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Disaster CommunicationsGeoff Billin - A.R.E.S.

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Communications during emergencies

• Vital to effective management.

• Part of Logistics Section.

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Communications during emergencies

• Vital to effective management.

• Part of Logistics Section.

• ...and if Communication is affected?

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Risks of “normal” systems

• Centralized facilities.

• Dependent upon skilled technicians.

• Users are mission-oriented, not communication.

• Separate equipment (function / jurisdiction).

• Different practices.

• Limited channels.

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Solutions to consider

• Plan B for your organization.

• Plan C!

• Be ready for interoperability.

• Plan for regional relationships.

• ...and...

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Amateur Radio as a resource

• Decentralized.

• Technically-trained people.

• Specialists in radio communication.

• Dynamically re-configurable system.

• More channels.

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Downside of Amateur Radio

• All transmissions are “in the clear”.

• Volunteers may not be as available as paid staff.

• Amateur Radio should not be specified as a permanent part of a communications plan.

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Ham organization - ARES

• Amateur Radio Emergency Services.

• Organized through American Radio Relay League – largest ham radio organization.

• Any ham may participate.

• Specializes in message traffic passing.

• Health and welfare messages.

• Salvation Army, Red Cross, etc.

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Ham organization – RACES

• Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services.

• Chartered by a governmental agency.

• Agency can set membership requirements.

• Can operate when normal amateur radio privileges are suspended by FCC.

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Operator training

• Equipment.

• NIMS 700.

• ICS 100.

• Communications protocols.

• Traffic handling.

• (Agency practices.)

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Ideal Operator Attributes

• Self-sufficient for 72 hours.

• Equipment (and parts) to build a variety of communication solutions.

• Familiar with multiple agency practices.

• Available.

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Uses for Operators

• Communicator at Incident Command Post using agency equipment.

• Additional (or only!) communication links via amateur frequencies.

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Funding

• Amateurs are volunteers: $0.

• Volunteer “cost” is about $20/hr.

• Infrastructure: antennas...– EOC.– Hospitals.– Government centers.– Police, fire, EMS, Public Works...

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