[Ccarc] Coax connections E-Zine Issue
Tom Murray
kb9wsl at hotmail.com
Wed Apr 23 11:46:00 EDT 2008
Here is an issue of Coax Connections E-zine.
Tom KB9WSL
-------------------------------------------------------------------
"COAX Connections" e-Zine is a monthly publication distributed in a
"plain text" virus-free format. Each issue is e-mailed directly to
your e-mail address from TMQG.com using the "Bcc" option. Our goal
is to mitigate or eliminate anti-spamming activity. We do not send
images or attachments and use NO HTML coding. -- KB6UJW, Editor
-----------------
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
-----------------
-A- THE PROFESSIONAL VOLUNTEER:
"Find the Need, Take the Lead"
Part 3 (Final) in a Series
-B- DEPARTMENTS
"When Disaster Strikes..."
"When Opportunity Knocks..."
"A Safety Minute..."
"A Sense of Urgency..."
"Keep in touch..."
-C- ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW:
"Drawing Attention to Volunteer Communications"
-D- VOLUNTEER COMMUNICATIONS ICS
"Combining ICS with SET for a WIN-WIN"
-E- INTERNET RESOURCES & REFERENCES
-F- CONTACTS AND FEEDBACK
:: PLEASE NOTE ::
We rely heavily on referrals from volunteer communicators just like
you. If you know someone who would benefit from this publication,
please either (1) send your copy directly to them or (2) have them
sign-up at our web site:
> http://www.V-C-N.org/eZ
And now, this issue...
-A- -THE-PROFESSIONAL-VOLUNTEER------------------------------------
< ID: V-C-N.eZ_2008-04A >
There is more to being a professional than just obtaining a license
and buying a radio. Learn what it takes to qualify and why that is
going to take time, effort, dedication and making lots of mistakes!
"Find the Need, Take the Lead"
Part 3 (Final) of a Series
by Wayne Barringer
NOTE: Last month's article ended with the following paragraph. If
you didn't read it yet, request it now using this link:
> mailto:kb6ujw at arrl.net?subject=[V-C-N]_eZ_2008-03A_Need
Streamline reporting transmissions. Remember, the least amount of
time means faster information reported to the EOC. Comprehensive
means finding solutions to providing information the EOC or local
emergency manager needs? How about reports on bridges, hospitals,
electricity, etc. How can communications volunteers obtain and
report that information?
< Continued from last month... >
How many volunteer communications organizations can, by themselves,
provide a comprehensive, sustained solution -- with minimal advance
notice -- "IF" the incident begins at 2030 on a Tuesday evening?
That question is always on the back of your volunteer coordinator's
thoughts when deciding to activate or not. While the "need" may be
real, can that need, or need(s), be met by the number of volunteers
available to respond during a week-day? And how long can that need
be filled if the incident goes beyond 2200, or 2300, or 2400 hours?
The real question is: How many of your current members will not be
available on Wed/Thu/Fri because they need to be at work and cannot
get off? (That's probably also what the volunteer coordinator of
your local served agency is thinking about!)
Further...of those who "ARE" available, how many have situations or
conditions that prevent or restrict their participation?
And of those that remain, does EACH ONE have:
- Documented procedures to open the EOC or local emergency
management agency amateur radio section?
- Documented training records indicating the dates they
LAST OPENED the EOC or operated designated radio station?
- Documented preparedness records (participation at the last
"field day" does not count) indicating they have everything
thing they need to respond promptly and operate with little
or no assistance?
- Documented procedures to monitor and track the safety of
each member as they travel to/from the mobilization or
staging area?
- Pre-assigned command and tactical frequencies for immediate
use on various assignments (staging, logistics, EOC-to-EOC,
"Safety Net" activities, etc.)?
- Documented procedures and prepared materials on how to
process and assign "SUVs" that have been precoordinated with
the local volunteer coordinator or served agency?
Remember, only those pre-authorized, pre-background checked members
should have access to restricted areas. Those members, especially
when some (many) will be unavailable and those who are will be some
degree of limited, need to have everything they need - in advance -
to be successful and to perform quickly, even during adversity.
Waiting for the next disaster is not the time to "get prepared" for
some of the problems that should be anticipated and planned for by
your organization.
LESSON LEARNED: Plan for limited member availability.
