In any emergency it is essential that there is an orderly and controlled response. ARES must be part of that response and function within, and abide by, the lead agency s emergency plan. It is essential that we remember that we are there to provide communications for those agencies responding to the disaster.
ARES can be activated by the Emergency Coordinator (EC), or the Assistant Emergency Coordinator (AEC), at the request of:
ARES members will be notified by an announcement over the Juneau repeater system as well as the ARES repeater, and by telephone and/or pager. Announcements will be in a format similar to those listed below:
StandbyThe following steps should also be taken
"QST QST QST This is (call sign). ARES has been placed in a standby mode for possible deployment to a (nature of incident). ARES members should contact this station if they are available. Repeat; ARES has been placed in a standby mode for possible deployment, any available ARES members should contact this station. This is (call sign) standing by."
Updates will be provided as information is available.
Activation/Deployment
"QST QST QST This is (call sign), net control for the Northern SE Alaska ARES net. ARES has been activated for (nature of incident) and a net control has been established. Available ARES members should contact this station for assignments. Repeat, ARES net has been established for (nature of incident), available members should contact net control for assignment. This is (call sign) net control for Northern SE Alaska ARES standing by."
The EC will usually be the liaison with the agency served and will coordinate the deployment of personnel.
Upon arrival at the assigned location ARES members should immediately identify themselves to the person in charge or the contact person provided by the EC or Net Control.
As soon as possible establish a location from where to work (preferably with a table and near a window to facilitate placing an external antenna) and set up voice (2 meter) communications on the repeater and notify Net Control.
Packet operations will be established as soon as possible for passing formal written traffic. Contact will be made with the State Emergency Coordinator Center on HF on an appropriate frequency.
In most instances 2 or 3 operators will be assigned to each location to provide relief and backup equipment. This allows one person to establish communications while the other is setting up packet and other modes.
Shelter operations, as with all locations, should be staffed by a minimum of two people; one to man the radio and the other to act as a runner. Ideally both will be operators so that they can provide relief for each other. Shelter operators need only be Technician class operators as all communications will be on 2-meters.
The purpose of operators in the shelter(s) is to provide communications between the Shelter Manager and the organization in charge of the shelters. This would usually be the Red Cross. Shelter operations may be on their own net depending on the scale of the incident.
Some of the communications may be lists of persons at the shelter, logistics requests or Welfare messages. Ideally these should be passed by packet.
Internal shelter communications should be accomplished by other means, i.e., simplex, Family Radio Service, etc.
Operators should avoid accepting duties or roles other than those associated with the function of ARES as this will hinder effective communications, our primary role.
All shelter communications should be authorized by the Shelter Manager and should be in the form of a written message. The Red Cross Amateur Radio Operator Intake Form (ARC Form 2079H - Appendix L) may be used for collecting information on people at the shelter or those that are missing.
Communications may include:
ARES operators may be called upon to assist in search and rescue operations and avalanche incidents.
The Alaska State Troopers are the agency designated with the authority for all land based SAR s in the State of Alaska and therefore will be the lead agency in these SAR operations. All requests for ARES response must come from AST dispatch or an AST authorized Incident Commander (the EC maintains a list of qualified/authorized persons).
The U.S. Coast Guard is the lead agency for all water based SAR operations. Requests for ARES deployment must come from the U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Center.
In most instances communications will be tactical in nature to support search and rescue operations in areas where other communications systems do not function; i.e., Eaglecrest and out the road.
Communications from Eaglecrest are possible on a 2 meter HT through the Heintzleman Ridge repeater, however, cellular phone service is not available.
Coverage out the road is usually possible on 2 meters through the Lena Point repeater, but a mobile radio may be necessary in some areas.
While written traffic may not be necessary in most instances operators should still make every effort to maintain a communications log. This log may be collected by the Incident Commander and retained as part of the incident paperwork.
As additional information is obtained about missing persons this information may need to be passed as traffic. The Missing Person Questionnaire (Appendix K) should have been used by the person obtaining the information and, as information is received, it should be filled out on a Missing Person Questionnaire form by the receiving operator.
In most situations only a limited number of operators will be required, usually at the Command Post (on the scene) and at the EOC. If SAR operations are not being coordinated from the EOC then an operator at the Command Post and one with a telephone may be all that is required. Regardless of the requirements, SAR operations may go on for an extended period of time and relief operators will be needed.
The primary net frequency will be the JARC linked repeater system, utilizing the closest repeater. Some of the repeaters have backup power supplied by generator, some have a limited backup power supplied by batteries.
2 meter repeaters:
146.820- Mt Roberts TramIf necessary, the link can be turned off remotely and the repeaters can be operated independently of each other. The decision to take this step must be made by the EC.
146.640- Heintzleman Ridge
147.000- Lena Point
146.700- Hoonah Mountain
147.300+ Engineers Cutoff (Pederson Hill)A privately owned 70cm repeater also exists in Juneau. ARES has an agreement with the owner that this system can be used during an emergency. This system is linked, via the internet, into the Internet Radio Linking Project (IRLP) and can be linked with other repeaters world wide over the internet. Currently there is a repeater in Anchorage that is part of this system and therefore it is possible to pass messages over this system.
