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THIS PAGE:  "ECOM IN THE POST 9/11 ERA"  - "CREATING VIABLE JUMP TEAMS"  
- "WORLD TRADE CENTER DISASTER" - Full Story -  "GETTING TO YOUR POST" -
"ARE YOU TRAINING FOR THE RIGHT GOALS?" - "HOW GOOD IS YOUR EMCOMM GROUP"
"BE FLEXIBLE.... BE READY - FOR WE LIVE IN DIFFERENT TIMES"
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"Emergency Communications In The Post-WTC 9/11 Era"

by Robert Hejl - W2IK 

First responder at WTC 9/11 "Ground Zero" Ex-OES, Ex-AEC, Hurricane Bob, Iniki, Andrew, LI Wildfires, "Storm Of The Century", New England Ice Storms, Flight 800 and other emergency events all rights reserved. Contents may NOT be copied or used in any form or part thereof without written permission.

The Desperate Need For A New Beginning

On September 11, 2001, Americans awoke to the jolting fact that they can no longer think of themselves as protected from the wrath of others just because the United States is partially isolated by two oceans. For the first time since Pearl Harbor, major attacks were committed on our soil. Along with the attacks we learned some cold, hard facts. The first is that we were woefully unprepared to meet the challenges of terrorism. In every aspect of life, we were unprepared.("Although our Nation's emergency services are the finest in the world, they labor under a handicap imposed by outmoded planning processes that are ill-suited to modern homeland security challenges." - NATIONWIDE PLAN REVIEW Phase2 Report - Department of Homeland Security - June 16, 2006) Playing "catch up" is difficult, expensive and time consuming, but it needs to be done. The creation of a Department Of Homeland Security was a good start. Other agencies have scrambled to update their plans and philosophies on how to deal with external threats. They have done this mainly by adding to the old principles that were already in place, most of them developed during the beginning of the "cold war era". Accomplishing the task in this manner is a terrible mistake. Even non-ham radio training such as courses offered by Red Cross are out of step with what needs to be taught today. I've taken many training courses back in the pre-WTC 9/11 days only to see that when I've retaken them now, they are virtually identical in content.

We, as amateur radio operators, desperately need to start from scratch in both the fields of preparedness and communications if we are to remain ahead of the challenges that can be thrust upon us at any moment. Old rules and old training no longer apply. Anyone who thinks that by dusting off outdated training manuals or adding a few paragraphs here and there to existing guides will make their kind of training adequate during a terrorist event is living in a fantasy world. These people or groups are both blind and foolish. This includes the "new" ARRL EMCOMM training courses. Harsh words? Perhaps. But how harsh the penalty of not being properly prepared and trained for the next event? Parameters have changed to such a degree that we need to be trained differently and become ready in the latest aspects of emergency communications. This can partially be accomplished by listening to progressive and experienced communicators in developing both the training and the means to properly support their communities during events such as terrorist attacks. Those of us who have actually been in the "terrorist trenches" of emergency communications can tell you one thing: Old rules no longer apply. It is also important for people to realize that unless you've "eaten dirt" in emergency communications (and not just being deployed in some shelter during a hurricane) you have no business training others by writing, theorizing and instructing. Those who have developed training programs without actually having been confronted with real emergencies have little truths to offer and little in the way of guiding new communicators. Serious experience isn't deploying to some shelter and reporting. (Although manning shelters is a vital cog in the complete emergency communications program and anyone who deploys is owed a debt of gratitude.) What I mean by serious experience is literally being a first responder getting dirty, getting near or in harm's way to supply communications "in the eye of the storm".) It's a shame that when some groups were developing their brand of training all the "badge polishers" never stopped to ask for the knowledge gained from experienced emergency communicators. This series is attempting to correct that very serious error by giving you information based on real-world experiences during hurricanes, winter storms, wildfires, plane crashes and terrorism.

As a basic example concerning preparedness, until 2001, we usually had a window of time to prepare for most events, such as hurricanes, winter storms, flooding and the threat of growing wildfires. We had the luxury of time to charge batteries, assemble and check our equipment and run to the store to get needed supplies to "top off" our go-bags. You'd see a hurricane coming days away as it would cross some ocean or gulf. Wildfires take time to build in their coverage and intensity. To be sure, there are events we've assisted in that were quick to bloom, such as an earthquake, but these are in the minority. Even a search and rescue mission has a window of time in which to prepare. It might be a smaller amount of time, but it does exist. What DOES NOT exist is any window of time when a terrorist event takes place. Not only is time of the essence, the terrorist event might be just the first in a string of fast occurring events. We must develop a philosophy quite like that used by fire departments which is to always be trained and ready with everything we need on hand. "Grab and Go" should be the rule. In my home, I have a "Grab and Go" bag with everything that I assume would be needed to assist in emergency communications, including during a terrorist attack. It is in the same location as my "Grab and Go" CERT backpack. Ready. Waiting. We no longer have the luxury of time to become prepared. Later in this series I go through "What To Have Before You Go" and exactly why. This is not just a list as you might expect from another training source, but a detailed explanation.

However, just having adequate "hardware" and supplies is not enough. Along with the proper tools to handle a terrorist event comes the training (not just reading a course or doing some tabletop exercises) and a totally new and different philosophy in emergency communications response. Being the first emergency communications responder deployed at "ground zero" during the WTC 9/11 attacks, I've had a unique "baptism by fire". In being faced with the new challenges forced upon me, I've developed ideas and principles that were never covered in training by any emergency communications group. I had to do this to both survive and properly carry out my communications responsibilities. I also learned from this event, and many others I have been a part of, that there were dozens of things covered in the popular training manuals that were glaringly wrong. Most of these courses and manuals are stuck in the "60's attitude" and were written by people who've never been faced with real-life events. In some respects supplying emergency communications in the field is like fighting a war. In today's climate you don't fight a battle using 1960's (or even 1990's) equipment, experience or training.

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Mental preparedness is just as important as communications training. Just about anyone can learn how to properly use a radio or set up a communications post. However, without the mental toughness to perform under such stressful situations such as being surrounded by needless death and destruction, you could quickly withdraw into an "emotional shell" and in doing so this would cripple your ability to be an effective communicator. No one can give you a present of "mental toughness", but later in this series I will show you ways to combat your fears. If, after reading the section on mental and emotional preparedness, you feel that you cannot cope with the mental and emotional stress of being "on the front lines", then inform your EC or whomever is responsible for deploying your group that you cannot work faced with this sorrow. They will understand and use your talents elsewhere, such as supplying communications support in a shelter or will allow you to do support work in some other non-stressful atmosphere. Not all of us can face the aftermath of a terrorist attack close up. This doesn't make you less valuable as a resource. To be faced with a terrorist event means the possibility of seeing destruction close up. This means the sight of human remains in all types of degradation such as those witnessed by rescue crews during a plane crash. Some of us cannot tolerate such scenes. Others have learned to work beyond it towards a goal of helping those who might still be able to be saved. This does not mean that you will be charged with any responsibility of victim removal, but you may be faced with seeing this happen as you fulfill your communications duties. The only recommendation I can make at this time is to become focused at your job at hand. Later in this series I will go into mental and emotional preparedness.

Do not waiver from the reason you are there: Supplying communications as part of the team who are responding to the event. Focus on radio, not the sorrow. Yes, during the WTC disaster I did see many horrors such as body parts. Yes, I knew the dust I was breathing contained cremated remains of victims but it did not stop me from the core of my job, that of supporting the team effort by supplying emergency communications.

As you read on, I will try to explain in detail my remarks as stated above.

A new approach to emergency communications.

A basic communications training program.

The proper hardware for deployment.

Mental and emotional preparedness

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A New Concept In Equipment Deployment For A Terrorist Event

How to cope with the unexpected.

Tactics and techniques.

Thinking on your feet beyond your training.

Family Preparedness For Natural Disasters and Terrorism

A NEW APPROACH TO EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS:

The new keyword in emergency communications following the disasters in 2001 is: FLEXIBILITY. Gone are the straight and narrow concepts that have long been drummed into the heads of emergency communicators who've trained using antique manuals and philosophies. They are still teaching the wrong path to reach the right goal. You must become flexible in both your ideas and your execution while maintaining the basic concept of emergency communications, that being to pass information quickly and accurately.

Always be aware of where you are, what you are doing, what other resources are around you to use should things change. Each emergency event will produce it's own unique set of parameters. For instance, if we were to plug in the same response parameters that we'd normally follow during a hurricane and apply them to a multidimensional event created by a terrorist incursion we'd be setting ourselves up for a communications nightmare. There are times, however, when you should NOT be flexible. During a hurricane you might pass information not exactly (word for word) what was originally given to you. Let's face it, asking for 20 cots at an evac center is a simple matter. However, during a terrorist event you'll be asked to relay information that might contain coded messages, as was the case during the World Trade Center Disaster. Sending coded information was needed because it was felt that many ears were listening in to our communications ... both the press and terrorists. Those of you with "stiff necks" might disagree. If you do, then you've never been involved in this kind of event. This is one area when being flexible is NOT an option! You must give the information EXACTLY as was given to you. This dismisses the sending of any information in NTS formatted traffic. So DO NOT take it upon yourself to reformat the information. GET OUT OF THE NTS MINDSET. Stick with plain text message sending with read-backs to verify. THOSE WHO PREACH NTS TRAFFIC HANDLING ABOVE EVERYTHING ELSE ARE LIVING IN "YESTERDAY".

An example of improper training:

"ARRL Certification and Continuing Education Courses -- Student Activities

EC-001 Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Level I [Revised 06/22/04]

LU 9 :

2. Assume that you are helping a served agency staffer condense a lengthy message. Edit the following message text to reduce the number of words to a minimum, without losing any clarity.

"We need 50 additional cots and blankets at the Roe School shelter, and we also need more food since 20 new people just arrived and we are told another 30 may be coming soon. Please call me and tell me when these supplies will arrive." "

By preaching this method, it's only human nature that many ops will take it upon themselves to re-format a message unaided. When this is done during a terrorist event, it will lose any coded traffic which might be sent by the shelter manager.

STICK TO PLAIN TEXT MESSAGING

During a terrorist event it also becomes necessary to lie. Yes, I said lie. Remember that your communications might be monitored by many people. The press, eager to get a "scoop", the public in general and even terrorists might be listening. I lied quite a bit in my communications when I was at "ground zero". I lied when I sent my location and what it was. My location was held secret because of it's very sensitive nature of being the forward command post (or Incident Command Center if you wish to call it that) where many decisions were made. There was a rumor that additional terrorist acts were eminent. What better way to create additional chaos than to set off a car bomb in front of the incident command center. Up until the third day they allowed just about any van to drive up to the building. Very poor basic security at that point. Our security awareness "grew up" after 9/11. And so, when asked for my location, I lied. I said on the air that I was manning an evac center and even gave bogus hourly reports of client numbers, etc. My "bosses" knew where I was and knew no evac center existed. I also lied when I was communicating with the mayor's bunker. If you monitored my communications you'd have thought I was communicating with just another evac center. You can see this by listening to a short communications of mine as recorded half way through the BBC broadcast entitled: "Unsung Heroes". Those messages were also coded by both myself and the operator at the mayor's bunker.

You were never taught to lie during any ARES/RACES training both old and new. I also broke standard FCC rules by sending what would be called "coded" traffic. But, after a terrorist strike both became a necessity. You, as a communicator, could easily be responsible for the escalation of an event by inadvertently mentioning sensitive facts on the air between dedicated message sending or by revealing a "secret" location. It became a new world with new rules that day. Be aware of where you are deployed and if it's location is sensitive. If need be, you might have to lie. Whomever deployed you knows where you are. No need to inform others, even ops deployed elsewhere.

Our country has great potential as givers. I've seen it many times during many emergencies. During several wildfires on Long Island, I have witnessed the generosity of teenagers when they baked cakes and delivered them to evacuation shelters. Displaced families being taken in by neighbors in upstate New York during ice storms which cut off towns from the rest of the world. Search and rescue missions run by everyday groups when people were reported missing after hurricanes struck. During the WTC event the streets near the Red Cross Headquarters were literally jammed with people wanting to help. There was a line over two blocks long with people wanting to give blood. Down near the disaster site there were many vehicles handing out food. These weren't just emergency service organizations but "Mom and Pop" stores and places such as "Outback" and countless local Chinese restaurants ... all giving ... all doing. This is the spirit and philosophy that is America. Along with this is the caring nature of amateur radio operators. Hams want to help. It's in our blood. However, without proper and up-to-date "real world" training, we can sometimes cause harm in our attempts to do good. During any ham radio operator's deployment there are things we should and should not do.

To help you find a good start towards your goal of supplying emergency communications during any disaster, including terrorism, I have written a course to guide you from the very beginning. In it, I have included many items you need to know about even before you talk on your radio. I also cover drill events, public service events, emergency events and how to be properly prepared for all. Use this along with any real life training, such as working during public events, to hone your skills for the day when you will be called upon to help during an actual emergency. The chances are that any emergency communications deployment you'd be asked to participate in would involve a natural disaster, however, you must always be aware that terrorists can create havoc anytime and anywhere (even during a natural disaster) so be prepared for both. Get all the items I suggest in the training section, as soon as possible, especially the two types of respirators I've listed. Now on to some basic training. This is unlike any you've ever read and for good reason. It is based upon the real world, real events and not antique training or philosophies.

 

A BASIC COMMUNICATIONS TRAINING PROGRAM

PART A

This training program is designed to help you become a more effective radio operator so you can assist with communications duties whenever a local or regional emergency occurs, including terrorist events. Each section is part of a step-by-step process which follows a logical sequence to help build your confidence and skill level in preparing for an emergency. The course was specifially tailored to licensed amateur radio operators who work behind the scenes during just about every emergency from hurricanes to terrorist attacks to earthquakes. I am not writing this as part of any organization's training or education, most of which I consider riddled with mistakes and considering the world we live in today at the very least outdated. Even newer versions of courses currently offered by organizations are just rehashings of old publications and techniques. A few are dangerously wrong.

This is a completely new guide and it is based upon my many years of actual field experience in emergency communications on local, national and international response levels. The main thrust of this information is to prepare you for responding during local emergency conditions. Using this course as a base, you will be able to expand your abilities beyond local emergencies to cover regional and even national emergency situations. You will be taught the proper procedures in communicating during both non-emergency and emergency conditions. You will also learn how to build and store the necessary items both you and your family will need to better cope with an emergency. You will be taken through a few emergency and non-emergency scenarios so you can gain a better understanding of both their similarities and differences.

I will also dispell some of the "bunk and baloney" that is being offered by other emergency communications training manuals. There may be organizations and people that do not agree with some of the advice I am delivering. Too bad, however, few people have had more experience providing emergency communications duties under such varied stressful and exhausting conditions. The following pages are written after being involved in winter storms, hurricanes, ice storms, floods, airline disasters, wildfires, missing persons searches, hazmat events and being the first responder at WTC 9/11 "Ground Zero". At the end of each section you will find a review and a small list of optional assignments that I suggest you try to complete.

This guide is NOT meant to be read in one sitting. Each section needs to be slowly read, digested, reviewed and where possible the optional assignments completed. You should to read this as if it were a course and re-read any section you might find difficult to understand. Consult with experienced amateur radio operators about any points you do not understand. When you have completed this training guide you will have been exposed to the most comprehensive and up-to-date training course that has ever been offered on the subject of amateur radio emergency communications.

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W2IK's BASIC TRAINING OF EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS (REVISED)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART A:

Section One: Family First

taking care of your loved ones

before you take care of others

Section Two: Learning The Ropes

procedures, procedures, procedures

Section Three: Getting Into The Field

your first public service event

Section Four: Licking Your Wounds

evaluating yourself and your equipment

Section Five: Do It Again

a different type of event

Section Six: Finding Your Way

to a good emergency communications group

and the agencies they help

Section Seven: A List Of Essentials:

a.k.a. Your First "Go Bag" for almost any event

Section Eight: Your First Emergency Event

a step-by-step process of the real thing

PART B:

Section Nine: Lots Of Odds And Ends

the media, ITU Phonetics (the REAL deal),

using a microphone the right way, human interference,

tactical calls and nets, duty site interaction,

when or if to turn out, and more

Section Ten: HAZMAT Emergencies

don't touch, just communicate

Section Eleven: SKYWARN and You

special training makes for special eyes

Section Twelve: Constructing A Pocket "J Pole"

making one that actually works

Section Thirteen: Net Control Operator

To Be Or Not To Be?

Section Fourteen: Still More Odds And Ends

your emotions, family support, "Drop

Teams", Rural and Urban search and rescue,

and more

PART C:

Section Fifteen: Terrorist Event Preparation

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SECTION ONE: FAMILY FIRST

You've studied long and finally gotten your amateur radio license. Congratulations on becoming part of a unique and tight-knit family! By now, you may have even purchased some radio equipment and gotten on the air, usually on two meters. I hope that you didn't buy too much as you'll read my recommendations on equipment, and my reasons why, later in section seven titled: "EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS: A LIST OF ESSENTIALS" and other places within this guide. Now your thoughts may drift to becoming involved in emergency communications and helping your neighbors. I'm glad that you have community spirit ! You already know that during an "emergency event", such as a hurricane, the infrastructure of any town or area is at risk. Often, the first areas of breakdown will be both the telephone and electrical power systems. Typically, cell phone systems also fail, as most cell phone companies do not have adequate backup systems and their limited capacity sites that are working during an emergency will probably be jammed. Also, since cell phones can't be recharged from dead wall outlets, they would eventually become useless. During a large wildfire emergency a few years ago most of the cellphone sites were burned up! All the other nearby cell sites were overloaded thanks to the many reporters who came to report the event. The only reliable form of communications is amateur radio, using emergency back-up power in the form of rechargeable batteries and generators, and being operated by experienced radio communicators like yourself. Most of the time, supplying emergency communications will require you to report somewhere for duty. Make sure you discuss this aspect with your family to see if they are comfortable with you being away during an emergency. Never leave your family or home if you think that either would be in jeopardy during an emergency.

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During emergency operations, it is vital that your complete focus be on any task at hand. Before you should even consider becoming involved in emergency communications, you must make sure that your family can function at home without you. If this is not the case, if your family can not be comfortable without your support, you might be more concerned about your family's welfare at home and this worry could effect your abilities to properly carry out your emergency communications duties. The term "family first" is very important.

First, make sure that your family has their own, what I call, "home bag" and keep it up to date. A "home bag" is a collection of items that your family might need to help them through an emergency. You must always bear in mind that a small, local event might easily expand and encompass a greater area and last for a longer period of time. If your family has the proper supplies, information and family training, it will make doing your communications job less stressful. Some of the items I suggest you include in such a "home bag" collection are: duct tape , at least two rolls. Duct tape is used to prevent windows from shattering during a violent storm. You should tape a large "X" on each large window pane. Obtain several flashlights for your homebag. I like using portable (camping) fluorescent lights because they use less energy for the amount of light they produce so their batteries will last longer. You can get these in the sporting goods department of any large store. Be sure to include several changes of batteries for each flashlight.(Buy them fresh, keep them stored in plastic bags in the event they leak. That stuff about freezing batteries so they'll last a lot longer is a load of crap) You will also need enough bottled water for at least 5 days, a battery-operated AM/FM radio with extra batteries, a roll of heavy plastic sheathing that you can cut and apply to any widow area that does break, a heavy-duty staple gun with extra staples, canned or jarred food that needs no heating such as canned fruits, powdered milk, other non-perishable food such as "power bars", candles (use with extreme care and never unattended), a lighter and several boxes or books of matches, basic hand tools such as a hammer, cutters etc, prescription medication (enough for 5 days), cash, in case your family needs to buy additional supplies and ATMs are defunct, a decent first-aid kit , a note pad (large spiral type), pens and markers, a battery powered digital clock , three rolls of 1000 sheet single ply toilet tissue and any supplies/food and food bowl/leashes for your pet (the four-legged kind, not your mother-in-law).

Each member of your family should also have on them a list of phone numbers of friends and relatives and a sequence of places to stay if the need should arise that they have to evacuate from your home. Also, you should plan an additional place to meet if an evacuation needs to take place in your area and you are located elsewhere at the time. This might be a relative's home or a friend who lives nearby, but not in your area. In the event of possible flooding, such as may be the case during a hurricane or a series of severe storms, make sure that each location you choose is above any flood range and can be reached without having to drive through any low-lying areas. Plan such a route and practice driving it. Make sure that your family's vehicle always has at least a half tank of gas. Store both a local area and state map in the glove compartment and in your "home bag" so they can locate any shelter, or home, if their own evacuation needs to take place. IF THE NEED TO EVACUATE SHOULD OCCUR, MAKE SURE THAT YOUR FAMILY KNOWS TO TAKE THEIR "HOME BAG" WITH THEM.

You might also want to do some simple training with your family, such as taking them through the steps of covering a window with plastic sheathing and stapling it in place. Show them how to reload more staples in the gun. It's better they learn how to do this on a sunny day, so they will be better equipped to do the real thing under stress during a storm. Remind them that the safe way to use candles is by keeping them far away from anything that they might ignite, such as drapes, and use sturdy bases to hold them. NEVER leave a lit candle unattended. This includes keeping them away from snooping pets. I have large candles that are encased in heavy glass. These candles last longer and are safer to use than thin "dinner mood" candles. All of the items that are listed above can be stored in a large plastic bin with a snap-on cover. These storage bins can be purchased at any "Walmart", "K-Mart" or any other such discount store.

Once you feel confident that your family can take care of themselves, then you are ready to take the next step. Before you do, read the short review section and if you have any problems re-read this main section. Also in this series of websites are two entitled: "Family Preparedness" Make sure both you and your family read them.

REVIEW of this Section:

In order to be effective you must make sure your family is taken care of by giving them the means to do so. Develop a "home bag" composed of items that your family might need during any emergency event. Review emergency procedures with them. Have on hand all emergency telephone numbers and alternate locations in case their own evacuation becomes necessary. Make sure your pets are provided for.

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Optional assignment: After reading the above section, write a list of items you think should be included in your family's "home bag". When you are finished composing it, check your list with the items outlined in this section and discuss the list with your family. You may also wish to discuss emergency preparedness with friends and neighbors so they may make their own "home bags". Now is the time to start developing your famiy's "home bag". Purchase one of those inexpensive large plastic bins that are available at stores like "Walmart", with snap on lid, to use as your "home bag". Store it in a place not subject to freezing or excessive heat.

SECTION TWO: Becoming Involved and Learning the "Ropes"

In order to become an effective communicator, you must learn the proper communications procedures to use when you operate. This is especially true during an emergency. It is not just as simple as picking up a microphone and speaking. The way to learn how to communicate properly is to start by taking small steps. First, listen in on the local repeaters in your area. It would be very wise, if you have the equipment, to place all the local repeater frequencies/offsets/tones into the memories of your radio. (If you do not know what these terms actually mean, refer to your licence study materials.) The directions on programming are included in your radio's operating manual. This way you will have quick access to them all. When you do, also make sure that you have included the proper tone/offsets by testing to make sure you can "hit"(reach) each repeater. Study the operating manuals that came with your equipment so you can quickly change frequencies or add new frequencies in your radio's memory in case the need should arise. It is a good idea if you make copies of your radio's operating manual so you can keep the original stored away in a safe place and use the copy instead. This way, if you lose the copy, you won't be crippled when you have to make changes in your radio's memories. You should also make a "quick reference card" listing in a few simple steps how to program your radio. Make several copies, laminate them and always keep one in your wallet and one with your radio.

Now the hard part comes: LISTENING.

On most local repeaters there usually are weekly "nets" where groups of amateur radio operators meet at pre-determined times and on specific days to listen and talk in a controlled situation. Usually there is a "Net Control Operator", whose job it is to make sure there is an orderly flow of communications during that specific net. After you have listened to several of these nets and gotten the general idea of how a net operates, you may wish to check into one. When the net begins, LISTEN to the directions of the net control operator and what they are requesting. The net control operator is like a radio "traffic cop", guiding everyone through a smooth operation of the net. Listen to what they say and respect their directions. Give the requested information and nothing more. Make sure that when the net control operator asks for "check-ins" and asks in a specific manner, that you check-in at the proper time. If the control operator asks for radio operators to check in with callsigns in a group of suffixes, follow their request. The series of letters after the number in your callsign is the suffix. If they ask for callsigns with a suffix of A through N, and you have a suffix that begins with a "P"(such as N2PSG), don't check-in yet. Learn the procedure and wait until it gets to the point where the "O through Z" suffixes are requested. When it comes time, use proper procedure: slowly and clearly say: "This is", then release your push-to-talk switch and listen for a second to see if you and someone else are talking at the same time, called "doubling". If you aren't doubling, then give your callsign, slowly and clearly, using ITU (International Telecommunications Union) phonetics ONLY. (refer to section nine about the REAL ITU phonetic alphabet) Give your name and any other information if requested by the net control operator, speaking as clearly as possible, and then wait. DO NOT interfere with any on-going communications. When called upon, it will be your turn to talk. The first net you check in to, such as a "club information net", will usually be short in duration. Remember that if you are called on to talk further you must ID with your callsign, observing the FCC's "10 minute rule" AND when you are done talking, say "back to net" so people know you have completed your thoughts. After becoming involved in several of these non-emergency nets, you will become much more confident in talking over the radio and gain the knowledge of what is expected of you. You will find a number of these nets to be very interesting, informative and fun!

You will make many "on the air" friends that you will eventually meet should you join any local radio clubs. I suggest that at this point you join a few local radio clubs, attend their meetings, listen to any technical talks that might be given, take notes, and soon you will be able to put faces to the callsigns you hear on the air. These will be the same people you will be working with during emergencies. Ask them any questions you might have concerning programming and operating your equipment and their participation in emergency communications. I am sure you will get plenty of information, some inaccurate, but most will be good solid advice.

Now that you've listened to various net operations and have participated in a few and followed the directions of the net control operator, you are ready to take that next step. But first, a short review. If you don't understand any of the things covered in this section re-read it or contact the "elmer" in your radio club. An "elmer" is a term used to describe an experienced amateur radio operator who makes it a point to assist/teach new amateur radio operators in everything from programming and operating that new rig to assembling a new antenna.

REVIEW of this section:

Listening is the most important part of communicating. Become involved in local "nets" on the radio so you can become aquainted with "net control" operations. Learn the proper way to "check in" to a net. Talk slowly and clearly. See Section nine: "Lots Of Odds and Ends" to learn the right way to use a microphone. (yes, there is a wrong way to use a microphone)Follow the directions of the "Net Control Operator", who acts as a traffic cop by assuring an even flow of communications. "Listen much, talk little". Join and be active in one or more local radio clubs and attend their meetings. Learn and remember all proper communications procedures. Know how your radio works and how to program it. Keep a list of local repeaters in it's memory. Refer to your radio's operations manual often, make a copy of it, and use the copy. Keep the original manual in a safe place.

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Optional assignment: Listen to a few nets on the various repeaters in your area. Write down the list of stations as each one checks in with their callsign. Note how they follow a specific procedure for checkins and operation. Notice how each operator pauses during check in to see if they are doubling with another operator. Also make note that the net control operator gives their ID often.

Ask a fellow club member, who serves as a Net Control Operator during a short non-emergency net, if you can sit in with them as they do an actual net. Ask them if they will allow you to serve as a part-Net Control Operator and do just the check in list at the beginning of the operation. You will find out that even doing this is not as easy as you might think. Write notes when they do the net and ask them any questions you might have about net control operations and net procedures. Re-read this section as it is VERY important that you understand about proper communications procedures.

SECTION THREE : Going Into The Field For A Basic Non-Emergency

You are now ready to put your talents into use. This does NOT mean you are ready to participate in an actual emergency situation. You still need to gain some field experience operating your radio during non-emergency "events". Those clubs that you've joined probably support local community organizations by providing radio communications during events such as a bike race, parade, walk-a-thon, or some other limited-duty one day event. These are called "public service events". When your club asks for radio operators to help out in such an event, SIGN UP!! Don't be apprehensive. We all started out this way. The experience you gain by volunteering for a few of these one-day public service events will be most rewarding. Not only will you be helping out your community, but you will also gain that inner strength that comes from the experience in communicating during these events. There will always be someone in charge of taking down names and callsigns for whatever event you choose to start with. Make sure you tell this person that this will be your first event as an amateur radio operator. Usually, if there are enough operators signed up, you might be paired with an experienced operator. This is a great way to learn from someone who has "been there, done that".

AN EXAMPLE OF A PUBLIC SERVICE EVENT

Let's just say, for example, you signed up for the "Annual Walk-a-thon For Wayward Socks". Before the event, you will be given some basic information, such as the location of the event, length of the walk and where and when you are to report for deployment. MAKE A LARGE SIGN WHICH STATES : "RADIO COMMUNICATIONS " using a computer printer. You will need this placed on the dashboard of your car to identify that you aren't just a regular driver, but a member of the support process of whatever event you are going to. Gather up your radio equipment, including extra batteries if you are using an HT, water, snacks, two pens and a small spiral bound note pad so pages don't become dislodged and lost. If inclement weather is in the forecast a bright colored rain parka is a great idea. Drive to the location for deployment, called a "staging area".

When you reach the communications staging area, there will usually be other ham radio operators you will recognize from your club's membership who have also signed up. Introduce yourself, giving your name and callsign. It's always a good idea to have a "callsign badge" or a hat with your callsign on it. People, myself included, tend to remember callsigns rather than names. Report to the person in charge, usually a ham radio operator, telling them what type of equipment you will be using, either an HT or a mobile unit in your vehicle. You will then be given your assignment. This is the location where you will be stationed and will be based upon your equipment and experience. You will also be given a map of the course with all "radio posts" clearly marked along the route, perhaps an ID badge or shirt and the frequency you will be using, usually a repeater, and a back-up frequency. Write these frequencies down. PROGRAM YOUR RADIO NOW, if you don't already have that repeater, and back up frequency, in the radio's memory.

Do a test transmission with your fellow hams NOW.

Ask any questions you might have concerning the event NOW because once you are at your post it may be too late. Listen and write down other hams' assignments, INCLUDING the callsign of the control operator for the event, since this is the person you will be communicating with 99% of the time. This probably isn't the first time ham radio operators have "worked" this event, so they know the best frequency/repeater to use for maximum coverage. If all you have is an HT (handi-talkie), you'll probably get a fixed, non traveling, assignment closer to the repeater so you can be assured of reliable communications. YOU DID BRING SPARE BATTERIES, DIDN'T YOU?? There might be many assignments, depending upon the number of hams available. Some will be stationed at rest/refreshment areas, which might also be called "check points", along the route. Others will be "shadows". These are hams that will follow specific event officials in case they need to relay some information. Still others will be at the walk's start/finish location. Some radio operators will be on "chase or SAG vehicles" that will follow the event as it winds along the route. Some will be on "pick-up" vehicles, such a bus or van, that will pick up people who can't finish the walk for one reason or another. Another operator might be stationed at any first-aid/ambulance staging area. Then there will be others who might be with any re-stocking vehicles that bring more water/cups/snacks to any checkpoints that may run low. Different public service events will run differently and have different needs. There may not be as many of these assignments as stated. It all depends upon the size of the event, and its participants, the number of radio operators, and any arrangements that were made.

GETTING TO YOUR POST

The person who is in charge of the radio communications for this event will instruct you when it is time to go to your assigned post. Due to streets or areas being closed off for the event, there might be specific directions for getting to your post. Listen to any instructions about taking detours. This will help in getting you to your location easier. The sign on your dashboard, and the antenna on your vehicle, will usually get you through closed streets if necessary. DRIVE VERY SLOWLY and WATCH FOR PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN, who might be darting in and out of the streets to get to better observation points. Once you have found your "post", park your vehicle in a place that will not hamper the smooth flow of people or support vehicles such as re-stocking vans or emergency vehicles. If you are using your mobile radio in your vehicle, you will have to park "close to the action". This is another reason to have a sign on your vehicle stating: RADIO COMMUNICATIONS. Now is the time to test out your radio equipment, either your mobile or HT radio, from your post. A simple report to your net control operator letting them know you have reached your assigned area will do. When they contact you back, that will prove your communications setup works. The next step is to find the person who is in charge of that location, if it is a check point or rest area, and tell them that you are assigned to that site to provide communications on their behalf to the other race officials and other support services. Sometimes they won't even be aware that a radio operator was to be at their location. Also inform them that if they need any additional supplies or services that it is just a radio call away. Then step back and let them do "their thing" because they, and other volunteers, are probably going to be very busy setting up whatever is involved at that location, such as setting up tables, water, etc.

Because this is a walking event, try to get as clear and as long a view of the course as you can so in the event that someone should require assistance you can see them down the course and they won't have to struggle to get to you for help. The area you are servicing is NOT just that check point/rest area. I don't care what anybody may say to the contrary. You need to watch not only your position, but as far as you can see up and down the course. If you are using your mobile unit in your vehicle, try parking it in such a way as you have as wide a view as possible, even if you have to park in a vacant parking lot across the street from the check point. You must always be aware of this responsibility of coverage during the entire event. Being observant is very important. DO NOT just sit in your vehicle while the event is taking place. This is the sign of a poor operator. Be active. Look around. An observant communicator makes ham radio operators look more professional and increases our value and stature during these events.

Just before the event starts, the net control operator will usually check and contact each radio operator to make sure they are at their posts and can communicate. When the event begins, the net control operator will send out a communications stating that the event has "kicked off". If you are on the course somewhere away from the start/finish line, it might be a while before you see any "action".

You can relax a bit, but always keep an open eye. Quite often the net control operator will ask each radio operator stationed at each check point to call in as the first participants pass by their location. If you listen carefully, and refer to the course map, you will see just how quickly they are moving. When you see the first participants coming down the course towards your area, you know that soon you will be making your first official communications. When they arrive at your site, and if the policy is to contact the net control operator of this, it's your turn to talk. (Sometimes there is a "Lead" vehicle with a radio operator who will report this information) Just slowly say: "Net Control, this is (your callsign or tactical call)" and wait for the net control operator to come back and acknowledge you. (see the red paragraph below about tactical callsigns) DO NOT be upset if they don't come back right away as they might be busy "off air" doing some other duty or getting information. If you don't get a call back from them in a MINUTE, then repeat your communications as was stated above. Once net control has acknowledged you, you can come back to them and state that the first participants have reached your location. Then give BOTH your tactical call and your callsign. That's it!! Your first communications! That was the simple part. Now it gets a bit more complex, but nothing you can't handle.

As the event continues, you might be called upon to send requests on behalf of your check point/rest area for additional supplies. Make sure that you are NOT interrupting any on-going communications. Then you may begin your communications. ALWAYS say "Net Control, this is (your callsign or tactical call)" Again, there are a lot of things going on at this point and the net control operator may not come back and acknowledge you right away. Wait about a minute, then call again. Once they have acknowledged you, then you should give your request. Speak slowly and clearly. Also state your location. I say this because quite often if the net control operator is busy, he/she may not be aware of your location even though they probably have a map listing all locations of radio operators.

USING TACTICAL CALLS: During both public service and emergency events the net control operator may request that you use Tactical Calls to identify. These are usually either a location or vehicle you might be in. Tactical calls make the net control operations easier to keep track of during a hectic operation. If this is the case, then do so. An example would be saying: "Net Control, this is Rest Stop # 3". But remember that this does NOT absolve you from following FCC rules that state you MUST give your callsign when IDing at the end of a series of transmissions and every ten minutes. Since most of your communications during an event will be under ten minutes in duration, this can be simply done on the last transmission in the series by stating your callsign.

Being net control operator can, at times, be a bit hectic. There are also times when they will be relieved for a spell and someone else will be the net control operator. So give your location. If you are unsure of the message being properly received by the net control operator, ask for a verification, called a "read back". A good net control operator will automatically repeat your request just to make sure they understood it. And while you are at it, mark down all requests made by you in your spiral notebook, noting the time. location and actual request and who requested it. If another station is asking a question to the net control operator and you know the answer DO NOT "chime in" with a reply. Remember net protocol. If net control doesn't answer the question then you should address the net control operator and ask for permission before "going direct" with the other station.

I DON'T CARE WHO SAID WHAT DURING ANY OTHER TRAINING YOU MIGHT HAVE HAD, if it appears to you that your location is running low on water, ASK the person incharge of that location if they'd like you to send a radio request for more. Sometimes they may be so busy attending to other things they won't notice it. Tell them that the reason you ask is that it will probably take a while for the supplies to be delivered. The re-supply vehicle might be driving VERY slow due to the streets being clogged with participants OR it might be making other drops. Dehydration during an event is a common problem. Your observing low water supplies might prevent a medical emergency. Be observant. Check water supplies often.

Now the event is in full swing. Other radio operators are calling net control with updates on where the first participants are or any other information requested by the net control operator. Others might be requesting supplies or a vehicle to pick up anyone who gets fatigued along the route. This is when you must be very observant. At times there might be a great swell of people, perhaps hundreds, walking past your location. Look up and down the route. Make sure that everything is going well. If you see someone sitting on the side of the route looking tired, you may wish to ask them if they need a ride back to the finish line. If they do, call net control, and after getting their acknowledgment, inform them that there is someone who needs a ride, giving their exact location including the main street, any cross streets and any outstanding landmarks. The same thing applies for anyone who gets injured. DO NOT attempt any first aid other than, perhaps, offering water. It is not your responsibility to administer first aid unless you are both trained and qualified. Just pass the information ("traffic") to the net control station.

DO NOT jump into the street and try to direct traffic or walkers. This is NOT your responsibility and doing this might cause a "black eye" for amatuer radio communicators. AKA: Don't act like a jerk!! There have been a few cases, in different parts of the country, where one or two over-zealous hams have acted in an unprofessional manner and because of their actions ham radio operators are no longer invited to participate in that area's public service events. If you are approached by people who seem interested in what you are doing, tell them all about the wonderful things ham radio has to offer! It's your turn to be a salesman for amateur radio.

While you are doing all of this, it pays keep a mental note whenever you see either a supply truck, "pick-up" or emergency vehicle pass or stop at your location. There may be some point during the operation where the net control operator will ask ("poll") all the radio operators to see if someone has seen "such-and-such" vehicle. If it has passed your point, or if it is currently there, relay this to net control using the proper communications procedure. Some vehicles might not have radio operators with them and will rely on directions from you and others. It will be rare, but it will happen, when in the middle of a communications the net control operator asks you to "go direct" with another operator in order to pass information. Do so in a professional manner. When you are done passing that traffic, respond to net control by saying : "This is (your callsign), back to net". By doing this, you have properly ID'd and have let everyone know that your direct communications with another radio operator is done. If you are listening to communications and net control tells two other stations to "go direct", DO NOT interfere with any other type of communications you might have, EXCEPT IF YOU HAVE DIRE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS. There will be plenty of time to pass any routine traffic you have after the two stations have finished ("cleared"). Also be aware that if you are talking to net control and another radio operator breaks in and says "emergency", YOU ARE TO STOP TALKING. Emergency communications have top priority over EVERYTHING. Just wait until you are sure that the emergency traffic has cleared before trying to re-establish contact with net control to finish your communications.

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Now the walk-a-thon is slowly winding down and you've passed a few messages asking for additional supplies that came and were a big help. You've also heard that the last of the walkers have gone by the check point just before yours. This means that your part as a communicator for this event is coming to a close. BUT NOT YET !! Usually the people who are in the final groups to travel the route are those who might have "bit off more than they could chew", families who might be pushing strollers or even people in wheelchairs. This is a time when you should remain attentive and watchful. There might be a person or two, who when they reach your location, decide that they can't continue. Of course, by now, you know exactly what to do. You call in to the net control operator and inform them that you have people who cannot finish the walk and need to be picked up.

There might be a vehicle that trails the last of the walkers. (Sometimes called a "Tail" vehicle) When this vehicle passes your point, you should again contact net control and inform them of that fact. At this point in the event, you might think you'd be done. This is NOT the case. After the last of the people have passed, there still remains for the people who volunteered to work at that location to "break" it down... or in other words, pack up the leftovers. Usually they just either box it up and pack it into their vehicles or leave it stacked for a truck that will come by later to pick it up. This might be about the time where the net control operator calls to tell you that you can now either come back to the staging area or leave your post and travel back home, called "standing down". DO NOT DO THIS. Yes, that's what I said. Do not leave your location until those people whom you've called in to net control to get a ride actually get the transportation they need. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER leave a participant by themselves. Our communications duties REQUIRE us to look after anyone on the route. To do less is morally wrong, NO MATTER WHAT YOU WERE TAUGHT IN ANY OTHER TRAINING. Only after all the participants have been taken care of will you be absolved of your communications duties. Can you imagine if you left, just because net control said you could, and there is a person or two stuck at your site? What if one of them is close to heat exhaustion? Rather you should be a professional and wait those extra few minutes to make sure they are picked up.