Provide all required documentation to all members. Make sure each
knows how to use it based on practice sessions that are viewed and
evaluated -- in advance -- by local EMAs or volunteer coordinators
(adds greatly to their perception of your credibility).
So, given that, what is your organization's plan for SUVs?
Eh? What's an "SUV" you ask? If you don't know, this is one focus
area where you can "Take the Lead and Fill the Need" with proactive
discussions with your local volunteer coordinators.
An "SUV" is a Spontaneous, Untrained Volunteer (insert "Uneducated"
or "Uninformed" if you prefer), perhaps better known as "Convergent
Volunteers. Those are the folks who begin to "show up" without an
invitation after a disaster happens because they "want to help" and
"be a part" of the solution.
How many local radio operators are there in your area? Include ALL
of the FCC personal communications services, such as: Amateur/ham,
GMRS, FRS, MURS, CB (don't forget two cups and a string!), etc.
Of that total, how many are members of (one or more) local groups
such as RACES/ARES/ACS/DCS/REACT/CERT/XYZ or C-U-SOON?
But what is maybe more important...how many are NOT affiliated with
any of those organizations?
That's a BIG problem! Many will have little or no training, are not
familiar with local communications protocols or pre-plans, and lack
any type of knowledge regarding pre-deployment or staging areas
designated for "local" volunteers. More importantly, they have "no"
standards for what radios or equipment they are going to have with
them. (Can we "assume" your organization does?)
Does anyone reading this actually believe those SUV radio operators
are going to simply "turn off" their radios during a disaster? How
about those "other" SUV volunteers, non-radio operators and lots of
other "normal citizens" who "just feel bad" and "want to help" out?
It's unavoidable...they are going to come! Will your organization
"be ready" and be part of the solution or just "stand by" and watch
as the volunteer coordinator tries to develop one, or as the police
officers tell them to "go home" without even getting "close" to the
action? (By the way, they are simply going to try and "get in"
using another, less restrictive, route!)
We need to develop and focus on concepts that "include" rather than
"exclude" local radio operators. We need to think "us" instead of
"them" and figure out ways to work together. Here's one example:
Friday, Aug 13th, 2004--Punta Gorda, FL: Hurricane Charley strikes
the west coast of Florida (Charlotte County). Volunteer members of
the ARRL West Central Florida (WCF) out of Sarasota County descend
on the area and begin to establish communications where all of the
previous communications infrastructure had been totally destroyed
or severely compromised. The call for help goes out immediately.
The problem: How to quickly identify those who have been screened,
approved, assigned and authorized to be "inside" the perimeter?
Dave Armbrust AE4MR, then ARRL West Central Florida Section Manager
had one interesting solution. Immediately after Hurricane Charley
hit Florida, RACES/ARES members rolled in and started to "set up"
communications capability using amateur radio. The problem: How
to quickly identify those volunteer communicators who were "part of
the operation" and "authorized" to pass beyond police check points
and operate "in" the disaster area.
Dave quickly developed and printed a "recognition card" that easily
identified those radio operator volunteers who were "part" of the
operation. It was business card-sized, easy to print off, somewhat
difficult to duplicate quickly, yet solved the problem.
Simple. Quick. Problem solved. Now here's some things your local
organization can review and implement:
1. Develop some form of "recognition" system that will quickly ID
those non-members who "DO" have approved or limited access to local
station assignment locations or areas? Maybe the served agency or
volunteer coordinator already has something in place. Check there
first, and then ... if not, TAKE THE LEAD!
2. Develop pre-designated assignments for SUV radio operators. No
one is saying to open the EOC and say "come on in" to strangers, or
to assign them to important shadow positions with the police chief
or mayor! But what about staging areas? What about check points?
What about logistics assignments? What about relay stations? What
about communicating damage assessements from the field? What about
non-radio assignments, like processing "authorized" volunteers?
3. Designate an SUV coordinator. PERFECT assignment for a Liaison
Officer, and pretty realistic as well. What radios or equipment do
the SUV have with them? What do they need? Do they have any "out
of area authorized" ID cards from other EMAs or special credentials
that might "enhance" their participation (once you validate their
authenticity, of course!)?
4. Coordinate with Logistics. Food, supplies, lodging, resources
that are unique or special, etc. Are there communication require-
ments your organization can begin training to fulfill? Are unique
or special needs identified that you must meet? Can all or some of
those needs to filled by a non-member of your organization?
