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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. 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

13. Communications Plan (cont’d)
CERT
Emergency Communications

14. 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

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

16. 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

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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. Two-way Radios (cont’d)
MURS
Limitations
Limited to 5 channels
Limited availability
More expensive than FRS/GMRS radios ($40-80)
Image from:
CERT
Emergency Communications

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. Two-way Radios (cont’d)
Amateur Radio (a.k.a. ham radio)
Advantages
Various data types (voice, text, data, photos, documents, , 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

26. 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

27. Two-way Radios (cont’d)
Amateur Radio
Limitations
Requires license
No business use
Operators cannot be paid
Complex radios
Complex protocols (?)
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CERT
Emergency Communications

28. 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

29. 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

30. Emergency Communications
Getting a License
ARRL website:
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

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

32. 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

33. 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

34. 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

35. Amateur Radio Frequency Bands
High Frequency (HF)
160M MHz
80M
60M (Ch)
40M
30M
20M
10M
VHF
6M MHz 2M
1.25M
UHF +
70cm
33cm
& up to many GHz!
CERT
Emergency Communications

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

37. 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

38. 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

39. 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

40. 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 PL131.5 W4UNC repeater. This net is open to all licensed amateurs.
The nightly NC Tar Heel Emergency Net (THEN) is on MHz at 19:30. Monday is ARES night, with Tom, N4TAB, NC SEC as the NCO.
CERT
Emergency Communications

41. 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

42. 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 (no tone) repeater in Raleigh.
Web site: also on Facebook.
Raleigh NWS:
CERT
Emergency Communications

43. 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

44. 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

45. 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

46. 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

47. 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:
CERT
Emergency Communications

48. 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

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

50. 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

51. 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

52. Emergency Communications
Resources
OCRA Club: See Info/OCRA Documents section
OCRA-DFMA.groups.io: See Files section for Emergency Communications, Repeater Coverage folders. Have to request to join group, moderator will approve.
Tar Heel Emergency Net (THEN):
NC Section ARRL news:
ARRL Public Service:
ARRL ARES Manual: No longer recommended
Winlink Radio plus various Google groups
ICS Online Training courses:
Central Carolina Skywarn:
CERT
Emergency Communications

53. 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

54. Emergency Communications
Thank you!

55. 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

56. 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