Well, now you finally were able to "stand down" and are returning to the communications staging area for a short de-briefing. Drive VERY slowly and carefully as there will still be many people in your area and the areas along your return path. At the de-briefing, tell them your observations and ideas, using the notes of communications, etc. that you made in your small spiral-bound notebook. We, as communicators, always try to improve our operation. You might also have input that would make next year's event run better, such as if possible relocating the check point/rest area to another parking lot so people have better access. Your input, and the actual communications help you provided to make the event successful, is greatly appreciated by everyone.

The same basic principles can be applied to many other events, such as parades, special events at parks, minor sporting events, etc. The main reason you would be at any of these would be to supply either primary or seconadry communications. There are times when organizations will be using a limited amount of either rented handi-talkies or GMRS type radios. In most cases the people with these radios are untrained in communications. The amateur radio operators will really stand out if proper procedures and a professional attitude are maintained. As you volunteer and turn out for more and more public service events you will become at ease with the communications duties and operating procedures. This self-assurance will go a long way in helping you communicate during emergency events.

REVIEW of this section:

Getting your "feet wet" by helping out with communications during "public service" events is a good way to develop communications skills in a less stressful environment.

Test your radio at the "staging area", BEFORE you are deployed, so you can be sure you have the right frequencies in your radio's memory. Listen to the requests of the net control operator and follow their directions. DO NOT interrupt any emergency communications that might take place. Be observant of all that is taking place around you. Keep notes of all information you send, noting date and time. Send each request exactly as it is given to you. Add NOTHING except your callsign. A "RADIO COMMUNICATIONS" sign, printed and displayed on your dashboard, will assist you in SLOWLY driving to your location for deployment. NEVER leave your post until ALL participants have passed your deployment area and are out of view. Be active and visible. DO NOT just sit in your vehicle. Re-read this section again, just in case you missed a point or two.

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Optional assignment: Talk to several radio operators who have been active during public service events. Ask them how they felt and what they did on their first assignment. Ask if they could have handled something differently and what they learned from the event. If you feel comfortable with one, ask to be assigned with them on your first communications detail. If there are any small public service events in your area sign up for one. After you have "worked" one refer to the next section so you can be ready for your second public service event.

SECTION FOUR: Licking Your Wounds

Now that this event is over and you've gotten a taste of communications during your first non-emergency event, you need to do a little self-evaluation. What did you learn from this experience? One thing you might have learned is that if you are operating using your mobile rig in your vehicle, it is hard to monitor communications. If net control tries to call you when you are out of the vehicle you may not be able to hear them. The answer: Buy an inexpensive external speaker that you can plug in your radio and place the speaker on the roof or hood of your car/truck facing the direction you will be standing. With the volume turned up, it should supply more than enough audio to overcome all the extraneous noise from your location. You will also become atuned to your callsign or tactical call when it is announced by the net control operator. By now, you've also learned that keeping the microphone poised at the window will prevent you from having to enter your vehicle each time you have to make a call on your radio. Not to worry, the "duty cycle" of your radio communuications will be very small and the drain on your vehicle's battery during your public service event will not be a problem. (Unless you have a poor vehicle battery to begin with)

If you used an HT, you might have learned that it would make a world of difference if you bought a belt-clip to hold your radio on your belt AND a speaker/mic that can be clipped to your shirt near one of your shoulders, just a bit below mouth-level, so all you have to do is press it's PTT (push-to-talk) switch. No fumbling around, it leaves your hands free AND it makes the communications easier to hear in noisy areas. While you are at it, buy a longer (at least 15 inches) FLEXIBLE antenna to use with your HT. It will make "hitting" the repeater easier. Some other suggestions might be to check with your fellow hams about getting a "battery bag" for your HT. This is a bag with a shoulder strap that contains a small, rechargeable gel-cell type battery (4-7 amp-hours) and can be plugged into your HT. This will supply power for a much greater time, usually days, so no battery switching will be needed. Not all HTs have an "external power input"... This is an option you will need to think about when you buy an HT. You've probably also learned that those cute little HTs that put out 300 milliwatts are just toys. For dedicated communications work you need a sturdy 5 watt handi-talkie, with a good antenna, to effectively do communications work.

As far as your personal comforts are concerned, perhaps next time bring an extra salty snack as you are not immune to dehydration, a little more water and some other clothing as the weather might change during the event. How about another hat? Some handi-wipes for when you spilled soda on yourself? Sunglasses...yes. That will save you a headache. Speaking about headaches, how about some type of pain reliever like aspirin or such? Do you know what you are doing? You are slowly composing what we call a "go-bag" for a one day event. All the things you need for personal comfort and to aid your communications! Assemble all these items in a bag, with a strap, that you can carry with you in case your assignment is, say, that of walking around with a race official. We call that assignment a "shadow". Wear comfortable shoes if you know you are going to be someone's shadow . There is a detailed discussion about "go bag" items in section seven.

REVIEW of this section:

Develop a "go bag" that will contain all the supplies and comforts needed to carry out your basic communications duties. Review the list above and check it again after reading "List of Essentials", located in section seven.* Before you do this, do the optional assignment below. It is better to have too much than too little. Use a longer antenna on your HT to maintain reliable communications. Make sure you have enough battery power to fulfill your communications needs. An HT that relies on "AA" batteries is better than one that needs special battery packs. Use an HT that supplies enough power, 4-6 watts, to reach the repeater you are using. A speaker/mic with your HT makes communicating much easier in noisy locations. An external speaker, located outside your vehicle, allows you more flexability when using a mobile radio instead of an HT. After each event do a self-evaluation so you can improve your "go bag" and your communications procedures. Listen to any suggestions of more experienced operators to see if you need to make any corrections or additions. There will be many additions to prepare for your deployment during a terrorist event.

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Optional assignment: Make a list of items you think should be included in a "go bag". Place this list aside and after you have read sections five thru seven, compare the list to the items after completing the optional assignment which follows section seven. Check out longer whip antennas for your HT from various radio dealers. Make sure the one you choose is at least 15 inches long and FLEXIBLE so it won't break if you "sit" on your radio.

SECTION FIVE : DO IT AGAIN

So with one public service event under your belt, you are gaining the understanding and knowledge that evolves with becoming a communications professional. YES, Read that last word: "professional". A professional isn't someone who gets paid. A professional is a person who becomes trained and learns to do a superior job. You are on the right road to becoming a professional in providing communications for public service events, and later, during emergencies. I also said "becoming" because you need to experience other public service events in your area that use amateur radio communications.

You did a great job during that casual walk-a-thon, but what about, say, a marathon? That is a slightly different event where people actually compete, sometimes for awards or money prizes. The New York City Marathon, for example, avails themselves with the help of over 300 ham radio operators to provide communications along the over 26 mile course. I know, several years ago I was one of them. That is a lot of area to cover. In simplest terms, however, it is much like that walk-a-thon you helped out on. Many runners instead of walkers, many, many water stops, tens of thousands of bottles of water, hundreds of thousands of cups, emergency issues and countless other things that need attention. You might think that this is an super-human feat that needs to be accomplished, BUT, when you break each coverage area down, it isn't that big a problem.

When you do communications for a marathon, you will usually be deployed at a location to see that the needs of the runners are accommodated by communicating requests for water and other supplies, watching for fallen runners and calling net control for first aid when needed. Doesn't that kind of sound like the same thing that went on during the walk-a-thon? Yes, it is, with a few minor differences. In a marathon, the runners are in a race, so they definitely don't want to get involved in a chat, or even stop. There will be lines of helpers stationed along the course to simply hand out cups of water and other fluids that runners will grab along the way, usually dumping empty bottles and cups as they run. What a clean-up job!!! Be glad you aren't on that detail! The officials at each site will be asking you to send re-supply requests, so make yourself very visable, but DO NOT get in the way of any runner!! There will be some amount of stress associated with the seriousness of an actual race. Don't worry, you'll do fine as long as you remember all what you have read so far, and will read in later sections, AND have experienced in your previous event. So many of the same duties will be handled by radio communicators: riding in a SAG vehicle, being on a re-supply vehicle or "pick up" vehicle, being a shadow or being at the check points. But out of all of these, the "chief" is still the NET CONTROL OPERATOR. Listen to their directions and follow them.

Make notes in your book in case there is a question during your de-briefing. Do a self-evaluation after the event is over when you can review things in your head. What could you have done better? What other supplies do you need to include in your "go bag"? Perhaps you need to purchase an orange vest so you can be easily seen? "Communications? Yeah, See the guy in the orange vest". It is always nice to document the public service event you are supporting so you may wish to take a few photos to bring to your next emergency communications group's meeting. (before you do, read the paragraphs about taking photos in section sixteen) As you answer these questions, and as you become involved in events such as these, you will learn much more than any course can ever hope to teach you. Being "in the trenches" is always the best teacher as long as you keep your eyes and your mind open

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REVIEW of this section:

Each event you participate in as a communicator will have it's own unique set of parameters. Be flexible, yet maintain the standard communications procedures you have been trained for. Being "in the trenches" is the best teacher. Make sure you introduce yourself to the person in charge of your site. Do not interfere with any on-going event participants. No directing traffic or any duty not within the realm of communications. Be visible at all times. Always do a self-evaluation after each event. Try to volunteer for as many DIFFERENT public service events as possible so you can experience the differences and similarities in each deployment. Add to your "go bag" any additional items you feel necessary to improve personal comfort and communications efficiency and keep "dated" items, such as batteries or food bars, fresh.

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Optional assignment: List what you think are the important differences between communications support for a marathon and for a parade. List the similarities. Why is supplying water of utmost concern during any type of event requiring walking, biking or running? Why is it important to stay out of "harm's way" during a marathon? If you don't know the answers, re-read the section above. Try to be involved in as many different public service events as your time allows. This will increase your skill level and confidence.

SECTION SIX: FINDING YOUR WAY

So now you have several public events under your belt and have gained the experience needed to start on your "emergency communications journey". The next step is to find whatever emergency communications groups are in your area. There are probably several, each with different affiliations and specialties. The best way to learn about these organizations, and how to contact them, would be to ask at those radio clubs you are a member of. There will be hams who attend those club meetings who are members of one or more emergency communications groups. Some groups that involve themselves in emergency communications : REACT, SATURN,ARES, RACES and more. You might even find that high level members in such organizations are sitting next to you at your club meetings! If, by now, they haven't given some sort of presentation at your club's meetings, then SHAME ON THEM. Each radio club offers a vast cadre of operators, some of whom might wish to be a part of an emergency services group. It is unfortunate that there are locations in our country that such groups can act very "cliquish" and think that only a few hams are "worthy" to be a member in their group or attend their meetings.

To them I say: "GROW UP. You don't know everything and you will never have enough manpower if a wide scale emergency befalls your area especially during a terrorist event. It is your moral responsibility to enlist as many radio operators as possible. It is your responsibility to help train them in CURRENT emergency response techniques. If you did your job properly I wouldn't be writing this entire manual/course."

Also, remember that physically challenged ham radio operators make very good relay stations, loggers, relief net control operators and are very good listeners. They don't have to be "in harm's way" to do a tremendously important job during an emergency. Use them to the fullest extent of their abilities. They will surprize you!!

After you have made a list of organizations, research each one carefully. See if they have an adequate operational structure. How do you know? Well, talk to several people in each group who are part of the "chain of command". See if they are all on the "same wavelength", that is, see if they all unveil to you the main purpose of their organization, the "served agencies" and the system and means to carry out that purpose. Some groups may assist agencies like the Salvation Army or Red Cross. See how strong the connection is.

Red Cross offers many courses that you might wish to attend. You need not become a "Shelter Manager" just because you took their Shelter Mangement course, but you will gain a better understanding of shelter operations. This will help you to better interface with a Shelter Manager if you are assigned a duty post there. Check with your local Red Cross chapter for more information.

Another training resource is CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). This is a training program not just for communicators but also for the public. People from many walks of life go through this training as CERT teams will be called upon to assist when due to a wide-scale problem there aren't enough fire, police or rescue workers to fill all the tasks which might be required. CERT training teaches how to do "cribbing" to remove a victim trapped under rubble, basic first aid, going into a smoke-filled structure to assist those trapped and more. The hands-on drills are a good measure of what may present itsellf in real life. You are usually given basic CERT supplies to help you after the training process has been completed. I suggest that if there is a CERT training program in your area that you take it and be involved in periodic CERT test drills.

Under emergency conditions, radio operators are called upon to "man" evacuation centers. These are places, also called "shelters", that people can come to when they need a place to stay for a while. These shelters may be "activated" (started) by the Red Cross, Salvation Army or many other helping groups and will need communications. They supply the cots and food, we supply the "tongue". Most of the time, thanks to pre-made agreements, these shelters will be located in churches, schools and other large public buildings. Your emergency communications group will have a list of these possible sites could be opened depending upon the size and severity of the emergency.

Your emergency communications organization will not be the one who opens them. That determination is made by other people. Your radio organization WILL support each shelter that opens by supplying trained communicators. Once you have looked into the emergency communications organizations in your area, pick one that will allow you to grow, train you a bit, is active in tests and drills, welcomes new volunteers and responds the best to the community's needs. Don't pick a poorly organized group, one that lacks the ability or time to become productively involved or attempts to instruct you using old techniques that are no longer valid in today's world. Some of these groups seem like ghosts and are merely used to inflate egos. Pass them by. Take a good look at each organization's "track record". Do not rely on making a decision based upon their propaganda. The team you choose to be a part of will determine how the radio world and the public will see you, ie: "You're known by the company you keep."

For example, let's say you've chosen to enroll in the "Emergency Messaging Amateur Radio" or EMAR group. You've heard some nice things about them, such as their ability to effectively handle communications on behalf of the "International Community Support Services" during the last major hurricane in your area. After speaking to the EMAR's Radio Training Officer, he's invited you to join them at their next general meeting. The meeting will run along the lines of the radio club meetings that you've attended, so there won't be that much of a surprize. However, instead of the normal speaker that might be lined up to talk at a radio club meeting, you will have someone speak about training, such as how to assemble a "go bag", build a "J"pole antenna or perhaps review emergency on-the-air procedures. Then you might be asked to participate in a round-robin of simple traffic handling..... The moderator will whisper some information in the first member's ear. He will write down the information, then relay the information, via whispering, to the next person who will do the same, and so on down the line for about 4 people. The last person, who has written down the information he received, will then compare his information with the original traffic. This might just be a list of supplies for a shelter. After the comparison has been made, a critique of the procedure will take place. Although very crude, this is a great way to learn how to pass information exactly as heard and get to know the members of this group. Then they might talk about any emergency equipment they have "on the ready" or perhaps an actual radio room that is at their "command center" or EOC, Emergency Operations Center. An Emergency Operations Center is usually located near, or with, other agencies and has access to local governmental officials who make decisions during emergencies..

Hopefully, your emergency communications group will start to supply you with handouts about how they operate and a quick synopsis of what they do during an event. If you decide to actually join, they will have you fill out some paperwork, giving them information about you, your phone contact numbers in case you need to be "called out", and a list of the equipment you have on hand and other equipment you know how to operate. I'm sure that if they are an efficient group, they will also have a local repeater that they use during most events. PROGRAM IT IN YOUR RADIO AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. They probably will wish to give you some sort of introductory training on exactly how they operate. Hopefully, you will "turn out" for any "test drills" they have. Treat any drill as a REAL EVENT. These drills will uncover any weakenss in their system or your own operation. They are learning events, so don't worry if you aren't perfect. All anyone can ask is that you do your best. By you being involved, they will soon see that you are going to be a sincere and dedicated radio operator. It will be at this point that you will be issued an official ID card or laminated badge with your picture on it that identifies you as a member of that group. This ID will help you get through any "off limits" areas or routes when you do your emergency communications duty. DO NOT ABUSE THIS. The way you conduct yourself will be a reflection on the entire communications group and ham radio operators in general.

At some point, you might be issued a shirt "uniform", with a distinctive patch that will also identify you as a communicator and will make you easier to spot by other officials. Some of the more effective emergency radio organizations allow you to rent one of their "pagers" that will beep during a "callup". It is ONLY used for this purpose, so you know that if it signals, there is an emergency or drill, and you will be required to check into their emergency net for further details.

After taking part in disaster drills and training, you will get to know the personalities of the other radio operators, how they talk and what any inflections in their voices might tell you. This is very important to learn, as their "stress level" might give you some indication of the seriousness of the event.

You might notice that NO WHERE in this discussion have I mentioned any of the "official" traffic handling procedures that might be drummed into the heads of radio operators with this junk being professed in other emergency lessons. Those old-fashioned traffic handling procedures might be fine for Aunt Tilly sending birthday greetings via amateur radio. They fall far short of relaying VITAL information to and from a Net Control Operator and radio operators out in the trenches during emergencies. I have NEVER used any of that format garbage during any local emergency communications. It makes me both laugh and cringe when I hear groups dwelling on this during training. My guess is they dwell on this because they really have no idea what emergency communications is all about. The MOST important truth is that you get the right information to the Net Control Operator. From there, it will remain up to the Net Control Operator, and others, to decide it's next destination and format. It is up to YOU to send the information just as requested. Do not add any personal comments or opinions. Most of the communications you will be transmitting during an emergency event will involve re-stocking of a shelter, reporting the number of people in the shelter, requesting a nurse or social worker or some other similiar request. These do not need to be in any official "formatted" plan, they just need to be passed accurately.

REVIEW of this section:

Investigate all the emergency communications groups in your area and try to find one that has a record of efficient communications during past emergency events. Join one that trains and is active in a productive way using current communications procedures and not out-dated techniques. Forget about that NTS rubbish a "national" organization tries to ram down your throat, you'll never use it in a local emergency. Be involved in as many tests and drills as possible. Make sure you program into your radio their most often used frequencies. When you are issued an ID, do not abuse it's privilages. Be a professional at all times, both on the air and off, as it reflects on the entire ham radio community.

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Optional assignment: After contacting them, investigate and list the similarities of the various emergency communications groups in your area, such as ARES, RACES, SATURN and REACT. List the differences. Which one has an active, proven track record in your area? What agencies do they support by providing emergency communications? Which one(s) support new hams with official memberships, IDs and training? Check out your local Red Cross chapter and see if they offer training courses and find out what is covered in each course. Take one or two courses so you can be familiar with how Red Cross operates. Take the CERT Training when it is available in your area and be kept up-to-date by periodic CERT drills.

SECTION SEVEN : Before "IT" Hits (A NATURAL DISASTER)

Time to take a break in the sequential list of training and education. Before you dive into an emergency communications operation, you have to make sure that you will have on hand all the necessary equipment and other vital supplies to carry out your duty in an efficient and timely manner. Therefore, I have included the following section on a "List Of Essentials". Read it carefully. It will help you in choosing the proper equipment and supplies.

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EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS A LIST OF ESSENTIALS

There are many opinions on what items an amateur radio operator should pack for deployment during an emergency event. This is just one of them. The type of emergency, and the time of the year, will dictate some of the necessary items you should bring to successfully fulfill your communications duties. No list is ever complete, therefore, there are additional places at the end of this list for you to pencil in other items you would like include in your "go bag" for deployment. No organization should ever expect you to have a fully stocked "go bag" ready and waiting to be picked up as you walk out the door.

A number of emergencies will be "predictable", such as severe weather, so you will have a short window of time to assemble your "go bag". Again, the situation will dictate what you will need to bring, however, you must be able to operate for an extended period of time and under a "worst case scenario" deployment. It is better to bring too much than too little. Not bringing the proper supplies can cripple your abilities to be an effective communicator and put a burden on the system. Knowing where all your items are, so you can assemble your "go bag", is critical. Take the time to go through this list and see what items you have on hand (and where they are) for quick assembling and what items you might need to purchase to maintain a properly stocked "go bag" and thereby be an efficient communicator.

NOT ON THE LIST BUT ESSENTIAL:

EVERY amateur radio operator should ALWAYS have on his/her person their FCC amateur radio license, ARES/RACES ID cards and Red Cross training cards and any other pertinent identification. You never know when you might have to "switch hats" and become a shelter manager or even have combined duties as both shelter manager and radio operator. (I had dual-duties at a shelter during a hurricane)

THE LIST:

In no dedicated order. You may wish to make copies of this list and place one in your "go bag" sack as a reminder and as a check list for when you need to completely assemble your "go bag" before deployment.

1. YOUR RADIO (HT "Handi-Talkie" or MOBILE)

I say this because due to deployment/location/duration/equipment-you-own considerations this might be either an HT, with at least 5 watts output, and a GAIN ANTENNA or a high power mobile radio with power supply. (OR BOTH) Make sure you tell the EC or communications officer your equipment capabilities, if you are using an HT or higher power unit and how long you can operate your radio without commercial power, as this will dictate where he/she deploys you and your duration of communicating. Make sure you know how to properly operate your radio and have the most used repeater frequencies/tones programmed in it's memory. Test it to make sure you can contact each repeater. This will ensure that you have the proper offsets/tones installed. Dual band radio equipment is better, but not vital. Most of your operations will take place using the two meter band. either with the support of repeater(s) or operating simplex. Some amateur radio operators can only afford EITHER an HT or a mobile radio, but not both. This doesn't mean that you can't be assigned somewhere. An experienced radio officer will take your equipment limitations into consideration and place you accordingly. Never let the fact that you don't have a high power radio prevent you from "turning out" during an emergency. It's the communicator, not the equipment, that is the most valuable asset. You might even be given an assignment to work teamed with a radio operator who has a high power radio. Again, it's up to the radio officer to make that determination.

2. POWER FOR YOUR RADIO

Again, depending upon the radio you will be using, power is a major concern. Sometimes, but not always, you might be called upon to operate where there are no "commercial mains". If this be the case, a mobile radio with a plug-in power supply will not be of help. KNOW YOUR FACTS... in other words, find out where you are being deployed and ask your EC, or whomever is incharge of the communications deployment, what the power considerations at your final destination are.

IF they can't give you a prompt answer, prepare for a "no power" situation. You might then need to power your high wattage radio from your car or truck. If this should be the case, you will need a power cord that matches your radio to, at the very least, a male cigarette lighter plug so your radio can be powered from any vehicle, not just your own. Remember that during an emergency your vehicle may not be allowed past a certain point, but there will probably always be a vehicle that will and that you can mooch power from. If you have the ability, a LARGE 12 VOLT GEL BATTERY, since they don't spill acid and will do the job for a number of hours of operation. Make sure you have the proper power cord to connect the battery to your radio and that it is a FUSED line. If you operate this way, it would be a simple matter to recharge this battery using a pair of jumper cables to any vehicle. Observe proper connection procedures and polarity while doing this and have your radio operate out of a vehicle while the battery is being charged. Always be aware of your power operating conditions, both polarity and battery capacity... Don't run out of power during a hectic communications time.

If you are sure they have power, either commercial or via a generator, then a better means is, of course, a power supply. If it's one thing I've learned, a switching power supply, being MUCH lighter than a transformer-type power supply, is a Godsend. The difference in weight when you carry your "go bag", especially if you have to carry it some distance, can be as much as 30 pounds!! This became a reality when I had to report to Red Cross Communications HQ during the World Trade Center Disaster. I had a light weight switching power supply, but my friend had to lug a 35 pound supply with him seven blocks from the subway station to the building. Oh, yes: FUSES, FUSES, FUSES. You can, in a pinch, use the foil wrapping from a pack of cigarettes as a make-shift fuse ONLY in a DIRE emergency.

HT POWER: If you are, by design or necessity, using an HT, make sure you have PLENTY of power in the form of batteries. I purchase my HTs with several parameters in mind. The MAJOR one is, it MUST be able to operate using ALKALINE "AA" batteries. HTs that use a special unique battery pack can be a detriment. HTs that use AAs are much better because you can get "AA" batteries just about anywhere. Not all HTs have external battery plugs. Try to buy an HT that does.

BUY AN HT THAT HAS A POWER OUTPUT OF AT LEAST 5 WATTS...Those cute, little 300 milliwatt HTs are useless in an emergency. If it doesn't have an external battery jack, an empty "AA" battery case can be retrofitted with a jack AND a regulator circuit. This will allow you to safely plug in a small 12 volt Gel battery, say 7 AH, and have an almost unlimited power source. If you have this external power jack setup, a small (4 amp) power supply, with proper supply-to-HT cord, fused of course, is also a nice thing to have should your deployment location have commercial power. If you have an HT that only uses a specific rechargable battery pack, BRING a charger and as many extra battery packs as you can muster. Try to have at least three. If your HT uses AAs, bring enough to do four complete changes. Make sure your "AA" batteries are fresh!!

3. ANTENNA SYSTEM

This area is where most communicators have a weakness. You are going to what probably is an "unknown location." By that, I mean, your deployment location has probably never been checked out for radio communications. Your communications area might be, for example, the gym in a local school. This type of area, having lots of metal in it's framework, along with metal lockers, etc., might make getting your signal out a major problem. Also, surrounding structures might interfere with signal reception and transmission. GAIN antennas are a must. The simple stubby antenna that came with your HT will not work. Get a "roll up J-pole", also known as a pocket J-pole antenna. This offers substantial gain over that BNC "dummy load" that is currently on your HT. A J-pole can be hung, using twine or some other NON-CONDUCTOR cord, at a height which will increase your chances of being heard. Make sure your J-pole is hung away from any metal structures. Make sure you have cord, not a wire, to hang it up as high as possible. DO NOT USE A DIPOLE ANTENNA as it's horizontal polarization is ineffective in reaching repeaters. Repeaters use vertical antennas.

SEE SECTION TWELVE ON HOW TO MAKE A "J"POLE THAT ACTUALLY WORKS

A 25 foot run of RG-8X (mini) is also needed to connect your HT or high power radio to the J-pole. I shy away from RG-213 or other heavy cable as they are very bulky and can become more of a trip hazard and their additional weight puts a strain on the hanging J-pole. Usually most cable runs are short, so line loss is not a problem. I suggest that you have TWO of these cables. Make sure you have the needed adapters to connect your J-pole to your cable and the cable to your radio. Have a spare adapter should you need it. (BNC to SO239) Also, have a barrel connector to combine the two cables if needed. Keep your cable run as short as possible.

Test all of this BEFORE hand!!

If conditions allow you to use a magnetic-mount, mobile type antenna, consider this: your mag-mount antenna needs a metal place to adhere to AND that area must also serve as an "artificial ground", the same way your car body does. This means mag-mounting to an air conditioner (outside) or some other similar surface that is at least 20 inches wide. This might limit your placement, therefore, always have a J-pole handy. Even if you do find a place to mount it, will the extra run of cable, and the power loss running such a length of cable, be worth the rf "effort"? Remember that a 100 foot run of RG8X will lose OVER one half the power coming out of your radio!!Also be aware that when you run a cable, safety is a concern. You don't need people getting hurt or putting you off the air if they trip on your cable. If your vehicle has a "hard-wired" antenna permanently mounted you have just made things much more difficult for yourself. It may look good, but it has little use during an emergency because you are now tied to your car. Don't be cheap. Buy or make a J-Pole. IMPORTANT: In either case, know where your repeaters are located so you can place your antenna in the proper direction and so no metal structures are between your antenna and the repeater.

4. EARPHONES AND SPEAKER/MIC

Your deployment location might be very active and noisy. Your need to properly communicate is very important. In order to copy any info, you might be better off using a pair of headphones, with the proper adapter to your radio, for your operation. I like to use an external speaker to my "mobile type" radio so the speaker is "front projecting" and communications are easier to understand. A hand held speaker/mic for your HT is also a good idea. Earphones sometimes are needed for listening to sensitive communications that you wouldn't wish the general public in your shelter or area to hear. Easier listening also makes it less stressful on yourself and keeps you from getting tired during those extended deployments.

5. A COPY OF YOUR RADIO'S OPERATING MANUAL

This is a very important item that is often overlooked and without it you can expect a headache to occur. During times of stress you might forget how to program your radio to, say for example, change to another repeater that isn't programmed in your radio or to change to another simplex frequency and lock it in place.

I can't stress this enough. Have a COPY of your radio manual on hand. This is also a good idea in case you are taking a break and another operator is using your equipment.

6. A REPEATER DIRECTORY or COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF AREA REPEATERS (Offsets and Tones).

If the repeater you are using "goes down" you need to be able to shift to another repeater and knowing what frequency and tone is important. Your EC or communications officer should always give you a list of back-up frequencies before you deploy. If they don't...ASK!! This is also important because, whether we like to admit it or not, there might be intentional interference. Jamming makes our jobs tougher and sometimes you might be asked to defer to another repeater or go simplex. If you are asked to go to "F2", you better know what frequency/repeater "F2" is.

7. NOTE PAD(S) AND SEVERAL PENS AND MARKERS

Make sure you have enough paper, I like using a smaller, thick spiral note book, to keep all information on. Using a spiral book prevents pages from becoming dislodged. When you are communicating, keeping an accurate log as writing down requests and replies is very important. Make sure you mark entry DATES AND TIMES. This is what we are deployed for. Pass "traffic" exactly as given. Don't add any personal comments or change words. If anyone needs clarification, they'll ask for it. Sometimes "coded" traffic, in the form of specific words, will be passed, so be sure you get the info right. Use markers to write "make-shift signs". You'd be surprised how unprepared other personnel in your area might be and this will add to your worth.

8. MAPS

As prepared as anyone might be, there could be a time where you are called to deploy to an area that is unfamiliar to you. Maps are a must. This is not just to get to your deployment area. In an ideal world, your EC or radio officer should give you a packet with all the necessary details and info to successfully deploy all the operators under his/her command. This packet should include a map or set of maps with key locations such as shelters, fire depts, etc. clearly marked. In many cases, however, this doesn't happen due to time constraints and a limited EC staff. Always bring maps with you. Make sure it is as detailed as you can get. Also try to make note of the other deployment areas so you have a better understanding of the event. A prime example was when several of us were asked to deploy during a wildfire. No maps or directions were made by the radio officer and we ended up almost being trapped by flames enroute to our assignments. Note to ECs or radio officers: make sure you keep a stock of maps AND lists of possible shelters, fire departments, etc. so you can quickly assemble packets and mark them with active locations. Don't wait until the last moment.

9. PERSONAL ITEMS

The more comfortable you are, the better and longer you will be able perform as a communicator. The following is a sub-list of items that you might wish to include in your "go-bag".:

1. a simple first aid kit

2. your own prescription and non-prescription medication. For headache and pain relief, I use ORUDIS KT, found next to the aspirin at drug stores, Antihistamine for allergic reactions. Have at least 6 days supply of your prescription meds.

3. throat lozenges, mints and gum

4. reading glasses

5. sun glasses / sunscreen

6. a lighter

7. "handi-wipes" or moist towelette packets

8. insect repellent

9. "power bars", at least 10, and other food items such as MREs (Meals Ready to Eat)

10. 8 or more bottled water/juice

11. salty snacks, especially in hot weather

12. toilet items, including toilet paper, hand soap, etc.

13. extra appropriate clothing for the time of year, including hats

14. rain parka, either bright yellow or orange

15. boots and socks

16. work gloves

17. at least 6 pairs of disposable gloves non-latex type

18. chapstick

19. collapsible cup

20. flashlight with fresh spare batteries

21. watch or clock

22. a high visability vest (orange)

23. a particulate respirator (full face, including your eyes)

for events which might expose you to ash, etc. as during a

heavy wildfire if you deploy close to the fireline

Purchase one that makes a good seal around your face.

24. a chemical/biological full face respirator for terrorist events

in case you are deployed close to the incident (wind direction does change)

Purchase one that makes a good seal around your face. I use a NATO approved

full head mask.

DO NOT SKIMP ON THESE LAST TWO ITEMS

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10. OTHER ITEMS YOU WILL NEED:

DUCT TAPE--- You'll use this

Electrical Tape

Extension power cord (heavy duty, at least 25 feet)

One multi-outlet so several units may be plugged in

Asst. hand tools (a VOM would be nice)

Swiss-Army type knife or multi-tool knife

Cash and coins for pay phone or to buy additional items at a local store

A deck of playing cards (trust me)

Trash bags. These can be used to protect gear, personnel and for trash

Several cans of heavy-duty flat fixer as driving through areas

that have debris many cause flats.(keep in your car, not in your "go bag")

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The reason I have included food and water is that when an emergency event first takes place, we, as communicators, do not want to put an added strain on any system. When things start returning to a normal or subdued event, and there are enough supplies and food for all the people in your shelter/area, then you are free to feed yourself with whatever is supplied. We are there to help the system, not burden it. As communicators we need to be self-sufficient.

A number of these items can be gathered and stored in a large knapsack. Make sure that you inspect all items as you assemble them. Check cables to make sure that they aren't frayed, pinched and that the connectors are in good shape. Test all your gear and test and recharge your batteries to make sure you are ready. An emergency doesn't wait for you. You wait for it. This is a basic list. As you become more experienced, and depending upon your deployment location/time of year, you'll probably add to this list

YOU MAY WISH TO COPY THE ABOVE SECTION AND KEEP IT HANDY WHEN YOU GATHER YOUR EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES. YOU HAVE MY PERMISSION TO COPY THE ABOVE SECTION ONLY FOR THIS PURPOSE.

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REVIEW of this section:

Build and maintain two types of "go bags" for communications. The first should be for a "one day" event, such as a parade or walk-a-thon. The second is for a longer term event as is usually the case in emergency communications involving natural disasters or terrorist attacks. The second "go bag" will take the shape of a large knapsack as there will be many more items. There are items that do not store well for months, so keep a list of items you need to add for completion, such as food (power bars), fresh "AA" batteries, etc. Always maintain properly charged "rechargable-type" batteries. Check them at least once a month and "cycle" them twice a year by using them in communications until they are adequately drained of energy, then re-charging them. When you need to, replenish any used items in your "go bags".

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Optional assignment: Make a list of the differences in a one-day event "go bag" and an extended duty "go bag". What items are different? What items are the same and why? Refer to the list in this section to see what you might have left out. After re-reading the above section, what additional items that were not listed would you include to suit your own personal needs? If you do not understand the equipment/power/antenna sections, ask a ham radio operator experienced in emergency communications about them. Why is an HT that uses "AA" batteries better than one with a special battery pack? Why is a short antenna that comes with most HTs useless during either a public service event or emergency?

SECTION EIGHT: Your First Emergency (Non-Terrorist) Event

After reviewing the last section, you should have a fairly complete "go bag" in place or one that can be easily assembled on short notice. That's good because you've been noticing, on the news, that a very strong low-pressure area is beginning to develop in the Atlantic Ocean. The weather service has indicated that it will grow to become a severe weather pattern, with the possibility of it becoming a hurricane within the next three days. If it does as planned, it will create havoc along the coastal area and thousands of people will need to be evacuated to higher ground by the end of the week.

What should you do? The first thing would be to constantly monitor the weather services for updates. Weather patterns are not as predictable as we'd like them to be. The next thing you'd want to do is to review your family's "home bag" to make sure it has stocked the adequate supplies, including water and food. Go and charge your batteries for your equipment. If you can, keep them "topped off", which means you should charge them and then keep a small "trickle charge" on them every so often so they don't discharge. In order for your larger batteries to keep their maximum charge in storage, keep them clean and off any cement floor. You'd be surprized how much electron leakage there is between the two terminals of a dirty battery. My larger Gel Batteries are stored on a piece of wood. If need be, GO OUT NOW and buy a fresh supply of "AA" batteries for your HT. Make sure you have SEVERAL complete changes of batteries.

Check your deployment "go bag". Since this event will involve rain, make sure you have foul-weather gear included. Let's see.... What have you forgotten? Did you fill the tank of the family car and check to make sure it's always at least half full? Is there enough food in the house for your pets? How about going over the emergency procedures you have discussed with the members of your family in the event that they are stranded and can't get back to their home? Review what their course of action should be. All the while, keep monitoring the weather service's information and predictions. That would-be storm might be a few days away, but you'd be surprized how fast it can reach you.

Now you feel that you are ready for your first emergency event. Unfortunately, the storm has just intensified into a hurricane. Not only that, it has picked up speed and it's course will bring it sweeping up the coast. That means many thousands of people will need to seek shelter elsewhere. The hurricane isn't poised to hit for two days, so you have plenty of time, right? WRONG. Evacuation has already been recommended for people on the coast, so they have started to board up their homes and the exodus will soon begin. Quite a number of those families will either stay with relatives who live in-land or they might stay at hotels that are further away from the storm's wrath. There will be, however, a large number who will need to find other means to shelter themselves because the hotels are quickly being booked and filled. I hope you have your radio on and are listening to your emergency group's standard repeater frequency. Thank goodness you are not living too close to the coast so the only worry in your area will be that of strong winds, rain and street flooding. Or so you hope... Remember that any strong hurricane can also spawn tornadoes, so stay alert. Also be aware that even though you are far enough away to feel any effect from the ocean's wrath, there are people in your own area that may wish to find shelter in sturdier structures. These are the people who live in mobile homes or trailer parks. With strong winds and heavy rains in your area, there will remain the possibility of either spot power outages or even widespread power distruptions if the storm intensifies or takes a track further inland.

Now you hear on your radio that shelters are slowly beginning to open in anticipation of evacuees from the low-lying coastal areas. This probably means you will be getting "called out" to supply communications at some shelter. Just as these words leave your head, the phone rings. It is a fellow ham, who is calling the group's "phone tree", a list of hams that are called to report for duty. He has instructed you to check in on the emergency group's repeater.

As you listen, before you check in, the Net Control Operator is explaining that, due to a manpower shortage, there is a need for radio operators to assist in providing communications at several shelters in another county and the deployment would probably mean that you'd be there for at least 36-48 hours, both during and after the hurricane as travel after 10PM this evening will become very difficult due to the high winds and heavy rain that will accompany the hurricane's landfall, estimated at midnight. You hadn't expected this type of request, however, you know that whenever we are called upon to supply communications, it is our responsibility to volunteer if time and abilities permit. You know that you will have the next 48 hours free, so when the Net Control Operator asks for operators willing to be deployed for this duty, you give them your callsign. The Net Control Sation will then give you directions to the "East End Elementary School" in Tarryville, about 60 miles to the east of your home.

Between the two of you, it is figured that it will take you about 30 minutes to assemble your "go bag" and equipment, gas up your car and then an hour and a half to get you to the school, which is being used as a shelter. If phone service is still intact, you will call up your group's command center to verify your arrival. And so, off you go, right? NO NO NO..... Since you will be operating from another county and not under the coverage or operational control of your local group, you will need to know what repeater frequencies/offsets/tones the emergency group in your deployment area will be using!!! Don't leave home without this information!!! Luckily, your Net Control Operator has them and will give you the correct frequencies, etc. Write them down....NOW. Write them down in two different places in case you lose one copy. Also, if you have the time before you leave, program your radio... don't forget offsets and tones. Now it's time for one last check of your "go bag" and supplies. You've decided to take both your HT, with a gain antenna, AND your mobile radio, with a power supply, a "J pole" and your mag-mount antenna, and that big gel battery you just purchased and charged. GOOD MOVE. Since you don't have any idea what you will encounter once you get there AND what service interruptions may occur, it's a good idea to be prepared for any inconviences that may come your way. After one last check of your family, their "home bag", and your own supplies, it's time to head out. Remember that "RADIO COMMUNICATIONS" sign you made for your very first event? Make sure you put that on your dashboard so it will make getting into your deployment area easier and will probably allow you to park much closer to the building being used as the shelter. As you CAREFULLY drive towards your destination, there are probably a hundred questions going through your mind.