LESSON LEARNED: Plan for SUVs.
Remember the theme: "Find the Need, Take the Lead" and always "be
on the lookout" for opportunities that you can train for, and offer
a comprehensive, viable, sustained solution.
One final note about capability. Most local volunteer coordinators
and EMAs like to see enthusiastic volunteers, but tend to be "less"
enthusiastic when presented with a "new" solution that only one or
two members are familiar with.
There is no one who knows for certain who is going to be available
after disaster strikes. Every fire truck has a certain capability.
So does every law enforcement officer. They both have successfully
completed a standard course of training.
Is that true of volunteer communicators? NO! So how can we ask a
local EMA or emergency coordinator to get excited about a potential
solution that only two or three of our members can demonstrate any
level of proficiency at operating?
Many Volunteer communicators spent countless hours developing know-
ledge of and/or familiarity with developing technologies. Some are
"proven" to be successful and well-known to many EMAs and all first
responders -- like amateur radio.
The question is: Why even ASK a served agency or disaster relief
organization to include a "capability" if only a few members in the
volunteer communications organization use it?
Parting suggestions:
1. CONDUCT AN ASSESSMENT
-------------------------
Take a hard and honest look at your organization. How many members
are "ready" (what ever THAT means!)? If you haven't defined what
each member needs to do to be "ready" then begin there.
Do you have a "go" bag? Does you have a checklist of all contents
inside it? If not, how do you know if something is missing? Did
it get removed or used since last use? Or, does it need replacing
because it was used during your last deployment?
2. CREATE A RESOURCE INVENTORY
-------------------------------
Identify and document organizational resources and maintain updated
records for immediate availability during local emergencies. Share
resource capability with neighboring organizations so the "closest
available resource" can be deployed quickly without delay.
Planning, Operations and Logistics must be included in distribution
of updates so plans can be implemented when activated by authority.
3. REVIEW CAPABILITIES
-----------------------
Review your capabilities? How many members have a handheld radio?
Is everyone able to communicate on either VHF or UHF? What type of
mobile capabilities is available? When you total the capabilities
of each member and then combine them together, exactly what type of
capability are you offering to your served agency or organization?
Remember, ENTHUSIASM is not a capability!
4. EXAMINE PROFICIENCIES
-------------------------
Every organization has members who can do some things better than
others. That's human nature. But agencies providing services that
are truly "mission critical" will be more concerned with liability
than the outstanding skills of a few talented members. WHY?
Because when those same talented members leave or are unavailable,
those who remain will have to explain why they can't perform at the
same level as the organization did when the solution was presented.
Instead, only present "least common denominators" as resources that
are reliable, sustainable and--most importantly--always available.
5. REVIEW TRAINING TEMPOS
--------------------------
How much time do you invest in training BETWEEN meetings? Do you
know some members who "attend" but don't "participate" and are the
same ones wishing to be more involved? What is their "real" level
of interest? Are they just "complaining" or do they truly want to
"make a difference" when disaster strikes?
What are the local "hazards" in your area? Does everyone in your
organization know about them? Does each person know what they are
going to do if that particular hazard strikes?
What about local "non member" volunteer communicators that are in
your area? Does your organization have a plan on how to use them
if a widespread disaster strikes?
* If you DON'T have a plan, why not?
* If NOT, what are YOU going to do about it?
* If you HAVE a plan, has your organization practiced it?
* If you DO, have you shared it with non-members of
other local volunteer communications organizations?
6. TRAIN FOR SKILL ACQUISITION
-------------------------------
Your local first responders, EMAs and volunteer coordinators EACH
understand this concept clearly because it is identical to the one
used within their own organizations.
Identify exactly how "proficiency" is to be evaluated? What types
of testing standards or observation criteria are to be used by ALL
members wanting to qualify.
The solution you offer to your EMA or local agency must be the same
ALWAYS, at all times, and during all situations.
7. DOCUMENT TRAINING PROGRAMS
------------------------------
If you aren't keeping training records, how do you know who trained
and who didn't? Who has completed ICS-100? Or more important, Who
hasn't? Is completing a "study" course the same as "proficiency?"
These questions are obviously negotiable, but the ultimate decision
is probably the one made by your local EMA or volunteer coordiantor
when they decide to -- or NOT to -- activate your organization!
