1. Know Before You Go The things you need to know before you deploy Prepared by Bryce Rumery, K1GAX Maine ARES Section Emergency Coordinator Maine ARES

2. Know Before You Go You need to know a great deal of information before you deploy for ARES You need to know a great deal of information before you deploy for ARES This applies to both disasters and exercises This applies to both disasters and exercises –Just deploying with some radio equipment and vague instructions won’t cut it –The more information you know about your deployment, the better you are able to operate and accomplish your mission

3. Know Before You Go The very basics you need to know are: The very basics you need to know are: –Who –What –Where –When –How

4. Know Before You Go Let’s explore each of these five items

5. Know Before You Go Who Who –Who do I report to?  Name  Agency  Title –Do they know I am coming?  If they do, they will be expecting you  If they do not, best report to security at the deployed location first –In all cases, present your credentials upon arrival and reporting

6. Know Before You Go What What –The Incident name –The nature of the emergency –Is this an ARES or RACES deployment –What is my function?  What do you want me to do? –Get specifics  You may have more than one job

7. Know Before You Go Where Where –Where am I to report to?  Get a location and address  Get directions if you are unsure how to get to the location  Get specifics –For example  Maine Medical Center is general (it’s a big place)  Maine Medical Center Emergency Room is specific

8. Know Before You Go When When –When am I to report?  Get an exact time –They may not be expecting you earlier  There may be no one there before your reporting time  They may not be ready for you before your reporting time –They may need you at a specific time

9. Know Before You Go How How –This is the essence of how you are going to operate  What equipment do I need?  What equipment is there?  Is there commercial power available?  What are the operational frequencies?  What is my tactical call sign?  Are there personal support items there?  How long will I be on duty?

10. Know Before You Go Let’s look at these items

11. Know Before You Go What equipment do I need? What equipment do I need? –Be sure you have the equipment required before deploying  If you don’t have the required equipment, let someone know –For example:  If you are required to have a 50 watt dual band radio, 50 feet of coax, portable mast and an outside antenna and all you have is a 5 watt two meter handheld and a rubber duck antenna, you may not be able to effectively communicate

12. Know Before You Go What equipment is there? What equipment is there? –If possible, find out what communications equipment is already in place  There may be radios, and antennas already in place  Knowing what is there already may enhance your ability to operate  This information is not always available

13. Know Before You Go Is there commercial power (110 VAC) available? Is there commercial power (110 VAC) available? –Is it commercial power?  Is there backup power if commercial power fails? –If there is a generator  Is the generator capable of carrying the power drawn from the communications equipment? –Should I carry my own power?

14. Know Before You Go What are the operational frequencies? What are the operational frequencies? –Primary Net frequency –Backup Net frequency –Other frequencies  It can take you a while to find out where everyone is operating if you don’t know

15. Know Before You Go What is my tactical call sign? What is my tactical call sign? –The tactical call sign is used in most disasters and exercises –It identifies a location no matter who is operating –Use your tactical call sign if they are being used in an incident  Remember to identify properly when operating (per FCC regulations)

16. Know Before You Go Are there personal support items there? Are there personal support items there? –Food and water –Comfort items –Sleeping accommodations  Do I need to provide for myself?

17. Know Before You Go How long will I be on duty? How long will I be on duty? –Get specifics  It will help you plan for your deployment –If you are unable to deploy for that period, let someone know before you deploy

18. Know Before You Go Where do I get this information?

19. Know Before You Go Information is usually given out at Information is usually given out at –The location where you are checking in for assignment –The staging area where you are assigned to before deployment –From your supervisor where you are assigned

20. Know Before You Go Get as much information as possible Get as much information as possible –It will help you complete your mission Ask questions if you are unsure of anything Ask questions if you are unsure of anything –Don’t be afraid to ask Do not deploy if you are unable to fulfill the requirements of the assignment Do not deploy if you are unable to fulfill the requirements of the assignment –Inform someone if you are not capable of the assignment –Ask for another assignment that fits your capabilities

21. Know Before You Go Write everything down concerning your assignment Write everything down concerning your assignment –Don’t depend on your memory

22. Maine ARES Know what you are getting yourself in for before you deploy! Know what you are getting yourself in for before you deploy! Know Before You Go Presented by Maine ARES