Remember one thing: You have had training in how to set up your station and how to communicate. Don't worry. The same procedures you used during drills and public service events will also apply here. The Net Control Station is the one you will be responsible to for the correct coordination of relaying information. The service you are supplying will be on behalf of whatever organization is manning the shelter. So what do you think your first contact should be when you reach the school? Yes, even before you set up your station, you should first introduce yourself to the "Shelter Manager". They are your "on site" boss. Introduce yourself and tell the manager your name, callsign and that you represent emergency communications and will soon be ready to communicate, via amateur radio, to other stations within the network of communicators so help, supplies and anything else they might need is just a radio call away. They might have a cell phone and think that your duty is redundent. Assure them that there are many, many times when cell phones do not work due to "cell sites" being put off line, due to lack of power, and that whether you have electrical power in your area or not, it will not impede your communications. Do this all with a friendly, "I am here to help", attitude.

At this point, ask them where they would like you to set up your station and tell them you wish to be "out of the way", yet visible in case you are needed. Usually, if a shelter is set up in a school, it will be located in a large area, such as the gym. If it appears that "clients", the people coming to the shelter, will remain overnight, you don't want your squawking radio keeping them up at night, so offer to set up your station in the hallway, just off the gym entrance. Once you have chosen a place to set up, now is the time to get your gear. WAIT !!! Did you chose a place that will allow you to hang a "J Pole", out of the way and away from large metal structures? You did? GREAT!! That will probably make your first attempt at hitting the local repeater successful.

At this time you should see if you can "hit" the repeater with your HT, it's whip antenna , and the extended-power battery bag. Usually, using the extended-power battery bag will put your HT's power slightly higher than the "AA" battery set up. No dice? Try hanging that "J Pole" up and trying it with that. It works!! Great. See how easy this is becoming... Now do three things. One, check into that repeater just as you've been trained, by calling the Net Control Operator, and report to them that you have set up at the assigned shelter and are ready for duty. I am sure they will be glad to hear that and probably will want a simple report as to who is there, such as the number of volunteers, clients, etc. They may request that you use a tactical call. (see section nine under "Tactical calls").

Second, see if that payphone down the hall works. If it does, call your home group's command center and tell them that you've reached your duty post and made contact with the local communication's group Net Control Operator and are ready for duty. Also, you might wish to call your family and tell them you are there and safe. Thirdly, inform the shelter manager that you are ready to assume any communications duties and are in direct contact with various agencies in the event of a power loss or phone disruption. The shelter manager may even ask you to send a simple supply request to test this system. You'd send the request just like you did for that walk-a-thon. Now would be the time to locate/ scrounge a chair and small table to act as your operating post. After that, bring in any gear for backup and your own personal comfort items. Now, you are ready!!! NO!!!! Not quite yet.

Now is the time for you to take a casual walk around the shelter area and see what is there. It is the observant radio operator who takes a mental stock of what is around him/her just in case problems arise and he/she has to make adaptations. The effective communicator needs to be able to quickly adapt to changing conditions. For example, what happens if the window right outside your operating area in the hall should break during the hurricane? You'd have to move... but to where? Line up a secondary location, now, so you won't have to wait and decide where to move if the window does break. Make sure you have a place to put up that "J Pole" again. Now a real brain-tease. What have I left out to ensure all-round emergency communications? The answer is simple: Check out the secondary repeater frequency you were given just in case you have to switch over. Just quickly change frequency, listen to see if anyone is active on that repeater and if not transmit: "This is (your callsign), Test". If you hear the tail squelch and the signal strength bars remain on your display for a second, it usually means you can reach that repeater. (the best bet would be if someone replied with a signal report) NOW GO BACK TO THE ORIGINAL REPEATER SETTING.

The "Waiting Game"

You are all set and feeling much more confident than when you left your house. And why shouldn't you? You are prepared, trained and deployed. You are listening to the emergency net frequency and can see by the repeater activity that things are slowly building in preparation for the main event, the hurricane. There are now several shelters setup and "online" with radio operators. People are also slowly coming into your shelter, supplying the service agency with some information and then "staking out their little piece of the gym" where they might have to reside for a day or two. You look outside and see the wind slowly picking up. A sign of things to come. Aren't you glad you don't have to put up an outside antenna to "hit" the repeater? Don't worry, you'll have the "joy" of putting up an outside antenna in gale force winds some other day.

If you can, try seeing if you can listen to the emergency net using your HT and that longer whip antenna you bought. Yes, you can't "hit" the repeater, you tried that and found it only works with the "J Pole", but if you can "monitor" the repeater using the whip, it will give you some mobility so you won't be locked in to your desk in the hall. Don't forget to plug in the speaker/mic and have the volume down a bit so it doesn't get annoying to people in the shelter when you are actually in the gym. This way, when you are called, all you have to do is walk out to your communications post and switch the whip for the "J Pole" and make any replies. The Net Control Station is making routine reports on the strength and direction of the hurricane. That's excellent! It is always good to be kept up-to-date. You might also want to inform your shelter manager of the weather updates.

Now a few words on Shelter Managers. The position of Shelter Manager is filled by a volunteer, just as you are, who has probably had basic training in that area. It is unfortunate that with so many volunteer positions there is a tremendous "turn over". Some people just don't stay active for too long. You might find that the shelter manager who is at your place of deployment has had no "on-the-job" experience. I was stationed at one shelter where the day the hurricane hit was to be the last day of her training! In this case, she was very nervous and rightly so. I, being trained and experienced as a shelter manager, guided her through all phases of the shelter operation, BUT, she was still incharge and made all the decisions. If you, upon gaining experience at shelters, should come across a shelter manager with no experience, it is only morally proper to offer input. Damn what other training people have told you, if you can lend a few reassuring words or direction, do it! BUT, always remember, they have the responsibility of running the shelter, not you. Using "kid gloves" will encourage them to do their best and avoid chasing them away when the next emergency happens. You, plus the shelter manager and the rest of the shelter volunteers, are a team and should all pull together. The better you interface as a team, the more reassured your clients will be and will lend to a relaxed atmosphere.

As the hurricane increases in intensity, the Net Control Operator will probably request hourly updates from all shelters. This usually means that you will report the number of clients, volunteers, supplies, other support personnel such as police or firemen and the general conditions of the shelter, such as "Do you still have electrical power/lights?". These communications are just like when you were requesting cups at that walk-a-thon. Keep the communications short yet accurate. DO NOT interject any personal comments or opinions. Keep written notes of the hourly numbers you relay to Net Control. Mark each entry with the local time and date. This is done in case they require a "back fill" of information at a later time. Once the hurricane reaches it's maximum intensity in your area, it might be very difficult for any response emergency vehicle or supply vehicle to reach your shelter. If YOU note that the shelter might be running low on supplies within the next 12 hours, remind your shelter manager, before hand, that there may be a time when roads are unpassable so they many wish to re-stock now, while they still can. These reminders can go a long way towards establishing a good relationship with the other volunteers as long as it is done in a friendly manner. DO NOT JUST STAND AROUND AND BE A "RADIO HUGGER". Observe and report anything to your shelter manager. Quite often they will be "over their head" in dealing with angry or scared clients, so an extra pair of friendly eyes won't hurt. Don't barge in when they are in the middle of taking care of a client. Wait, then report.

Remember, your major duty is to supply communications. DO NOT assume any additional duties on your own. You are neither a traffic cop nor a social worker. Stick with what you have been trained to do, unless the shelter workers are grossly over worked. Your relaxed, professional attitude will relax those around you. If you are not doing anything at the moment and the shelter manager is short-handed, it is ok to help out if they ask for your assistance in unfolding and setting up a few cots, etc. Just don't get carried away with other tasks. Your communications duties will not require you to be active every minute of the event. Most of the time, it is a waiting game. Remember in my list of essentials I included a deck of playing cards? Now might be the time to engage in a friendly game of Rummy (NO GAMBLING), all the while being aware of your communications duties and having an active ear on your radio. This will help pass the time for both you and anyone you play with AND will instill the attitude that everything will be okay.

The hurricane is continuing on it's course and so are you, passing the occassional request on behalf of the shelter manager and giving hourly reports as requested by Net Control. The phones did go out of service early in the storm, but you maintained contact with Net Control and the shelter manager was impressed. The lights have flickered a few times, but nothing serious in the disruption of electrical power. You, of course, have that battery powered fluorescent camping light ready. Aren't you glad you purchased two, one for your family's "home bag" and one for your deployment needs. Everyone in the shelter seems to be calmly waiting out the storm. Having been there for a number of hours, you know that with the hurricane reaching it's maximum intensity, you will not have a relief operator until the storm abates. This is when you have to train your body to go into "light duty cycle", that means learning to relax yet still maintain mental activity. Don't fall alseep!!! Several hours have passed and you begin to notice that the winds seem to be dying down. Is this the end or has the eye of the storm reached you? One of the ways to find out is by paying attention to the weather updates given by your Net Control Operator.

A few hours later, you learn that the hurricane has passed it's peak in your area. Will the shelter operations be winding down? You can't be sure, yet. If there was destruction from the high winds or massive flooding, some of your clients may have to be there a while until it is either safe for them to return home or be sheltered at another facility. You continue your communications and reports as usual. Luckily there has been no damage at your site. Soon, you are informed by net control that a relief operator is on their way to take your place. Yes, that means your responsibility as a communicator will soon come to an end. DO NOTHING until your relief operator shows up and sets up his gear and contacts Net Control. This way, if there are any problems, communications will not be disrupted. Give your relief operator a run down on the shelter operations AND introduce them to the shelter manager.

When you are relieved make a note of the date, time, and the name and callsign of your relief operator in your notebook. Then it's time to pack up and "stand down". Take a slow drive back home, being careful to avoid anything that may have blown on to the highway. When you arrive home, check into your local emergency group's net if it is still in operation and inform them that you have completed your deployment. Keep your notes because at a later date they may wish a de-briefing of your experience. You've done a great job at your first emergency communications detail and your family has weathered your absence quite well. Hopefully, your next emergency event will run just as smoothly.

You are well on your way to becoming an "old pro" in emergency communications. Remember that not all emergency events will be as predictable as this nor will they offer you as long a window of time inwhich to prepare and assemble your "go bag". Always try to be as prepared as you can by keeping as much dedicated supplies/equipment in your "go bag" as possible. This way you will have to add very few items and it will make your deployment easier and quicker. Emergencies don't wait for us, we wait for them. Keep invloved. Do self-evaluations. Update your "go bags". Always be ready. And know that your community thanks you for all your cooperation and effort. Now go get some sleep!!!

REVIEW of this section:

Know all your facts before you go out for deployment. Some emergency events are not predictable so always maintain the maximum amount of items in your "go bag" . When you do this, completing the bag with additional items will not be as time comsuming. Keep your rechargable batteries fully charged. Make sure you have several changes of "AA" batteries for your HT. Leave a dedicated "J pole", and cable, in your "go bag". Use them JUST for emergency communications. When you reach your post, introduce yourself to those people you will be working with. Communicate with the other volunteers at all times. Remain calm. Keep accurate notes of each communications, including date and local time. Never breakdown your equipment until you relief has their station up and running and has reported to net control.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Optional assignment: In proper order, list how you would get ready and deploy for an emergency event, including the assembling of your equipment and taking care of family needs. After completeing this list, refer to the above section for items or actions you might have missed. Do a "mock" emergency communications drill on your own by setting up a communications duty sight in your garage using just the items and equipment you have in your go bag and make several contacts with some operators on the local repeaters. (If you have no garage, go to a park and do the same) Set up and use that J pole. Self-training in equipment set up methods will go a long way in you becoming self-assured.

===============================================

A BASIC COMMUNICATIONS TRAINING PROGRAM

PART B:

Section Nine: Lots Of Odds And Ends

the media, ITU Phonetics (the REAL deal),

using a microphone the right way, human interference,

tactical calls and nets, duty site interaction,

when or if to turn out, and more

Section Ten: HAZMAT Emergencies

don't touch, just communicate

Section Eleven: SKYWARN and You

special training makes for special eyes

Section Twelve: Constructing A Pocket "J Pole"

making one that actually works

Section Thirteen: Net Control Operator

To Be Or Not To Be?

Section Fourteen: Still More Odds And Ends

your emotions, family support, "Drop

Teams", Rural and Urban search and rescue,

and more

============================================

SECTION NINE: LOTS OF ODDS AND ENDS

THE MEDIA AND YOU:

There may be times when the media will show up at your post for a story. You are not assigned as a public relations person; so do NOT engage in a long-winded conversation about the event. You should refer any questions to the person in charge of the site. In the case of a shelter, this will be the Shelter Manager. They have been trained in handling the press/media. Sometimes the media might pressure you so they can develop a "human interest" story. You should ONLY report that you are there to supply radio communications on behalf of whatever organization you are currently serving. That is all. Giving too much information can lead to problems as things you might state often get distorted in their "reporting". You do not need this responsibility. At your communications EOC there is usually a PIO (Public Information Officer) who is responsible for any media interaction.

IF YOU GET TO A POST EARLY:

This may sound very stupid, but I feel that I have to say it: There may be times during an emergency where the radio operators are so quickly assigned to a deployment area that they may get to the location BEFORE it is open. If this happens, inform NET CONTROL of this fact. There were TWO cases, a few years ago on Long Island, where hams, during a winter storm, were assigned to a shelter that never did open and they just sat outside in their cars and gave reports of zero "clients", not telling the Net Control Operator that the shelter wasn't open. This being their first involvement, they were ill trained in what to expect or do. Keep things such as this in mind when you are training or being trained. Sometimes the simplest of things can be overlooked.

THE PROPER WAY TO USE A MICROPHONE:

When using your microphone to transmit, hold it near mouth level, but DO NOT place it directly in front of your mouth. Try not to "eat" the mic. Keep it at an angle and talk slowly and clearly. Do not shout into the microphone but also do not whisper. Talk with the same voice level as if you were having a conversation in your living room. (Ladies... try to talk a bit louder) If the mic is directly in front of your mouth you'll also be transmitting noise each time you take a breath and it will also cause your voice to sound muffled. Your heavy breathing will also be transmitted. You do not want to sound like an obscene phone caller. If the communications is over a repeater you might also cause "over deviation" in which case the repeater will not transmit complete sentences and others will hear your communications as being choppy. By becoming involved in local club nets you will develop the proper mic etiquette for clear communications. (This is not just a beginner's mistake, there are "experienced operators" even training ops who haven't mastered how to properly use a microphone)

Using ITU Phonetics:

These are the WORLD-WIDE ITU Phonetics to use when you have to spell something out. DO NOT use the idiotic ones published and jammed down operator's throats by a "national" organization. Several of them are WRONG, WRONG, WRONG and I shudder each time I hear someone say "KeeBeck" or "Kaybeck" for a "Q". Does anyone say "God Bless the Keen"? No, it's "Queen", so pronounce Quebec as it should be.

A - alfa (AL-fa) B - bravo (BRAH-voe)

C - charlie (CHAR-lee) D - delta (DELL-tah)

E - echo (ECK-oh) F - foxtrot (FOX-trot)

G - golf (GOLF) H - hotel (HOE-tell)

I - india (IN-dee-ah) J - juliet (JU-lee-ett)

K - kilo (KEY-loh) L - lima (LEE-mah)

M - mike (MIKE) N - november (no-VEM-ber)

O - oscar (OSS-cah) P - papa (PAH-PAH)

Q - quebec (Que-BECK) R - romeo (ROW-me-oh)

S - sierra (SEE-air-rah) T - tango (TANG-go)

U - uniform (YOU-ni-form) V - victor (VIK-tor)

W - whiskey (WISS-key) X - x-ray (ECKS-ray)

Y - yankee (YANG-key) Z - zulu (ZOO-loo)

DEALING WITH INTERFERENCE (the human kind):

There are all kinds of people in this world. Most are nice. Some are not. It's the same way with amateur radio operators. There may be times when the jerks come out and attempt to interfere with communications during an emergency. Do not let them. These sick individuals take great "pride" in upsetting any ongoing communications. The best way to handle them is to just ignore them. Pretend you do not even hear them. NEVER say "Can you repeat that again, someone keeps breaking in." That's just what they want you to do. They want to generate a response. Just work through it and usually they will get tired and stop.

IF they don't, the next step is to shift to another repeater or frequency without mentioning that such a shift is taking place. (This is one reason why alternate frequencies are assigned before you turn out.) When the move to an alternate frequency is complete, at least two communicators should remain on the original repeater and talk. This will make the jerk transmitting the interference think that the emergency net is still there. Hopefully the net control station can communicate the problem to a ham radio operator or two who will be able to track down the offending idiot and inform local law enforcement personnel who might "pay him a visit". Local police are very sympathetic to this problem and usually a visit from them will make the offender stop. I have even seen police arrest an individual for interfering with an ongoing emergency. The net control operator will also make a note of whom it is and report the incident to the local OOC (Official Observer Coordinator) for action by the FCC.

Just a reminder… USING TACTICAL CALLS:

During both public service events and emergency events the net control operator may request that you use Tactical Calls to identify. These are usually either a location or vehicle you might be in. Tactical calls make the net control operations easier to fathom during a hectic operation. If this is the case, do so. An example would be: "Net Control, this is West Gate School Shelter". But remember that this does NOT absolve you from following FCC rules that state you MUST give your callsign when IDing at the end of a series of transmissions and every ten minutes. Since most emergency communications between two stations will be under ten minutes this can be simply done on the last transmission by stating your callsign.

TACTICAL or LOGISTICAL NETS:

Sometimes there may be several nets in operation and on separate repeaters or simplex frequencies during an event. A tactical or logistical net could be one of them. This is a net that is used to converse with supply vehicles or depots, special communications between two agencies served by our communications group or any type of intercommunications beyond shelter or simple duty posts. By dividing the communications responsibilities between a standard operational net that supplies shelter reports, etc. and a tactical net, the event will operate with greater efficiency. A tactical net is only used when there are enough communicators available to divide duties and the situation warrants it.

An example was when I was doing Amateur Television (ATV) during a marathon. We used a separate frequency to coordinate the video transmissions back to the start/finish area so people could see how the race was progressing. If any technical problems developed we used this tactical ATV frequency to communicate in semi-private and correct them. This way we didn't clog up the regular race net. While we were adjusting the ATV setup and using a tactical frequency on two meters, another ham operator broke in our communications to state that he was watching our 70CM ATV transmissions. We were on Long Island. His location: Connecticut!

Just remember that others will also be listening to your tactical net so be as professional as possible and ID with your callsign. This simple tactical frequency required no net control operator. Another tactical net was the communications just between the race officials. There was no need for their conversations to be mixed in on the operational net which was basically doing restocking requests, runner counts and medical problems. A larger marathon or event might expand and have a medical net all to itself.

INTERACTION AT A DUTY SITE:

When you are working at a site that has evacuees, such as in a shelter, the people being housed there will be under stress. They may not even know if they will have a house to come home to. This stress can lead to them saying or doing unusual things at your site. It is NOT your duty to act as a social worker. Maintain a professional attitude with them. If they ask, tell them about amateur radio. By acting calm, you will calm them. Do not take anything they say to heart. I have had cases where people have just drifted in, being homeless, and have used the shelter and it's facilities. This is OK because the point of the shelter is to assist everyone. In some rare cases people may act as if they are not fully rational. If you see something like this, report it to the shelter manager.

DO NOT engage in talk or actions that could be misunderstood or misinterpreted. You are NOT there to make friends or cultivate a romance. You are there ONLY to supply communications support. Do not "dispense" any medications, even aspirin, from your go-bag. It could get you in a world of legal trouble. If a registered nurse is on duty at the site, you can give her your extra aspirin to hand out. DO NOT document the emergency event by taking pictures. It is both illegal and immoral.

DON'T JUMP THE GUN:

Not every emergency will require emergency communications. Do not take it upon yourself to jump into the middle of a minor emergency and try supplying emergency communications. If they are required, the emergency group you are a part of will be approached by some agency and asked to begin emergency communications duties. There are other times when the leadership of your group, expecting that agencies will require our support, will take it upon themselves to begin the emergency communications process. Trust their judgment. They have both the experience and the knowledge to do this. Be professional. DO NOT start a communications event where none is needed. That will only tarnish the perception of amateur radio communications as a support function.

MREs (Meals Ready to Eat):

MREs are a very useful way to store food and have it ready in your "go bag". These are military type rations and take the place of the old "K" rations. They come pre-cooked and sealed in special plastic/foil pouches. They have a nice long shelf life if they are stored in a place that doesn't get very warm/hot. They are available in different styles such as full meals that contain an entree (some type of meat), fruit, a beverage base that when added with water makes a good drink, dried fruit bar, etc. They can be either warmed up or eaten cold. These MREs can be purchased at any Army/Navy store or ordered online. I suggest you only use these on extended duty assignments. They are good to include in any "Go Bag" or "Home Bag". If you are on a one or two day assignment, stick with the power bars, etc. DO NOT break out these meals if the "clients" in a shelter or elsewhere aren't eating foods just as "good". Don't upstage your shelter clients. MREs are good when you are in the field for a period of days doing search and rescue communications.

WHEN (or IF) TO TURN OUT:

After gaining some experience, you will have to decide, depending upon each "emergency event", if it is advantageous for you to "turn out" for communications duty. You must consider first, of course, your family. What affect will your being away, to do communications work, do to them? Will they be okay? Secondly, how long can you "turn out" for? If it is an emergency, you might have to stretch your deployment far longer than what you might consider to be necessary. Prepare yourself and your family for the fact that, depending upon the emergency, you might be gone for several days.

Most often, however, your deployment will last 24 hours at the most. Also be aware that if manpower becomes limited or the emergency expands you might be called upon to deploy again after a short rest. Every emergency event is different and will each have a different set of parameters, so it is up to you to decide if it is advisable to become part of the communications support effort. Your time commitment and equipment limitations will play a major part in your decision. If the emergency is seen at first to be of short duration, but then might expand to a longer duration, will you be able to commit to that longer period of time? You cannot be expected to turn out for every event, but a dedicated ham radio operator knows that he needs to payback for the privilege that went with becoming a licensed amateur radio operator.

REVIEW of Section Nine

• Never think of yourself as a media spokesperson. That responsibility belongs to the person in charge of your duty site. At the incident command center or at the EOC there usually is a PIO or "public information officer" who handles the media.

• Treat each emergency as a unique support effort and be ready to have an extended duty. If you report to a site and no one is there, communicate that fact to Net Control.

• If requested, use tactical calls to identify your location, but always ID using your callsign at the end of each series of transmissions.

• Learn to ignore and listen beyond malicious interference.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Optional assignment:

Why is it important that there be a single point-of-contact spokesperson at any site? Why might you be asked to spend more time at a duty site than was originally proposed? If tactical calls are used, why must you also give your callsign and when? Look into obtaining MREs for your "go bag".

SECTION TEN: Responding to a "HAZMAT" Emergency

There may be times when your group will be called out to assist in communications duties during a hazardous materials emergency (HAZMAT). A Hazmat emergency involves the release or possible release of harmful gases or fumes, chemicals and biological or radioactive agents. As such, these emergencies vary widely in their scope and severity. There are many trigger effects that will cause a Hazmat event. A fire at a recycling plant could release toxic fumes and surrounding neighborhoods would need to be evacuated. A tanker truck hauling toxic chemicals might jack-knife and cause a spill that could possibly lead to neighborhoods being evacuated. During severe weather a gas line might rupture. There might be a terrorist attack that will release toxins, either chemical or biological, into the water system or air.

No Second Chances

In all of these cases you must act with extreme caution as you may NOT get a second chance. If this sounds scary, it is. Do not feel obligated to turn out for these events if you aren't 100% trained and feel comfortable in doing so. In extreme events, such as bio-terrorism or toxic fumes being released from a fire, it will require extra training and special protective gear and equipment if you are assigned to a detail close to the event.(Returning from a wildfire duty our group was alerted to a huge recycling plant fire whose black choking fumes were quickly engulfing an entire village and that might have meant evacuation of almost 10,000 residents. The officials could not figure out where they'd house these people until I reminded them that we, the township, owned the airport and there were several empty hangers. Another example of an amateur radio operator thinking on his feet!)

Special HAZMAT Training Needed

Responding for communications duty during a Hazmat event, if it is not a shelter detail, can be a very complex task. It is important that you train under the direction of a special Hazmat team rather than from a guide or booklet. If you are interested in this type of training, you should contact your local Fire or Police departments to see when/where this type of training is available. But as communicators, all we should do is communicate. DO NOT TOUCH ANY MAZMAT materials even if you are wearing "protective" gloves. ONLY TRAINED HAZMAT PROFESSIONALS ARE TO INTERFACE WITH MATERIALS.

Practice Drills

If the communications group you join is worth a lick, then they will have drills covering communications during different Hazmat events. One drill, for example, could consist of an airplane crash that releases jet fuel. You need to know how to react and what NOT to do. This event is a double-edged sword as you will be handling communications during rescue operations in the midst of a toxic spill. In this case, you do not enter the site unless you are properly trained, have specific protection and have a specific duty at that location.

Location

DO NOT take it upon your own to get too close to the event even if you are assigned there. Most of the time, you will not be too close to the actual hazardous materials. Your duties might take you as close as the Incident Command Center or "On Site" Medical Triage Area so you can relay updates to net control and they may pass that information to other authorities.

• The "Incident Command Center" is a location (post) close to the site that will have local control of the event. This is where the basic decisions are made.

• "On Site Medical Triage" is the area near the event where teams of EMTs or doctors will examine each victim to see what additional medical treatment they may require above and beyond the first aid they are given at the site. Severe cases may require transport to an area hospital. In either case, there might be better forms of communications than our radio system (Police, Fire and EMT radio systems) so all you might be required to do is standby. Never attempt to "expand your role". You are not "Rambo" with a radio. This is the type of action that gives amateur radio communications support a "black eye". We are communicators, NOT Hazmat specialists.

Get Ready To "Bug Out"

If you are assigned close to the incident, be prepared to evacuate immediately if wind conditions shift or if the spill should either grow, combine or ignite. Always be aware of the situations around you. An example of a changing Hazmat situation was when I was at WTC 9/11 "Ground Zero" and they reported that there were tons of toxic chemicals. They later realized that if some of these chemicals were combined they would become TEN times as deadly. NEVER touch any chemical or powder spills in the Hazmat area. If you see any spills that might have been overlooked, inform the incident command post as soon as possible. This does NOT mean you should go looking for spills, etc. If you accidentally become exposed to any chemical or powder, tell incident command right away so you can be decontaminated. If you are called upon to respond during an evacuation of an area due to either a fire, gas line rupture or chemical spill, there will be shelters that will need to be covered by radio communicators. The shelters themselves will be far from "harm's way" and your communications support at any of these sites will be almost identical to being at a shelter during a severe weather event.

Most BEST Route May Not Be The Shortest Route

When you are assigned to a shelter during a Hazmat emergency, make sure that your route to the shelter is far from the actual Hazmat occurrence even if you have to drive miles out of your way to avoid it. In the early hours of this type of emergency the people actually handling the Hazmat containment duty may not fully be aware of what toxins are being released and if they first say that it is a basic non-toxic chemical spill, fumes could be released later that might prove deadly.

So stay away from the event.

Your basic procedures when you report to a shelter during a Hazmat emergency should remain the same as any other shelter detail. These are usually short-term shelter operations. However, you should be prepared for a longer stay if the fire, gas line rupture or chemical spill takes longer than expected to be contained or cleaned up. NEVER attempt to "check out" a Hazmat event. Your presence there could easily complicate matters and endanger the professionals on the scene. You are also putting your own life at needless risk and making amateur radio operators look stupid. Stay as far away as possible.

The best way to protect yourself is to not be there

Also be aware that this silly junk that the government professes about duct taping plastic sheathing on your windows and doors to prevent infiltration of fumes or biological agents during some terrorist attack will NOT work nor will it protect you or your family. This is just government B.S. designed to calm a nervous public and lead them into having a false sense of security. But it is all DEAD wrong. A dust mask or even a respirator mask from "Home Depot" will NOT be of any good. The only real protective gear is expensive, limited in supply, must be personally fitted to your face and body and requires training in their use to properly protect you. The best way to protect yourself is to evacuate the area and do so in a speedy manner. DO NOT go down wind of any suspect areas. Remember, in the VERY UNLIKELY event that you need to evacuate, bring that "home bag" with you. That bottled water could be a life saver. DO NOT let any person or any "company or organization" scare you into buying a load of stuff you don't need. The infrastructure of our country is such that it quickly recovers from any emergency. Most emergencies are created by nature, such as hurricanes and other storms. There will be no nuclear event, just as there wasn't any back in the early 1960's. Those of you who had fallout shelters built were just making very expensive wine cellars. We do live in an era of uncertainty, however, if you have common sense and that home bag I suggested, there are just about no events that you and your family won't be able to weather.

REVIEW of Section Ten

• There are no Second Chances in a Hazmat Emergency. If you are in the wrong place at the wrong time, you could be dead or seriously injured, either way unable to do your job as a communicator.

• Plan your route on the way to your assignment to avoid the possible danger area, such as downwind from the disaster site. Keep that AC turned to 'inside air' and roll up those windows tightly just as a precaution.

• Bring your go-bag and your home-bag just in case your stay becomes longer than planned, or you become unable to return home because of a shift in contamination

• Don’t stick your nose in to find out what is happening closer to the disaster scene.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Optional assignment:

Get one of those Hazardous Material books from your federal, state or local government so that you can learn what those code numbers on the back of tanker trucks really mean. Did you know that "1203" is the number for gasoline fuel? Consider carrying a pair of binoculars in the car because if you are close enough to read the placard on the back of the wrecked tanker and happen to be downwind, you are already too close to the scene.

SECTION ELEVEN: SKYWARN and You

Another area of radio emergency communications you may wish to be a part of involves the SKYWARN program. SKYWARN is not a club or national organization, but there might be areas of the country where people have gotten together to form local groups. Simply put, SKYWARN involves the training of people who will observe and communicate to the National Weather Service or local emergency management group any threatening weather that might be developing in their area. This reporting is done by either checking into a severe weather net on the radio and reporting observations to the net control operator or by calling the local area National Weather Service or emergency operations group.

The National Weather Service has local offices throughout the country and often have their own amateur radio station located on site. This is a very good idea as when a weather emergency exsists the station can be easily manned with hams who have additional knowledge in weather related events and can quickly report to the NWS officials any information spotters transmit over local repeaters. There are both amateur radio operators and non-hams who serve as "SKYWARN Spotters". By reporting severe weather as it develops, spotters are a valuable resource in getting the information out to the public so they will be able to take cover or evacuate an area. By using spotters as an early warning system countless lives have been saved.

YOU can become a part of this valuable team by getting some special training. The National Weather Service conducts very excellent training courses throughout the country. If you wish to learn more about attending such a class, contact your local National Weather Service office. Each area of the country will offer courses that focus on weather problems in their locale. In the Northeast, they will concentrate on the severe weather that occurs there, such as winter storms and hurricanes. In the Midwest the main thrust of the training will be about tornadoes and floods. Having attended courses in several areas, I am impressed at their coverage and information. The training is based upon what to look for before the severe weather develops into a major event. In the Northeast you learn all about the different classifications of hurricanes and the damage each can produce. You also learn how to do plot projections and what needs to be done if the hurricane shifts direction or changes in intensity. You will be shown pictures or slides of the damage that results from each level of intensity. That will really get the point across. In the Midwest, you learn about how storms develop into tornadoes, their intensity levels, what comes BEFORE a tornado and pictures of their paths of destruction.

Although some people who have attended SKYWARN courses have been involved in "storm chasing", attending the courses does not make you one. Most people who "chase" severe storms in the hopes of being there during the development into a tornado do so to learn more about the weather from a scientific standpoint and are usually meteorologists who have additional training and equipment. Being a chaser is a very dangerous experience. Better served if you are a local reporter and maintain a safe distance. SKYWARN spotters are the people, who based upon their reporting, will get the ball rolling when severe weather develops that will require the opening of the shelters at which you will be supplying communications. By attending SKYWARN classes you will gain a better understanding of the process and will be able to communicate information more accurately.

SECTION TWELVE: Constructing A Pocket "J Pole"

Antenna For Two Meters (one that actually works)

One of most inexpensive additions to your communications inventory, and one of the most important, is

the "J Pole" antenna. The type I am talking about is a roll-up type that can be stowed in any "go bag" for quick set up and use. There are several companies that sell these "pocket J Poles" and you might wish to look into purchasing one or two to add to your stock for emergency use. Usually, the small antenna that came with your HT is of little use for reliable communications.

When you are called to deploy, you might be housed in a structure that inhibits signal passage. The answer is usually a better antenna. In most cases, the "J Pole" suits this purpose. Not only can it be used with your HT, but you can also use it with a mobile radio/power supply. This way, you have one antenna with a dual use. It requires nothing more than a non-conductive cord to hang it up. No supports or poles needed.

If you'd like to try and build a pocket "J Pole" antenna, here are some simple plans. Unlike other plans that tell you how to make a crude antenna, this section tells you how to construct one and how to PROPERLY tune it.

Take one length (55 inches) of 300 ohm twin lead (buy this from your local Radio Shack) This is the old type of TV twin lead we had on our TVs as kids. USE A NEW LENGTH, not an old run of wire ripped off from your house!! On one end, strip off about 1/2 inch of the insulation, exposing the parallel wires. Bend them towards each other so they TOUCH or overlap. Solder them together, making a nice, neat, tight connection. This is the bottom of your antenna.

Next, measure exactly 16 1/2 inches from the end that you shorted together and cut a notch in ONE of the wires in the twin lead. The notch should be about 1/4 of an inch. Next, measure exactly 1 1/2 inches from the same bottom of the shorted ends and strip the insulation exposing about 1/4 of an inch of the wires on BOTH sides of the twin leads. At these two points, CAREFULLY solder in place a 20 foot length of RG 8X (mini) cable, with the center conductor soldered to the long run (un-notched side of the twin lead) and the shield side soldered to the notched side. (Trust me on this. It should NOT be the other way around no matter what you've read, heard or been told.)

Double check all your connections and then carefully use electrical tape to cover the bottom 3 inches of the twin lead while holding the coax cable tightly against it so it makes a solid seal. Make sure that the coax connections to the twin lead aren't shorting together. Continue taping it until it seals all the connections you have made including the shorted bottom of the twinlead and beyond to just the coax cable for about 2 inches. This will seal all of the connections and add strength to your antenna/coax connection.

Add a PL-259 connector to the end of the coax. Have an adapter handy so you can use this antenna with either your mobile radio or your HT.

At this point, due to variations in Twin Lead construction, you will need to "tune" the antenna by hanging it up, vertically, using a non-conductive cord, and away from metal objects, and using a fellow ham's antenna analyzer. It will probably be a bit long, so trim the top, by removing 1/4 of an inch at a time AND on the side that has the notch: for each 1/4 inch you have cut from the top of the twin lead notch out an additional 1/32 of an inch enlarging the original notch from the bottom of the notched area... like you'd be increasing the original notch length (but not really, just trimming the "short" side of the parallel lead) until it tunes lowest SWR on 146 MHZ. (If you do not adjust it in this manner, you'll never get the lowest SWR or widest bandwith.) When you have finished make a small hole in the insulation at the top of the twin lead to pass a hanging "non-conductor" cord (such as twine or nylon) through it.

That's all there is to it!! You may wish to make more than one once you get the hang of it's construction and tuning. Very inexpensive, very effective and stores in a small area. Most of these "J" Poles will also work well on the 70 CM band !

***********************

I have also used this design and inserted the "J Pole" into a long piece of 1/2" PVC pipe. This makes the antenna durable and it can be mounted to a mast on your roof just as you would a base station two meter antenna. (Make sure you seal both ends of the PVC pipe with epoxy) DO NOT THINK THAT A HORIZONTAL DIPOLE ANTENNA will work in emergency communications. It's horizontal polarization is ineffective in reaching repeaters. Repeaters use vertical antennas.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Optional assignment:

Get some ham radio operators together for an "antenna building party" so each of you can assemble, tune and test your own personal "J Pole" antennas. You might want to make this a club project.

SECTION THIRTEEN: Net Control Operator

(To Be Or Not To Be)

Being a Net Control Operator during an emergency is a difficult assignment. It isn't as simple as taking callsigns and names as in the case of an informal or non-emergency net. There are many skills, some of which cannot be taught, that a competent Net Control Operator must have.

Some of the characteristics of a good Net Control operator are:

• GOOD voice quality (not high pitched or nasal)

• A good command of the English language and proper diction.

• Self-confidence but not an obnoxious attitude.

• Knows how to take and give orders.

• Ability to deal both mentally and physically with high stress for extended periods of time.

• A sense of humor.

• VERY GOOD penmanship.

• Above average operating techniques.

• Knows how to be organized.

• Knowledge of emergency communications protocol and served agencies.

• A concern for all volunteers.

• GOOD listening skills.

• The ability to be flexible.

• Being able to "Check your emotions at the door."

• Is able to show a good "face" for amateur radio.

• DOES NOT TRY TO RUN THE SHOW (we all answer to someone)

Not all of us have what it takes to be a good net control operator. Being able to coordinate several stations while at the same time working in a busy EOC environment is quite a juggling act. The ability to do several tasks well and at the same time, and prioritize them, is a quality few of us have. You won't be handed a script like informal nets have, so you better be able to work on the fly and improvise. Like a lion-tamer, no one should be able to sense fear or doubt in a net control operator. People in the field look to the net control operator for strength and calmness. You should be able to convey this during your communications. All radio communications should be brief and to the point. It is not a time for excess words or rag-chewing but this does not mean that you must rush when you speak. Speaking CLEARLY and SLOWLY goes a long way towards being an effective operator. (see section nine: "Lots of Odds and Ends" on how to properly use a microphone) There is also a great deal of logging and note taking by a net control station. Entries must be clear and noted with dates, times, names, callsigns and other pertinent information.

If you are asked a specific question, you must know where to go to find the correct answer. Never leave any question unanswered. If you cannot answer a question within ten minutes, inform the operator who asked it that you are aware that their question hasn't been answered and you are still pursuing a proper reply. If a request for, say supplies, is made make sure the logistic support is put to task until the request is fulfilled. In this way you are supporting the guys "in the trenches". Never leave them hanging. Calling for clarification to any message sent is also important. Never be afraid to ask an operator to repeat their information. YOU are the end of the communications line, so get it right. Do not over use Phonetics. (see section nine: "Lots of Odds and Ends" and look under "phonetics") They are to be used ONLY when what is being said might be better understood if spelled out.... and ONLY the important words. If an operator checks in and uses phonetics to give his callsign, DO NOT repeat his callsign using phonetics. That only wastes time. A net control operator must have the patience to work with a group of people whose skill levels will greatly vary. There may be times when you will have to pause to explain something to a new operator that most of us would take for granted. Being a net control op means being both a teacher and a student. This does not mean "talking down" to a new volunteer, but rather being a friend who has more experience. Make sure when you relieve any volunteer from their assignment that you make a special effort to thank them for their support. A few encouraging words keep volunteers coming back.

You are responsible for setting a pattern and protocol that all other radio operators will follow, so make sure it is a sound one. ALWAYS be in control.... If you aren't your net operations can quickly disintegrate into chaos. Keep all your operators in line and following proper procedures. Never allow an operator to break protocol. If you do, others will follow and you will lose control of your net. If one does, just carefully rein them back in by reminding them that they have to use proper net protocol, then let it drop. If they continue to breach protocol you might have to use stronger language and tell them that they must be acknowledged by net control and ALL communications must flow through you unless you give a station the authority to "go direct" for one series of communications. Try NOT to make an issue of it, just state what needs to be said and no more. It is also important to know that we are all volunteers, so handle your field ops with kid-gloves and DO NOT criticize an operator over the air. Any corrections should be done in private.

You must also know your limitations as a person, so take breaks often. This will help lower your frustration level. When you take a break, detach yourself mentally from the communications duty. Read a magazine, take a short nap, eat, take a short walk for some fresh air or use the bathroom. Put the net control operations out of your mind for a while. This way when you return to your duties you will have renewed energy. Remaining cool is a valuable trait. Another thing to keep in mind is that you must ID often (more than the 10 minute FCC rule) and also explain on the air the purpose of the net you are operating so people who might be monitoring or just turning on their radios will remain silent and let you and the net do their job. Always be aware that others are listening, especially the media. So watch what you say. Never interject any personal opinions into your communications no matter how frustrated you may become. The agencies we serve are also listening to see how amateur radio operators fulfill their communications duties. Always remain a professional both on and off the air. You cannot be expected to be perfect, but do not get flustered. Remain calm and do your best to recover from any mental or verbal mistakes. There might be times when you will be dealing with some very disturbing traffic, such as the case when I had to report to net control that additional bodies were removed from the rubble at the World Trade Center. (It was by their request that I report any new casualties that might be uncovered) You must be able to pass or receive this type of information without emotions overwhelming you. If you should become stressed, it will be revealed in your voice. Your voice's pitch will raise and you will probably talk a bit faster. People monitoring will notice. Try to avoid this by taking those frequent breaks.