8. ADAPT FOR FLEXIBILITY
-------------------------
Volunteer communicators come in all shapes, sizes and preferences.
Some don't mind be assigned a "non-radio" assignment, but there are
some that would rather have their teeth fixed without being sedated
rather than something any "flunkee" can do.
Any volunteer, including communicators, must be genuinely flexible
during an emergency situation. Who is willing to be a scribe or a
runner if needed? Who is always "adaptable and at their "best"
when they are asked to do something different than they expected or
anticipated? Who clearly shows an "attitude" when they don't like
the assignment?
9. FIND THE NEED
-----------------
If you want to be more involved, take a "second glance" and try to
find a procedure or process that might be made easier if a trained
radio operator was used or permitted to do it. In otherwords, find
the need within the processes, procedures or systems used by your
served agency or organization.
10. TAKE THE LEAD
------------------
Once you find it, develop training sessions that focus on develop-
ment of the skills you will need. Make sure EVERYONE is involved
and that EVERYONE can do it. (Remember, the "weakest" link...)
Once you get it right, do it again and again and again until you
get it PERFECT. Then, ask your volunteer coordinator to attend a
demonstration. If you do it perfect, don't be surprised if they
ask you do to it again, only for their supervisor or boss!
And because EVERYONE can do it, you won't need those "talented"
superstars to "make it happen" because EVERYONE will become one of
the superstars for that activity or task.
If it doesn't work that time, don't give up...KEEP TRYING! After
all, no agency can satisfy all of their needs. The only question
remaining -- can your organization satisfy ONE of them?
###
WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you. Click 'n send to:
> mailto:kb6ujw at arrl.net?subject=[V-C-N]_eZ.2008-04A_Comment
PLEASE don't change or alter the "subject" line of the message when
using the link above. It identifies the article & provides routing
to help get it to the right individual.
Link doesn't work? Use the convenient "cut & paste" info below:
> Mail to: kb6ujw at arrl.net
> Subject: [V-C-N]_eZ.2008-04A_Comment
< /-A- END OF SECTION "A" ### /-A- END OF SECTION "A" >
-B- -DEPARTMENTS---------------------------------------------------
Featuring topics or messages of interest to radio operators without
regard to volunteer involvement or participation level. Now, here
are the topics for this issue:
--------------------------
-:> "When Disaster Strikes..."
--------------------------
How much time will you have to prepare? How much time do you need?
Hurricanes, floods, fires, and others often have sufficient advance
warnings to take preventive or precautionary actions. A tornado or
earthquake, however, may strike without any advance warning.
Individuals who have "planned ahead" are "more prepared" and have a
lot more options than someone who has not planned and is not ready.
Ask yourself ... will you be able to:
* Gather together after an evacuation? Create and practice an
evacuation plan for your family. Practice slowly at first,
and take time to answer questions, especially from children.
Relocate items that are difficult to retrieve in the dark.
Repack "go bags" that are too heavy for children to carry.
* During this month:
- Daylight savings time BEGAN last month. Don't forget
to change the batteries in your smoke detectors.
- Check your water reserve levels and rotate based on
the production date, using the earliest date first.
- Check battery-operated devices in your "go" bags. If
they are weak, change them NOW before you need them.
Got an idea for this section you would like to share with others in
a future issue? You contribution would be appreciated. Send to:
> mailto:kb6ujw at arrl.net?subject=[V-C-N]_eZ.When_Disaster-Strikes
Link doesn't work? Use the convenient "cut & paste" info below:
> Mail to: kb6ujw at arrl.net
> Subject: [V-C-N]_eZ.When_Disaster-Strikes
-----------
//END##
----------------------------
-:> "When Opportunity Knocks..."
----------------------------
Communications are always needed during a disaster to order, track
and manage resources, to distribute assignments and to follow-up on
their status, to share objective. It is also critical to ensuring
the safety of all involved in the operation.
Volunteer communicators frequently are ashamed to admit they are on
the "outside looking in" while operations are ongoing and they know
they "could help" if someone would "just call them" and ask.
The problem for first responders (law, fire, health, haz-mat, etc.)
and emergency managers is that any type of volunteer capability is,
in most cases, unpredictable. Incident "need" is the only focus by
first responders and emergency managers. With volunteers, however,
it's about "availability" and being able to get off work, away from
the family, and (usually) about getting "ready" to respond.