444.700+ Downtown
Should all the repeaters in Juneau fail most areas within the City & Borough of Juneau can still communicate on simplex, although relays may be needed in some areas. Simplex frequencies may also be appropriate for special event communications where the event is limited in size (area).
Simplex frequencies may be assigned by NCS for passing traffic from one station to another where the NCS is not a recipient, thus leaving the net frequency available for higher priority traffic.
When used for passing traffic the National Simplex Calling frequency (146.520) should not be used as this is most publicized and easiest for someone to program into a scanner.
In order to facilitate the passing of messages of a sensitive nature (especially until the packet node is fully operational) the national simplex frequencies have been assigned a frequency designator in the table below, which should be used to identify the frequency, rather than frequency itself.
| A | 146.400 | J | 146.550 | S | 147.480 |
| B | 146.415 | K | 146.585 | T | 147.495 |
| C | 146.430 | L | 146.580 | U | 147.510 |
| D | 146.445 | M | 146.595 | V | 147.525 |
| E | 146.460 | N | 147.405 | W | 147.540 |
| F | 146.475 | O | 147.420 | X | 147.555 |
| G | 146.490 | P | 147.435 | Y | 147.570 |
| H | 146.505 | Q | 147.450 | Z | 147.585 |
| I | 146.535 | R | 147.465 |
The HF frequency that best meets the current communications needs will be utilized. Priority should be given to utilizing an existing Alaska net frequency.
| Alaska Pacific Preparedness Net | 14.292 MHz |
| Sniper's Net | 3.920 MHz |
| Bush Net | 7.093 MHz |
| Motley Net | 3.933 MHz |
| NTS traffic net | 7.2685 MHz |
| AK Statewide Emergency | 5.1675 MHz emergency use only |
FCC Part 97 Rules and Regulations, section 97.401(d) permit amateur radio operators in Alaska to operate on 5.1675 MHz in a disaster.
ARES has secondary user privileges on a 1500 watt HF system with a log periodic rotatable beam antenna maintained by the National Communications System. In the event of a disaster and the activation of the National Telecommunications Coordinating Network, ARES members will be assigned to this location to provide a communications interface with this net. All traffic on the NCS system must be formal (written).
ARES is working with the City & Borough of Juneau and the Alaska Division of Emergency Services to provide a packet node in Juneau.
The installation of a bulletin board system and a HF gateway for digital messages is also under design.
All traffic should be in a formal format, i.e., written on message forms. Instructions for completing these forms is contained below.
When calling Net Control with a message for Net Control state;
"Net Control this is medical I have 1 priority message for EOC" (tactical call signs)
Net Control will respond:
"Medical pass your traffic"
In the event that traffic is for a station over than Net Control:
"Net Control this is medical I have 1 emergency message for BRH" (a tactical call sign)
Net Control may assign a simplex frequency for site to site traffic, keeping the repeater clear for higher priority traffic, in which case;
"BRH this is Net Control, switch to 146.520 (or another simplex frequency) for traffic from medical"
BRH should acknowledge and switch to the assigned frequency to pass their traffic.
Once traffic is passed both stations should end with their tactical and FCC call sign (to meet FCC regulations) and switch back to the Net frequency. The receiving station should then advise Net Control that they received the traffic so that Net Control is aware that both stations are back on the Net frequency.
In order to be proficient at passing formal traffic it essential that operators practice passing traffic on a regular basis. One method of doing this is to participate in the National Traffic System as an Official Relay Station, passing formal traffic on a regular basis. Another method is by participating in ARES drills and exercises, one of the functions of the Emergency Coordinator.
The ARRL Radiogram form is used on the NTS nets on a regular basis and all operators should be familiar with its use.
The ARES Emergency Message (Appendix I) form is similar in layout to the ARRL Radiogram form, however, it has additional space for the text. In all instances a signature should be obtained on the original message form for authentication.
When sending formal traffic certain PROWORDS are used to clarify portions of the message. These PROWORDS are:
| BREAK | separates address from text and text from signature |
| CORRECTION | I'm going to correct an error |
| END | END of message, usually followed by "no more" or "more" as below |
| MORE | MORE messages to follow |
| NO MORE | NO MORE messages to follow |
| FIGURES | used for a word group containing figures |
| INITIAL | used only for a single INITIAL |
| I SAY AGAIN | used to indicate a "repeat" of a word |
| I SPELL | to spell (phonetically) a word |
| LETTER GROUP | i.e., ARES, SCTN |
| MIXED GROUP | i.e., 12BA6 |
| AMATEUR CALL | used to indicate an amateur call sign follows |
When receiving traffic certain PROWORDS are used for clarification or repeats of missing words. These PROWORDS are preceded by SAY AGAIN:
WORD AFTER
WORD BEFORE
BETWEEN
ALL AFTER
ALL BEFORE
There are 4 basis areas of the ARRL Radiogram and the ARES Official Message form;
|
NUMBER |
PRECEDENCE | HX | STATION OF ORIGIN | CHECK | PLACE OF ORIGIN | TIME FILED | DATE |
Number (#)
this is a sequential number assigned by the station originating the message (the station that first places the message into the system). This number does not change, even if re-transmitted by other stations.