If you have listened to an actual emergency net, you will always be able to tell who is the net control operator because they have a commanding voice and on-the-air presence. The job is not for all of us and to tell you the truth, I hate it, but it is a necessary assignment that needs to be filled by competent radio operators. If you feel that you would be a good net control operator candidate, talk to your communications group and see if training is available. This usually takes the form of being a net control operator during tests and drills and one-on-one training. After this they may place you in the position as a relief net control operator. This way they will see if you can "take the heat". (refer to earlier sections about proper net procedures)

SECTION FOURTEEN: STILL MORE ODDS AND ENDS

Keeping An "Even Keel":

During the course of any emergency event you could be under so much stress that it's difficult to control your emotions. After all, we are only human and the sorrow or tension during an emergency can play havoc with your soul. Never lash out at anyone, no matter how much they may annoy you. Show patience at all times. This is why it is very important to take frequent breaks. Read a few chapters from an amusing novel. Read a magazine. Do a crossword puzzle. If you can, take a short walk to clear your mind. (If you are the only communicator at a post, make sure you take your HT on your break/walk) In this way you will be able to disengage yourself for a while. First and foremost, you must remain calm on the exterior as people you are supporting will depend upon you for a show of strength during a trying time. If you feel that you can't do this, then inform your emergency group so they can assign you to a less stressful position that also doesn't require much interface with the public.

Support from your family:

There may be an emergency event that has deeply touched you in some way. Although during the event you must keep most of your emotions buried, upon your return you might want to discuss with your family what transpired and what you were feeling. They should be there for you, listening to you and being sympathetic to any feelings you might be having. Do not dwell on any particular point. The release is in telling them what you felt and did during the entire emergency. The more fully they understand, the better and stronger their support will be for you.

Emergency Communications "Drop Teams":

The emergency communications organization you are a member of may have a special team that will travel to other areas of the state or country to render emergency communications assistance. These "Drop Teams" are composed of several very experienced radio operators who are equipped with special longterm personal and radio equipment "go bags" that allow the team to be placed anywhere to set up or support any agency during an emergency. They might be called upon to assist in the aftermath of a hurricane or earthquake. Another reason their support would be requested is in the case of a wide-area search and rescue operation. These operators are a special breed of communicators. They are all in good physical condition, have worked well as a team, know how to survive under "rustic" long term conditions and have constantly trained for this type of venture. Sometimes at least one or more of them will have a higher class license than technician class. This will allow them to set up HF, "high frequency", stations for long range communications. Drop teams have been very useful on islands that have been ravaged by hurricanes or areas that are not covered by vhf/uhf repeater service. Usually the only communications after a severe hurricane has been by amateur radio operators. Other teams have reported for duty during emergencies such as the search for space shuttle debris in Texas or a child lost in a national park. These are wide-range searches and involve many volunteers who may be out in rural areas for extended periods of time so it's a plus if they have camping skills. These teams are NOT people in charge of an emergency, rather they follow the orders and requests of the local emergency communications group or local officials. If you feel you would be a good candidate for this type of service, talk to your emergency communications group to learn more about becoming a member of a "Drop Team".

SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS:

Amateur radio operators are often called upon to join search and rescue efforts whenever someone is missing or when a search for someone or something over a widespread area is required. Most often, these events involve searching rural areas of the country. People getting lost in national parks need to be found quickly or they may suffer from dehydration or hypothermia. Usually you will be called up for activation by your emergency communications group who will have received a specific request to help. You'll report to a staging area and will be given grid maps that outline the search areas and the pattern to cover. Depending upon the situation, the total area to be searched could cover hundreds of square miles so you must be prepared to be out in the field for a long period of time. Camping type skills are required for larger rural searches.

Make sure you are prepared in case the weather turns colder or rain develops. You will be searching in teams with at least one radio operator in each team (you). Make sure you have all the area repeaters in your radio's memory and BRING THAT J POLE. Large coverage repeaters will be used and there may be several in use for this event so again, make sure you have them all in your radio. Bring plenty of water so you don't become part of the problem. Listen carefully to the search coordinator and your team leader as they probably have experience in this type of search. Someone in your group will hopefully be using a GPS unit so your exact location will always be known. While you are searching, remember that if you come across evidence, do exactly as you were instructed, whether it be marking the area or bagging the evidence.

FOLLOW ALL PROCEDURES. LISTEN TO THE ADVICE OF THOSE WHO HAVE DONE THIS BEORE AS EACH SEARCH WILL BE DIFFERENT FROM THE LAST AND FROM DIFFERENT AREAS OF THE COUNTERY. Be prepared and wear comfortable shoes/boots as you will be hiking for a long period of time. If in really mountainous or wooded areas, dress for the part. It will not be a Sunday walk in the park. Be wary of snakes, spiders and scorpions. Bring your "go bag" as a backpack as this will make it easier to carry as you travel. Make sure you have enough battery power for both your radio and flashlights. Insect repellant and antihistamine (for insect bites) are two very important items to pack. BRING A COMPASS. BRING A COMPASS. BRING A COMPASS. DO NOT volunteer unless you can physically handle the assignment.

URBAN SEARCH TEAMS:

Not all search and rescue events will take place in rural areas. There may be times where your emergency communications group will be called out to search for a missing child or an elderly adult in an urban area. A citywide search requires just as much manpower and preparation as a rural search. Usually city searches will require many two-person teams. Knowledge of the area within a city is just as important as the knowledge of rural terrain. You must come prepared with maps that are sectioned off in grid search patterns much like in a rural search. In a citywide search there will be many more places to check per grid section than in a rural open terrain so it can make things much more difficult. Usually these grids are blocked in smaller sections than those in rural settings. This is due to the fact that building searches can take a long time and expend a great deal of physical energy. Hi-rise buildings with their many stories and malls with hundreds of stores are a search team's nightmare. Malls, with their many entrances and large parking areas, require several search teams. The only plus will be that you probably will be using one local repeater so you will never be out of range except for the short duration that you might be in a building which obscures your signal. Rural searches depend upon several repeaters and communications can be difficult.(So in a rural search don't forget that J pole) If your grid search area involves a mall, ballpark or some similar area, make sure that as soon as you enter the mall (or stadium, etc) you report straight to the security office and discuss your search with them. Remember that you are their guest so treat them with the proper respect. They will be a tremendous help. Leave with them any details or descriptions of the missing person and a photo (or one they can photo copy) if you can spare it. When you enter any large department store within the mall report to their store security office with the same goals in mind. You'll find them to be very helpful.

IN BOTH CASES, make sure you leave them a phone number to call if they should locate the missing person or need more information. Many eyes are better than a few, so depend upon their assistance. Another possible place to encounter a missing person within a mall, especially an adult with Alzheimer's, is the "food court" area. This is a familiar looking place that they probably have been to many times before. Alzheimer's patients look for familiar places so make a through search there. There are also security services that monitor the larger buildings within a city so do the same contact procedure with any security personnel you may encounter. Make sure that you inspect any area within a store or building that a missing person may be in. This includes all elevators, ALL men's and women's rest rooms, break rooms, loading and storage areas, dumpsters and closets. If you are not allowed in some of these areas have the store personnel check them. A confused or elderly person might easily wander into any of these areas and may go unnoticed by security.

A Kid’s Gotta Eat

We found one missing person just sitting in a library reading a book, so never rule out the obvious. Runaways tend to gravitate towards friends homes and malls so at any point they may also show up in those "food court" areas (a kid's gotta eat). If you locate a missing child in an urban environment and they are with an adult, it is NOT your responsibility to physically "rescue" the child. Since child abduction is a growing problem, and most times the child may be taken by another family member because of some dispute, you need to use your radio to contact the net control operator and tell them of the exact location of the child, a description of the adult and any additional information net control may request. Net control will then inform the police of the location of the child. Keep a very close eye on the child until the police arrive to question both the adult and the child. (You might also have a case of mistaken identity with the child in question. Most police department personnel have had extensive training in dealing with child abduction cases, identification and rescue.)

TO CLICK OR NOT TO CLICK:

We all like to document amateur radio's involvement in both public service events and during emergencies by taking photographs. If you are at a post during a public service event, there is no harm in taking a few pictures as long as they do not focus on one person. "Crowd scenes" that give an overall view of the public service event and your communications operation are fine. Have someone take a picture or two of you in action with radio in hand and the event in the background. During an emergency it is another story completely. DO NOT take pictures in any shelter or at any event scene. When I was deployed at the incident command center (at "ground zero") during the World Trade Center disaster my "disposable" camera remained in my go bag during the entire event. If instructed by the officials in charge of a search and rescue operation you may take photos within their guidelines. Again, NO pictures of shelter clients. Leave those to the press. There are both legal and moral issues involved. We are there only to show our communications support. Taking pictures of people at a shelter only capitalizes on their plight. You can, however, take a picture of your station setup (with you in an operating pose) at a shelter as long as no clients are in the picture. This type of photo will be welcomed when your organization talks to served agencies about our support.

 

Part Four: Terrorist Event Preparation

Before I discuss, in terms of equipment, preparation for supporting emergency communications during a terrorist event, I wish to talk about mental and emotional preparedness for such disasters:

Mental preparedness is just as important as proper communications training. Most amateur radio operators can learn how to properly use a radio or be taught to set up a communications post when deployed during a natural disaster such as a hurricane or manning a shelter due to flooding. However, we must remember that during a terrorist event it is quite a different matter. When there is a hurricane, it is easier to track the hurricane's path and predict what might lay ahead. We can set ourselves mentally and emotionally for what may happen during a natural disaster. The same cannot be said during a terrorist incursion. The first terrorist event quite possibly may lead to other strikes in ways which cannot be readily forseen. When we are asked to deploy, will the information we are given be accurate? There have been greater instances of mis-reporting during terrorist attacks, both here and abroad, than the reporting of efficient, true facts. Facts that we would need to know and work with to in order to complete our communications obligations and at the same time have our emotions in check.

The one event I have spoken about before involves a "one-point" terrorist act that evolves into a "multidimensional event". These are disasters that trigger or combine with weaknesses within an existing area that will result in a "super event". An example of a super event that might occur is if due to a terrorist attack on a commerical jetliner we are called out for the possibility of a crash at or near a local airport. So, we prepare mentally, emotionally and equipment procurement with the idea that our deployment would be for an event not unlike a crash due to equipment malfunction. Fire Departments and Rescue groups train for this type of crash all the time. However, let's say that this plane crashes during an emergency landing at San Antonio Airport in Texas. Depending upon it's direction and altitude, during such a crash it might clip or hit the chemical tanker cars that Union Pacific routinely has parked on it's tracks which parallel along Wetmore Avenue and are adjacent to the airport. I have read some of the chemicals in these tankers. Their contents are very scary. Let's say the plane attempts a landing but crashes into these tankers releasing their contents. The plane, as it crashes, continues another 300 feet. At that point it might hit the aviation fuel stored in large tanks at the outer perimeter of the airport where other planes (delivery services, etc.) are also parked. So, in this one terrorist crash event the plane ruptures dangerous chemicals from the tanker cars, hits the volatile aviation fuel and sparks a tremendous fireball that ejects toxic fumes from the chemicals into the air. This "super event" would mean the evacuation of tens of thousands of nearby residents and businesses.

Without the mental toughness to perform and improvise under such changing and stressful situations, you could easily withdraw into an "emotional shell" and become shut off from what needs to be done. If this happens, it would cripple your ability to be an effective communicator. You need to remain calm and focused even when parameters change. In remaining calm and acting as a communications professional it will make those around you feel more secure in the outcome and even in how they perform their tasks.

I repeat: Always remember that during a terrorist event, the emphasis on a particular priority might quickly shift to another level, pace or place. As another, but this time true example: During the WTC disaster at "Ground Zero", we were in the midst of what would have been called a search and rescue operation, at the same time wary that an additional terrorist strike might take place. This induced a double-edged stress level. Then, the situation changed because it was determined that there was a hazmat threat caused by all the chemicals discharged when the buildings fell, such as hundreds of gallons of battery acid and tons of freon, etc. The situation might become even more amplified due to the possibility of these chemicals combining to form even more lethal compounds such as mustard gas. This quickly added to our already high stress level. Still another threat was also revealed a bit later when it was discovered that one of the buildings housed medical waste so there were bio-toxins that could have easily been released in the air by the fires within the building. Again, another stressful situation piled on top of the basic operational stress. As you can see, emergency operations can easily shift to a different level and with that change so would you in order to meet the extreme needs of the mushrooming event. Prepare to be flexible. Think ahead. Could you re-deploy quickly to another location? Would you have enough supplies and equipment to cover any additional needs? Are you able to fight off the increased pressure to do your job in the midst of changing events?

Dealing with, and working through, these additional threats can test the metal of us all. (By the way, many of us who were deployed at "Ground Zero" during that time have since developed what is being called "WTC Cough" which was an unforseen effect from breathing in the dust particles at the site.) However, do not expect such an involved event to be thurst upon you should the unlikely possibility occur that you are asked to deploy for a terrorist event. Also, be aware that usually terrorist events are spotty at best and not wide-scale due to the limited resources of terrorists and the limited number of "followers", but it can happen. And how does one cope during any terrorist act and at the same time supply emergency communications support?

No one can give you a present of "mental toughness" nor can all of us be expected to face the full impact in the aftermath of a terrorist attack along with it's endless combinations of additional evolving complexities. To be faced with a terrorist event means the possibility, although very slim, of seeing destruction close up and often mentally equating the victim's plight to the possible plight of our own family and friends. The temptation to personalize this type of tragedy must be avoided at all costs. Do not waiver from the reason you are there: Supplying communications as part of a team that is responding to the event. Focus on radio and the important job you are preforming and not the sorrow. Try as hard as you can to direct your emotional energies towards doing your communications job as best as you can.

There are several ways to do this. One is to envoke the idea that this is actually a drill and that your skills are being tested. Another is to make a test of yourself by using a "personal points" approach. Give yourself mental points for each communications and direct communications-based observation you have properly made in an attempt to reach 100. This redirects your thoughts away from the ugliness and more towards your communications duties. Another way is to observe what others are doing and see how they are handling the situation. When positive things happen at the site, such as a rescue, rejoice in the fact that one more soul was saved and one more family, whom you will never meet, were also saved from permanent heartache. Not to be disrespectful, but sometimes even "breaking the mental ice" is needed by an occasional joke as long as it isn't event related. At the Incident Command Center during the WTC disaster, I was surrounded by police and rescue workers. When I spied a tray of donuts at the food area, out came my jokes about "cops and donuts". The police at the scene laughed at my comments. It helped release their stress and my own. Changing "mental gears" in this fashion will help you weather your deployment. Make sure that when you take a break at your deployment area that you have a book to read or crossword puzzles to attempt. Remind yourself that you have relatives and friends back at home who love you and will support you after your deployment is completed. Quite often the cure of any depression caused by a terrorist event is the release to your family and friends. By relating what you went through in the fulfillment of your communications duties you will unburden yourself and educate your family about what really transpired.

There is a very small, yet distinct possibility of seeing human remains in all types of degradation, such as those witnessed by rescue crews during a plane crash, especially if your deployment takes you to the triage area or incident command post. This does not mean that you will be charged with any responsibility of victim removal, but you may be faced with seeing this happen as you fulfill your communications duties. Some of us cannot tolerate such scenes. This won't be a television show. It will be real life with real victims. Many emergency service people, such as fire/rescue, have learned to work beyond what they see towards a goal of helping those who might still be able to be saved. These are your neighbors whom you are helping. Your community and country thank you as they will benefit from your efforts.

Let's get away from developing scenarios about terrorism or listening to those who have. There are too many that are being thrown around by people who have no right to do so and no idea of what they are talking about. These are usually generated from the news sources whom are what I call "media terrorists". They want to sell papers or have you glued to the radio or television and will drag in any so-called expert to do so. Most of their reporting belongs more on a science fiction program rather than a news program. The actual facts about terrorism tend to be very boring and simple. One involves chemical or biological terrorism. If a terrorist wanted to kill tens of thousands of people, then chemical or biological attacks would not be the way to go. Any event involving either biological or chemical agents would require more money, manpower and product than any terrorist group can obtain for the results as theorized by "experts". As an example, the terrorist attack on the subway in Japan a few years ago was meant to kill thousands. It did not. And part of this plan was developed by chemical terrorist experts. Biological and chemical agents have either a short active lifespan, a small effective range or must be emitted in great quantities within a small, closed environment. Subway tunnels are designed to breathe. The ventilation system passes many more cubic feet of air than you might imagine. When someone on TV states that one drop of this or that could kill thousands, he is spouting theoretical jabber and not actual facts. These bio-chemical toxins normally won't work when it's freezing, they don't last long in hot weather and wind will spread it so thin it will lose it's effectiveness. You also have to either get it directly on you or inhale it for it to do any harm, so the best defense is to get out into the fresh air and wash any area exposed.

So, now let's go back to that original WTC "Ground Zero" problem. It is now quite obvious that the only people who might have become ill due to the rogue chemicals combining and becoming airborne were those who were in very close proximity (within 100 feet or so) if toxic compounds or gases had been uncovered. Just the fact of being several hundred feet away, most of us were not in danger. If we had known that, then our stress would not have been as great. We were ill informed during the event. Had some of us known the real conditions, that the possible exposure area was very small, then people would have not been scurrying around looking for full face masks and could have done a better job by not fearing. Instead, ill informed by "experts" at the scene when we were told poison gas could quickly cover several city blocks, we feared.

Let me give you one line about the anthrax scare right after 9/11:

During the period in which one person died each week from anthrax, about 400 times that amount died from flu-related ailments around the country. Again, too much press giving too much wrong information in order to get you to buy their newspapers.

OK, a few more words about anthrax: Forget all the theories spouted by would-be experts and look at some cold, hard facts. Things that really did happen. During the "cold war days" there was an accident at a bioweapons plant in a place called Sverdlovsk (since re-named Ekaterinburg) USSR in 1979. This represented a release of hundreds of millions of anthrax spores into the air. More than any terrorist group could ever wish to obtain. Even though the local population was not notified, out of a city of over ONE MILLION only 66 people died. These were mainly plant workers. And this was at a location that made the stuff, no where near a place where most of us live. Many studies have shown that large amounts of anthrax must be inhaled for someone to become infected. Once the anthrax spores have been released into the air they do become a threat, especially if they are in a building with a closed ventilation system. If you are ever in a building that has been threatened by some anthrax scare, if you can't evacuate the building as soon as possible such as due to a power outage that stops elevators, open every window even if you have to break them. Out in the open air anthrax spores follow a very narrow path in the direction the wind is blowing. Once they hit the ground they stay there and are no longer a threat to being inhaled. So as a wide-scale terror weapon they fall far short of actually infecting a large population.

Terrorism is meant to disrupt, not kill. It is meant to make us feel vunerable. It is the irresponsible reporting and rumors that actually develops fear within us. When we are better informed, we fear less. And when we fear less, we can do our job more effectively.

 

Part 5: Equipment Preparation For A Terrorist Event

I am going to discuss a slightly different concept when you are deploying for emergency communications support during a terrorist event. In part 2 of this series, under section 7, I detailed items you should have during a deployment during a natural disaster ("What To Have Before You Go") and why each item is needed. It was a lot of "stuff"! Your equipment needs during a terrorist event will be almost identical to those listed. Almost. The biggest exception will involve "deployability". Up until the World Trade Disaster, it was very easy most of the time to quickly deploy using your car by merely driving to your site, parking and getting half the world out of your car to set a station up. Since that time, however, things have changed.

Due to the nature of terrorism it has become much more difficult to deploy by bringing in so much gear or even driving up to some sites in a car. There may be a security perimeter around your deployment area which will prevent you from driving too close to your duty site. This, of course, is if you are asked to deploy at a forward post and not at an evacuation center set up at some school. You might even have to travel to your duty site using transportation specifically designated, as was the case during the World Trade Center disaster when we were deployed using white unmarked vans. If either be the case, and you cannot use your own vehicle to deploy close to your duty site, you must make a determination of what basic items you will need to bring and what might have to be left in your car. If you've carefully read what to bring during a natural disaster you'll agree that there's not enough space to store all the gear and personal items listed into a back pack, hike it on your back and walk a distance to reach your post. And some of the items are not necessary. An example: Why bring flat fixer when you are being transported to your post by another vehicle?

Most of us probably use a large plastic storage bin, with a snap on cover, with the idea being that we can simply load it into the trunk of our car and off we'd go. (Don't forget to have a small, fold up rolling hand cart as it may be a ways to transport your bin to that evac shelter) Well, this "storage bin principle" still remains a feasible idea in most cases. HOWEVER, we need to do one more very important thing which for most will be a new concept. Let's regress to the "back pack" idea and adapt it. What you need to do is section off your plastic storage bin using a LARGE back pack that will act as a divider. Place into the back pack just the very basic equipment and items that you think you'll need during a terrorist event deployment. The other items (secondary items such as that flat fixer, etc) should be stored outside of the back pack, but still in the bin. This way, if you find yourself going to a deployment post which suddenly prohibits you from driving directly to the site you can slip that back pack out of the bin and you are set to go! This enables you to have a quicker deployment than having to stand there and choose what to bring and what to leave behind. Remember that you may have to hike a bit to get to a post, so don't over do it with what you feel you need to bring.

Ok, so what should go in that large back pack?

Mind you, this is when you need to deploy with only what you can carry!

Don't forget any IDs and your ham license.

(Deploying to an evac shelter will probably be the same as deploying during a natural disaster, the list below will be if you need to deploy closer to "harm's way")

DO OR DIE ITEMS:

These are items you need to first consider when packing your equipment and supplies.

1. A high visibility vest (orange) (If you deploy to an area that has limited visibility due to time of day, weather or dust, you'll want to be seen)

2. A particulate respirator (full face, including your eyes) for events which might expose you to ash, etc. as during a heavy wildfire if you deploy close to the fireline. Purchase one that makes a good seal around your face. I like to use petroleum jelly around the seal. This allows it to bond better around your face. Usually you will not need this, BUT, you should have it with you.

3. A chemical/biological full face respirator for terrorist events in case you are deployed close to the incident (wind direction does change) Purchase one that makes a good seal around your face. I use a NATO approved full head mask. Usually you will not need this, BUT, you should have it with you in case your tour is changed and you find yourself deployed very close to the incident.

4. A zip-up nylon wind breaker with a hood. Again, you may never use this but you need to have it. This offers quick protection should winds change and you find yourself in the "down wind" area.

5. Communications Equipment:

Depending upon the event and what your wallet will allow, it's good to have and be fully experienced in deploying: A "high power" (5 watts or more) Two Meter HT with a gain whip antenna (over 15 inches long) and a roll up "J Pole" antenna with cable and adapter. Bring enough power, in the form of batteries, to operate up to 3 full days without worrying about either recharging or replacement. Gel batteries, 7ah or greater, do a great job. Make sure they are fused and you have the proper cord to plug them into your radio. Bring extra fuses. Also have a charger (wall wart) for them. Just to make sure (if you are lucky enough to be able to operate from an area where you can plug into your car) bring that mobile radio, fuses and a GOOD mag-mount antenna.

Changing Power Configurations

At the start of any event, it may be a while before generators or AC power can be bought into a forward location such as a triage area or the incident command center. If conditions change your net control op should be notified so that if relief communicators are deployed to your location they bring the right equipment. Usually this will mean that there will no longer be a need to depend upon battery power. As with all your radios, bring a copy of either it's operations manual or a "cheat card" which lists in simple steps how to program your rig. You might also wish to include a speaker mic with your HT. Make sure you have a complete listing of whatever frequencies/off sets/tones you will be using during your deployment.

Here is a list of other items that you should include in your "go-bag" back pack. All are important:

1. a simple first aid kit

2. your own prescription and non-prescription medication (for headache and pain relief, I use ORUDIS KT, found next to the aspirin at drug stores) Antihistamine for allergic reactions. (Have at least 3 days supply of your prescription meds)

3. throat lozenges and mints or gum

4. reading glasses (if you need them)

5. several pens and markers

6. a lighter

7. "handi-wipes" or "baby wipes" a medium size plastic re-sealable box (I would have killed for this when I was constantly being covered in dust at WTC "Ground Zero")

8. insect repellent (either a small spray or wipes)

9. "power bars" (at least 10) and other food items such as a few MREs - these can usually be bought at either a decent camping supply store or online.

10. bottled water (6) /juice

11. salty snacks (especially in hot weather)

12. toilet items, including toilet paper (if you forget this, you'll regret it)

13. extra appropriate clothing for the time of year (including hats)

14. rain parkas (either bright yellow or orange.. one time use that can be discarded)

15. a local map (don't depend on your EMCOMM group to supply enough for everyone)

16. work gloves

17. at least 4 pairs, maybe more, of disposable gloves (latex type)

18. chapstick - not only for dry lips, but also to protect them against any particulates

19. collapsible cup (keep this wrapped in plastic until needed)

20. flashlight with spare batteries

21. watch or clock (I use either a pocket watch or small travel clock because if you deploy at a location where there are particulates in the air you don't want them irritating you if they get between your wrist watch and your skin)

22. duct tape--- You'll use this

23. Electrical Tape

24. Extension power cord (medium duty, at least 25 feet)

25. Asst. hand tools (a mini-VOM would be nice)

26. Swiss-Army type knife

27. Cash for pay phone or to buy additional items at a local store if possible

28. A deck of playing cards (trust me) or puzzles or a good book

29. Trash bags (these can be used to protect gear, personnel and for trash)

30. Several small, clear plastic "zip-lock bags" (putting your HT in one will allow you to operate in the rain without fear of it being damaged)

31. A medium spiral-bound note book, such as a steno pad, so you can document info and messages sent with a time/date next to each. VERY IMPORTANT! Spiral bound so the pages will be kept intact for future reference.

32. Eye protection in the form of goggles such as those used by tradesmen

Make sure that at the end of your deployment you replace any expendable items you might have used. (water, MREs, power bars, meds, etc) This way you will be ready to re-deploy should they require your skills at another location during the event. If you used an HT with battery power, make sure that your battery sources are recharged. Make any corrections to your collection based upon what you might have learned during your first deployment.

ALSO MAKE SURE THAT YOU INFORM YOUR GROUP OF ANY SPECIAL NEEDS OR SITE PROBLEMS SO YOUR REPLACEMENT CAN PROPERLY DEPLOY WITHOUT RUNNING INTO THOSE SAME PROBLEMS.

 

Part Six: "HOW TO COPE WITH THE UNEXPECTED. TACTICS AND TECHNIQUES. THINKING ON YOUR FEET BEYOND YOUR TRAINING.

COPING WITH THE UNEXPECTED

As much as we'd like to think we are trained and prepared for any emergency which might require our communications skills, there will be times that test both the limits of our knowledge and equipment capabilities. When this happens, we either adapt or fail.

When you deploy to even a "simple site", such as an evacuation center which was opened due to a hurricane, you'll need to not only find a location to set up your station, but you'll also need to make plans should your initial area become unusable such as if a window breaks or flooding makes it impossible to use. So it would be wise to inspect the building for a secondary location. Try to find such a location which requires little change in your station set up. By this I mean you should find another spot which will allow the easiest erection of your antenna and still remain close to where you are needed.

When I was deployed at WTC "Ground Zero" I had to set up my station on the third floor of the building being used as the Incident Command Center. This was not by my choice, but by necessity. The street level was in an area which we call an "rf hole" because all of the metal buildings surrounding the area impeded signals at such a low elevation. The second floor was being used as a debriefing area. Although I hated my location, it was the only close area which I deemed usable. You probably won't be faced with this type of hardship when you deploy. It is merely an example of to what lengths you might have to go to get your signal out. In retrospect, if I had a long run of coax it would have made a world of difference as I could have had my radio down on the first floor with my antenna on the third level. If I ever have another "downtown" city deployment, I'll remember to bring that extra run of cable. I suggest you do the same.

Going back to that evac center you'll probably man during a natural disaster... Usually you'll be located in either a church or a school gym. Gyms are notorious for blocking signals due to the metal within the framework and the metal roof. This is why that roll up "J Pole" antenna becomes so important. In the beginning of an event, you might deploy to a school and locate in their gym. You might also find that your HT with that 17 inch antenna works just fine to get you to the repeater your group is using. BUT, what happens if that repeater goes "off line" due to a lightening hit, power surge or loss of power? Would you be able to hit that backup repeater, or even communicate using simplex, with that HT alone or would you need a better system? This is where that "J Pole" comes in handy. It will save you an embarrassing moment when you lose communications and can't quickly get back on the air. So, while you are in that evac center, it would be wise if you made mental plans on where to hang that "J Pole" (away from metal frames, etc) should the need arise when you need to switch antennas. The more professional we handle a situation the better amateur radio looks to the public and those groups we support.

So now we have covered a basic concept regarding antennas and getting your signal out should conditions change. So, what else could go wrong? The next biggest problem would be maintaining adequate power to operate your station. Don't think that there will always being AC power at any location. Let's face it, if there were we'd probably not be needed as the phones would work as well as the lights. However, at any moment power might be disrupted plunging your center into darkness. Usually there are emergency lighting systems that would kick in and supply limited illumination. But what about that radio of yours? You might have only a mobile-type two meter radio which you'd be using along with a power supply. Well, when the power goes out, so would your radio. Did you bring any backup system? What if you are in a fringe area and although your 50 watt radio worked well you can't raise a peep with your backup 5 watt HT even with a "J Pole". You have two choices, one of them is NOT an option. Not matter what, you CAN NOT leave your post. The one remaining choice is to get power from some other source.

There are several ways to accomplish this. One would be to park your car as close to the building as possible, even if you have to park on a sidewalk near the building, and operate from your vehicle. After all, this is an emergency situation. (If you use this option, make sure you tell net control and your shelter manager of your changed situation and that you will be making frequent "trips".) Another way would be to run a short DC cable off of your or someone else's vehicle and run it into the building through a window or door. Make sure that the line is fused close to the battery and that the wires don't get pinched. This isn't the best option as you could run into problems with your radio shutting down due to a power drop from running a long DC cable. Still another alternative is that hopefully the building you are in has a limited capacity generator that you can mooch power from. So, depending upon which tactic you decide to use, you'd need a long, fused, DC cable or an extension cord to get you back on the air. But wait! There is another simple option: Bring with you to your deployment location a deep cycle marine battery that can be taken out of the trunk of your car and placed into service should there be a loss of power. Just don't give up. Find a way to get back on the air!

Tactics and Techniques

OK, so now you have some ideas about what to do should you lose power or signal conditions change. What else can happen during a deployment? Here is something that actually happened a few years ago: I was called out and asked to deploy at an elementary school to supply communications during a wildfire event. It was a small school so the center was a bit crowded. I found a place to set up my station in an office right near the lunch room which was where the evacuees stayed. No sooner did I get my station running and report in to the net control op when I got instructions for the shelter manager. We had to evacuate the evacuation shelter because the fires had changed direction and were coming toward us! When I informed the shelter manager she became locked in a state of panic! Having been a Red Cross shelter manager myself, I looked on my trusty local map that I had with me and suggested that since there was an agreement between this school district and Red Cross that the shelter be relocated to the high school a few miles away and very much out of harm's way. Note that I only suggested, since it wasn't my call. All I did was remain flexible enough to offer another location that I knew would fit the bill. She agreed and within several minutes the evacuation took place without any problems. Being "last out", I did put very large signs on the doors to the school posting the new shelter location. By doing all of this I increased the worth of our group as a support function. By giving an option, instead of just being a "radio hugger", the situation was easily resolved. By this example, let it be a reminder that you should seek options before any changing event becomes critical. In this way you become a more valuable asset both to your group and your community.

Thinking on your feet beyond your training

Sometimes your worth is in your ability to improvise beyond communications. Such a challenge confronted one shelter I was assigned to following the first several days of the World Trade Center disaster. When I volunteered for redeployment I was placed at a shelter in midtown Manhatten to supply communications on behalf of the Red Cross. In the midst of my duty, and by the lack of support by the Red Cross, this shelter had a problem with towels. Yes, towels. There were many stranded people who couldn't fly out of the airport and were being housed at several shelters. They wanted to wash/shower at this shelter as it was the gym complex in a high school. However, they soon ran out of towels to do so and all the requests that I relayed went unfulfilled. The situation became increasingly tense. So much that it was suggested that we pool our resources, AKA money, and have a Red Cross volunteer take the dirty towels to a Laundromat. This idea was rejected by the shelter manager for reasons I do not question as the shelter manager is the site "boss". When I had arrived at this location I took a mental stock of what was on hand. There were many things which had been donated to make life easier for the clients. (I say "clients" because they weren't really evacuees and besides this is what Red Cross calls any person seeking aid or shelter.) I saw that one local hotel had donated bathrobes and these robes were made out of terrycloth, the same as towels. I suggested that if they wanted to shower they could dry off using these robes as towels. The shelter manager agreed. Another problem solved due to "on site resource redirection".

A number of years ago I was airlifted via National Guard helicopter to supply emergency communications out of a medium size town in upstate New York. They had been cut off in every way from the outside world due to an ice storm. Talk about improvising! Talk about pressure! I was lucky enough to find some very helpful people who went out of their way to make sure my communications deployment was successful. We took turns siphoning fuel from trucks so the two generators could be kept running to supply lights, power to run the boiler system for heat and radio power at the local school which acted as a shelter and gathering place where news could be disseminated. Many of the local homes had wood stoves or fireplaces for heat, but there were some that did not and although many who didn't were invited into neighbor's homes, some opted to stay at the shelter. Since many people were hanging out in the area outside the school, I even suggested that if we had some empty 55 gallon drums we could get some heat from wood burning just like I'd seen in depression movies.(outdoors, of course) A few minutes later several drums were there, in place, fueled and lit. Neighbors who hadn't seen or talked to each other in a while were standing around these lit barrels trading stories and getting caught up on "local news". It made everyone feel as if it were one big winter block party! Everyone in the town contributed what they could to help their neighbors weather this event. I kept in constant contact, via 40 meters, to the state capitol, giving them updates, requests and getting news and answers to questions. After almost a week, the roads were again open but through it all I improvised whenever there was a problem which needed a solution.

Purists will say that you should be a communicator only. What nonsense. If you have what you would consider a valid suggestion which ranges beyond your communications duties I say bring up that suggestion in a friendly manner which conveys the feeling to others that "we are all in this together". However, it's not your call to make the decision. Don't interfere with the operations of any duty site, just point out possible options which might have been overlooked. During the stress of an event sometimes people in-charge are thinking about too many things to see that there might be a simple solution to a problem. Ever hear of the "Ferme Method"? This is basically a method by which a complex problem can usually be solved by breaking it down into smaller more manageable problems. In other words something which seems insurmountable can be taken care of by taking smaller steps towards reaching that larger goal.

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CREATING A VIABLE JUMP TEAM
AND WHAT IT NEEDS TO FUNCTION

written by Bob Hejl - W2IK
all rights reserved

 

In the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attacks and the major hurricanes which devastated the Gulf Coast region, there has been a renewed interest in preparing and training for disasters. This includes taking advantage of amateur radio resources to fill the void when other means of communications fail. As hams, we know that when a disaster strikes it becomes a lesson in futility when local governments grab a few cellphones in the hope that communications can be covered using this limited technology. Cellphone systems are limited in their capacity and coverage. If even one cell tower goes down, there is a huge void in coverage. When there is no power beyond back-up batteries, they become useless in a short period of time. Time and time again we've seen other "systems" fail thus proving that amateur radio operators are the first and best line of communications support. This is true not only in the realm of coverage, but also in the ability of properly and accurately passing important messages due to our actual training in this area.  Slowly, we are being accepted by others as a legitimate communications support resource. With this in mind, we are now training with renewed energy and freely sharing our thoughts, ideas and experiences with our fellow hams in the hope of being better prepared each time we are called into action.
Yes, we've made mistakes in the past. But let's also acknowledge that unlike other support services we've learned from them, adapted and therefore have become better communicators. Just a few years ago, you could search the Internet in an attempt to find websites dealing with ham radio emergency communications, only to find very little information on the subject. However, today there are dozens and dozens of sites you can access in order to obtain new information to build emergency antennas, assemble "go bags" and listings of many other ideas to make your emergency communications support work more efficient and effective. Consequently, with this enlightened spirit, many EmComm groups are devoting additional time in training for both small and large scale disasters. Every communications group should take a page from this positive direction and train, field drill and support the communications needs of stricken areas in the event of a large scale disaster.

 

"And Now For Something Not So Completely Different"

Along with this renewed vigor, comes another avenue of support and another challenge which some of us must prepare for. Today, we are being asked by several agencies to take on the additional task of assembling "Jump Teams" that will have the ability to travel distances to a disaster area and supply emergency communications from the "lion's mouth." The jump team concept, as well as jump teams themselves, are almost as old as ham radio. However, in light of the recent disasters it needs a new spotlight. Jump teams are involved in special situations which require addressing special concerns relative to today's needs. First and foremost, every jump team that's created must strive to be a self-sustaining operation. There can be no doubt about this. Jump teams cannot place an additional burden on a devastated area by requesting supplies or shelters. They must complete their emergency communications responsibilities acting as a "stand alone" unit, bringing with them all the equipment, supplies, food, water, shelters and all the support they might require to the area-specific stricken location. Depending upon the disaster, it's location and time of year, jump teams will be required to bring not only basic ham radio and personal gear but also different equipment, supplies and clothing which should be specifically suited to support each particular event.

"The Most Important Piece"

The most important piece of any emergency communications support program are it's well-trained operators. However, before ANY ham radio operator even contemplates raising their hand at an EmComm meeting to volunteer for inclusion into a jump team program they must be fully aware of what will be expected of them. Being part of any deployment team of this nature requires that you might be asked to deploy in situations that are both physically and emotionally demanding. This is not like deploying for some limited disaster or at the tail-end of an event such as many of you who've handled communications in some shelter for a few days following a hurricane or winter storm might have done. This is much different. Jump teams quite often are the very first communications out of a decimated area. It is imperative that they get on the air as quickly as possible and stay on the air by whatever means at their disposal. They must be able to erect antennas in areas where nothing might be left standing or where the average ham thinks it cannot be done. It requires special knowledge, skills and training. The hams who form as a jump team must know how to improvise and adapt using what they've brought and what limited things they might be able to scrounge up in the affected area. There needs to be a little "MacGyver" in each and every team member.

I believe that when someone or some group forms or are part of an emergency communications "Jump Team," they need to approach it as if it were a DXpedition to some uninhabited island where the only thing they can count on is bird shit, bad weather and each other. Like a DXpedition, there should be a deployed team leader who will delegate responsibilities that each member must fulfill so the station(s) can be up and running in as little time as possible. This pre-delegation will be based on skill-level and experience in each area. I don't think I've read of anyone taking the same attitude and ideas of a DXpedition and applying it to an EmComm Jump Team, but it certainly fits.
With all of this, being a team member also means being in very good physical condition. At times it can be much more demanding than "rustic camping" in some state or national campground. Many years ago, I deployed to the Virgin Islands following a hurricane. Arriving there, I found it to be oppressively hot and humid in the hurricane's aftermath. Weather-wise, it wasn't what you'd experience during any vacation period. No air conditioning. No breeze. The sweat boiled off me like a man about to face a firing squad, and this just from the minor effort I expended in erecting a dipole antenna. There was no place to cool off, either. It was so bad that I couldn't sleep during my scheduled off time and I lost weight from deploying in this harsh environment. Living in a tent, and not in the air-conditioned luxury of some hotel as would be the case during a vacation, placed an additional burden which sometimes revealed itself by increased stress levels among people we had to work with. We all lived in tents. We all became cranky. But, we all stuck together and got the job done.