Ask yourself ... as a volunteer communicator:
* Does your organization have a mobilization plan with objective
criteria to evaluate volunteers from other organizations or to
provide them with meaningful assignments that don't jeopardize
the security of current or ongoing operations?
* Does it have a deployment plan based on the hazards associated
with your region or area? It is documented and prepared so it
can be quickly distributed to other volunteer communicators if
an unexpected emergency requires mutual aid from non-members?
* During this month:
- Review the emergency plan(s) of your organization. How
will it/they be implemented? When was the last time your
group conducted a table top exercise so new members can be
introduced to the plan and senior members have a review of
what the plan is and how it will be implemented.
- Does your organization have an updated resource inventory
list? Has anything changed since the last time it was
published? Is that information shared with other groups
or local emergency management/first responder officials?
Does your agency or organization have any individual radio operator
standards to objectively evaluate proficiency? Do you have an idea
or suggestion that might improve individual/group proficiency? Why
not e-mail it to us and let us consider it for future issues?
> mailto:kb6ujw at arrl.net?subject=[V-C-N]_eZ.Proficiency_Stds
Link doesn't work? Use the convenient "cut & paste" info below:
> Mail to: kb6ujw at arrl.net
> Subject: [V-C-N]_eZ.Proficiency_Stds
-----------
//END##
--------------------
-:> "A Safety Minute..."
--------------------
One area frequently overlooked and often compromised is the subject
of safety. When we make safety a priority, and emphasis it in each
of our operations, we communicate to others how important safety is
within our organization, family, or club/group.
Consider these areas during future operations:
* The warm months of summer will soon be arriving. Take time
NOW to renew your organization's focus on safety.
* Would your members benefit from having a specific "Safety
Net" one week per month that focuses on safety issues?
* Has your organization tried a "question and answer" session
over your local radio frequencies?
* During this month:
- Create a list of safety messages. Sort them based on the
priorities of your organization. Try to "sequence" the
items based on how important they are to your organization.
- Consider implementing a 'safety statistics" section of
your weekly nets. How many total miles driven without
an accident? How many total hours of "safe operations"
by your organization?
- Consider implementing "a safety minute" session for each
of your radio nets. Invite all members (and listening
visitors) to provide examples of how they implemented
safety into their radio operations.
[ Got A Recommendation? ]
Do you have an safety message, idea or recommendation to share with
our readers? Why not send it in? Be sure to identify yourself and
include your city and state/province, and any radio licenses we can
use to identify and appreciate your contribution.
> mailto:kb6ujw at arrl.net?subject=[V-C-N]_eZ.Safety_Minute_Ideas
Link doesn't work? Use the convenient "cut & paste" info below:
> Mail to: kb6ujw at arrl.net
> Subject: [V-C-N]_eZ.Safety_Minute_Ideas
NOTE: Your e-mail contact information will NEVER be shared or sent
as part of our distribution. Only first name, city, state/province
(and callsign if you desire) are indicated on your submission. ###
-----------
//END##
---------------------------
-:> SPECIAL FEATURE: "@ ISSUE"
---------------------------
ATTENTION LOGISTICS SECTIONS:
This article is a "web version" news feature and can be viewed at:
> http://www.V-C-N.org/feature/f,ez.2008-04,01,1,00.htm
-----------
//END##
-----------------------
-:> "A Sense of Urgency..."
-----------------------
Did you set any goals for this year? How about professional goals
relating to your role as a volunteer communications specialist? If
you haven't started yet or are still in the "planning" phase of the
process (what THAT is...), this is a reminder to you:
* This is month 04 out of the 12 available in 2008.
* You have already lost an entire 03 month(s) of this year.
* At the end of 2008, will you have 12 months of progress, or 12
sessions of repeating the same thing over and over again?
* A "Goal" is just a "Dream" ... but with an ACTION PLAN.
------------------
-:> "Keep in Touch..."
