary Communications is a key component of emergency response CERTs assist emergency response agencies by communicating through ICS Communication plans define how to communicate during emergency response Each communication mode has advantages and limitations Achieve effective communication by using radio operation, tactical call signs, pro-words, phonetic alphabet, and basic protocols CERT Emergency Communications

Emergency Communications Thank you!

Tactical Call Sign Demonstration Script A Southwest CERT Command NOTE: You are calling EOC. You will initiate the call. EOC, this is Southwest CERT Command, over. EOC, this is SW CERT Command. Send 22 stretchers to corner of 12th Street shelter near CVS, over. EOC, this is SW CERT Command, out. CERT Emergency Communications

Tactical Call Sign Demonstration Script B EOC NOTE: You are responding to a call from Southwest CERT Command. They will initiate the call. Southwest CERT Command, this is EOC, over. SW CERT Command, this is EOC, 22 stretchers at 12th Street shelter, over. CERT Emergency Communications