There may be times when it will be a trek just to pick your way through rubble and debris  to go to a makeshift bathroom. No showers. No fancy food. Just eating what you've brought, especially for the first 72 hours. You have to honestly answer this question: "Can I do this?" "Can I operate and act as a professional communicator under more deplorable conditions than we might associate with living in the back areas of any "third world country" or the dirtiest conditions you might ever imagine... or be deployed in a location where you've felt that you were losing the feeling in your fingers from the extreme cold?" As a "go anywhere" jump team member you must be able to withstand both extremes of climate. If you think I'm exaggerating, then talk to a few "first responders" of past major disasters who have been exposed to both extremes of weather. It would be a good idea to first get a physical and ask your doctor if you'd be up to the task of deploying in hardship areas. Remember, you're not a kid of 18, anymore. (At least this way you'd be getting the physical that you keep putting off.)

OK, let's say that you have answered "yes." You feel that you can "take it". Now another potential roadblock gets thrown into the mix. That is, the emotional stress of any disaster. First, is the stress of assembling a station where none ever existed. This won't be a casual "Field Day" setup. People are depending on your team to get communications up and running in as little time as possible. When your team gets to it's location, team members should have already been pre-assigned a specific logistical task(s) to perform. Responsibilities such as setting up shelters for both sleeping and operations, erecting antennas, doing station setup (rigs and power,etc), contacting and interacting (with informational gathering) with local agencies and supplying nutritional support for the team are examples of but five of the basic required needs.  
                     
          After your team's initial station is up and running, your thoughts might then shift to an even greater stress agent. You have to ask yourself this: Can you subjectively deploy into a disaster area and do your communications job without letting your emotional floodgates open? This does not mean that you should be a cold-hearted person. If you were, you wouldn't even be considering volunteering! What this means is that you should be able to see beyond the sorrow towards the greater goal of helping the devastated area get back on it's feet. You'll need a means and a way not to focus on the actual disaster but rather to focus on your communications job. It requires courage. The emotional burden doesn't stop there, either. Stress may come from another source.

Even if you are the most seasoned EmComm operator, you must remember that you are a guest of whatever communications group or local government is in-charge of the disaster. You are there by their request/invitation. You must be able to take their orders and follow their rules no matter if it goes against everything you've been taught and drilled on. It's their show, not yours. They may make mistakes. Swallow hard and do your job. (Believe me, I've had to.) If you can't do this, then don't deploy. If they ask your advice or opinion, give it in a non-threatening manner. Again, it's their community and therefore their responsibility.
 
If your EmComm group is worth it's salt, then they will help you in your jump team training regarding "emotional conditioning" before you are faced with deployment. They'll show you techniques on how you can emotionally disengage from the event during your break times, such as by reading some novel or doing crossword puzzles, so you can relax enough to fall asleep or at the very least physically recharge. You'll learn how to "decompress" after your deployment so what you've seen and experienced doesn't affect how you'll react when you get back home. These factors are just as important as bringing the proper gear.

 

Can you handle all of this? Can you physically and emotionally handle the task? Can you also afford to invest the additional time for special training and deploying? It won't be easy, nor will it be a "one day deal". You won't be able to "pick and choose" which event you wish to be involved in. If you can do all of this, then the next step is to talk to your local EmComm group about being part of a jump team. There are a lot of things you'll have to learn and many things you'll need to acquire to be a part of such a team. It's not a job for "badge polishers", to inflate egos, for glory-hunters or for the faint of heart. It's a truly down-and-dirty job for special people with special skills for a special responsibility. It's the last job you'd ever want to do, but probably the most important job you'll ever have to do.

 

IN ADDITION:

After doing some nosing around on the Internet, and talking to EmComm people from all over the country, it appears that some people and groups are confusing the terms "Go Kits" with "Jump Kits." To me, a "Go Kit" is something not unlike a "Go Bag" which contains most of the personal supplies and radio equipment that an individual might need to deploy, i.e.: "go to" to an event such as to a shelter to assist in communications until a weather event has passed in a day or two. These items are usually stored in a back pack or plastic bin. You actually aren't "jumping" lock, stock and barrel anywhere as much as you are being deployed to some location for a limited time.

(A lot of hams who showed up at Red Cross in the hopes of helping out during the World Trade Center Disaster didn't even have something as simple as a "Go Bag", but just showed up with an HT and MAYBE one extra battery...... They weren't put to use because they were under-prepared. I hope that many have learned from this and now have adequate "Go Bags" for short-term events)

However, by my definition, a "Jump Kit" is something very much different. It is not a backpack or even a "kit", but rather a large cache of supplies and radio equipment you'd bring with you to a non-local location such as what you'd bring traveling a distance to support a disaster in another state as either a stand-alone station op or as a member of a larger communications team. This would require more food, water, equipment, power and antenna considerations and shelters for an event where there wouldn't be much of anything to rely on.

There seems to be very little found about actually organizing an EmComm Jump Team anywhere on the Internet other than stating a need for them in local plans. It kind of reminds me of everyone wanting one, but no one knowing how to go about it. So the reason for this booklet is to start you on the proper path for developing such a team. I know that there are very well run jump teams out there, however not much is posted about them other than what they've done ie: "event deployment". I am aware that many teams are "area-related", however the more information we are armed with, the better job we can do in creating our own jump teams and making sure they have all they need to properly fill EmComm needs.
With this void of published information, there is a lack of self-confidence in the minds and hearts of those EmComm groups looking to develop their own jump team(s) beyond asking individual members to create/gather their personal go-kits in some back pack or bin to be used on a grander scale than supplying basic communications at a local shelter where they would be relieved in 24-36 hours. The basic go-kit is a nominal inventory of items and won't properly cover things needed during an event where one has to travel distances and to be deployed in the nakedness of a major disaster. Have you ever heard of a Dxpedition where team members simply carried to "XYZ Island" gear and personal items on a few back packs? This would be courting disaster!

 

 I will be talking about how to create a "Jump Team", and what will be required so it can deploy to a locale that isn't hospitable, in the next chapter. This booklet is by no means meant to be a "bible" nor a complete plan. However, it is probably the best starting point you'll find when it comes to creating emergency communications deployment teams.

 

CHAPTER TWO
A SUCCESSFUL TEAM STARTS FROM THE TOP,
BUT INVOLVES EVERYONE

 

LEADERSHIP

When you are creating a jump team from scratch, you first need to appoint a strong individual who would be responsible for the complete Jump Team operation. This person doesn't necessarily need to be one of the deploying agents, however, he/she needs to be able to identify the goals of their particular jump team and develop the ways and means to fulfill them. This includes knowing where to find the right answers and support when requested by the team. This person must have a pro-active stance on emergency communications yet be flexible in it's operation. He/She must also be able to work as directed by the agency supporting this team. (see below)
Usually, a jump team is a smaller part of either a local EmComm structure (such as ARES, RACES, REACT, etc) or an arm of an active amateur radio club. Whatever the source of this team, every radio club member or EmComm group member must be committed and responsible to insure the jump team's success at every level. Whatever title you give this person, everyone, even those not directly on the team, should give this leader the respect they deserve and the support they might need. This could include, for example, acting as monitoring stations back at your home location in case communications require the jump team to request additional information, supplies, personnel or to report their progress. Supporting agencies must also be able to properly fund their jump team program so expendable items can be maintained. This would include gas to get to their site, fuel for power generation, food and water supplies, etc.  This is a team effort beyond just the jump team personnel. Don't embarrass your club or group by being "all talk and no action". Once your group is committed, have the courage to do a proper job and train in the field or don't even consider developing a jump team. Your supporting agency may also wish to solicit funding from other sources to support your jump team, such as from local ham radio clubs, local companies, churches, etc.

You never want to leave a jump team "out in the cold" support or communications wise. Jump team members are donating their time and effort and will be deploying under rustic and trying conditions. Clubs or EmComm groups at the very least need to supply funding support AND remember that your deployed jump team also needs your group to be one of the contacts out of the area they can send health and welfare traffic to. This means that many members of your supporting group must be trained on traffic handling in the manner your jump team sends the information and on duty, in shifts, to take this traffic.
Granted, any jump team must strive to be self-sufficient while deployed on location, however in extreme cases they may need help or information from sources beyond their deployed area. This is why your local group needs to be in scheduled, daily communications with your deployed jump team. (If people wish to be a jump team member, but can't physically deploy, they should support their deployed jump team by monitoring frequencies for jump team communications back to their support group.)
The team leader should be the only person, perhaps by a recommendation from the club or group President/EC, to activate the jump team for standby (get ready) or actual deployment and must be able to supply the jump team with all the information they need to properly deploy. (Where, when, how, estimated deployment period and who to report to at the deployed area.) They should also be charged with obtaining and tracking the funding so the jump team can operate. The team leader is the "single point of contact" for groups or agencies who request jump team support and must document all requests and keep an accurate log of all jump team activity. So point one: appoint a strong, dedicated person to be responsible for your jump team operation to act as Team Leader and give them your complete support. 

 

IDENTIFY YOUR RESPONSE CRITERIA

Once you have appointed your team leader, the next step is to identify exactly the types of events and the distances your jump team would be willing to respond to and for how long a period of time. For instance, if your support group feels that the jump team would be most effective deploying only during weather related events and within a range of 400 miles, this needs to be spelled out in any jump team informational posting so agencies requesting communications support know this. (There may be jump teams better versed and trained in specific areas such as search/rescue procedures or post-terrorism events, etc) This response criteria should be drawn up by the team leader in concert with several other responsible individuals within your structure (such as the President and Directors of the amateur radio club sponsoring the team) to insure that every scenario you might wish to cover is listed in your scope of planning. A jump team can't nor shouldn't be expected to deploy to every event, however, to be a more effective jump team it should be able to adapt to the many needs which may develop such as a weather related event which ends up changing in to a search and rescue event. Your team will probably be operating with limited resources and under time constraints so you shouldn't commit your resources by deploying too quickly. The trap teams may fall in to is deciding to deploy too hastily for an event that really doesn't need their support. If this should happen, another more severe event might blossom while the team is deployed to a low priority event. If this is the case, they might then be unable to re-deploy to the second, and perhaps more serious disaster where additional communications are vital.
On average, jump teams should be prepared to deploy for a period of at least 8 - 10 days with two of those days to travel (one day to deploy to the location and the other day to return), decompress, either store or release equipment and debrief. Some jump teams, depending upon the severity of the event may be needed for up to 14 - 21 days or longer. So point two should be: Identify the goals your team is capable of fulfilling and list, in priority, the events and basic travel distances and time constraints you have planned on supporting and make these factors known.

 

DEPLOYED "FIELD LEADER"

After you have worked out point two, it is time to look for people that your team leader and your group's membership structure can appoint to become actual jump team members. The average jump team will require about six to eight dedicated, healthy, experienced and strong individuals. Refer to chapter one to see what else you need to be a jump team member.  DO NOT appoint jump team members based on friendship. Appoint them based on their ability to do what needs to be done and how well each person can work as a team. These jump team members should be of combined experience so they can successfully deploy a full-blown operation anywhere and under any conditions. One of the jump team members should be appointed as the Field Leader. This person will be part of the actual deployment team and should be versed in HF/VHF communications, camping and leadership skills. Part of their leadership skills should be the ability to identify who is capable of doing what under rustic field conditions. They must also be able to deploy for an extended period of time as would every jump team member.

 

This Field Leader must be of strong character and be able to interact with whomever responsible persons or groups are in charge of the event at the deployed area. Interpersonal skills are a must. He/She must also be able to relate well to the needs of the team. If there is a problem on site it needs to be taken care of in a manner which reflects the ideas and suggestions of the entire team without creating a major disruption in the team operation. Creative ideas concerning the station set up and operation should be carefully weighed and all opinions and observations considered. (This might be acting on an observation reported by a member that another member should possibly be relieved for a rest period due to fatigue even though the fatigued member says they are ok. Fatigue causes mistakes.) The leader should also be able to document all phases of the response, such as keeping notes on who they need to contact at the deployed area, names, locations and phone numbers, documenting the entire deployment and making detailed reports for the group the jump team represents, etc.
The Field Leader should be the direct and only contact between the local responsible officials at the deployment area and the actual jump team. Individual jump team members should refrain from heavily interacting and allow the Field Leader to speak on the team's behalf. Point three should be: Appoint a Field Leader to oversee the actual deployment site operation and appoint other jump team members so that the team is at least six in number.

 

Additional notes for the Field Leader on jump team members
Jump team members should be varied in abilities and specialities. For instance, one member might be great at rustic camping, so employ him/her to erect structures such as tents, etc. Another member might be excellent at putting up antennas under less than perfect conditions and perhaps without the aid of any local support structures such as trees or buildings. Listed later will be specific duties which need to be carried out by the jump team. In any event, make sure that each member in an emergency can basically fill the shoes of any other member in case any member is unable to deploy or becomes ill. Train together.
It is VERY important that each jump team member have experience and training in emergency communications either by taking the ARRL courses, or even better, training using the series: "Emergency Communications In The Post 9/11 Era"  A seven part web page series found above.

 

 They should also know the two major ways to send traffic: NTS formal style and "Plain text" messaging. Learn from one another by doing drills and setting up operations from scratch such as during a proper field day operation where no one knows what the condition of a site is until they get there. This is the only way you will learn the strengths and weaknesses of your jump team.
 At the same time, the team will also learn to work together to get a complete station(s) and support operation up and running in the shortest amount of time. Make notes of weaknesses and omissions so they can be addressed before the team needs to deploy during an actual emergency. Have meetings with your team members at least once a month to discuss any changing parameters that might affect the operation. The more fluid the setup and operation your jump team exhibits, the more confidence they will instill in the people they are helping during an event

 

CHAPTER THREE

 

Making Your Jump Team Operational
( Basic Guidelines For Equipment And Supplies)

The most important concept of a jump team is that it should be able to deploy to an event without putting an additional strain on the existing resources of the disaster area. It truly must be self-sufficient. With this in mind, you should divide your jump team cache into two distinct categories: Shelter/Food/Support and Communications/Power Gear. First, let's take a look at the shelter/food/support category. (note: these are all basic guidelines so you may vary the content and numbers to suit your teams needs and for the time of the year)

 

Sheltering and Operations Structures

You may get lucky and have existing structures to use for sheltering, but if you aren't lucky you might have to deploy to an area where NOTHING is standing, so here's the deal:
Sheltering, both for rest and communications must be designed to provide the most efficient operation possible. The sleeping and rest shelter should be roomy enough to accommodate all the jump team members at the same time without them feeling so cramped that they can't rest or fall asleep. This requires an 8 man tent of ample height (being able to stand up) for housing 6-8 team members. NO "pup" tents!
The 8 man tent should be light weight, yet durable. There should be adequate venting with zip up windows as your deployed location might be so humid that air flow is mandatory. This tent also needs to have both a tarp for ground cover and an additional rain tarp overhead. Along with the sheltering tent, you'll need heavy-duty metal stakes (military surplus) to secure the shelter.

 

DO NOT use those plastic stakes as they will not hold as well or hammer in so easily in rocky soil. (include extra stakes and a heavy hammer for tent erection)

At least two jump team members should become well-versed in putting this and other shelters up. They should be able to do so without referring to any instructions. Also, make sure that when it comes time to erect the tent, a site is selected which will allow any rain to flow away from the tent and not pool under it. If you've ever had to sleep in a saturated sleeping bag because the tent was erected in a low area like I have, you'll have a greater respect for site survey before tent erection. Each jump team member needs their own sleeping bag and you'd be wise to bring at least two spares. Make sure they are the type that fit the season and not a "summer bag". If you've ever frozen your butt off while trying to sleep in a wimpy sleeping bag then you know what I mean.

Close by, but not too close by, there needs to be erected a "toilet tent". This is a narrow, yet tall tent that allows your jump team to "take care of business" in privacy. It should have vents on top, right below the roof line, so the "air of business" doesn't remain in the tent. Don't forget to obtain a chemical, portable toilet. (Also keep at least 30 tall kitchen plastic garbage bags in case you run out of chemicals so they can be used as inserts. Don't forget at least 12 rolls of single ply 1000 sheet toilet tissue.) Just like the shelter tent, erect this tent on level ground. On a personal note, instruct all jump team members to sit rather than "aim for the hole". Read the directions that came with the unit on how to use a chemical toilet and how to dispose of the waste. Have a shovel on hand.

The communications and operations tent needs attention to detail. There should be enough room so operators may stand erect without crouching. I suggest using an "EZ Up Canopy" at least 10x10 with side netting and side walls in case either are needed. (see the addendum at the end of this booklet) This tent/canopy should be at least 50 feet away from the sleeping shelter or your team members resting might not be able to fall asleep due to noise from the communications operation and radio chatter. DO NOT SKIMP when it comes to the purchase of this structure. The frame tubing should be square and not round or rectangular. I've had cheaper canopy structures fail when wind actually bent the cheaper framework. An additional rain tarp covering is also suggested. This is the main operations area and needs to be erected in a secured manner. Use plenty of metal stakes to hold it in place as it tends to catch winds that wouldn't bother your sleeping shelter. I learned this the hard way when while using two of these canopies a nasty weather cell passed by and almost ripped the top of the canopy off the framework. It looked like a scene from a comedy film when we were getting soaked while trying to keep the cover from taking flight. Be safe, purchase and bring at least two of these canopies. If it gets very windy, use long bungee cords over the top of the canopy to keep it from ripping away from the framework. The operations structure needs two folding tables (non-metal tops) of sturdy design and at least four chairs. Do not use "chairs in a bag" for operating stations as they do not supply the proper support and will quickly tire out your operators.

 

The next support structure is the food prep and dining area. Another 10x10 EZ UPtm canopy with the screening and tarp sides, and rain tarp, would fit the bill. Don't forget at least two fold up tables, one to act as food prep/cooking and another for dining, with chairs. (These can be "chairs in a bag")
So in review, you'll need the sleeping/housing tent with 6-8 sleeping bags, depending on team number (plus 2 as spares), toilet shelter, chemical toilet with supplies, two operations shelters, a food prep-dining shelter and suitable chairs and tables for both food prep/dining and station(s) operations. Don't forget the ground and rain tarps.That's a lot of structures and support gear, but unless they are properly erected and outfitted with the proper furniture, your jump team operations will suffer and a greater stress will be induced.

Appoint one member who will be in charge of the shelter construction detail and one member to act as an alternate/assistant. This will be their main deployment responsibilities, however, when they have finished this obligation they need to move on to other tasks. All members should lend a hand with shelter detail when requested.
If you are deploying to cooler or cold areas, in order to heat your shelters, I suggest using several portable catalytic heaters such as sold by Colemantm ("Sport Cat"tm or "Black Cat"tm models) which use 16oz propane cylinders. (If you chose wisely, this fuel might also be the same type as which will be used in your stoves) Have at least one heater for each shelter (two in your radio operations tent) and use proper ventilation when they are on. Refer to the directions when operating them and keep them away from anything flammable. Have enough fuel for your deployment period.

 

Nutritional Needs and Preparation

 

The nutritional needs, both food and fluids, is a subject that needs careful planning. First and foremost, you must check with every member to see if they have special needs AND what food reactions (allergies) they might have. Do not take this research lightly. One very glaring case in point was when I deployed to the Virgin Islands. It was hot and fluid replenishment was a major concern. Usually I ended up drinking whatever I was served. The fruity drinks seemed a nice change of pace from the water we usually drank. You can imagine my surprise when one drink I had contained mango, which I was allergic to! I can't tell how crazy I went with the skin irritation and intense itching. It was so bad that I wanted to tear my skin off. Thank goodness we had stocked antihistamine with the first aid gear. So remember, watch what is prepared and let everyone know what you are sensitive to. Look out for peanut allergies as they can be deadly.

 

The first item in your jump team's cache of food/fluids should be an ample supply of water. Remember that you might be unlucky enough to be deployed where the local water system was either destroyed or is polluted. Bottled water is a wise choice, but if it can't be obtained due to funding, or none in stock at stores because of weather-related hoarding, larger "Jerry Jugs" or other suitable containers filled with tap water (fill right before you deploy) will work. Also bring water purification tablets and particulate filters just in case. If you have to use any local-site water, boil it and use those tablets. I'd stock at least 2 gallons of water per person per day with 20% beyond this base total. Better to be safe than sorry. While we are on the subject of fluids, I have found that the powdered hydration mixes when combined with water for drinking can be very beneficial. "Crystal Light On-The -Go Hydration" or some other non-sugar hydration powder mix taste very good (they come in different flavors) and supports your body better than plain water as they supply you with electrolytes and vitamins. Although I enjoy soda, it is not the drink of choice when you have to deploy. No booze or beer. Ever.
Your stock of food to prepare and serve must be simple, yet supply the nutritional needs of the team. I find that "just add water and shake" pancake mixes, rice (stored in a metal container and prepared using chicken broth instead of water) etc. are good choices because they require no eggs, milk or refrigeration. Freeze-dried meals, smoked or dried meats or canned meals, canned fruits and  lots of "power bars" should also be on your list. (Good, old, "Dinty Moore" Beef Stew in a can, etc) Vary the meals. Make sure the jump team members get enough protein. Do not stock fresh meats, fish or poultry as they will go bad very quickly without proper refrigeration/freezing. Dried fruit such as raisins make for good snacks. Don't forget to supply some salted snacks but don't over do it. Make sure all food stuffs are properly stored and sealed so they won't be contaminated by the local insects or rodents. Your stock should be carefully laid out in menu form, including snacks, so you can stock enough to fulfill the requirements during the jump team's length of deployment and again keep at least 15% beyond what your total need calculations might be. Keep a running inventory of all foods and drinks during your team's deployment. Plan an 8 day menu and consult with all your team members on the selections you might have made. (God, I hate canned tuna fish) This way it will help with stocking before your team deploys. Don't skimp.
Also, plan ahead and stock the proper cooking and eating utensils, cooking oil, paper towels, heavy-duty aluminum foil, dish washing liquid, scrubbing sponges, plates and cookware with lids. DO NOT wash or rinse any cookware or utensils in water that isn't fit for you to drink. It would be wise to use bottled gas burners to cook any meals that require heating instead of cooking over some charcoal grille which generates a lot of smoke. (If you've ever ended a long camping trip and everyone smelled like burnt brisket, you know what I mean.) Bring enough bottles of whatever fuel your burners require to cook planned meals for 10 days (or more if longer deployment period is forecast) plus an additional 20%. Your stove should be at least a two burner variety. If you have a spare, bring it. Learn how to properly use the stove and how to check for gas leaks using soapy water on all the connections. If it bubbles, there is a leak at that location.

Even a brand new burner can be defective and leak gas so test new burners before you store them in your cache. Personal experience and frizzed arm hairs taught me that! Two jump team members should be well versed in camp-style cooking and food prep. This will not be their only responsibility as cooking is not a full time job.


Typical Example Of Day One Menu

Breakfast:
                  Pancakes made with "add water - shake and pour" batter mix (syrup)
                  Canned mixed fruit
                  Hydration Drink mix -  Fruit punch

Lunch:
                  Canned Ravioli  (heat and serve)
                  Hydration Drink mix - Lemon/Lime
Snack:  
                  Raisins, M&Ms and Peanuts (be careful of allergies to peanuts)
                  Bottled water

Dinner:
                  Canned Beef Stew ("Dinty Moore" type)
                  Corn bread made from "add water to batter" mix
                  Drink Mix or Canned Juices

Typical Example Day Two Menu

Breakfast:
                   Scrambled Eggs (made from powdered source - add water)
                   Canned Juice drink
                   Biscuits with honey (biscuits made from "add water" mix)
Lunch:
                  Canned Tuna or canned Chicken salad Sandwiches
                  Canned Mixed Fruit with granola sprinkles
                  Hydration drink
Snack:
                  Potato chips or corn chips / Fresh oranges
                  Canned Juice drink
Dinner:
                  Rice made with chicken broth instead of water. Mix in one can of drained
 canned peas one minute before end of cooking cycle.
                  Canned carrots (heated)
                  Canned pear-halves
                  Water or juice drink

 

MAKE SURE ALL "UN-CANNED" FOOD IS STORED IN METAL CONTAINERS TO PREVENT SPOILAGE OR INFESTATION. USE ALL PRE-MADE "BREADS" DURING THE FIRST 4 DAYS TO PREVENT MOLD. Other suggestions include simple pasta dishes. (Keep dry pasta well stored and not just in cardboard boxes) USE BOTTLED WATER FOR COOKING!

 

There is also the possibility where you might have to operate under "cold camp" conditions, that is, without cooking your meals as would be the case when you'd deploy remotely during a wide-area wildfire event within a tinder-dry area where no fires or even lit stoves are allowed. This means lots of canned fruits, canned meats, and of course good old peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Balance meals and include that all important protein so you don't run out of "steam". Make sure you know what type of event you'll be turning out for so adjustments to a "cold camp" can be made.
Beyond Shelter and Grub
(Getting On The Air)
The first concern in this arena should be power requirements and generation. Your team needs to be self-sufficient in supplying power to run your operation. This should include not only radio energy, but also power for lights and even fans. Usually a two HF and one VHF station operation will require at the minimum at least 800 watts of AC power. Again, to be on the safe side, let's figure 1000 watts peak. Add to this a few lights and two fans to keep your operators a bit cooler (that is if you are in a hot, humid area) so at the very least you'll need a 1500 watt gas generator with an extended run gas tank.

 

Most jump teams bring TWO, 2000 watt+ generators for reliable operation. It does your team little good to get to a site and then find that the only generator you've come with won't work. Make sure the generators are equipped with circuit breakers. Bring at least 3, 100 ft heavy duty extension cords with multiple outlets, 2, 50 ft heavy duty extension cords with multiple outlets and a few 25 ft extension cords. Power generation is important so make sure your "Power Chief" is fully versed in powering up your camp. There should be practice drills on this subject. Make sure that you have enough gas to operate 24/7 at full load for 10 days (more if your deployment is going to be longer). (check with your generator's manual) Bring a siphon in case you need to go on an gasoline "expedition" such as was the case during one of my deployments.

Use all the proper safety procedures which include shutting off the generators when refueling and grounding the equipment. Make sure the generators are located far enough away where the ops won't have their communications drowned out by generator noise. Keep the generators away from anything that might ignite due to their hot exhaust and on level ground. Store/transport the gas in approved containers that are properly sealed and vented and in the outdoor only. Bring oil for your generator use and check it's level. Have on hand at least 4 desk lamps and two clip on spotlights with extra bulbs for each. Include a few yellow "bug light bulbs". Special note: When you need to "power down" to refuel, let all the ops know so they can turn off the radios. Nothing is more damning than a blown radio due to a voltage spike caused by a restarting generator!

 

RIGS, ETC.

The HF rigs you obtain for jump team use must be used ONLY for jump team service, both during drills and for actual emergency deployment. NO NO NO..... do not depend upon some ham's home radio to be included as one of the TWO HF rigs you bring. This is serious business, so you need dedicated radio gear. Both jump team HF radios should be simple to use and, if possible, both the same model. They don't need to be the latest design with all types of "bells and whistles", but they need to be dependable and put out 100 watts of RF power. A few models I'd suggest are ICOM 720, 725, 728, 729 and 735 as they have proven to be field "work horses". The same is true for Kenwood TS 140, 120, 680 and Yaesu FT 757. NO TUBE RADIOS!!! Make sure all your team members are trained in the operation of whatever rigs you decide to supply. (one of the reasons for field drills)  Have TWO manuals on the ready. Make sure all cords, microphones and connections are inspected and in very good condition. Have an extra microphone in stock. Power cords should be fused (along with at least 8 fuse changes). The power supplies should be adequate enough to supply the energy requirements for each rig during high duty-cycle operation. If possible, use the model's matching power supply. DO NOT use a single, high amp power supply to operate both radios.

 

 Fuse everything! Bring at least two extra power supplies. External speakers, that project towards the ops are a must. Provide comfortable headphones which cover the ear and that ops can wear for extended periods of time. Include two spares. Make sure each radio is properly stored in a case for transport. Supply at least two decent battery-operated digital desk clocks. Have a crankup AM radio to receive local information when deployed.

VHF radios (if possible, bring two of the same model) should be easy to program and use, such as the ICOM IC-208 (dual band) or the ICOM IC-2100. DO NOT think that an HF/VHF radio, such as an ICOM 706 will fit the bill for both modes of operation (HF and VHF). If you do, you'll be sorry. Bring at least one extra microphone, three power cords, several changes of fuses and two adequate power supplies (at least 15 amps because the duty cycle of an FM radio is greater than that of an HF SSB rig). Make sure you keep two operator's manuals on hand. Make sure each radio is properly stored in a case for transport. Every member should know how to operate these rigs, use their memories and tones. Drill, Drill, Drill.

 

You'll also need to bring at least three, 100 ft. runs of RG8X coax with properly installed connectors for your HF gear. Four, 3 ft coax jumpers to go from rig to tuners, three, 25 ft runs of RG8X for your VHF radio operation. (keeping runs of coax under 50 ft for VHF will lessen power loss) Do not use RG58. Spend a few pennies more, buy RG8X. Inspect your coax on a regular basis. Also include at least 4 "UHF" barrel connectors so you can use two cables if you need to make a longer run such as connecting two 25 ft cables together.
Have two, 300 watt tuners just for jump team use as you might be using antenna systems that are not cut for the band you will be using (or for NVIS antennas which need tuners to operate). Learn the proper way to use tuners and, if possible, obtain two like model units.
Your cache of antennas should include at least two NVIS antennas that are "free standing" as they come with their own supports..
 two vertical VHF/UHF antennas that exhibit gain and have telescoping masts that allow them to deploy to at least 15 feet high.

Also have on hand at least two 40 meter dipoles which can be used as an inverted "V" with masting and support guys/stakes, etc. so it can be deployed apexed at least 30 feet high. An 80 meter dipole is also suggested. Your "Antenna Man" should be experienced at erecting antennas where there are no support structures such as trees or buildings.
Bring a large amount of guy stakes, metal military ones are the best, and spools of tough guy cord and a hammer. Plan for the worst.

There are army-surplus mast sections for sale on ebay which are only 4 feet each and store in a duffle bag that I'd recommend. 8 of them will make the 30 ft center support for your inverted "V". Practice erecting this antenna until you have it down cold. Remember to use proper guying techniques. Never run the ends of the actual antenna closer to ground than 8 feet. Use insulators and nylon cords at each end before you secure the ends with stakes. Keep the antennas away from high traffic areas. Mark your guy lines and ends of the "V" with orange flag tape so people won't walk into them. 

If your jump team plans to use digital modes, bring two VERY GOOD pre-programmed laptops, and two modems with extra cords and two laptop power supplies along with battery power. Manuals and modem power supplies are a must. Make sure your ops are experienced in digital operations using jump team gear. Again, this equipment needs to remain in your jump team cache and not constantly used at a member's home or for your club's contest logging efforts.
 
If it is your intent on doing search detail, bring several VHF handi-talkies of the same model, 5 watt power, gain antennas, speaker mics and deep cycle batteries to power them. A good idea is to use the "W2IK MAN-PACK SYSTEM", for search and rescue, which includes a special antenna made for this use. Always bring at least two spare systems for your team's use. Drill on search and rescue techniques.
It is suggested that you do additional research by reading several of my other webpages such as "What To Have Before You Go" so you can acquaint yourself with other items needed for jump team deployment.
 
These include:

A complete, detailed first aid kit suitable for 12 people.
antihistamine! and other basic medications.
rain gear, all-weather clothing, toilet articles, etc

 

Obtain All items listed below: (with enough of each to care for 8 people even though you are a team of 6 and adjust the listed expendable items for a 10 day tour.
PERSONAL ITEMS FOR EACH MEMBERS'S "GO-BAGS"
The more comfortable you are, the better and longer you will be able perform as a communicator. The following is a sub-list of items to be included in each member's personal "go-bag":
1. a decent first aid kit capable of care for at least 4 people
2. your own prescription and non-prescription medication (for headache and pain relief, I use ORUDIS KT, found next to the aspirin at drug stores) Antihistamine for allergic reactions. (Have at least 12 days supply of your prescription meds)
3. throat lozenges and mints and gum
4. reading glasses
5. sun glasses / sunscreen
6. a lighter (one for each member)
7. "handi-wipes" or moist towelette packets
8. insect repellent
9. "power bars" (at least 10) other than the food needs of the team
10. bottled water/juice container with each member's name on it
11. salty snacks (especially in hot weather)
12. personal toilet items
13. extra appropriate clothing for the time of year (including hats)
14. rain parka (either bright yellow or orange)
15. boots and socks
16. work gloves
17. at least 4 pairs of disposable gloves (latex type)
18. chapstick
19. collapsible camping cups
20. flashlights with spare batteries or crank up flashlights
21. a watch for each member
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________

 

 OTHER ITEMS THE TEAM WILL NEED:

 

DUCT TAPE--- You'll use this
SEVERAL CANS OF HEAVY-DUTY FLAT-FIXER
(for when you drive over sharp debris)
Electrical Tape - at least 4 rolls
Asst. hand tools (a VOM would be nice)
Swiss-Army type knife (at least three)
Cash for pay phone or to buy additional items at a local store if possible
A deck of playing cards (trust me)
Trash bags (these can be used to protect gear, personnel and for trash)
Several small, clear plastic "zip-lock bags" (putting your HT in one will allow you to operate in the rain without fear of it being damaged)
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________

 

 Get extra batteries for those flashlights OR buy the newer crank-charged multi-led flashlights. Log books, spiral bound loose leaf books and pens/pencils. Duct tape, Duct tape, Duct tape. Bring a complete tool collection including a VOM. Every member should help maintain a community jump team log, message log and each member should also have a personal log for post-event review.

 

PRACTICE , PRACTICE, PRACTICE !

Practice several weekend drills of at least three days in length by having your jump team deploys from scratch in a park which allows over night tent camping. Do not use any existing shelters or supports. Use only what you've brought. Do this several times until your team is proficient and can work together. Make contacts and notes on propagation. Exchange mock messages between your jump team and your support club/group's members who will be charged with at-home communications monitoring to support the jump team operation when it is deployed. Take your drill deployments seriously. Work out the kinks. Supply missing support pieces to your jump team cache. Your jump team cache should be able to be transported in two pickup trucks. Practice loading so space can be effectively used. Use "bungee" cords to hold down your cache. (These cords can also be used to lash antenna masting to vertical supports such as trees or fence posts) Make sure each team member has adequate clothing for the time of year and the area you would be deploying to.

 

CHAPTER FOUR
Putting It All Together
 
The first three parts of this series dealt with the information and basic facts needed to help in assembling both personnel and gear to commit to a jump team creation and deployment. It is hoped that you have, for the most part, followed the ideas presented and have assembled a team, developed your equipment cache and have actually done a few mock over-night (or longer) deployments at a local campsite so as to refine your shelter building and station setup techniques, adding to your cache of equipment and supplies, adjusting requirements and systems operations. I've found that deploying to a campground and doing a full-blown operation in some contest or operating event (I've used the "Texas QSO Party" as a test of deployment and operating skills) so your ops are exposed to less than perfect propagation and bands that are a bit crowded is a good test of your team's actual abilities.
 
This will help hone your team's camping, operating and listening skills. Remember that for the most part your emergency communications will take place on 40 and 80 meters so try to concentrate on their propagation factors. Also make note of the known/posted emergency frequencies on those bands and the emergency nets that operate from the various areas your team might be charged with covering. Of course, to communicate in the area around your deployment site you'll probably use 2 meters so test those "Man Packs", along with your base VHF radio set up, to develop their maximum range using simplex tactical frequencies that you should have pre-programmed in to all vhf radios. Once you are sure that your jump team is equipped, trained and ready, your group/club can now go through the process of announcing your jump team's availability. Your team leader needs to contact as many local, area and regional emcomm groups as possible to make them aware of your jump team, it's capabilities AND it's limitations. Create a web page devoted to educating those interested in your new jump team and what it can do. Send information and your jump team's informational web address to the ARRL, CQ Magazine, World Radio and other like publications. Leave "in case of an emergency" phone numbers and email addresses with each contact you make. Take pictures during mock/test deployments showing the professional nature of your jump team.
 
Make special laminated photo IDs for all your jump team members. Have maps on the ready so if there is a deployment your jump team will know exactly where to go. When the call goes out, have the deployment area contact names and titles ready so when your team gets there the team's field deployment leader knows what agency is in charge and who to interact with. (This gathered information should be an "informational packet" that, along with maps, each jump team member will receive upon call out. This packet should be as detailed as possible and should include any working deployment area repeater frequencies/tones if known.) Jump teams should have at least one copy of the ARRL Repeater Directory with them for reference.
 
While I'm on the subject, remember that your team will be working under the affected area's local emergency response administration and their direction. It is also suggested that everyone on your team takes Red Cross Shelter Management training so they'll know some of the ins and outs of Red Cross operations. It is also important that several team members take some form of FIRST AID course to cover anything that might happen to team members ONLY. You are not doctors, so refrain from giving out medical assistance to the local population. DO NOT put yourself in the cross-hairs of a lawsuit.
So, your TEAM LEADER gets a call that an area devastated by a hurricane needs communications support because most of the local hams are so affected that they are unable to turn out. The team leader gets verification of this request along with details such as contact personnel and the exact location where the jump team will be needed to deploy. It is made clear that the possible deployment request time period will be for about 7 days. The request for communications help falls within your team's published response criteria so it is decided that your jump team will support the event. The first thing to do is to contact each jump team member and give them the call to proceed with deployment, giving them as much information as possible.

 

Your field deployment leader then takes over and gets his/her team going by signing out and withdrawing the equipment supplies cache and double checks with each team member giving them a bit of time to get their personal gear together before meeting at a designated area (staging area) to load up the trucks for transport to the deployment location. In the mean time, the team leader should be trying to get as much additional information together, including making those packets. An allotment of cash (no credit cards since ATM's probably will not be working in the event area) is secured to pay for the gas for vehicle transport and to fill the approved fuel containers for generator operation (keep all receipts). The team should also purchase "perishables" and water (if not already secured) to load with the cache.
After your team has met, informational packets obtained and cash secured, a check list of cache items is done as each item is loaded so you won't forget anything. (Don't forget to bring the new "OFF - brand - Smooth and Dry Insect Repellent" - It doesn't make you feel like you've gotten greased up for a Channel swim!)

The team leader should also make sure that each team member has their personal gear with them, including extra clothing, boots and seasonal covering such as gloves and heavy jackets for cold weather, personal medications, etc. It's now time to deploy to the location in vehicles that are clearly and professionally marked as "Emergency Communications Jump Team Vehicles" with printed magnetic signs on each side AND a dashboard sign as well. This will make it easier to get in to an area. (Make sure each jump team member has their laminated photo jump team ID on a lanyard at all times. It would also be a good idea that they also have on their lanyard any Red Cross laminated cards from their RC course completions.)

Driving carefully, caravan-style, make sure your team refuels along the route so by the time they get to their deployment site they have at the very least enough gas to drive back out of the event area and back to operating gas stations. The route planned may have detours due to flooding, one-way evacuee traffic or bridges out of service. The lead vehicle should have a GPS unit so your team will find their deployment loaction a bit easier. After your team has reached it's destination, park and have your Field Leader talk to the local agency you are helping to verify that: a. this is the right location b. exactly where would be the best location (spot) in which to deploy and c. are there any structures your team can use for a communications operation or sleep area. DO NOT accept any structure that is damaged to the point that you or any of your team feels unsafe in. After all this has been accomplished your team can then unload and start setting up sheltering (if needed) and your operating area. Again, remember that tents need to be erected in areas that will not flood themselves out if there is additional rain.

Start with sheltering, then move to operations structures while another part of your team erects the antennas. After all shelters are finished, your power detail should get your generators up and running while other team members get both HF and VHF station equipment unloaded and set up.

 

Ground all power generation equipment and radios with either ground rods OR 1/2 copper pipes hammered in to the ground.

Special note: We live in a day and age where some people take advantage of others during critical times, so PLEASE keep an eye on everything you have. Theft loss may put your team out of service. Lock up what you can in the truck cabs and stow gear in the tents so that if you see someone going in to one who isn't part of your team you can stop them.