------------------
R U MOVING? Planning to change the e-mail address you are using to
receive this e-Zine? Stay in touch! Visit < www.V-C-N.org/eZ >###
< /-B- END OF SECTION "B" ### /-B- END OF SECTION "B" >
-C- -ONE-POINT-OF-VIEW---------------------------------------------
< ID: V-C-N.eZ_2008-04C >
"Drawing Attention to Volunteer Communications"
by Wayne Barringer KB6UJW, KAG0370
I am proud to be an amateur radio operator. But I am also proud to
be a GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) license holder. Do I want
to pay $80 for five years to be licensed on a frequency shared with
a bunch of unlicensed users with FRS/GMRS radios that illegally use
the GMRS frequencies in their "soft pack" radios? The answer: NO!
So why do I continue to renew? Because having a GMRS license gives
me additional capability during an emergency. So I have one of all
the available frequencies offered to me by amateur/Ham, GMRS, FRS,
CB and MURS when I am mobile in my Bronco. (My wife "hates" when I
have 3-4+ radios on at one time...fortunately, the Bronco isn't our
usual choice when we travel around town!")
I know I am not the only "avid communicator" who has multiple radio
installations in their car or truck. I know of several. I believe
you probably do, too. So what's my point?
What good is all that capability if not put to good use in disaster
situations? I hope we can agree the answer is: Absolutely NONE!
But if local EMAs, served agencies and disaster relief organization
volunteer coordinators don't activate us during an emergency, we're
on the "outside looking in" like the rest of the public.
Stay with me on this...
Maybe it's time we change the way we do things. Instead, we need a
new view of reality that allows us to focus on things differently.
If we always do what we've always done, it stands to reason we will
always be where we are right now! Is your organization repeating
last year's schedule? The same events? Same old meeting schedule?
In the last five years, how many news releases has your group sent
to the local media for publication? In the last two? Last one?
Other organizations find every reason possible to send a release to
the local media. Got a new leader? News release. Got a new grant
for equipment upgrades? News release. Practicing to provide a new
service to the community? Yes, that's right...news release!
So why do volunteer communications organizations not create news to
send to the local media? Maybe because we are continuing to repeat
the same schedule over and over again?
We need to start developing opportunities to promote our groups and
organizations in the news media. Plan on helping support the local
March of Dimes, MS-Ride or other charity? Why not create a release
and send it to the media? Publish it on your web site. Place some
copies in your local media outlets. Ask local vendors if you might
tape copies on window entrances.
Most news media have local e-mail addresses, but make sure you find
out what format to use to submit the release. Is is MS-Word? Or a
different format, such as MS-Publisher?
The point is, if you don't promote your own organization, who will?
News releases, especially on meaningful subjects, help promote your
organization in a positive light, and give communication volunteers
in the local area with additional reasons to investigate membership
possibilities. It helps create a positive image of volunteers, and
of your specific organization. It promotes volunteerism, but it is
also a way to gain more attention among non-communicator citizens.
News releases creates an image of an organization on the move, of a
forwarding-moving organization that is doing things "for" the local
community "in" the local community.
Think about it.
WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you. Click 'n send to:
> mailto:kb6ujw at arrl.net?subject=[V-C-N]_eZ.2008-04C_Comment
PLEASE don't change or alter the "subject" line of the message when
using the link above. It identifies the article & provides routing
to help get it to the right individual.
Link doesn't work? Use the convenient "cut & paste" info below:
> Mail to: kb6ujw at arrl.net
> Subject: [V-C-N]_eZ.2008-04C_Comment
< /-C- END OF SECTION "C" ### /-C- END OF SECTION "C" >
-D- -VOLUNTEER-COMMUNICATIONS-ICS----------------------------------
< ID: V-C-N.eZ_2008-04D >
"Combining ICS with SET for a WIN-WIN"
Is your organization planning a Simulated Emergency Test (SET) this
year? An SET is an excellent tool to evaluate the readiness levels
of radio operators and those supporting your organization.
Some groups have realized the benefits of asking local CERT members
if they would like to participate in the local SET. If you haven't
investigated this possibility, it's worth considering.
CERT members who have never been exposed to EOC radio rooms will be
surprised at the level of message activity and concentration needed
to listen, receive, record and deliver radio traffic messages. But
they are even more surprised when you ask them to assist in helping
to make your SET a success and becoming active participants in many
EOC and radio operations.
CERT members can keep message logs up-to-date. They will carefully
track and advise if emergency messages are still unanswered. CERTs
can "listen in" and assist radio operators with "distant" stations
that often present challenges to accurate message delivery. And if
planned correctly, CERT members can keep message and status boards
updated, deliver messages to designated EOC recipients, assist with
keeping the EOC radio room clear of "unauthorized visitors" as well
as gladly accept assignments to help SET facilitators by following,
tracking and advising on MSEL activities.