After you've accomplished all of the above, it's time for your team to get on the air and let your group/club back home know what's going on. Set up a schedule of times (at least two per day) you'll update them and stick to it. By this time, your field leader probably has lined up actual communications messages for you to send AND what other stations you need to be in contact with. Let the traffic begin, but in an orderly manner. In the beginning, you might find yourself feeling a bit overwhelmed, but soon you'll find your pace and people at the site will see that "they are not alone" and help might be as simple as a communications exchange. Remember that as much as you'd like, your field team leader should be the only one to gather the messages needed for sending. This way it's kept professional and calm.
After a while, it will be time for food and fluids to be prepared. Always make sure that the radio ops have an adequate supply of fluids at all times. Make sure that your team runs the communications end in scheduled shifts with two hours on, two hours off and develop a sleep schedule to fit so members have at least 6 hours devoted to sleep.

Keep an accurate log of all traffic sent and received in case verification becomes needed and for post event review. Take pictures that do not depict the plight of any victims but rather of your actual jump team operation. It will make for good PR later and will help solidify your group as a responsible communications force. DO NOT talk to reporters who are digging for some story. Rather, let your field team leader do the talking. Reveal no information about victims that may come back biting you and your team in the ass.

Hopefully your first jump team deployment will run smoothly with messages being sent and your field team leader interfacing with the local agencies to gather information for message handling. Make sure each team member is following procedures as developed or requested by the local agency. Be sure each member has taken the scheduled rest periods as the stress of deployment can easily creep over you. KEEP ACCURATE LOGS. KEEP AN ACCURATE RUNNING INVENTORY OF ALL FOOD/DRINKS AND FUEL so you know where you stand and how much longer your team can deploy in case they have to be there an additional day or so beyond the planned deployment time frame.

 

After your deployment duties have ended, as determined by your field team leader and the agency you are helping at the event location, it now becomes time to break down your operation. Your last transmissions should be to your home communications group informing them of your shut-down/pack up and when you will arrive back home.

 

 The temptation to "just throw things back in the trucks" should be avoided. Breaking down the operation should be in direct reverse order as when you built your operation. Make sure each piece of equipment is packed back in the proper case and all cables are wound up and secured properly. Shelters should be properly folded back up. Remember the old camping rule: "Pack out what you packed in." This means even your garbage. Leave your deployment site just as if you were never there. Police the area for trash and pick it up. When you leave a site in good condition it will be noticed just as if it's left messy your team's respect will suffer. Take the time, even though you might be dead tired, and do it right. Before you leave, make sure your team leader leaves the agency helped with a few kind words. I'm sure you'll get some back for all the work and support you've provided. Exchange names and email addresses, especially of your supporting group/club, so they know who to thank if they wish to do so after the event.
 
After taking that long drive back home (and I'm sure you've informed your home support club/group on the radio before you've broken down your set up about the ending of your team's deployment and when you will be arriving back) you need to unload the cache, inventory what is there and what is needs to be replenished, and sign off on all of it as well as turn in all the receipts and unused cash. Hopefully, there will be other members of your group/club waiting, who will help you unload. Your team has done a lot of work and at the very least your supporting group/club can aid you in this regard. Now, the only things left are to debrief and hand in logs to your TEAM LEADER so an accurate report can be created that should be filed with your group and also copies sent to interested parties. Make sure a nice article is written up by either the team leader or the club president, along with some pictures, and submit it for publication to CQ, QST or World Radio.
 Send a story to local newspapers and other local media. Other possible outlets would be a newsletter put out by other organizations that the jump team members belong to (church, scouts, etc) or if the members' employers publish stories about how employees volunteer their time. The more people are made aware of your dedication, the more support your jump team group will generate.
Update your team's website with a short piece on your deployment (perhaps with a picture or two) so it will be known that your team has "put their money where their mouth is" and actually helped a community in need. It would also be nice if each team member received a certificate thanking them for their energy and efforts.

 

After a rest, it's time to get that cache back in operational status by inspecting all of it and adding to depleted stock, make minor corrections to it. Fine tune your jump team based on the experience you've had and stand ready, willing and able to deploy the next time they are needed. Your community, country and the entire amateur radio population, including myself, thank you for your caring and efforts.

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 THE 9/11 WORLD TRADE CENTER DISASTER

 

My Deployment At "Ground Zero"

By Bob Hejl (W2IK)

a first responder at "GROUND ZERO"

For the first time here is his complete story.

(The 20+ "pages" is worth the read. This article has been copyrighted and excerpts published elsewhere. It may NOT be reproduced without my written permission)

***************************

On September 11, 2001, the day our world changed, it started out like most any other weekday morning. I dragged myself into work, and began setting up my schedule. Like the rest of the country, little did I realize that my average, "routine day" would be torn apart. When I entered my office, I lazily turned on a television and heard the news that one of the World Trade Center's Twin Towers, in New York City, had caught fire. I half-listened, thinking that there have been fires in skyscrapers before and that the New York City Fire Department was well-trained at extinguishing fires in such tall structures. Unfortunately, it didn't stop there. Things got worse. And soon, as the world was to discover, it was a terrorist attack upon the United States. When this was discovered, and I saw that horrific scene of the second plane crashing into the other tower, I quickly surmised that since there would be multiple casualties, they would probably need to evacuate numerous victims to the various hospitals located on Long Island. I also feared that this might be the beginning of an even larger series of attacks which could possibly engulf the Long Island area. I took leave from my job, after informing my superiors, quickly got into my car and sped to my town's Emergency Operations Center (EOC), twenty minutes away.

As I was an Assistant Emergency Coordinator for my town, and knowing that my town's Emergency Coordinator was not in the area, while driving I decided to use my mobile radio and declared a radio emergency. I also started an emergency radio net on our repeater. As I broadcast the alert to all amateur radio operators who might be listening, the local ARES/RACES (Amateur Radio Emergency Services/Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services) members started to check in. I asked one amateur radio operator to watch the television broadcasts so he could keep me apprised of events while I was en-route to start a full radio call up (called a "net") and activate teams of radio operators to go into the area hospitals for communications duties. This was the FIRST amateur radio activation for the World Trade Center disaster and I knew that the course I set would soon be monitored and followed by the other ARES/RACES units located in the surrounding towns. While driving to our EOC , I was told that two additional terrorist events had taken place. One in Washington, DC and the other was a plane that had crashed in Pennsylvania. All cowardly, inhuman deeds committed by sick people who had a total disregard for life. These additional assaults confirmed my suspicions that the terrorist attacks were carried out in unison and there might possibly be many more. Upon arriving at our Emergency Operations Center, I quickly turned on a bank of radios and got our communications "war room" in order. Picking up one radio's microphone, I asked on our repeater for a formal list of check-ins. I also checked for the availability of ham radio personnel for deployment to hospitals, shelters, government buildings or other locations should any other terrorist attacks be committed. Our tightly knit ARES/RACES group constantly trains for such events, including terrorist actions. Each year we hold several surprise "events", such as a mock plane crash at our local airport or toxic waste spills, to test our ability to respond quickly and efficiently under difficult conditions. This is what we constantly trained for, yet dreaded. This time, it was no drill. This was real, horrible and it hit "home" for many of us because thousands of Long Islanders work or have relatives who reside in New York City.

I got an ever growing list of ham radio operators who had either been listening to the radio "net" or others who had heard via other means about the disaster and turned on their radio. I requested that one radio operator start calling our "phone tree" list to inform others in our organization who might not have heard about the attacks. Shortly after, I was joined at the EOC by another ham. This freed me up to begin phone calling the area hospitals we covered. I called the hospitals and asked if they needed us for any communications duty. One hospital requested our coverage, so I immediately dispatched two hams to cover that duty assignment. That particular hospital was told, by officials in New York City, that victims of the attack, who resided in our town, would be transported to our local hospital and it might number in the hundreds. Amateur radio operators are routinely stationed at hospitals to be used in case there are overloaded phone lines, terrorist attacks which might disrupt standard phone lines or a breakdown of normal communications from other means (ice storms, hurricanes, etc). Hams also have a form of computer communications that is wireless, called "packet radio". This method allows information to be passed quickly and accurately, via digital means, and under more secured conditions.

As more and more radio operators checked in, it became quite evident that we'd have plenty of communications professionals to cover any scenario that might unfold. The town "fathers" soon visited us and were quite impressed that a group of volunteers, like ourselves, had assembled so quickly and were in control of communications duties. Throughout the entire event, they would periodically call us for updates. Some time had passed, and since there were no other additional attacks, I started to breath a sigh of relief. I knew a great deal of work would lay ahead of us with this disaster. A short time later, our "sister" town got their radio net in operation. When they contacted us, I told them what we had done so far, the hospital requests and my plans for our town's coverage. They said that they would follow a similar plan in their town. We always try to be "on the same page".

A few minutes later, the television at the EOC displayed an even more terrifying scene when each of the Twin Towers collapsed. This , I thought, was unthinkable. How could this happen? I remember that in the late 1940's a military bomber struck the Empire State Building , yet it stood firm. Was I dreaming? Again, they re-played that horrible scene. Both buildings crumbled so quickly, like structures made from a deck of cards. An emptiness overwhelmed me. I also thought: "There might not be many victims to be transported to our hospitals." I continued getting our communications plan in order, all the while the mental picture of the towers collapsing kept sifting through my mind. More and more radio operators checked in, ready to work. About an hour later, I got a phone call from a New York City - Long Island emergency official, who had been monitoring our town's operations, and requested that since our operation was smoothly proceeding and under control, if possible, could I arrange to get amateur radio operators who would be able to come to New York City and assist at various locations with emergency communications duties on behalf of Red Cross. I told him that I was sure we could supply several experienced operators who would respond to his request and that I would be one of those deployed. I knew that we'd get a call like this. There are a number of amateur radio operators on Long Island who have experience in emergencies such as the Long Island wildfires, plane crashes, winter storms and quite a number of hurricanes. These were the type of operators needed to be deployed in Manhattan. This was going to be not just a massive relief effort, but also a major communications undertaking. I calculated that with power shut off to the lower Manhattan area, there would be no cell phone service and no standard phone service. No cell phone company has emergency-type plans or back up systems for this type of disaster. Only the government and amateur radio operators are both trained and prepared for such communications emergencies.

I consulted with a few ham radio operators, whom I considered would be able to work under what would be very stressful conditions, and they agreed to join me for duty in New York City. These were the same radio operators I had worked with during various other emergencies. They were all professional and experienced in their communications duties. I told them to get their equipment ready, listing other items they would need for this specific duty, and told them to meet me at the train station in a half hour. I gathered up my own gear, leaving the town net control duties in the capable hands of another AEC who had experience with emergency operations. Before I left, I gave him a short list of additional experienced amateur operators from our town who might be used in the event more operators were needed for deployment in New York City. With our town taken care of I, and two other hams, set our sights on the disaster in Manhattan. We had been drilled on having "go-bags" (bags that contained enough communications equipment, spare batteries, food bars, water and personal items) ready at all times. We knew that a simple one day event "go-bag" was NOT going to cut it. Luckily, I also had an extended-duty bag, which I stopped at my home to pick up, and updated it to cover whatever things I thought might be needed. Along with the request to come, we were informed that high-power radios would be needed, so I brought along my dual-band 50 watt vhf-uhf radio, a lightweight switching power supply and a magnetic-mount dual band antenna. I also included my HT (handi-talkie) with extended power and a charger. I hoped that some limited emergency power would be available wherever I might be deployed. I dressed in my ARES/RACES uniform and gathered up any credentials I thought would be needed. I put on heavy duty, steel-tipped work boots because there might be no telling where I would be assigned. (Little did I know I would be headed for the most dangerous assignment) I also packed another pair of pants, several pairs of latex gloves, rain gear and two flashlights. (This was to supplement what was already in my bag) With my "go-bag" loaded, it actually was at this point a large knapsack, l off I went.

On my way to the train station, I stopped at a local "Home Depot" store to pick up painter's dust masks or respirators. I did this to share with my fellow hams who were going with me because I had seen scenes, on television, of huge amounts of dust hovering over the entire disaster area. Home Depot had none, as they had already shipped them to the city. They also told me that every Home Depot store on Long Island had shipped their stocks to New York City. A small hardware store did have a few paper dust masks, which I quickly snapped up. I met the two other hams from my town at the local train station, ready to board the train for what was to be, for me, a very long tour. There was no way any automobiles were being permitted into Manhattan. Fearing car bombings, they only allowed cars to exit the island, (it was in close-down mode), so the Long Island Railroad was our ONLY method of transportation. The government had, in effect, shut off the island of Manhattan from the rest of the world. Most subways traveling in southen Manhattan were stopped and many people had to evacuate the lower Manhattan area by walking across the downtown bridges. There were several subway lines that could not run beyond an area because their tracks, not to mention a station, ran directly under the destruction that once was the World Trade Center.

Our train ride into Manhattan was very somber. We had NO idea what lay in store for us. We were full of apprehension and, to tell you the truth, I was a bit afraid that I wasn't qualified for the task at hand. We discussed some scenarios and what would be, considering our experiences and training, the proper responses. On the train, we noticed the stares of the very few people who were on board. I think a few of them were trying to figure out exactly what we were doing with antennas sticking out of knapsacks and carrying radio equipment. Most people don't realize that whenever there is an emergency, ANYWHERE in the world, some of the first people responding are amateur radio operators. Hams supply vital and accurate communications until the local infrastructure can be rehabilitated. Whenever disaster strikes, amateur radio operators are there. Sometimes, for example when a hurricane hits an island, the first and ONLY communications out of the stricken area is a ham radio operator. Many ham radio operators have "off-line" power, which allows them to communicate should the local power grid be disabled.

When we arrived in New York City, the usual hustle-bustle of Penn Station was subdued. Everyone seemed to be moving as if in a trance. Their faces revealed a plethora of emotions. Some people were very frightened. Some were crying. Most faces were painted with a deep anger. The shock had truly struck home. This was the first real, large-scale attack on American soil since the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, 60 years ago. We took a subway train northbound and got off at the station closest to Red Cross headquarters. Walking up several blocks to the building, I was astonished to see a line of people wanting to either give blood or sign up to help. The line was several blocks long. Each second that passed, another person joined the line. Everyone had the look of helplessness in their eyes. So many people, all wanting to do something... anything. As we walked toward the building, people spotted us in our ARES/RACES uniforms. Several people came running up and asked if they could help. They were eager to help. I could see it on their faces, a few, half in tears. I was moved and with a hard swallow, I told them that they should get on the line to sign up as a volunteer. When we entered the building, we were escorted into the Red Cross ham radio communications center where we were greeted by the ham who was responsible for signing in new operators. It was a "make-shift" center, hastily thrown together with whatever furniture they could scrounge up. There were at least twenty people working in that communications area. Everyone was busy, setting up and preparing for the difficult operation which was quickly enlarging. Most were busy, on telephones, attempting to get other amateur radio operators to report for deployment to the many Red Cross shelters that were being set up. With the airports now closed down, there were thousands of displaced travelers who needed a place to stay. Red Cross helped in supplying much of the needed accommodations.

When the ham radio operator in charge of Red Cross communications spotted me, he stopped what he was doing, I had no idea who he was, shook my hand and said "W2IK! Bob, I am very glad you're here. I have a special assignment that I can entrust only to someone like you. I desperately need you at the command center at ground zero." I was then given a special cellphone, which I thought was very odd and probably totally useless, and told to board a waiting van. That was it ! Those were my only instructions! In the building for two minutes, then out the door. The rest I would figure out in time. Every disaster has it's own set of operational procedures that evolve along with the time-line of the event. Amateur radio operators involved in this type of duty have to be flexible, yet follow the procedures no matter what they, personally, might think is proper. There are often reasons, unknown to you at the time, for following a system you might think is not correct. Saying too much or too little on the radio can be damaging. Down at ground zero I would develop my own "local" procedures unless I was communicating on the air. Ordinarily one does not do this. But, this was no ordinary situation. When communicating, it was strictly as requested. At this early stage of the operation, we had no special ID's. My ARES/RACES uniform, with my Red Cross badges hanging and my AEC badge, was my pass. Eventually, with the large influx of additional operators as the operation developed, there was a need to issue proper IDs to all radio operators and volunteers who signed in at the Red Cross headquarters. This was initiated when they moved their operational headquarters to Brooklyn. Photo ID's, with specific valid dates and limiting access to specific areas, were issued. It prevented "freelance" operators or other unregistered volunteers from visiting sites or disrupting the communications process. As with firemen or policemen, there are a few people who sometimes pretend to be communications personnel or Red Cross volunteers in order to get the thrill of being at an event. I would intercept a phony "volunteer" at my post a few days later.

The other two volunteer radio operators, who came with me from Long Island, were also given their assignments. One was assigned to the Red Cross headquarters. He gave me a look that told me he was glad he didn't pull my assignment. The other amateur operator got in the van with me. He'd be going to the mayor's command post at an undisclosed location. I later found out it was the Police Academy. His assignment was very hectic and high profile, but at a very secured, safe location. I knew that he'd be a perfect fit to work in the "political atmosphere" of the mayor's command center. Me, I worked better in the "down and dirty" arena of communications support. The van left, and as it went south, I felt another tug in my stomach. This was not going to be a simple assignment, such as being at a shelter. Handling communications in the average shelter is like being in-charge of your home phone when you are suddenly inundated by relatives who have come to sleep over. Where I was being deployed was totally different. This was being thrust into the "lion's den". Dangerous. I prayed I could do the job.(This shows you that even an experienced radio operator can be afraid) (Next: INTO THE MOUTH OF HELL)

INTO THE MOUTH OF HELL

The ride in the van to my post at ground zero seemed to take much longer than I had expected. As we went down the West side, the venue being closed off except for emergency vehicles, our travel path was quickly clogged with hundreds of emergency vehicles all converging on the disaster site. Fire departments, police and emergency units from all over New York, Long Island and New Jersey were responding. As we passed vehicles I could read the different emblems from the many departments that were responding. The methodically slow advance to the site also gave me time to mentally and emotionally prepare for what I thought was ahead. Again, I had that nagging pain in the pit of my stomach. Would I be able to do all that would be asked of me? Deep down, I asked myself : "What the hell am I doing here?". I did get some reassurance from my friend who was on his way to his post. He told me: "If not you, who else?" At least a few of the voices I'd be talking to over the radio would be those of the two operators who'd accompanied me to Manhattan. That made me feel better, because we had always worked well together during other emergencies. When you work together under emergency conditions, after a while you know what the other operator is thinking or doing. I wondered what the disaster site would look like. Earlier, I had seen limited scenes on television. Soon, I found out.

As the van entered the disaster area, it looked as if several blocks of the city had been bombed out. A vast expanse of ruins. This was a new type of "war". Something our country had never experienced. Standing where I was let out of the van, and looking south, it truly looked like the mouth of hell. I still could not believe what had happened. Just nine days ago I had been visiting this area with friends. We had even eaten lunch in the shopping area below the Twin Towers. Now it was gone. The massive piles of "steaming" rubble, which once were two of the tallest structures in the world, lay directly in front of me. You could make out the broken skeletons of twisted steel, that only a day earlier were magnificent creations. Smoke and dust hung in the air and eternally dogged everyone for many blocks. Several other buildings, that were within range as the falling towers spread their fiery debris, were still ablaze. So many people, just living their own lives and not harming anyone, had been murdered. Not soldiers in a battle, just Dads, Moms and children. As your view panned across the area, your sight was awash with numerous "snap shots" of destruction and rescue. A myriad of emotions grabbing at you and engulfing your being. There were thousands of rescue workers and firemen, in countless variations of uniform, scurrying around amid the wreckage in what could be described as "planned confusion". Everyone hoping that some people survived. All of them driven to help. All of them, each with their own mission, and soon I would have mine.

Before I could turn to say anything to my ham buddy in the van, it quickly sped away to deposit it's passengers at the next location. I wondered if he felt the same loss I felt. I thought about the countless victims. They were all strangers to me, yet I felt a connection to each one of them. They were all gone and now my only contact with my "old world" had just left in that Red Cross van. I watched the van disappearing down the street, until I could no longer see it amid the dusty haze and the commotion of men and vehicles. At that moment... I felt truly alone. It was up to me, to handle probably one of the most important communications tasks I or anyone might ever encounter during peacetime. My legs did not want to move, but it was time to go to work. Burying my emotions, I asked a policeman where the command center was. He pointed to a building, an elementary school blanketed in a cloud of dust, closer to the site than I was standing. As I slowly walked in the direction of the school, I finally noticed a unique smell. I call it, the smell of death. We had lost almost 3000 human beings in that cowardly attack. Most of the bodies had been consumed in the fires, their ashes combined with the pulverized building materials and constantly drifting and falling as a fine, gray dust. The dust was a constant reminder of the souls that were lost through no fault of their own. There was also something in the air that reminded everyone of the possibility that innocent people were still alive... still buried beneath the scarred remains. Both men and machine were there, trying desperately to find survivors. I would be a part of that team for the next three days. At that point, I became focused to the job at hand. I had no time to feed my fears about doing an inadequate job. I just started doing what I had been trained to do.

Upon entering the command center, which was a-buzz with activity, I carefully looked around and took "mental stock" of my surroundings, supplies that might be available and who was doing what. It is always a priority to check your resources in case you have to improvise. There were all the "major players" in this rescue venture. Police, Fire , Military and other officials. Their only superior was the mayor, who was elsewhere, in his own command bunker. I reported to the Red Cross official who was in-charge and told her that I was here on behalf of ARES/RACES to perform communications and any other tasks that might be necessary. She looked very tired, even though she had only been here a few hours. Working under such emotionally tearing circumstances will take it's toll on anyone's soul. She introduced me to the five other Red Cross workers, all of whom had the look on their faces as if their own families had died. She then showed me where they'd been working. It was at the very back of the main room, which was encapsulated to keep the dust out. Filtered air was flowing in thanks to the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority). They had special air conditioning units that were made to supply filtered air for any fire in a subway tunnel or station. It did a great job of keeping the air in that room somewhat clean and cool. I asked where I should set up my rig and was told that anywhere would be fine. There was no building electrical power, but again, thanks to the MTA and their diesel generator, there were many power cables with breakout boxes to supply the electrical needs of the room. Plugging in my radio, putting my mag-mount antenna on the metal frame of a folded twin lunch table and placing it up as high as possible, I attempted to check in to the repeater the Red Cross communications was using. No one answered my call. I didn't even hear the courtesy beep to tell me my signal had made it into the repeater. It soon became apparent that I could not reach the repeater station we were using. I was in what was known as an "RF hole". I made several other attempts, with my antenna at different locations, all with no success. I felt helpless and thought I would fail with my communications duties. I was almost frantic. In an air- cooled room, I was sweating. I could hear, but not reach, the repeater. Even my HT (handi-talkie) could hear it.

Regaining my composure, I knew that the only solution was to go up. I couldn't get a room on the second floor because those rooms just above us were being used by the different agencies as briefing rooms. I opted for a third floor classroom. But where to get power? This is where my training came in. I went below, outside, and there in the playground were about twenty large, long extension cords. "Stealing" one, I went back up to the third floor and dropped one end of the cable out the window. Then back down in the playground, I snaked the cable to the MTA diesel generator which was parked in the street, on the south side of the school. I asked if I could "get some juice" and they plugged me in right away. I raced back up to the third floor, setting up my radio on a student's desk near the window and then placed my antenna on an indoor metal ledge. Holding my breath, I keyed the microphone and gave my callsign. Back to me came the Red Cross headquarters communications team. Full quieting.... good signal. I was so relieved. It was like a weight had been lifted from me. I now could do my job. I told Red Cross HQ my situation and said that if they ever needed me, I could hear them from down stairs with my HT, but they'd have to wait for my reply. The setup worked very well. The only real problem was when the Red Cross headquarters changed shifts every twelve hours. I had to repeat, to the new operators on duty, my communications conditions.

Red Cross HQ immediately gave me a "laundry list" of things to ask the "Shelter Manager", that was her designation, even though it wasn't a shelter per-say. This was done because there was still a nagging fear that if my location was found out to be a command center there might be a chance of additional terrorist strikes to inhibit the rescue operations and to advance fear throughout the city. We were all very much aware that even our own communications might be intercepted and used against us. I even had to send some phony messages so it appeared that I was at a shelter. This was an idea that I concocted with the two radio operators who traveled with me to Manhattan. It was an old ruse that we had used on another emergency assignment to confuse intentional jammers.

Not having communications with ground zero until I arrived, Red Cross HQ needed an update of several conditions, such as food, cots, clothing (gloves, etc) and water. I was also asked to go to the high school, across the side street to the north, once each hour to "take stock" of that situation (a relief / first-aid center) and report back any needs. That center remained very busy feeding and looking to the needs of workers in that area. The command center was technically "off limits" to most workers as it was the place where coordination was emanating from and they felt that too many regular workers in the building would impede the process. There were other relief sites in the area, not covered by Red Cross. There were also many relief vehicles from other groups, such as the Salvation Army, that supplied food and water.

Luckily, I had learned a long time ago to keep a small spiral book with me to take notes, so requests were reported exactly as given. It is very important, in emergency communications, that things be reported or words relayed exactly as given. If I thought that any information they wanted me to relay using their words might not be understood properly, especially if intercepted by the media, I helped them rephrase the request. I never took it upon myself to change any message. All communications sites, ground zero, the mayor's command center, the various shelters, etc. were requested to also give updates each hour, listing our personnel, Red Cross included, workers and "clients" served, supplies and other information. We used tactical calls, ones that would not give exact locations away because there was still the fear of further terrorism. As each hour passed, and as each communication was completed, I felt more and more at ease with my abilities to handle the assignment.

I had no idea that my "12 hour shift" would last days. The Red Cross personnel, including the shelter managers and all the volunteers, did standard, 12 hour, tours of duty. At the end of each shift, you could see how drained each volunteer was. They had all aged. One even came back a day or two later and was surprised to see me still working there. I was annoyed after hearing on the radio, time and time again, that another 12 hour shift of replacements, including all the other radio operators who were assigned elsewhere, did not include a replacement for me. I knew they were aware of the time I had spent there. Part of me became angry. Most of me knew that I had to bury this emotion, as well as the many emotions felt being at the disaster site, and do my job. In retrospect, my location was a "hot spot", unlike a shelter detail, and smooth, continuous communications was needed. This was not a duty site for a beginner. There were a great deal of requests that I had to pass via my radio. I knew that the press was also listening in on our operating frequency so I tried to be as professional and as precise as I could. One slip, or saying the wrong word, could easily be misinterpreted by the press and reported to the public. In the early stages, I arranged with my ham counter-part at the mayor's command center, to use a unique frequency that would be shifted on a "time-basis" so it would be harder to intercept. Even Red Cross had no idea this was being done. It was our form of a "secured line", something we used only for a few extreme emergency communications. With my not being part of the shift changing, I had to grab 15 minute naps when I could. It certainly was a high-stress area. At times, things unfolded with great swiftness and people had to react accordingly.

There was always sorrow when another body was uncovered from the wreckage and removed. Everyone paused and looked to see, if perhaps, a survivor would be removed. Hopes went high, then low. We all moved in a slightly slower, more respectful manner during those times. It was even sadder when it came to pass that there would be very few bodies to be found. When I took one of my excursions closer to "the pile", there were many sorrowful signs that lives had been unexpectedly snuffed out. Paper, that hadn't been consumed in the inferno, littered the streets surrounding the destruction. Picking up one such piece, I read what was a page from an appointment calendar. It had belonged to a person who worked for an insurance company in one of the towers. Although charred around the edges and somewhat blackened, I could easily make out a list. It was a list of things he was probably asked to pick up on his way home. I reverently placed it back on the ground. So many brave rescue workers were trying with all their capacity to find survivors. It was hard to imagine the emotional tug-of-war inside each of them whenever they found a body in the debris. When I would go outside, I could see so many of the rescue workers... sitting.... standing... all going through their own personal hell. Some workers just laid down on the dusty cement sidewalks in a heap. When they could, they napped. Perhaps this offered some emotional relief for them.

Major status meetings in what was known as the "war room" of the command center were held twice a day. Nonessential people were evicted from the room. Each agency from the city was represented, as were agencies from the state and federal governments. The Red Cross shelter manager and I were allowed to stay. Each meeting was a sobering event.

A representative from each agency read a report reviewing what their agency had done and planned to do. This was done so agencies could synchronize the entire operation and duplication could be avoided. The Police Department official had the final say when any conflicts arose. As time passed, more and more of the entire process became routine. That is not to say there weren't surprises. But as each hurdle was thrust upon the agencies, each challenge was handled with strict professionalism. (More about a few SCARY surprises later....)

NOT JUST A RADIO HUGGER

I had opportunities to busy myself when I wasn't observing, communicating or assisting with Red Cross duties. Keeping active allowed you to remain focused on helping and not turning your thoughts to sorrow or emotions that could have crippled your ability to successfully do your job. There was a point when I was able to take a very short walk after checking the relief-first aid site at the high school. Nearby, there was a covered pedestrian bridge which spanned the roadway that led to the ground zero site. It was about a block away from the entrance. People were allowed to be on that bridge and they could look into the site. Many people were taking pictures or discussing what had been and what was now left. As I walked up the steps to the bridge, people who had lost family or friends were beginning to post "missing persons" flyers. It was a very sad sight to see so many posts and so many photos of these innocent victims. Eventually there were thousands of these put up at multiple locations. I tried not to look at them, lest the grief overwhelm me. I went back to the command center to see what else I could do. There was one point, that I assisted the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) to get a diesel generator working again. It was the same generator that I mooched power from for my radio. My back was turned to the disaster site, when all of a sudden I felt a wall of dust and debris hit my back... It was as if a dirty wind had struck me. When I turned around, WTC Building #7 had just fallen! The World Trade Center is not just the Twin Twin towers, but rather a complex of many buildings. We had expected building #7 to fall eventually, because it had been burning for many hours, but it was still a surprise, especially to me, when it occurred. It's collapse took just seconds. Once again, the downtown landscape had changed. No one stopped to ponder it's demise. There was too much work to do. And there was no time to be afraid. No one seemed to be separated from the single mind-set goal of doing their part in the rescue attempt. There was no show of great sorrow that yet another structure had been destroyed. So many other structures, along with the towers, had been literally vaporized. At least that building had been evacuated so there was no additional loss of life. The rescue workers that had been working nearby, to get fires under control and search for victims, were not in harm's way when building #7 died. The only emotion was that of renewed determination in doing what needed to be done, regardless of the personal risk.

I wasn't just a "radio hugger", doing communications only...I also did whatever needed to be done. (SO SHOULD YOU IN SPECIAL SITUATIONS LIKE THIS) I passed all the communications asked of me, including all requests and hourly reports to the Red Cross. We were always trained in the past to do just communications work and nothing else. I wondered who these idiots, who thought up this "rule" were? It was quite obvious that they had never really been down "in the trenches". The human spirit, which dwells in all of us, is that of giving and helping. So, besides my communications work (which always came first), I also helped with other things to make the entire process go more smoothly ...whether it be unloading cots so tired bodies could rest or distributing food or running power cables to support the MTA's task of supplying power. There never seemed to be enough cots, so when a Red Cross vehicle came with some supplies, I "obtained" the extra cots that I spied onboard. I did this because I knew that they were on their way back to storage in Brooklyn. Luckily, on that ERV (Emergency Response Vehicle), I knew the radio operator who was travelling onboard. He lived on Long Island and I had been at various county ARES/RACES meetings with him, so he allowed my "heist". It was amusing at one point when I was unloading the cots. I needed help, so I barked out for several men (soldiers), who were standing nearby, to grab some cots from the ERV and bring them up to the second floor in the command center. They leaped to it, and while they were doing so, I noticed some "metal birds" on one soldier's collar. Oops ! When materials were needed to complete a task, say running heavy-duty extension cables for powering up lights, NO ONE cared or questioned if cables, etc. were taken from piles that had been deposited from other various agencies. They all worked together as if from one family. It was a good feeling. Since the entire area had been shutoff power-wise, there was a great deal of scrambling to ensure needed lighting. Each night, because the rescue teams and additional service agencies grew in number by the hour, so did the demand for illumination. While the MTA supplied the electricity for the command center, Con-Ed had several generators to supply the power and lighting needs at "the pile". This was what the debris site was called. My communications location on the third floor had no building lights, so I plugged in the classroom's overhead projector into my power cord from the generator to supply light in an attempt to do my communications and writing. That light, along with the ambient light, which seeped in through the dust-covered classroom windows from the temporary towers supplying spotlights to "the pile", combined to allow me enough illumination to function. When I had to use the men's room on the third floor, I would use my flashlight to guide me down the hall and then a quick left turn got me there. Using the "facilities" in the dark wasn't much fun. I constantly hoped the batteries in my flashlight didn't die. This was just one of the many inconveniences I had to deal with. Every now and then, a fireman or two would come up to the third floor to look out the windows at the end of the hall. These windows faced "the pile". Words cannot describe the sight they saw. Most men were speechless. A few took some pictures, then left without saying a word.

At night there were times when the only sounds you heard were the hum of the many generators supplying power for lighting. It seemed like a peaceful, soothing sound, covering up the working noises of trucks and men, as compared to the louder daytime racket of workers and officials barking orders and vehicles streaming in and out. The nighttime operation seemed a little more relaxed than the "craziness" of the day. Work didn't stop, it merely functioned at a different level. From my third floor vantage point, I could see the night being lit up by welders cutting up huge twisted steel beams so they could be removed. It was a very dangerous job for them. They always had to be mindful of the fact that "the pile" could shift and bury the workers who were removing the tons of debris. The welders, themselves, often worked from bucket trucks or "cherry pickers" to keep their exposure to hazards at a minimum. Working at ground zero without a protective mask wasn't much fun because the dust kept hovering like a plague. It was so fine that it even permeated into the closed buildings. Gray. It had the smell of death. A smell I will always remember. It haunts me almost two years later. If you stopped to think, the dust was part pulverized building materials, including asbestos, and part cremated victims. I did take some time to fill a large, empty "Gatorade" bottle with the dusty sediment. It was not for my own personal needs. When I was finished with my rescue support work, I filled almost two dozen plastic viles with the dust and sealed them. These I gave to families who lost loved ones so they could have something to bury at the countless services and in doing so, help them form some sense of closure. I also gave one vile to a town on Long Island during a very large memorial service that was attended by thousands of people. They were going to create a memorial, in the form of a plaque and a huge memory book, dedicated to all those who were lost, so they were happy receive the encapsulated "remains". With each vile I handed out, it felt like someone was "returning home".

Paper masks were next to useless... and even they were very scarce. A few of us, firemen, police and additional workers soon found that the paper masks would get in the way of our working and easily slipped off, so we rarely used them. If you weren't in the encapsulated large room, the "War Room",which had filtered air with a positive pressure so air flowed out instead of in, you were subjected to, as one doctor there told me : "Enough particulate as if you smoked two packs of cigarettes a day for 5 years." As I said earlier, I set up my rig on the third floor in the school because it was difficult reaching the repeater that we had at our disposal. Even in that newly opened room, three floors up, there was a layer of dust on every desk and chair. There was a sink in the room and I must have washed my hands, arms and face at least thirty times trying to get the dust off. It helped, but only for a short time. Getting to that location, via the stairwell, was like walking into a dusty cave. There was no lighting, so I had to use a flashlight. The walk up/down, as my flashlight's beam pierced through the "gray fog", was surreal. The room I "borrowed" to set up my communications post was a 3rd grade, I think, classroom which had windows that faced the Twin Towers. Looking at their morning schedule, which was posted on a board, the students, luckily, were at gym class when the planes struck. Throughout the room, I could see evidence of their day and how it abruptly stopped... "brown bag" lunches were still in their places, lesson plans left on the blackboard, students' personal effects still on their desks. All of this was a glaring reminder of how their young lives would be changed forever. When things got back to some degree of normalcy, those students were transferred to another school until their building could be cleaned. I'm sure that the job of cleaning every inch of the school was also a tremendous undertaking because there was a great deal of asbestos in the air and it had sifted onto everything indoors. I hoped that when they finally returned to their school, the teacher kept the windows which faced the disaster site drawn shut so they couldn't see the grim reminder of those madmen's horrible acts.

As the dust migrated indoors, it got over everything, including the food we ate. Even though the room was encapsulated, a lot of dust was brought in on the clothes of people who entered. We did our best to cover food that wasn't prepackaged. Unfortunately, if it wasn't either pre-wrapped, covered or consumed right away, it quickly got contaminated. At one point, I obtained plastic wrap from the school's custodian, who had gotten it from the school's kitchen. It was a big help in covering anything exposed. A few days after 9/11, there was a night time rain shower which did a great deal towards washing away the dust both from outside areas and it also helped decrease the amount of contaminants in the air, leaving the working conditions a bit easier. The dust, however, remained locked within the buildings we operated from. In the command center, there were all different types of food including boxes and boxes of "government" frozen cheese sandwiches that were laid out, but I swear I never saw anyone take even one! The prepackaged food was great and rescue people couldn't get enough of the "power-bar type" food. They could come in, stuff a few bars in their pockets and go back to work. I do have to say that although a lot of food was available at the command site and the relief-first aid site, food WAS scarce at other locations. I heard from firefighters that in some cases they had nothing to eat. The local businesses did a fantastic job in trying to supply food. The small food establishments all contributed what they could. This was a group effort. The spirit which was displayed by the people of New York was truly heart warming. Everyone did or contributed what they could. No thoughts of praise or thanks, just cooperation. We did run low on bottled water a few times and EVERYONE would have "killed" to get a can of soda. As most firefighters know, soda has a more soothing, cleansing effect on the throat. I remember being across the street in the relief- first aid center at the high school, I had to check the conditions there on an hourly basis. This site was not encapsulated and dust was a great problem, when right in front of me a worker placed a huge tray of freshly made White Castle hamburgers!! As he uncovered these hot little beauties, I said "Wow, White Castle !" I quickly grabbed a few. When I turned around I saw that a line had quickly formed behind me to get at those "vein cloggers"! I have to tell you, the line was made up mostly of doctors and nurses who should have known better than to eat that stuff, but I think it served as a great "comfort food". I know it did for me. (NEXT: TERRIBLE TRUTHS ABOUT THE HAZARDS)

TERRIBLE TRUTHS

The line behind me, for "White Castles", wasn't the only amusing tidbit from working at ground zero. Now mind you, it wasn't my job to judge requests. It was my duty to pass those requests along to Red Cross HQ. Twice during my tenure there, I am afraid to say, I had to request, among the hundreds of other requests for food, clothing, water and other items, that Red Cross supply cigarettes! Yes, you read that correctly. Amid all that terrible, filthy air they had to breathe, they asked for cigarettes. Red Cross, at first, thought I was joking. I finally convinced them that I was serious. I can imagine the chuckles when that request was delivered to the next department at Red Cross. And to answer that burning question...no, they didn't fulfill the request.

Changing shifts of Red Cross personnel at ground zero meant meeting new volunteers and making fast friends. Under those conditions, you were all automatically friends with but one goal. There seemed to be that common link of caring within everyone who was assigned there. At one point, I met this nice woman who had been a volunteer for Red Cross for many years. She had been to, among many other places, Turkey (during earthquakes), doing relief work, so her experience was very extensive. During the rare lulls, you talk and get to know each other a bit. I invited her to join me when I went to the high school during one of my hourly checks. Along the short trip, she jokingly said that there were a lot of nice looking firemen down here, and her being single, she wondered how to meet one. At the entrance, some government "official" had two handwritten signs, one taped on each door that announced: "This building has been tested for asbestos and found to be safe."

I laughed... What a lie. They were just trying to cover their governmental "butts" and also to prevent volunteers from being scared off. (It has been reported over two years later that people who were at "ground zero" are suffering from the effects of that dirty air) We went inside the relief-first aid area and I took a check of what was needed. I also asked the workers there if they needed any additional supplies. There was plenty of food, water and juices. We took a few items to restock the command center. Talking to the people at the relief center, you could see who had been on duty the longest. The new workers were all fresh and eager. The people who had been there for hours had the signs of wear on their faces and in their eyes. Even though their work was not labor-intensive, it was very emotionally draining. Being involved , even with "busy work", was better than standing, waiting and thinking about the incredible loss. You had to keep mentally active, even with inane thoughts, rather than lose a piece of your soul with the horrors that could have easily crept over you. On our way out the door, I spotted several large chocolate candy bars on a table. I grabbed four and as we walked down the steps and out of the building, I gave them to her and told her if she wanted to meet a nice fireman she should wave these outside. As soon as we encountered a group of firemen taking a break, she did just that! It was like catnip to a cat! The firemen quickly came over and she struck up small talk while handing out the candy. Little actions, such as this, helped us all emotionally survive. I admired the fact that this operation didn't leave this woman as emotionally drained at the end of her shift as it did other volunteers. I did ask her, with her broad experience in relief operations, how this compared with her past endeavors. She told me that each assignment she had been on was different. There were no etched in stone procedures other than helping where she could. I agreed, knowing that even with my limited exposure to emergency operations, this was a script that had to be written "on the fly". If there was anything to be learned from this, on the amateur radio communications support end, it was that you needed to be flexible and remain focused. I think that after this disaster the ARES/RACES training manuals have to be entirely re-written. (They were NOT.)

Later in the evening, there was the second of the twice daily briefings in the war room. They made sure that only essential personnel remained. It was to be the most serious meeting at the command center. There were different looks in the eyes of several officials. I stayed, sitting very quietly in the back of the room. It was then they revealed some terrible truths. Things they didn't want the public to know. Facts that could have caused panic. Someone, whom I never saw before, started to talk. He had a list of things that not many people even considered. One by one, he listed all different types of very toxic chemicals that were part of the twin towers everyday operations. We were shown many charts with list upon list of toxic chemicals and their amounts. The tons of freon used to maintain the cooling systems. The hundreds of gallons of acid in the battery back-up systems. Tons of asbestos. PCB materials glore. The list was long, extensive and horrible. By themselves, each was a deadly toxin. Then, he started running scenarios if some of these chemicals were mixed into "soups". One soup he mentioned, which caused all of us to get very still, was a form of mustard gas. A blistering agent. There could have been enough to sicken thousands of people for many blocks around the area. We all listened with grave concern. Pockets of these toxic mixtures might be easily uncovered as the rubble was gradually removed. They represented an unintentional type of booby trap. When the incident commander said "How am I going to deal with the press about this?" a voice from the back of the room chimed in with: "Why cause panic when no real condition presently exists." We were then ordered not to reveal this information to anyone or risk arrest. (I'm glad he took my advice) Just when you thought things couldn't get worse, they did.

We were then told that one of the smaller buildings, which had been destroyed, contained a medical unit so there was also a chance that biohazards might have been spread all over the area and could also have been released into the air. All of us got the message. We were all emotionally numb with what had occurred before this meeting. This was but another bitter pill. It was a much more hazardous place than anyone had ever thought. (TALK ABOUT A DOUBLE-EDGED HAZMAT SITUATION) At that point, the requests for full-face respirators increased. Red Cross didn't supply them, the police department and fire department did. We were told that if such a cache of poison were to be unearthed during the debris removal - victim search, we would have to evacuate VERY quickly. Our ears quickly became "tuned" to any loud noise that might resemble a shout to evacuate. This increased our edginess. With this new information, it was decided to increase the security in the "working area" by containment methods. They would allow fewer workers into the rubble area to search or remove debris. Some people, who had no knowledge about the horrors we were told, were quite upset that things weren't done faster. They complained both privately and to the media. There were even protests by rescue workers. The officials took the flak. No one was happy, but the safety of the workers had to be considered. For my part, I continued doing what I had. My hourly reports and requests took little of my time, so I was able to help in other ways. As time went by, and the event changed to less of a rescue operation and more of a debris removal job, the requests for additional items slowly decreased. Hope that there might still be survivors, although still there, was slowly eroding. To be sure, we would still be needed, but the shift of our role made it less hectic. I even had a chance to try that fancy cell phone I was given when my tour began. It didn't work. No one's cell phones worked. The reason.... most local cell sites were either destroyed or had no power to operate from. So much for the deal about using cellphones in an emergency. The only real way to communicate was amateur radio. I was able to make a call or two if I was on the third floor of the school and stood just so, on an area by a window in the hall. I marked the single floor tile with some masking tape just in case I had to use the phone.

Every now and then, the MTA had to refuel their generator, so power needed to be shut off. They were great at informing everyone and even told us when power was going to be restored. Their "power-downs" took place only during the day. This gave me a chance to inform Red Cross HQ and shut off my radio. I did this so any spikes into the electrical system upon power up wouldn't damage it. At one point, they were running low on fuel and had none stored. I pointed out that across the street, to the south west, was a group of parked trucks at some sort of depot and if they had some cans they might be able to siphon fuel out, enough to keep their generator running until fuel could be delivered. They liked my idea and started to scrounge around for empty cans. Fortunately, fuel arrived before the need to go on a "siphon fuel" mission. (coming next...MY LAST DAY IN HELL)

MY LAST DAY IN HELL

They began to encircle the ground zero area with a high fence the day I was relieved. They did this because there was word that the President was coming for an inspection of the site in a day or so and they wanted much tighter security. Earlier, there had been several groups and "wannabes" who had snuck into sensitive areas. One religious group was even there hunting for body parts because they felt that each of the remains should have it's own burial. A woman came into the ground-zero command center on the second day pretending to be a nurse, with phony credentials, and almost had officials get her transportation, in the form of a military bus, to help bring in nurses on "Red Cross's behalf". I spotted the phony Red Cross ID and notified the police. She was found out in time and there were no "other nurses". She was quickly escorted out of the area. I had heard on my ham radio, though never saw, that there had been incursions on the southern edge of the site. For what purpose I do not know. Perhaps they were there for honorable intentions or just for looting. I do know that the police did a great job in keeping nonessential people out. It made everyone's job a lot easier. Hundreds of onlookers were kept a safe distance from the workers and support personnel. The command center at ground zero, from where I operated, was at an elementary school and it's location was kept a secret for a time as they feared more terrorism. It soon became even more secured when it was within the fenced-in area. On the last day, I "borrowed" a respirator from police supply and when I left I gave it to a nurse who was stationed at the high school, a relief site, across the street. I traded it for a nebulizer treatment.. the residue, which I coughed out of my lungs, wasn't pretty. The relief site at the high school was a busy place. I admire the doctors, nurses and other personnel who had to work under such dingy, trying conditions. Although there were no victims of the disaster to care for, they did a super job treating the minor injuries of the rescue workers and search teams and supplying a place just to grab a "cat nap".

Before I was relieved, a new "breed" of rescue help had arrived. These were, of course, the search dogs. Dogs of all shapes, sizes and ages. All professional and I salute them and their handlers. The commotion at the site did not deter nor distract them from their job. It was amazing to watch them at work. In the bitterness of the wreckage you could see them gently sniffing, climbing and searching. When they searched, each dog wore protective "booties" so any sharp objects didn't cut their paws. I must tell you that they were also well taken care of. There was a HUGE trailer courtesy of Suffolk County, Long Island, ASPCA, I think, parked nearby just to take care of their needs. The people who arranged for their care and organized such an undertaking are to be commended. A truly professional group.

On my last day at ground zero, there were assembled "Damage Assessment" teams. These teams, trained by Red Cross in assessing damage to structures, were needed to insure that surrounding buildings were safe for residents to return to. I had this training a few years earlier, but I am sure this wasn't the type of duty Red Cross had in mind when they taught us. Our training mainly dealt with single-structure houses, not buildings. I didn't envy those inspectors going into dark buildings, checking for structural damage armed with only a flashlight. I doubt if any of them had ever been asked to inspect multi-story structures such as these. It would be a new experience for all of them. The buildings they inspected were only residential structures, but they needed to be checked out before people could return home. I had heard that many of the people who lived in that area, and were displaced, were anxious to return home. A few people feared looting of their apartments. Anyone wishing to go back to their apartments had to show identification to the police. There also was pressure applied to officials to allow people to get back into their homes. I do know that in a few cases they had some volunteers escort them to their apartments to allow them the opportunity to pick up some of their belongings and then leave. I saw pictures, later, of their apartments. They, too, were heavily coated with gray dust. I am sure the city also had their own crews to give much more detailed inspections later. This disaster displaced thousands of downtown residents. Many were housed at the over dozen Red Cross shelters which quickly sprang up when the crisis began. The shelters also housed people whose trips were interrupted when the airports were closed. All of these shelters were manned by Red Cross personnel and amateur radio operators, who constantly handled "traffic" to and from the Red Cross headquarters. My next assignment would be at one of these shelters.

I had no communications from Red Cross involving a replacement for me, so I had no idea when, or if, I would be relieved. I had resigned myself to the fact that I might be here for a much longer period of time. When you are actually at a disaster site, such as this, you lose contact with the outside world and what was being reported. I was very surprised when all of a sudden an amateur radio operator came in and told me that he was my replacement ! He showed me proper identification and I also double checked with Red Cross headquarters on the radio. Sure enough, my work, for this detail, was drawing to a close. I gave him a complete briefing on what I had done, what operations were taking place and introduced him to the personnel he'd be working with. I also told him that he should be prepared to spend a LONG time at this duty post. His reply was that he told the Red Cross communications people that he would only spend ONE duty shift here... 12 hours. He also told me that the reason he volunteered was that he had been watching a local outlet of ABC news on television. They had a ticker running along the bottom of the screen that at one point revealed the fact a lone ham radio operator had been at an undisclosed ground zero area for several days and there was a desperate need for a replacement radio operator with experience in emergency communications. That was proof that the television stations and reporters were listening in to our communications. Thank you, ABC.

The most moving experience, for me, was my getting back to Red Cross HQ when my extended shift at ground zero was over. It was VERY late (after 2 AM)....my body and clothing and "go-bag" were stained with that gray dust... The Red Cross van that dropped my replacement off had left without me. It seemed the driver couldn't wait for me to give my replacement a run down on events, procedures and information. I went out into the street and asked some police how I could get transportation uptown. They told me to just flag down whatever vehicle I could and hop in. Unfortunately, at that time of night, most of the transportation was still coming in, not out. The only real outbound traffic were the huge trucks removing debris. There I stood...when three nurses, who were also getting off duty, came up and said they, too, were looking for a ride uptown. I couldn't get over the fact that their uniforms were still white, while I was a walking gray ghost! Together we searched...I was sooooo tired. Someone told us that we might have a better chance if we walked a bit north. We took their advice and started our hike northward. Fortunately, one block north we spotted an SUV with a makeshift cardboard sign on which was scribbled "Rides Uptown". There was no driver, but all the nurses immediately piled in so I jumped into the front seat and waited. Slowly, out of the gray haze, a big, hulking black man came and took the sign off and got in. On any other day, I'd swear he was a drug dealer. At least in my neighborhood on Long Island, he would have gotten glances. He started up his SUV and asked where we wanted to go. We told him and off he drove ...we all HOPED to our destinations. As he drove uptown, his cell phone rang... he told the person on the other end "Too bad, I can't come now, I have to do my "bit". He dropped us off near Penn Station, the big midtown train station. That is where the nurses wanted to be taken so they could catch a train to go home. I got off too, and thought I'd make my way to the Red Cross Headquarters, which was still in Manhattan at that time, they moved shortly after to their Brooklyn complex. It was up too many blocks for this tired, dirty, old body to walk. I felt "brain dead", so I couldn't figure which subway line to take. A cop spotted me and saw by the gray stained clothing that I had been working at ground zero. He asked me where I needed to go. I told him where and in a flash he jumped into the street, stopped a cab and ordered him to take me there. The cabbie didn't even charge me for the trip. New Yorkers' all helped in little ways. On a sidebar, the cabbie was of Arabic descent and he told me how horrible he and others of his family felt about the attacks.

The most TOUCHING part of ALL of this was the trip in the SUV. Part of me was thankful to be leaving. Another part felt like I was abandoning all those whose lives were lost. As we went up the West side, and although we were quickly passed through most stoplights by the police, we did have to make a few stops. AT EVERY CORNER, AT 3AM IN THE MORNING, THERE WERE CROWDS OF PEOPLE CHEERING US ...hundreds ...whistling, clapping, holding signs that said "Bless you, our heroes", etc. At one stop, a young woman ran up to my window and gave me a flower and said how grateful she was that we helped. Ever see a grown man cry? I am no hero. I am just an amateur radio operator, doing what I could.

 

"WTC 9/11- MY NEXT ASSIGNMENT"

EPILOGUE: MY LIFE IN A SHELTER

"GUNS AND ALL.."

Written by BOB HEJL - W2IK

c2003

After a short respite at home, I once again volunteered for duty as a communicator. The Red Cross, by this time, had moved their operational headquarters for this disaster from Manhattan to their Brooklyn complex. Never having been at this location, I carefully followed the directions I had gotten from another amateur radio operator and drove to Brooklyn. The directions weren't as concise as I thought. It was very early in the morning and the average person wasn't active so the roads were fairly empty. I ended up driving around unfamiliar territory for an additional twenty minutes until a man driving a street sweeper gave me better directions. Luckily, my meanderings had me just a few blocks away from my destination.

Driving closer to the Red Cross building, I saw that it was crowded with both Red Cross ERVs and cars belonging to volunteers. With the parking lots full, I opted to park on a side street. This street was also full of cars , although it was a "no parking zone". I squeezed in a spot and put my large, laminated "Emergency Communications" plaque on my dashboard hoping that it would protect me from either a ticket or a tow. Having replaced my "gray-ghost" go-bag with a new knapsack, and replenishing items used before, I got all my gear from the trunk of my car and walked into the Red Cross building. Even with my ARES/RACES uniform, I still had to show ID before I was allowed to enter. There were scores of people working, entering and leaving, so I imagine it was a bit difficult to keep track of everyone and make sure only qualified personnel were allowed entry. I was told where the radio operators were and I quickly wound my way around a few halls and up some stairs. This was a much more complex set up than I had encountered before. In the beginning of the event we seemed to "fly by the seat of our pants".

I went into what appeared to be a meeting room and sat with about twenty other operators who were waiting for assignments. There was being passed around a clip board which we were required to sign in with our names and callsigns. Most of the radio ops at this point were very young. I must have been the "old man" of the group. I introduced myself to the amateur radio operators who were sitting close by. All of them were here on their first assignment. After about an hour, the person in-charge of the communications operation came in and briefed us on what duties we might have. I am afraid to say that a number of communicators were unprepared, having no real go-bags and just armed with a handi-talkie. This might be enough for a parade or a simple operation, but our assignments were much more complex than that. These people would be given work at the Red Cross and not sent out into the field. (an example of how having a go-bag can mean the difference between a good communicator and a person who means well but adds little) After a short briefing, we were given our assignments. Mine would be at a shelter at a high school in midtown Manhattan. This was quite a distance from the disaster scene and housed mainly people who were either displaced when their buildings were damaged or people whose travels were interrupted when the airports were shut down. This time, I was told that the tours of duty would be about 12 hours. (hahahaha)

With our assignments given, we were then issued special photo IDs. These not only listed our names, callsigns and duty date(s), but also limited our access to areas. Guess what..... mine said "No Ground Zero"... I guess they thought I had spent enough time in hell. This form of ID was needed to prevent a few "go-getters" from taking it on their own and going to places they weren't needed. It made a lot of sense. This ID program included every active volunteer from Red Cross and not just communicators. A few of us were then escorted to a van that would transport us to our duty sites. As we drove into Manhattan, we were slowed by several check points where all vehicles were subject to very close inspection. The police were making sure that no one without specific business came into Manhattan. They were especially suspect of vans and trucks, which might conceal explosives. Tensions were still running very high.

Once in Manhattan, it was much easier to get around. The everyday life was beginning to get back to normal. I was dropped off at my assignment and was told at the school that the shelter was up several flights, in the gym area. There were several police that were permanently stationed at the school. Classes were not yet in session. It would be several days before school was to resume. Getting off at the proper floor, as soon as I stepped out of the elevator, I could see boxes and boxes of items that were donated to the shelter by local businesses. Again, whenever an operator reports to a location, it is always wise to take mental notes of what is there in case the need to improvise occurs. This should be a rule in any EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS training manual. It is very important.

I reported to the Red Cross shelter manager and she introduced me to the other volunteers there, including the amateur radio operator whom I would be replacing. The radio op gave me an operational "rundown" of the shelter and while he was still there I set up my radio equipment. This was quite different from my last duty. They had electrical power and being up several floors it was easy to contact the repeater. I checked in with Red Cross headquarters and told them I was at my duty site. I then thanked the radio operator and told him I hoped he had a safe trip back to Red Cross HQ. His tour had been a mere 16 hours. Since there were no requests to be transmitted, I walked around the area to get a feel of the layout. I also engaged in small-talk with the other volunteers so I might get an understanding of how they operated and their past experience in shelter life. It was typical of so many other shelters that I had been assigned over the years during Long Island's many winter storms and hurricanes. There always seems to be a great deal of "turn over" with volunteers. During one hurricane on Long Island, I met a shelter manager who was to have completed her training the day the hurricane hit! Most people here had little, if any, experience in the field. Having experience in both this event and other disasters, I was often asked for my opinion regarding the operation.

The people who were displaced, we call them the "clients", were housed in the gym. At that time, there were about 30 clients housed. This was down from a high of about 120 when the disaster first took place. There were two nurses stationed at the entrance to the gym to look after any health needs. Although qualified people I knew who wanted to volunteer as mental health workers were turned away after being told by the Red Cross that they had plenty, there were no mental health workers stationed here. As a matter of fact, when the hourly checks were reported to Red Cross HQ, I noticed that only one shelter had a mental health worker stationed.

Outside in the hallway there were about six tables. On the tables were bottled water, box juices, a coffee urn, wrapped snacks and other foods. With breakfast over, it was about 8AM, I thought it would be a while before the manager wanted to send the lunch request. At what I thought was early (9AM), the shelter manager instructed me to transmit the lunch request. She told me that Red Cross was VERY slow at filling requests. I was also asked to request additional towels as the clients had taken morning showers and there were none left. I repeated the same request at 11AM. The other shelters requested their lunches several times. There was no reply to any requests about when they would be delivered. A very bad omen.

Thankfully, the local businesses, on their own, did supply food and other items to shelters. In our area there was one Chinese restaurant that supplied us with a seemingly endless supply of trays of fried rice and other food. Without their help, our clients would have gone hungry. I say this because when "lunch" finally did arrive, it was at 5 PM. That made it nine hours between official breakfast and lunch. We were also told it would have to do as SUPPER as well. It consisted of a tray of warm peas, a tray of dried chicken breasts and a tray of pineapples. I was embarrassed. With all the millions of dollars in funds being donated for this event, all they could manage was this? I found out later that is what every shelter got. Word was relayed to me a few days later that the Health Department admonished the Red Cross for serving food not at the proper temperature. I also found out from a friend who was a radio op at the Red Cross headquarters, that the radio ops and people in Brooklyn Red Cross had "catered" food.

The towels never did arrive. Neither did some other items that were requested. The volunteers, myself included, were contemplating donating our own money so a volunteer could gather up the old towels and go to a laundromat. The shelter manager decided to wait a while longer. I ended up giving my sets of rubber gloves to the nurses because they were out of their own. As this type of duty can be very boring at times, I also loaned out a deck of cards I had in my go-bag. It helped pass the time for some.

The Red Cross is required by law to accept anyone who asks for shelter. It was quite obvious that there were several homeless people who sought a place to stay. For one, it meant trouble for us. That night, at about 3AM, one homeless man, who had snuck in some sort of booze and had become drunk, waltzed out of the gym and into the hall brandishing a handgun and announced "I want to shoot me some Arabs". Everyone took cover, except the not-so-bright amateur radio operator. Me. I Looked at him and said "Wow! I had a gun like that when I was in Vietnam. It might be the same model. Can I take a look at it?" He, in his state of drunkenness, said "Sure" and handed me the gun. While I was making small-talk with him and pretending to examine the gun, another worker got the police who were still on duty downstairs. They quickly cuffed him, I gave them the gun and it was over. Never had ARES/RACES training in that, but it needed to be done or people would get hurt. As it was, no clients were even aware that it happened. No mention to Red Cross HQ was sent. There was no need to discuss this on the radio because if it got intercepted by the media it might cause a frenzy. It remained an "in house" event. MORAL: SOME THINGS ARE BETTER LEFT UNSAID. REMEMBER THIS AND COMMUNICATE AS THOUGH THE ENTIRE WORLD IS LISTENING.

As dawn approached, another call was placed, above and beyond the hourly checks, for breakfast and TOWELS. This was repeated several times and breakfast, in the form of cold scrambled eggs and boxed breakfast cereal came several hours later. Again, no towels. The clients started to complain to the shelter manager about the lack of towels. A bulb lit within my head. I had seen a huge box of bathrobes donated by a hotel. They were made of terry-cloth and I suggested that the clients use them as towels. Problem solved. After breakfast, Red Cross sent over a "relocation" team to help get most people out of the shelter and either placed at hotels or routes to get them home. I must say that these volunteers were very well skilled at doing this. Before you knew it, half of our clients were gone. The rest of the day was uneventful.

As you know, the Red Cross volunteers stationed at this shelter did 12 hour, or slightly longer, shifts. I had been there, by this time, 32 hours. So much for the 12 hour shift promise. Soon, however, a van came and with it my replacement. I had the police HOLD THE VAN this time, until I could give my replacement the details on the shelter. I then hopped into the van and on the way back to Red Cross headquarters we picked up several other operators from different shelters.

When we arrived at Red Cross headquarters, it was like walking into a firestorm of angry radio operators. There was a great deal of shouting and complaining about the support from Red Cross. I didn't need to brief them about my operation at the shelter, it was the same from every operator. Few shelter requests were ever met. It was as if every request went into the "circular file". Frustration on the faces and out of the tongues of all the operators who were relieved. I eased myself out of the room and got into my car and drove home. I had "done my bit". Twice. There were many questions asked by the amateur radio operators at the briefing and after the event. I think very few, if any, were ever answered. After my own investigation, I know the answers, but I am a professional and will keep them to myself.

The one thing I will say is that if I had to do it all over again, I would. Exactly as before. I, like many radio operators, do it for the public and not for the "glory" or any "agency, league or organization."

 

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GETTING TO YOUR POST 

I'D LIKE TO HELP, BUT.......

Sometimes just getting there can be the biggest headache!

 

 

 

                                                                                    by Robert Hejl - W2IK

First responder WTC 9/11 "Ground Zero" Ex-OES, Ex-AEC, Hurricane Bob, Iniki, Andrew, LI Wildfires, "Storm Of The Century",

New England Ice Storms, Flight 800 and other emergency events

Contents may NOT be copied or used in any form or part thereof without written permission

 

So, you've joined some emergency support group, taken some training and even done a few drills. That's great! Your equipment is ready. You're ready. But, "Murphy" has other ideas. Whether you're a member of ARES, RACES, SATERN, REACT, CERT or any other group, you need to do more homework than what they've suggested. What good is all your equipment, training and confidence if you can't get to a deployment site? Unfortunately, I've never seen any group adequately cover one of the most important steps in emergency communications: Getting volunteers to their final destinations as quickly and as safely as possible. Although this is especially true during natural disasters such as winter storms, hurricanes or intense periods of rain which produce almost catastrophic flooding, it can also encompass volunteers who attempt to deploy during other events such as wildfire emergencies. Can you imagine deploying to a wildfire disaster and almost getting trapped by the flames because no one told you the extent or the range of the fire? Well, it happened to me when I, with others, attempted to deploy during the Long Island wildfires a number of years ago. We were armed with everything we thought we needed.... except up-to-date information. No maps or directions were given so there we were "driving by the seat of our pants" in the dead of the night into what almost was a catastrophe for us all. Luckily, we back tracked and took the long way around finally reaching our deployment points.

Everyone was to blame for this screw-up. We, as seasoned veterans of dozens of emergencies, were at fault because in our zeal to respond, we never thought to ask for additional information concerning the safest route or the extent of the wildfire. Our EC was also at fault for not automatically supplying us with any information other than the locations at which to deploy. This has always been a bone of contention with me. When deploying, it is the responsibility of every radio officer or EC to supply enough information (including at times MAPS labeled with deployment and "fall back" points) and possible "pitfalls" whenever we are asked to go near "harm's way". Notice, I also listed "fall back" points or locations? In emergency mode you have backup repeaters and simplex frequencies which are known to your group.You better also have backup locations which are known because, as an example, during that same wildfire event we had to evacuate from the deployed shelter due to shifting winds which caused the fire to endanger that location. Without the proper information, I had to make a very strong suggestion to the shelter manager with an alternate shelter option. (Another school within that same district which had an MOU with Red Cross) I shouldn't have needed to do this, but the needs at the time, plus the lack of experience on the part of the shelter manager, made it vital that another location be quickly found. As we drove off to the alternate location, looking through my rear view mirror, I never saw flames as high as during this event.

Hopefully, you've read my series: ECOM IN THE POST 9/11 ERA - so you won't make the same dumb, and dangerous, mistakes we did. Being ready, equipped, trained, experienced and eager is not enough. You also need to be ARMED with as much information as possible. This information can either be given to you OR you need to do your homework and arm yourself. If you aren't given what you feel is adequate information...ASK!

Let's leave the wildfire event and talk about another emergency which is more likely to happen in almost any place in the country. That is, any disaster which might have the element of severe flooding. This might occur during a hurricane, a stalled front which drops heavy rain over a prolonged period of time or even quick spring snow thaws. You might be lucky enough to have a home which is situated high above any possible flood plain. But what if you want to provide communications or some other form of help to either your local community or region? You still have to get there.

According to "Mr. Murphy", the shortest route will almost always be the most hazardous. To circumvent this, you'll need to do some investigation of the terrain between your home and any/all possible deployment locations. As a start, in Texas, as in many other states, you'll find marked "flood gauges" on low areas of highways that are subject to flooding situations. This is all well and good, IF, they are all properly marked AND the sticks are in place to begin with. So what do you do with this very basic information? You need to get a detailed map of your county and perhaps the surrounding counties. (If you are limited in your deployment ability range, you may wish to use a smaller coverage map. In any event, make sure any map you use is as detailed as possible.) This will become your own personal "Master Deployment Map". First, mark all important locations... those where you might deploy to, hospitals, etc. Also on this map, you should mark all those possible road flooding points (using a different color marker). By doing this, you are already better prepared to deploy than 99% of EmComm ops. This is a much better start, but not a finish. Next, you'll need to investigate fragile points by using several options. One is to visit your local fire departments and talk to the veterans about any "high water rescues" and see where they were. If these locations were flooded before, chances are that they will be flooded again. Mark these locations on that map (use different colored markers so you can distinguish the difference).

Hooray for the Internet! This is a valuable tool in finishing off that map. Do a "Google" image search for pictures of flooded areas near your location and points between all possible shelters or locations you might be assigned to. Usually these images are also marked with locations, so mark these on your map.(again, another color) Again on the Internet, look up the terms "storm surge", "inundation" and "flooding" to see how they relate to locations within your area and mark on your map any additional points such as flood plains, dams, etc. as needed. You might also wish to check at your local library for old issues of local papers regarding past major flooding. If you see any locations where you've placed more than one color mark, than you know this is a very fragile location and it would be best if you avoided it. ALSO... mark on that map all the main evacuation routes either out of your area or, if you are located inland, into your area. Theses are also areas that you may wish to avoid because they might be jammed with evacuees. Ok, now I've overlooked one very important resource when it comes to flooding. That resource are you neighbors. The ones who've been living in your neighborhood for years. They can be a vital source of information. Ask them about any flooding over the years. Heed their advice. Make more marks on that map. If you live in a state or area prone to mudslides, mark those hazards too.

So, now what are you left with? A map that's worth it's weight in gold. A map that could make your deployment much easier. You'll be armed with information so you can decide which might be the best route (and alternate) to any deployment location and what areas to avoid due to flooding or congested evacuation routes. This map becomes doubly valuable in case you need to redeploy or evacuate from your current shelter or deployment area to another location. When you do deploy, do so with extreme caution. Don't attempt to cross streets which appear flooded, if you can't see the pavement lines or if water is flowing. You don't wish to add to the problem by becoming a flooding victim.

You might, if asked by net control, relay spots to avoid when your fellow volunteers are deploying by using your detailed map as a guide. Now that you've done this with a local area map (covering your county and surrounding areas), you should do the same with a regional map (covering most of your state or region). Time to do something else.... Make a copy of each map. It's always good to have a backup and maps are a cheap, yet vital, investment.

You may wish to talk to either your service group or EC to do this as a project with all the members in your group. Creating these maps is a great training project. This way, everyone will have their own map and in doing so it will also aquaint everyone with the terrain they might be traversing. DO NOT leave it to a committee as they never get anything done. Remember, it's your butt out there, so GET IT DONE even if you have to do it yourself!

After posting this webpage, I received an email from an EmComm volunteer in South Central Texas who was told by their ARES AEC that they should "pick up a map from a store on the way to their deployment location". WHAT??? You've got to be kidding! I had to read that email twice to believe it. This, from an AEC??!! That person should be fired! How dangerously lazy and stupid a concept! Sure... It's not their butt out there, it's yours. Still another email outlined a serious problem when, in California, a large CERT group was asked to deploy during a large scale event and map supplies at every store were depleted. How, even if you could get your hands on maps, would they be as useful, being void of all hazard locations, as that map you should have which outlines flood plains, low areas, possible shelters, etc? Don't wait until you're on your way to a site or at the end of "hurricane season". DO IT NOW!.

By the way.... You might also need to consult your map to get back home as the route you chose to get to an area may become impassable later due to continued rains or flooding. And for all you techies... GPS may tell you where you are, but not where all the flooded routes are. To shorten a quote from another emailer: "A map with a hole through it is still a map, a GPS with a hole through it is a piece of junk!"



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ARE YOU TRAINING

FOR THE RIGHT GOALS?

(Weapons Of Mass Destruction or

Weapons of Mass Terror)

Bob Hejl - W2IK 

Defining What Is And What Isn't:

There is some confusion within the ranks of the amateur radio emergency communications community (and local governments for that matter) when talking about or training for what many call "Weapons Of Mass Destruction". Usually when we and most of the public hear that term we think of terrible explosions with mushroom clouds and thousands of people dying with hideous radiation burns all the while laying waste to immense areas of the country. Well, in some respects, this is correct in definition. However, it is unfortunate that we've also lumped into that term so many other things that have no business being defined as WMD. At the same time, we've also lumped together the possibility of any such events taking place.

The new buzz in emergency communications training is the term "Dirty Bomb". This term was originally used years ago to describe a tactical nuclear weapon, designed in the 1970s as a Neutron Bomb, which would yield a low-level nuclear explosion but emit a tremendous amount of deadly, short-life radiation so as to kill troops while leaving most of the buildings and infrastructure intact for later use. However, now this term is currently being used to describe a completely different type of device when used in conjunction with terrorism. The error is that this term is now thrown around all too freely while still being listed in training materials and in the minds of many as a WMD. It is not. It is not even a nuclear device. It is a terrorist device. It's disruption is limited in area and not massive. Let's look at the facts. What is a Dirty Bomb by today's definition? Taking a quote defining the term from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC):

"Basically, the principle type of a dirty bomb, or Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD), combines a conventional explosive, such as dynamite, with radioactive material."

This in no way reflects what an atomic bomb is, as there's no splitting of atoms and no tremendous release of energy beyond the conventional blast created by the dynamite. What it proposes to do, however, is to use the conventional explosive to spread whatever radioactive material is placed with it thereby poisoning the air and surfaces within a very limited area. Now, let's define what, how and how much radioactive material is needed to create said Dirty Bomb. Radioactive materials are widely used at hospitals, research labs, and construction sites all throughout this country. Radioactive materials are used for such purposes as in treating illnesses, sterilizing equipment, and inspecting welding seams in new construction. The vast majority of materials located at these sources are not useful for constructing an RDD. Even if such material were obtained, such as stolen byproducts of a nuclear power plant, it would not cause the harm to the general public as perceived by many as there is very little chance that enough quantity and quality of material could be collected to make even one viable bomb in the true sense of the word. The federal government also has radiation detection equipment located all over the country, with a concentrated number in our nation's ports, that would detect any large amount AND they are able to trace almost any material back to it's source.

A more realistic threat is the fear and panic induced from the announcement of ANY radioactive material being released. Even if it be less than that used in a single cancer treatment. Any detection equipment brought on-site might measure the release of this minimal amount. It would then be reported and amplified by the press so as to terrify the public and have people cowering in their basements. The FACT is that if a Dirty Bomb is ever detonated, the explosion from the dynamite would cause more physical damage and cause more harm to people in close proximity than any radioactive danger they might be exposed to. There would be no need to evacuate neighborhoods nor open dozens of shelters.

This makes the Dirty Bomb not a weapon of mass destruction, but a weapon of mass terror basically based on fear and misreporting by the media. Training for such an event, if defined as a WMD, is wrong and a waste of valuable training time. It also instills a sense of uneasiness. Again, even the NRC admits that if such a bomb were exploded, the resulting damage from the blast is much greater than the possibility of radioactive contamination. They also go on to say that if anyone feels they have been exposed to these contaminants, the most agreed solution would be to get out of the area as quickly as possible, while covering your face with a cloth to keep from breathing in any dust, and simply remove any clothing which might have the radioactive dust on it. Place this clothing in a plastic garbage bag to prevent dust migration and seal it. You should then shower with warm, soapy water. Again, the fear of a Dirty Bomb and the possible hysteria far outweigh the actual radiation threat. In any emergency communications training, it should be briefly covered and not dwelled upon. There is no need for a yearly drill to cover this event. So, as you can see, as a weapon of mass (death and) destruction a Dirty Bomb falls far short. A better use for the dynamite to a terrorist would be to blow up a bridge during rush hour or pack a large amount into a van in the hopes of destroying a building. This type of action we've seen before, and will see again, as it is a cost effective method to cause terror and damage. It is doubtful if we'll see any string of Dirty Bombs around this country because even the terrorists know they are limited in what damage they actually do and will cause fear only to the uneducated or as fodder for the media.

THE REAL WEAPON OF MASS TERROR

FEAR is the most damaging Weapon Of Mass Terror whether it be caused by a bomb or bioweapon. During the World Trade Center Disaster, the destruction of the Twin Towers was a "limited event", limited in area of physical property damage and loss of life. The fear, however, and the disruption countrywide was very damning and touched us all. This event created fears on a national level and this fear created serious problems for phone services all over the country with many systems quickly becoming overloaded. Many people in our country felt cutoff and helpless. (Being at "Ground Zero", I was unaware of the country wide panic and communications log jam until I returned home.) With this feeling of helplessness, people's fears only intensified. As an example, on that day, and for several days after, if you lived in a city such as Chicago, it was next to impossible to talk to a neighbor just down the street let alone across the country to check on loved ones. Cell phones were soon useless as their demand far exceeded their very limited site capacity. Can you imagine if you had a house fire and needed to call for help? Even many 911 systems were jammed. With even the most simple and stable forms of communication ever invented grinding to a halt, how were messages passed within the country?

One such way was via amateur radio. There were many messages passed regarding health and welfare. Two thousand miles from "harm's way" there were hams at work helping to stabilize the fears of the country by passing communications. So, if you think that a limited terrorist event several thousand miles away doesn't effect your area, you are wrong. This is the type of communications emergency we need to train more for. Do you know how comforting it must be in the midst of a terrorist event to receive news that your aunt or friend is OK? We need to be in the forefront of this support. Those of you who cling to the idea that NTS is the only way to do this are shortsighted and stuck in yesterday. Standard text, which resembles a letter, is much faster than passing preambles, etc. To make it easier, we also need to develop key locations, such as Red Cross and Salvation Army chapters, in every city and town where hams can set up stations and people can go to send a message via amateur radio and get answers. We need to train for this. Not only in sending our signals out, but also to work on ways to handle thousands of messages and diseminate the replies. In a disaster, "If you can't call, let hams take the ball" should be the new phrase. Providing this type of service will also go a long way in the alleviation of stress. The media and local governments need to be informed that this service is available, how it works and support it.

HOW TO LEND A HAND

With this concept in mind, there needs to be formed and developed a national amateur radio emergency communications network to cope with such a disaster. This needs to be above and beyond any one group, yet combining all the EMCOMM groups such as ARES, REACT, RACES, SATERN, etc. Everyone needs to be on the same page and work as one united team during such a communications emergency. All petty differences should be swept aside. Different "patches" should be able to work side by side for the benefit of the public. As a country, we fear less when we can stick together and communicate. Amateur radio can help. Not by only sending requests for supplies to support the disaster but by also sending information that someone's daughter, away at school, is OK.

All EMCOMM groups need to shake hands and learn to train together. Not just a paper agreement or lip service, but in reality. Develop techniques that define TODAY and not yesterday. I offer this as a challenge to all hams and all groups to work this out and develop a NEW, real, viable, emergency communications network. Train. Communicate. Drill. As one. It's time to get this done and not worry as much about dirty bombs.

 

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W2IK's "HOW GOOD IS YOUR

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS GROUP?"

 

By BOB HEJL - W2IK

c2004 updated 2006

ex-AEC, OES, first responder at WTC 9/11 "Ground Zero"

author of "W2IK's Emergency Communications Guide"

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HOW VULNERABLE IS YOUR COMMUNICATIONS GROUP ?

As an EC or AEC, you'd like to think that whatever system your group has to provide emergency communications that it is both efficient and reliable. Each year you go through drills or "mock events" to test your participants' actions and to "shore-up" any procedural problems or short comings. Many of your members might have taken some sort of national training to go along with any local training efforts you might have provided. There are even a few groups that equip their ECs and AECs with "call-out pagers" so that they are alerted to emergencies. This is all well and good. But is it enough? The answer is: "NO". Running an emergency communications group is not a one person job, nor is it a responsibility of a "chosen few" to do "when you have the time". If you think of it in this way, your group is in trouble. You also cannot put a system in place and not constantly update it. It is the responsibility of EVERYONE to make a system function properly, so I'd advise all of you who have assumed a command position to think of it in that manner. Never be engulfed in a "title". Park your title at the door and be involved in doing a proper job and invest the time needed to do it. We are no stronger than the weakest part of our organization. Several weak parts of any communications group will make it very vulnerable to failure during a crisis and in doing so will make a bad show for amateur radio. The more prepared your group is the reduced chances for failure. Below I've listed a few ideas that may help groups "close the gap."

STEP ONE: KEEP AN "OPEN DOOR POLICY"

Every one of us is a volunteer. We spend our own time, equipment and money preparing for our emergency communications duties. As such, we all deserve to be heard. NO person or persons are going to be right all the time. There may be instances where we might be so involved in the overall operation that we miss the most simplest of things. The purpose of an Emergency Coordinator is not to dictate, but rather to listen to all the members of his group and then make an educated decision based upon the input provided. Note the last word in the title: "Coordinator". Even a "newcomer" to this service might have a good idea that might be implemented. Make everyone feel that their voices have been heard and you will gain better morale from all those you depend upon for assistance. If you don't, you'll only drive away communicators that you might need during a wide-scale event. As an EC or AEC remember: YOU need them, not the other way around.

Always hold your meetings by offering full attendance. NOTHING should be a "closed shop", "by invitation only" or secret. Open every meeting to the public by inviting non-hams to attend. You may get people interested in amateur radio when they realize it's more than a hobby. If your meeting location or operations center cannot hold the anticipated number of people in your group, then find another place to hold your meetings. Most public libraries or schools have rooms that they will allow you to use at little or no cost. Take advantage of this. Work to develop as high a membership as possible. Having a larger pool of operators will make your communications group more effective. OK, so not every person can be a net control operator or handle communications in a shelter. That doesn't mean they can't be assigned as an at-home logger or in some other capacity. They might surprise you and develop, with a little training and experience, into a tremendous asset.

If you are an EC who cannot maintain a high profile with your membership and within your community, then you have no business being in charge. All ECs and AECs need to be both active within the community by attending local non-emergency events and within the communications group they serve by attending all training and general meetings. They also need to attend all the local area ham radio clubs' meetings even if they aren't members. The face you show will dictate how many people will turn out for an event. NEVER think that people will automatically show up to "do your bidding" during an emergency. This attitude is dangerously wrong. Be open to all. Listen, take notes and get back to anyone who may have a question. In this day of computer communications, have an email address that is open to all and encourage people to write you with problems, questions or suggestions.