MSEL? (M)aster (S)equence of (E)vents (L)ist.
CERT members can also help with training on ICS. How? Do you need
someone to "interview" your Information Officer? Ask a CERT member
to pretend to be from a local media outlet. Do you need to provide
your Liaison Officer with practice? CERT members can "simulate"
briefing agency interface opportunities, as well as help create the
situations and scenarios that require ICS forms to be filled out.
Want to provide various training opportunities to radio operators?
It's easy when you ask an "over-enthusiastic" CERT member to act as
if they are injured, or excited, or scared, or anything where extra
doses of adrenalin are needed to create a realistic environment.
Want to get CERTs and non-CERTs involved in radio communications?
Hand them an FRS radio and ask them to help with LOG, FIN or maybe
even with PLN activities. Ask them to teach a class on the ICS-214
(Unit Activity Report) form or the ICS-213 (Message) form. Yes, it
may require you to help them by reviewing their presentation BEFORE
they actually present it, but won't that actually help both of you?
SETs can create more than just situations for proficiency training.
They can be used to create relationship between radio groups and a
group of non-radio operators just looking for ways to get involved.
Isn't that a win-win for everyonoe?
WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you. Click 'n send to:
> mailto:kb6ujw at arrl.net?subject=[V-C-N]_eZ.2008-04D_Comment
PLEASE don't change or alter the "subject" line of the message when
using the link above. It identifies the article & provides routing
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Link doesn't work? Use the convenient "cut & paste" info below:
> Mail to: kb6ujw at arrl.net
> Subject: [V-C-N]_eZ.2008-04D_Comment
< /-D- END OF SECTION "D" ### /-D- END OF SECTION "D" >
-E- -INTERNET-RESOURCES-AND-REFERENCES-----------------------------
< ID: V-C-N.eZ_2008-04E >
INTERNET RESOURCES & REFERENCES:
01 Skywarn and Other WX Stuff:
> http://www.anythingweatherstore.com
02 Amateur Radio Signs, Decals and other Stuff:
> http://thesignman.com
03 Even more Skywarn & Amateur Signs, Decals and Stuff:
> http://stores.ebay.com/MAGSIGNS {or}
> http://www.signsa2z.com
04 ICS "Fill In" Capable Forms (for New Mexico S+R Teams)
> http://infohost.nmt.edu/sar/IcsForms.html
05 Earthquake Notification Center (ENS)
> https://sslearthquake.usgs.gov/ens
06 Homeland Security Exercise & Evaluatioon Program (HSEEP)
> https://hseep.dhs.gov/
07 HSEEP Toolkit: Overview
> https://hseep.dhs.gov/pages/1001_Toolk.aspx
08 IS-120.A An Introduction to Exercises
> http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/IS120A.asp
###
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> Mail to: kb6ujw at arrl.net
> Subject: [V-C-N]_eZ.2008-04E_Comment
< /-E- END OF SECTION "E" ### /-E- END OF SECTION "E" >
-F- -CONTACTS-AND-FEEDBACK-----------------------------------------
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To "SUBMIT" comments to the editor on this issue:
> mailto:kb6ujw at arrl.net?subject=[V-C-N]_Comment.on.eZ.2008-04
PLEASE don't change or alter the "subject" line inserted when using
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get it to the right individual.
Link doesn't work? Use the convenient "cut & paste" info below:
> Mail to: kb6ujw at arrl.net
> Subject: [V-C-N]_Comment.on.eZ.2008-04
< /-F- END OF SECTION "F" ### /-F- END OF SECTION "F" >
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
[ About This Publication ]
"COAX Connections" e-Zine is created by the Volunteer Communicators
Network < www.V-C-N.org >. The goals of this newsletter are to:
(1) Provide timely information of interest via e-Mail,
(2) Promote a regional approach to training for disasters
and volunteer radio operator proficiency.
(3) Provoke readers to "take action" and be active in
local volunteer communications opportunities.
(4) Stimulate ideas regarding toward increased disaster
preparedness, field deployment readiness, and
emergency communications capability.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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-- The Staff @ V-C-N.org --
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