STEP TWO: END THE IDENTITY CRISIS

Make sure that each and every participant of your group has a photo ID which verifies their membership in your communications organization. Have an expiration date and a spot for their signature and yours. MAKE IT AS PROFESSIONAL LOOKING AS POSSIBLE, JUST LIKE ANY OFFICIAL OR GOVERNMENTAL ID, EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR THEM YOURSELF. There are many places that offer "passport" size photos. Make it the responsibility of each member to supply you with TWO of these photos. One is for the ID, the other is for your records so in the event of a question concerning a person who might have forged another's ID, the real person can be easily identified. The climate in-which we now live, such a backup might prevent additional terrorism or keep unwanted people off a duty site. This may sound far-fetched, however during the World Trade Center Disaster we had several sickos try to get into "Ground Zero" using phony IDs. Make sure all of your group's IDs are properly laminated to prevent tampering. If you are looking at your current ID and saying to yourself "It's good enough", then it's NOT good enough. It should let anyone, anywhere know right away that your group is a professional organization that means business. During deployment make sure that each member hangs their ID on a lanyard around their neck so all may see. Use all the same style lanyards for your group. A lanyard from an amusement park or some other place will not lend an air of professionalism to your group. The little details can mean acceptance or questions and problems. An official ID will make it easier for your operators to reach a duty site, especially if it is located in a sensitive area. You can't help if you can't "get in the door". Getting in during a drill and getting in during an emergency are two different things. (also check out STEP FIVE) There are many people involved at places that we work with who might be unaware of our existence. A professional looking ID will help cement our legitimacy to the event. The IDs also make your members feel a sense of belonging to an official, professional group which will enhance their self-worth and in doing so will instill a sense of professionalism that will help them fulfill their duties.

STEP THREE: DEVELOP A DIRECT LINK TO YOUR STATE CAPITOL

Most communications groups do not have a direct link to their state capitol. This can be vital to handling communications. When there is a large scale disaster, you might be called upon to contact your state government. If phone lines are down or other communications fail, this link will be of paramount importance. Develop a DIRECT form of communications to an emergency communications group at your state capitol who can then relay any requests or information to the "powers that be". This means NOT using a repeater or series of repeaters linked together. It means HF communications, usually on 40 and 80 meters DIRECT. Develop a predetermined set of frequencies that BOTH groups can monitor should the need to activate this form of communications becomes necessary. These frequencies should be separate from any assigned "ARES/RACES" frequencies that are currently in place. Make sure that all these frequencies are monitored. This system should be tested monthly, kept up to date and have off-mains power. The people you designate to work this system should be doing only this duty and NOT be part of any other assigned duties. This is a good spot to assign any handicapped operators who are unable to be assigned to a duty site. They need to be properly trained and practice their duty often. Always have a backup station and operator on the ready. In the case of weather problems, make sure your group can support this station by quickly assembling an emergency HF antenna.

STEP FOUR: TRAIN YOUR VOLUNTEERS USING DIFFERENT RESOURCES

There are never enough resources at your disposal to refer to when you hold training classes. Make sure that the information you provide is current and covers every eventuality. There are many training materials and courses out there that stress the wrong things and tell you they are "current" when in reality they are not. Balance is very important. Even newer versions of old training can be woefully incomplete. Take the time to investigate what materials would best suit the training of your radio operators based upon locale and known weaknesses in your area. For instance, you wouldn't wish to stress earthquake rescue if your area never has earthquakes. Might I suggest at this time that you look at my emergency communications guide posted above. When you train, make sure you supply your members with plenty of handouts they can refer to after the training sessions. Make sure you have question and answer sessions. Never assume that everyone understands everything you might have presented. When you do train, via drills, vary the drills and even breakdown the drills or have smaller drills so each phase of your group's communications duties can be tested and reviewed. When each drill is done, have a review and during the review ask the members what they think could be done better or more efficient. Being "in the trenches" they might have a different , and sometimes better, perspective.

STEP FIVE: DRESS FOR SUCCESS

If we, as professional communicators, are to be accepted, we need to dress just as professional as the other agencies we will be working along side. This means developing, at the very least, a button-down dress shirt that resembles a uniform, with distinctive patches. There are many companies that can make a professional looking emergency communications patch. Design one that represents your local group and have them sewn on, all in the same location so that there is a sense of uniformity. Also have sewn on an American flag on one sleeve. Make sure that your members keep one or more of these shirts clean, creased and ready to go. A common type pinned badge with each member's callsign and name might also be a good idea. NOTHING cheap or gaudy. As far as slacks are concerned, there are many uniform-type supply stores where members can obtain dark blue work slacks and a web belt. make sure that all your members wear the same so your group will be respected as a professional team and not some rag-tag collection. As an example: Quite a number of years ago I had joined an emergency communications group on Long Island. We were asked to join in a joint drill with several hospitals, police departments and fire agencies in a mock two plane collision at a local airport. After being put on duty at several hospitals and relaying information from the crash site, we then went to a firehouse with a large meeting room to review the drill. After running down the events, the fire chief in charge of the practice event said: "...and you ham radio people weren't needed... you should not have been here." Slinking down in my chair I looked at my fellow communicators and realized that we looked less than professional in our "street clothes" while everyone else had uniforms. It made an impact on me, as it did on everyone else. So we developed a professional looking uniform to represent our communications group. And when we did, we got respect. On a side bar, a few months later there was a terrible winter ice storm that knocked off line all the fire and police departments' repeaters. At that point they begged us to help. After that, the fire chief, the one who made those remarks, became our biggest supporter because he realizes the worth of ham radio emergency communicators.

STEP SIX: RELIABLE COMMUNICATIONS MEANS

RELIABLE EQUIPMENT

It is impossible for all your members to have the same equipment unless you've gotten some big grant and issued rigs and antennas. Because of this, there may be a few shortcomings with your equipment needs. Lack of properly operating equipment is one of the most vulnerable points in any communications system. Frayed cables, lack of repeater memories installed, and antenna shortcomings can all spell disaster when it comes to sharing our part of the load. The EC should assess each member's equipment for suitability and susceptibility. Each rig, cable, mic, antenna and power system should be inspected by either an EC or AEC (we would have an AEC incharge of "field services" to do this) each year to make sure that what each member has will do the job. There should be no patched-up cables, frayed power cords, questionable connectors or beat-up looking radios. This inspection can be done at a meeting, in a lighthearted way so members won't feel that this is some sort of condemning inspection. At the same time, an AEC should take an inventory of each member's equipment so during an event a knowledgeable deployment, based upon member's equipment capabilities, can be made. We do not want communicators going into a hospital bringing all kinds of makeshift equipment and antennas that may or may not work. People will notice. If a member goes into a duty site and their equipment looks professional and they setup and operate without missing a beat, this too will be noticed. It is important that each setup works right the first time.

 

STEP SEVEN: IT'S NOT THE TIME TO "TOY AROUND"!

 

Ham radio is a hobby of experimentation. Inventions and ideas seem endless. There are new modes constantly being developed and pushed by various people/clubs/organizations. Some might seem very enticing for emergency communications work. Don't be sold a "bill of goods" by anyone. Read this: AN EMERGENCY IS NOT THE TIME TO BE TOYING AROUND WITH NEW MODES. Let's look at the facts. Number one: Does your group have enough extra manpower to PROPERLY support the operation of another mode and for the entire event time period without losing voice communications efficency? In every case I've ever seen, the answer is "NO". Especially during a long-term event. If you truly believe that a newer mode is more efficient, more reliable than voice then YOU haven't trained your communicators well enough. Number two: We have limited equipment to devote to any emergency operation. By drawing off any equipment, extra power or people we put in jeopardy the existing tried-and-true communications. The main mode of communications used during an emergency is voice communications. Just about anyone can be properly trained to use a microphone. It takes much more knowledge, training and equipment to use a laptop/modem/program... that's if you have enough of them to go around. That's if they don't lock up or crash. Will all your members be knowledgeable in servicing a laptop or program that stops functioning? Let all this sink into your head. Why gamble our reputations as reliable communicators on some new mode that may or may not work, that draws manpower, that ties up equipment, that requires additional cost and training on everyone's end? A vivid case in point: During the World Trade Center disaster, an event that claimed more lives than the attack on Pearl Harbor, we used voice communications... to and from "Ground Zero", to and from the mayor's bunker, to and from the various shelters. Am I making myself clear? Train on voice communications. Most communications aren't that "sensitive" in nature that they'd require a special mode to send. Just remember that for every new mode developed there are others listening in on that new mode who could easily report lists, etc., to the media for their own gain.

I sucessfully operated amateur television during many non-emergency events, but in two cases another ATV setup failed to operate even though it was being operated by so-called "experts". How embarrassing for amateur radio when it was trumpeted that there'd be two large screen visual displays and only one video of the event was actually provided. Thank goodness both were non-emergency events. During an emergency, leave the toys at home. They are limited in their value and potential. They drain your manpower pool and equipment. Every one of them has shortcomings that I could list. Every one of them is prone to screwing up during the stress of an emergency. Press the wrong key... poof. Amateur Television degrades in heavy rains or snow and foliage blocks it's signal. Save them for "field day" or non-emergency events.

STEP EIGHT: TEST YOUR SITES BEFORE THE EVENT

Assign an AEC to visit each and every site that your group could possibly be assigned to and create a master book listing each site, the probable location within each building where the station setup will be and how easy it is to reach any repeaters you have at your disposal and how far the simplex range from each location is. Make any detailed listing if, for example, your AEC during a test cannot reach a repeater using an HT with a whip antenna but can reach the repeater using a roll-up "J pole" antenna.

In this way, you will have a log of problem areas and can inform any deployed personnel what they will need to setup and in what specific manner or location within the building. (IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU DO YOUR COMMUNICATIONS TESTING AT THE ACTUAL PLACE WHERE YOUR COMMUNICATORS WILL BE. TO CHECK OUT A SITE YOU MUST ACTUALLY GO THERE AND SET-UP INSIDE IT, NOT BE PARKED NEAR THE STRUCTURE You may be able to communicate when outside, but inside may be an entirely different matter as the metal in the building will affect signals. You also need to make note on the best places to hang a "J Pole" indoors at each location and where the power outlets are in each area) This prevents having to "play with a site" during an emergency. Your membership can't be effective if they can't get out, radio wise, from their duty site. This is another very vulnerable point that may spell headaches during an event. If you and your AECs are worth your salt, you will do this check of each possible duty site and recheck each site every year in case parameters change, such as using a new antenna on your repeater that may affect coverage, new construction of a building between a site and the repeater impedes any signal transmission or when you are informed that a new site for a shelter is now on the list.

An even better idea, rather than keeping just one or two master booklets of these conditions, is to create many copies containing all this information (including repeaters used and their offsets) and hand them out to your members so they won't be surprised. Use plastic spiral binders for your booklets so if you have to change a page or two of information (such as updating locations) it won't mean reprinting the entire booklet. While you are compiling these booklets for your membership, also include MAPS to each location and a general overall map with ALL shelters and possible duty sites clearly marked. (I was deployed during a wildfire disaster a number of years ago by an EC who didn't supply us with maps that outlined the fire's range and several of us became trapped by flames enroute to a our duty sites at area shelters) This may seem like a big undertaking and the booklets will need to be updated as new sites become available, but if you are in a position as EC or even AEC you owe it to your membership to supply them with as much information as possible so they can do a professional job. If your "troops" do good, you look good.

STEP NINE: HOW UP TO DATE IS YOUR GROUPS'

LOCAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN ?

We are living in a changing world and are faced with more and more complex issues. In order to respond to these issues, such as terrorism and all it's ugliness, we need in place new plans that cover these events yet remain flexible to any changing parameters. We cannot work on a feasible plan unless we can gather all the facts and scenarios that might befall us. Does your plan cover terrorism? If it does, what about bio-terrorism? Chemical Terrorism? What does it cover if an entire small town needs to be evacuated? What about multiple attacks or disasters in more than one location? How effective is your membership "call-out" system listed in your plan? Is it by phone only? Not everyone is tied to a phone or monitoring a repeater frequency. Why not offer EVERY member the chance to buy an inexpensive pager so you have two methods of "call-out"? Do you have in your plan an alternate command center location that will be just as effective as your main location? Have you updated your plan to cover recent construction or development that may change flood prone areas? Does your plan include any newly appointed shelter sites? With all this in mind, we need to consult with others when we develop or update our plan. An emergency plan is NOT just a few pages of "official writing". It is a complete BOOK that lists and covers the whys and all the references needed so ANY member who reads it can see the entire plan and can function as an "emergency EC" if no other communication officers are available. It should be a "game plan" which covers any event for the successful deployment and operation of emergency communications. It should be a step-by-step plan of "attack" subdivided into useful categories. It shouldn't be a "who do we serve" paper. We DON'T "serve" anyone. We work WITH other agencies. Your emergency plan should list those agencies and supply contact numbers and names. Your group's emergency response plan must include everything I've listed and MORE. Anything less is just toilet paper. When you are developing your plan, listen to what operators who've had experience have to say. Invite "veterans of the trenches" to your meetings. Never rule out someone new to your location just because he's "new". He may hold a vast well of knowledge based upon his experiences elsewhere. Include in your meetings several of your general membership so they will feel that their input is valuable (which it is). It is a wise EC who asks for assistance from other service organizations such as the local police and fire departments, Red Cross and Salvation Army, city and county emergency management officials, state personnel and even federal officials. A meeting with representatives from all these organizations would go a long way in helping develop a viable plan AND also show these organizations that we are a professional group and are serious in our resolve to help our community and country. The face we show during these meetings will aid to our being accepted as a logical helping arm of emergency work. Hopefully, this same involvement will be reciprocated when they hold their meetings. ECs, make sure you come dressed in your service "uniform". To see what an actual unique emergency event is like, unheard of just a few years ago read about the WTC 9/11 Disaster above. Read that website then ask yourself if YOUR emergency communications plan covers such an event. If your coverage area includes a large town or city, it better cover such an event and it better be detailed.

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STEP TEN: GIVE IT TO GET IT - MUTUAL AID

As much as we'd like to believe we can handle any event, there will be a time or two when your group's resources will be stretched beyond it's capabilities. Do not be so egotistical that it prevents you from requesting additional help. When the severity of a situation reaches a point that you can no longer offer the complete services or manpower needed, that will be a time to request mutual aid response from either another emergency communications group located within your service area or a group further away. It is imperative that your group develop mutual aid agreements with possible assisting communications groups. In an emergency it makes no difference if the other groups be ARES, RACES, REACT, SATERN or any such support organization. We all have the same purpose: To help our community. There should be no inter-group squabbling. Some simple cross training would be very beneficial, within and out of your service area. Develop a good working relationship with other groups and you might find operators who wish to be a direct member of your group as well. Once a year, practice a "mock drill" together. This is a good way to learn from each other and when needs arise the interfacing will run more smoothly. Also note that when a mutual aid request comes from another group and YOU are the one supplying the additional service, you will be doing so under THEIR umbrella and are responsible to their EC or whomever is in command. Do not take over. Just assist as they request.

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STEP ELEVEN: INTERFACING WITH THE OUTSIDE WORLD

It is every ECs responsibility to interface on a regular basis with the agencies their group will be working with. This means a constant flow of information. Share some of your ideas and thoughts with others and ask their opinion. This strongly includes Red Cross, Salvation Army and other relief organizations in your area. Keep the police and fire/rescue departments apprised of anything you feel they might be interested in and invite them to attend any of your meetings. Also ask to be kept "in the loop" concerning their own meetings and whatever they feel might have an effect on your group's operation. These small courtesies go a long way in cementing a professional relationship with them. When you write, use a professional letterhead on good stationary. Develop a professional insignia, NOT HAND DRAWN, to post at the top of your letterhead.

It is very important that your group be represented at functions other than emergency events.

This means being in contact with people/groups that hold yearly family-style events. Request a small area so you can set up a booth and have it manned with members, in uniform, who can explain who you are and what you do. HAVE HANDOUTS that they can bring home with them. PROFESSIONAL LOOKING handouts that explain about emergency communications and cite several several examples of where amateurs were vital in supplying their talents. (if you wish, you may print on the handouts my website about being at the World Trade Center disaster: "www.hometown.aol.com/realhamradio") Also list a contact number and when/where you hold your meetings. The face you show the public will go a long way in how your group is accepted.

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STEP TWELVE: SELLING YOUR GROUP

In order to become a successful emergency communications group you need to do a "selling job". Not everyone is aware of the duties we perform as part of the entire emergency support structure. As such, we are sometimes thought of as the orphan when it applies to an emergency event. Even some groups, such as local police and fire departments are not educated as to what we actually can do to help them and our community. It is important that we inform them. How? By professionally interacting with all groups without being overly zealous. Document what we do and how we've helped. Take photos and write a short account of how your emergency communications group played a vital supporting role during each event. Send this to local newpapers with an address and phone number where your PIO (Public Information Officer) can be reached. You don't have a PIO? Appoint one. Just remember that only one person should speak to the press regarding your group. This will avoid mis-quotes and mis-information. The more people and groups are made aware of our services and talents, the better respected we will become.

 

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A white paper report for "Communications Academy 2007"

 

Be Flexible, Be Ready.... For We Live In Different Times

Presented by Bob Hejl - W2IK - NNN0KSI Navy Marine Corps MARS

First Responder "WTC 9/11 Ground Zero"

When I was growing up in the late 1950s, if another kid didn't like you he usually came right up in front of your face to start an altercation. Back then, it was the same way with nations. If such a term as "civilized warfare" was possible, this was how it worked. We also, as kids and countries, fought using rules. As strange as it seems today, in the past there were rules to follow in killing your enemies. Today, however, some nations and groups are no longer following rules during a conflict. Even rules which were agreed to in places like Geneva are now ignored. In other words, the senselessness has become more senseless. While we in the United States still hold these rules and try to abide by them, others do not. They use ways and means unheard of in the past in order to seek their gains or exact revenge. Regardless of the "cause," for the first time since Pearl Harbor over 60 years ago there has been an attack on our soil by outside forces. By this, I am talking about the brutal and unprovoked attacks on September 11, 2001. Like it or not, the rules have dissolved. Many of us, for the first time in our lives, lost our innocence. We now feel vulnerable to the senselessness that in the past we've only witnessed on television and as only occurring in other parts of the world. We now see how simple means can create disasters on our own doorstep. What other terrible things are planned or could possibly happen in our country and to ourselves? Panicking is not the answer. Planning and preparing, is.

I've stopped trying to figure out just why some people don't like others and have started accepting the fact that it does happen and will happen again. That's the root to moving forward, accepting. We, in today's shrinking world, must accept the fact that no matter how many people outside our borders we might help, how many other nations we might work with, there will be others who don't like who we are or what we believe in and will attempt to destroy our beliefs and goals. Unfortunately, it has become much easier to reach out in today's world than ever before. Faster planes, the Internet and other technologies have made it easier to do both good and evil. We, as emergency communicators, must make these new technologies and new information work on our behalf so if there ever is another "9/11" we will be able to react more quickly than before. The keys to this are flexibility and preparation. We need to prepare and become better at what we do. The cobwebs of our old communications techniques need to be brushed aside and replaced with those based on the new technologies and the new threats that surround us. Back when most emergency communications philosophies were developed we feared natural disasters and communism. Today, we still need to not only prepare for natural disasters, but also for the new threat of terrorism. Neither hurricanes nor terrorists "play" by the rules, so the philosophies dealing with both must be different from those followed and drilled into our heads yesterday.

Due to a better life which most of us now lead, as compared to the 1950s, there has been a drastic change in demographics. Many people have moved to areas of the country that are fragile in nature when faced with severe weather, such as coastal areas during hurricanes, and have built homes and support buildings in areas that in retrospect we shouldn't have. We should have never built homes based on a "view." I'm sorry to say that emergency communications hasn't changed to keep up with the actual support needs and as a result we've learned hard lessons from events like Katrina in our attempts to give communications support during these devastating natural events. Although emergency communicators cannot change either the threat of severe weather nor the increased population growth into these fragile areas, we can use what we've learned from events such as Katrina to better prepare in supplying emergency communications support. The same is true concerning terrorism. We had a rude awakening with the events of September 11th. We cannot afford to ignore the lessons learned from either.

Our first step is to produce a "united front" in supplying emergency communications. By whatever mix of alphabet letters your group uses to define itself, we all need to work together towards a common goal without bickering, cliques and competition. Let's face it, if several fire departments came to put out the flames engulfing your home, would you care which one did the job? Although we are each supported as different groups under different umbrellas, we need to learn and train in new techniques that are shared by everyone. The patch on my shirt may be different from yours, but our training and execution should be very much alike. With this in mind, there needs to be developed a new universal emergency communications program which all of us, regardless of what group we belong to, can refer to when training. Put your hands down. The ARRL EmComm program is riddled with errors and old-fashioned ideas. It was developed by people who've never gotten their hands dirty in emergency communications. It needs to be scrapped. What is needed is a training program written on fresh, blank sheets of paper and based on experience, not titles. I now issue a challenge to every communications group: Get your experienced communicators together and start working directly with other groups as one team to develop such a strategy and program. This is the only way a true training program will be developed. Cut away the useless drivel, such as paragraph upon paragraph on "who do we serve", and get to the true training. By the way, we don't "serve" anyone. A waiter does that. We work as part of a greater TEAM when called upon. It's about time groups grew up and got rid of that mindset. It only holds back on how we are perceived and respected. It's now time to rely on input from people who've gotten dirty, setup stations in "harm's way" and braved the elements to supply communications whether it be in the face of a hurricane, terrorism or freezing while they've searched for that missing child. We need information based on real-life, not old ideas or scenarios plunked out of the sky.

After a comprehensive communications program has been developed, it needs to be implemented by everyone. It needs training out in the field and not feeble tabletop drills. Work out the kinks with your groups until everyone in every group is on the same page. This needs to be done so if a group is overwhelmed during an event it can tap additional communications personnel from another group without losing anything in translation when these transfers are deployed. (With this in mind, there should be a section included in this universal training which covers working on loan to other emergency communications groups.) This training should be supplemented with drills that cover events that might actually take place. These drills must also be combined in nature with all emergency communications groups taking part. We need to train together for one simple reason: We sink or swim together. If we can work together we will become more professional in the eyes of both the government and organizations we supply communications for.

Now, as to prepare for emergencies which might need our communications support. For too long I've seen local governments preparing for the wrong emergencies. Since emergency communications groups have felt the need to follow suit, we too have been training for the wrong events. This all boils down to one fact: The governmental and service agencies we've planned on supporting have no idea what to prepare for! They do more harm than good when they focus on just on antiterrorism instead preparing for natural disasters or events caused by just plain stupidity. Let's compare this philosophy to operating a hardware store. Why would you wish to sell snowshovels, just because your friend who has a store in Maine sells them, when your store is located in an area that has never seen a snowfall? It's the same way in preparing for emergencies. What needs to be done is to first identify both the strengths and weaknesses based upon areas. If we were to talk about acts of terrorism, what really would create a sense of vulnerability if there were a terrorist strike in your area? What would create the most "bang for the buck" not only in actual damage, but also to things which represent our way of life? In my area of the Texas, there are several things which would have damaging consequences in both the financial and moral arenas of our lives. One of the most venerated places in San Antonio is the Alamo. What a blow to what we hold sacred if it were to be blasted by a car bomb. The destruction would be localized, but the emotional shockwaves would be widespread. So, the fear generated by this event would force those of insecure character running to do things totally non-related to the local event thereby draining manpower and support. This is what terrorists want. Fear. Disruption. Making us change our way of life. Now, let's take that same amount of explosive in the same car and run it through the gates of a refinery in Corpus Christi. There might be a large scale explosion which would not be as local as the strike at the Alamo. Surrounding areas might need to be evacuated and shelters opened. Then the request, and rightly so, for emergency communicators might occur. Along with this refinery disaster would be far reaching consequences as the destruction of that refinery would create a gas shortage. This shortage would be reflected in higher fuel prices, higher consumer goods prices and economical shockwaves touching all of us. So, with the limited resources that terrorists have, which would be the better target? Yes, the refinery. Let's back up a minute and talk about the limited resources that terrorists have. They may have a few dollars, being backed by higher powered groups, however they lack the ability to obtain most of the things which we fear. Let's shift gears for a moment.

There is some confusion when talking about or preparing for what many call "Weapons Of Mass Destruction". Usually when most of the public hear that term they think of terrible explosions with mushroom clouds and thousands of people dying with hideous radiation burns all the while laying waste to immense areas of the country. Well, in some respects, it is partially correct in definition. However, it is unfortunate that government "experts" have also lumped into that term so many other things that have no business being defined as WMD. At the same time, we've also sewn together the possibility of any such event taking place.

The new buzz word in homeland defense is the term "Dirty Bomb". This term was originally used years ago to describe a tactical nuclear weapon, designed in the 1970s like a "Neutron Bomb", which would yield a low-level nuclear explosion but emit a tremendous amount of deadly, short-life radiation so as to kill troops and other people while leaving most of the buildings and infrastructure intact for later use. However, now this term is currently being used to describe a completely different type of device when used in conjunction with terrorism. The error is that this term is now thrown around all too freely while still being listed in training materials and in the minds of many as a WMD. It is not. It is not even a nuclear device. It is a terrorist device. It's disruption is limited in area and not massive. Let's look at the facts. What is a Dirty Bomb by today's definition? Taking a quote defining the term from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC):

"Basically, the principle type of a dirty bomb, or Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD), combines a conventional explosive, such as dynamite, with radioactive material."

This in no way reflects what an atomic bomb is, as there's no splitting of atoms and no tremendous release of energy beyond the conventional blast created by the dynamite. What it proposes to do, however, is to use the conventional explosive to spread whatever radioactive material is placed with it thereby poisoning the air and surfaces within a very limited area. Now, let's define what, how and how much radioactive material is needed to create said Dirty Bomb. Radioactive materials are widely used at hospitals, research labs, and construction sites all throughout this country. Radioactive materials are used for such purposes as in treating illnesses, sterilizing equipment, and inspecting welding seams in new construction. The vast majority of materials located at these sources are not useful for constructing an RDD. Even if such material were obtained, such as stolen byproducts of a nuclear power plant, it would not cause the harm to the general public as perceived by many as there is very little chance that enough quantity and quality of material could be collected to make even one viable bomb in the true sense of the word. The federal government also has radiation detection equipment that would detect any large amount AND they are able to trace any material back to it's source.

A more realistic threat is the fear and panic induced from the announcement of ANY radioactive material being released. Even if it be less than that used in a single cancer treatment. Any detection equipment brought on-site might measure the release of this minimal amount. It would then be reported and amplified by the press so as to terrify the public and have people cowering in their basements. The FACT is that if a Dirty Bomb is ever detonated, the explosion from the dynamite would cause more physical damage and cause more harm to people in close proximity than any radioactive danger they might be exposed to. There would be no need to evacuate neighborhoods nor open dozens of shelters. This makes the Dirty Bomb not a weapon of mass destruction, but a weapon of mass terror based on fear and misreporting by the media. Training for such an event, if defined as a WMD, is wrong and a waste of valuable training time. It also instills a sense of uneasiness. Again, even the NRC admits that if such a bomb were exploded, the resulting damage from the blast is much greater than the possibility of radioactive contamination. In any emergency communications training, it should be briefly covered and not dwelled upon. There is no need for a yearly drill to cover this event. So, as you can see, as a weapon of mass (death and) destruction a Dirty Bomb falls far short. A better use for the dynamite to a terrorist would be to blow up several city bridges or tunnels in the middle of rush hour or pack a large amount into a van in the hopes of destroying a building. Can you imagine the terror of cutting off all the routes from a busy city in effect trapping thousands of commuters? This we've seen before, and will see again, as it is a cost effective method to cause terror and damage. It is doubtful if we'll see any string of Dirty Bombs around this country because even the terrorists know they are limited in what damage they actually do and will cause fear only to the uneducated and ill-informed.

So let's stop with the tiring "dirty bomb" training and work on matters which have a greater chance of happening such as limited event terrorism and natural disasters.

The events we should be concerned with are those defined as possibly happening in our specific part of the country. In the coastal areas of the East, we need to train and prepare better as combined communications groups for the greatest threat, not from terrorists but from hurricanes and their associated destruction and flooding. This possible impact area also includes the gulf coast regions. However, not all can be covered by just one blanket plan or training program. Planning needs to be done on area-specific weaknesses and consequences. This planning should not be done by some elected official such as a mayor or governor, but by people who are experienced in emergencies. Would you trust your life during an operation to a hospital administrator who has never held a scalpel, but has a "title", or to a doctor who has the experience? This same philosophy is just as critical when applied to public safety. Go to government officials for public leadership, but go to experienced emergency workers for developing area specific plans and carrying them out. Do you think Mayor Guiliani provided all the brain power to cope with the World Trade Center disaster? He was wise enough to listen, learn and make educated decisions based upon input and recommendations from the police, fire, rescue and other departments whose talents and experience were invaluable.

In January 2007, Max Mayfield, the outgoing Hurricane Center chief, issued a warning that the Southeast is inviting disaster. He left his high-profile job with the National Weather Service more convinced than ever that people are risking unprecedented tragedy by continuing to build vulnerable homes in the tropical storm zone and failing to plan escape routes or make other preparations.

According to Mayfield:

"We're eventually going to get a strong enough storm in a densely populated area to have a major disaster," he said. "I know people don't want to hear this, and I'm generally a very positive person, but we're setting ourselves up for this major disaster." He continued: "You don't want the federal government to be your first-responders," he said. "The government can't do everything for people and it shouldn't, or else you create a culture of dependence."

Mr. Mayfield predicted that the possibility exists of ten times the death toll than was recorded by Katrina. This region has "the most active and severe weather in the world," according to the weather service's parent agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. There are over 77 million people in this area. We, as emergency communicators, need to heed the warnings of Mr. Mayfield and better prepare on our end for the disaster yet to come. WE are part of the first responders and as such we must pick up the ball and continue our preparedness. We can't stop a disaster, but we can lessen it's effects by quickly re-establishing communications in a stricken area so aid can properly be administered. This will involve the creation of effecient "Jump Teams" which must have the ability to deploy in an area where there is no power, no water, no shelter and not even a tree inwhich to support an antenna.

In the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attacks and the major hurricanes which devastated the Gulf Coast region, there has been a renewed interest in preparing and training for disasters. This includes taking advantage of amateur radio resources to fill the void when other means of communications fail. As hams, we know that when disaster strikes it becomes a lesson in futility when local governments grab a few cellphones in the hope that communications can be covered using this technology. Time and time again we've seen other "systems" fail thus proving that amatuer radio operators are the first and best line of communications support. Slowly, we are being accepted by others as a legitimate communications support resource. With this in mind, we are now training with renewed energy and freely sharing our thoughts, ideas and experiences with our fellow hams in the hope of being better prepared each time we are called into action. Yes, we've made mistakes in the past. But let's also acknowledge that unlike other support services we've learned from them and therefore have become better communicators. Just a few years ago, you could search the Internet in an attempt to find websites dealing with ham radio emergency communications only to find very little on the subject. Today, however, there are dozens and dozens of sites you can access in order to obtain new information to build antennas, assemble "go bags" and listings of many other ideas to make your emergency communications support work more efficient and effective. Consequently, with this enlightened spirit, many EmComm groups are devoting additional time in training for large scale disasters. Every communications group should take a page from this and train, drill and support the needs in the event of a large scale disaster.

Along with this renewed vigor, comes another avenue of support and another challenge which some of us must prepare for. Today, we are being asked by several agencies to take on the additional task of assembling "jump teams" that will have the ability to travel to a disaster area and supply emergency communications from the "lion's mouth." The jump team concept, and jump teams themselves are almost as old as ham radio itself, however, in light of the recent disasters it needs a new spotlight. Jump teams are involved in special situations which will require addressing special concerns relative to today's needs. First and foremost, every jump team that's created must strive to be a self-sustaining operation. There can be no doubt about this. Jump teams cannot place an additional burden on a devastated area by requesting supplies or shelters. They must complete their communications responsibilities acting as a "stand alone" unit, bringing with them all the equipment, supplies, food, water, shelters and all the support they might require to the area-specific stricken location. Depending upon the disaster, it's location and time of year, jump teams will be required to bring not only basic ham radio and personal gear but also different equipment, supplies and clothing which will be specifically suited to support each particular event.

The most important piece of any communications support program are it's operators. However, before ANY ham radio operator even contemplates raising their hand at an EmComm meeting to volunteer for inclusion into a jump team they must be fully aware of what will be expected of them. Being part of any deployment team of this nature requires that you might be asked to deploy in situations that are both physically and emotionally demanding. This is not like deploying for some limited disaster or at the tail-end of an event such as many of you who've handled communications in some shelter for a few days following a hurricane or winter storm might have done. This is much different. Jump teams quite often are the very first communications out of a decimated area. It is imperative that they get on the air as quickly as possible and stay on the air by whatever means at their disposal. They must be able to erect antennas in areas where nothing might be left standing or where the average ham thinks it cannot be done. It requires special knowledge, skills and training. The hams who form as a jump team must know how to improvise and adapt using what they've brought and what limited things they can scrounge. There needs to be a little "MacGyver" in every team member.

I believe that when someone or some group forms or are part of an emergency communications "Jump Team," they need to approach it as if it were a DXpedition to some uninhabited island where the only thing they can count on is bird shit, bad weather and each other. Like a DXpedition, there will be a team leader who will delegate responsibilities that each member must fulfill so the station(s) can be up and running in as little time as possible. This pre-delegation will be based on skill-level and experience in each area. I don't think I've read of anyone taking the same attitude of a DXpedition and applying it to an EmComm Jump Team, but it certainly fits.

With all of this, being a team member also means being in very good physical condition. At times it can be much more demanding than "rustic camping." Many years ago, I deployed to the Virgin Islands following a hurricane. Arriving there, I found it to be oppressively hot and humid in the hurricane's aftermath. Weather-wise, it wasn't what you'd experience during any vacation period. The sweat boiled off me like a man about to face a firing squad, and this just from the little effort I expended in erecting a dipole antenna. There was no place to cool off, either. It was so bad that I couldn't sleep during my scheduled off time and I lost weight from deploying in this harsh environment. Living in a tent, and not in the air-conditioned luxury of some hotel as would be the case during a vacation, placed an additional burden which sometimes revealed itself by increased stress levels among people we had to work with.

There may be times when it will be a trek to pick your way through rubble and debris just to go to a makeshift bathroom. No showers. No fancy food. Just eating what you've brought, especially for the first 72 hours. You have to honestly answer this question: "Can I do this?" "Can I operate and act as a professional communicator under more deplorable conditions than we might associate with living in the back areas of any "third world country" or the dirtiest conditions you might ever imagine... or be deployed in a location where you've felt that you were losing the feeling in your fingers from the extreme cold?" As a "go anywhere" jump team member you must be able to withstand both extremes of climate. If you think I'm exaggerating, then talk to a few "first responders" of past major disasters. It would be a good idea to first get a physical and ask your doctor if you'd be up to the task of deploying in hardship areas. Remember, you're not a kid of 18, anymore. (At least this way you'd be getting the physical that you keep putting off.)

OK, let's say that you have answered "yes." Now another potential roadblock gets thrown into the mix. That is the emotional stress of any disaster. First is the stress of assembling a station where none ever existed. This won't be a casual "Field Day" setup. People are depending upon your team to get communications up and running in as little time as possible. When your team gets to it's location, usually each team member has already been pre-assigned a specific logistical task(s) to perform such as setting up shelters, erecting antennas, doing station setup (rigs and power,etc), contacting and interacting (with informational gathering) with local agencies and supplying nutritional support for the team are examples of but five of the basic required needs.

After your team's initial station is running, your thoughts might then shift to an even greater stress agent. You have to ask yourself this: Can you subjectively deploy into a disaster area and do your communications job without letting your emotional floodgates open? This does not mean that you should be a cold-hearted person. If you were, you wouldn't even be considering volunteering! What this means is that you should be able to see beyond the sorrow towards the greater goal of helping the devastated area get back on it's feet. You'll need a means and a way not to focus on the actual disaster but rather to focus on your communications job. It requires courage. The emotional burden doesn't stop there, either.

Even if you are the most seasoned EmComm operator, you must remember that you are a guest of whatever communications group is in-charge of the disaster. You are there by their request/invitation. You must be able to take their orders and follow their rules no matter if it goes against everything you've been taught and drilled on. It's their show, not yours. They may make mistakes. Swallow hard and do your job. If you can't do this, then don't deploy. If they ask your advice or opinion, give it in a non-threatening manner. Again, it's their community and therefore their responsibility.

If your EmComm group is worth it's salt, then they will help you in your jump team training regarding "emotional conditioning" before you are faced with deployment. They'll show you techniques on how you can emotionally disengage from the event during your break times so you can sleep or physically recharge. You'll learn how to "decompress" after your deployment so what you've seen and experienced doesn't affect how you'll react when you get back home. These factors are just as important as bringing the proper gear.

Can you handle all of this? Can you physically and emotionally handle the task? Can you also afford to invest the additional time for special training and deploying? It won't be easy, nor will it be a "one day deal". You won't be able to "pick and choose" which event you wish to be involved in. If you can do all of this, then the next step is to talk to your local EmComm group about being part of a jump team. There are a lot of things you'll have to learn and many things you'll need to acquire to be a part of such a team. It's not a job for "badge polishers", to inflate egos or for the faint of heart. It's a down-and-dirty job for special people with special skills for a special responsibility.

After doing some nosing around on the Internet, and talking to EmComm people, it appears that some people and groups are confusing the terms "Go Kits" with "Jump Kits." To me, a "Go Kit" is something not unlike a "Go Bag" which contains most of the personal supplies and radio equipment that an individual might need to deploy, i.e.: "go to" to a local event such as to a shelter to assist in communications until a weather event has passed in a day or two. These items are usually stored in a back pack or plastic bin. You actually aren't "jumping" lock, stock and barrel anywhere as much as you are being deployed to some location.

(A lot of hams who showed up at Red Cross in the hopes of helping out during the World Trade Center Disaster didn't even have something as simple as a "Go Bag", but just showed up with an HT and MAYBE one extra battery...... They weren't put to use because they were under-prepared. I hope that many have learned from this and now have adequate "Go Bags.")

However, by my definition, a "Jump Kit" is something very much different. It is not a backpack or even a "kit", but rather a large cache of supplies and radio equipment you'd bring with you to a non-local location such as what you'd bring traveling a distance to support a disaster in another state as either a stand-alone station op or as a member of a communications team. This would require more food, water, equipment, power and antenna considerations and shelters for an event where there wouldn't be much of anything to rely on.

There seems to be very little found about actually organizing an EmComm Jump Team anywhere on the Internet other than stating a need for them in local plans. It kind of reminds me of everyone wanting one, but no one knowing how to go about it. I know that there are very well run jump teams out there, however not much posted about them other than what they've done ie: "event deployment". I am aware that many teams are "area-related", however the more info we are armed with, the better job we can do in creating our own jump teams and making sure they have all they need to properly fill EmComm needs.

With this void of published information, there is a lack of self-confidence in the minds and hearts of those EmComm groups looking to develop their own jump team(s) beyond asking individual members to create/gather their personal go-kits in some back pack or bin to be used on a grander scale than supplying basic communications at a local shelter where they would be relieved in 12 hours. The basic go-kit is a nominal inventory of items and won't properly cover things needed during an event where one has to travel distances and to be deployed in the nakedness of a major disaster. Have you ever heard of a Dxpedition where members simply carried to "XYZ Island" gear and personal items on a few back packs? This would be courting disaster.

So, in review, we need to concentrate on two problems: Lack of universal EMCOMM training and the lack of Jump Teams that can be deployed where needed in any part of the country. Perhaps the answer is to create regional EMCOMM coordination teams (coordination, NOT action teams) whose responsibility it will be to enlist the aid of their area's many ARES, RACES, REACT, CERT and SATERN groups without dismantling them or having them lose autonomy. This team will also help them to train with a new program, drill together and develop a mutual aide program which is more than the current lip service now shown. They should also act as a clearing house for up-to-date information and form a structured call out system in case an emergency event needs greater communications support than any one group is able to handle.

Our choice is simple: Do we continue to stumble along, fractured and cliquish or do we move forward together in the spirit of amateur radio as a viable emergency communications support resource? Let's make the right choice. Let's not forget September 11th nor Katrina. Let's make the choice to shine in the face of adversity.

 

 

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