Precedence
This determines the priority of the message:During drills and exercises the word DRILL is inserted after the precedence; i.e., WELFARE DRILL.
EMERGENCY
Any message having life and death urgency, this includes official messages of welfare agencies during emergencies requesting supplies, materials or instructions vital to the relief of people in the effected area. When in doubt, do not use. On cw and digital modes this is always spelled out.
PRIORITY
Important messages having a specific time limit. Official messages not covered in the emergency category. Press dispatches and other emergency-related traffic not of the utmost urgency. Notification of death or injury in the effected area. Abbreviated P on cw.
WELFARE
A message that is a) an inquiry as to the health and welfare of an individual in the effected area, or b) a reply from the effected area that indicates all is well. Abbreviated as W on cw.
ROUTINE
Nearly all traffic at normal times will be routine. In an emergency routine traffic is handled after all other traffic, if at all if circuits as busy with emergency, priority and welfare traffic. Abbreviated as R on cw.
HX
This is for HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS. This is an optional field used at the discretion of the originating station, they are usually not used during a disaster. They are standard and there are seven of them:
HXA(#) collect landline delivery authorized if within # miles
HXB(#) cancel message if not delivered within # hours of filing time, service originating station
HXC report time and date of delivery to originating station
HXD report to originating station the identity of station from which received, plus date and time. Report identity of station to which relayed, plus date and time, or if delivered report date, time and method of delivery
HXE delivering station get reply from addressee, originate message back
HXF(#) hold delivery until # date
HXG delivery by mail or landline toll call not required. If toll or other expense involved, cancel message and service originating station
Station of Origin
The station that first originates the message into the NTS system.
Check
The number of words in the body of the message. This does not include the address or the senders signature.
Place of Origin
The city and state
Time Filed
Time (in UTC) Although not required in normal traffic some of the handling instructions indicate to cancel if not delivered within a certain time - in this instance the time of origin is important. In a disaster the time of origin is important.
Date
Date filed in UTC.
for example
|
NUMBER 123 |
PRECEDENCE E |
HX |
STATION OF ORIGIN N3WWE |
CHECK 10 |
PLACE OF ORIGIN Juneau AK |
TIME FILED 0710Z |
DATE 6 Nov 2001 |
would be ready as:
"one two three, emergency, N3WWE, one zero, Juneau Alaska, zero seven one zero Zulu, 6 November two zero zero one"
BT A break is taken prior to reading the address
The name and address of the person to whom the message is being sent. This should include their organization and a telephone number. When reading numbers in the address preceed them by the PROWORD "figures".
TELEPHONE
The phone number of the intended recipient.
BT
One word or number group in each block.
When reading text numbers should be preceded by the proword "number group".
A period is shown by an X and is pronounced X-ray when being sent by voice. X-ray is not used at the end of the text, it is superfluous.
BT
This is the sender (not the station originating). If sending for an agency this would be their name and title.
The signature is ready immediately following the text; "signed Bill Smith".
The signature is not counted in the check.
X-ray is not used after the signature.
At the end of the message, if there are no further messages, the phrase "END NO MORE" is used.
If there are further messages then the phrase "END 1 MORE" (or however many) is used.
Drills and exercises provide an opportunity for people to practice skills they have learned during training sessions. Exercises take several forms and each type of exercise has a different, and specific, purpose. The Emergency Coordinator is responsible for establishing a training program and conducting at least one annual Simulated Emergency Test (SET).
In the Northern SE AK ARES district the EC will establish an annual training program, including various exercises and several SET s to test the effectiveness of the training program and abilities of operators. ARES may also be requested by local and state government to assist with their emergency exercises.
All messages during an exercise must be preceded and by the phrase; this is an exercise message . During an exercise the Net Control Station should announce: "This is an exercise net" about every 15 minutes.
A brief explanation of the type and purpose of each exercise is given below.
An orientation is an informal exercise. There is no simulation and the participants discuss the roles and responsibilities of the various agencies and participants. The exercise can be limited to a specific function or group, i.e., communications or command staff.
During a drill a single Emergency Response Function is evaluated and usually involves a single agency. There is often a field (real life) component.
Emergency Response Functions of a local emergency plan are;
A drill for ARES would involve an on-the-air exercise such as passing written traffic or acting as Net Control.
This is an informal discussion of a simulated emergency, there is no time pressure and it is a low stress exercise. It is useful for evaluating plans and procedures and resolving questions or coordination and responsibility.
For ARES this would relate to a discussion of the various roles and deployment ARES would be involved in depending on the situation.
A functional exercise takes place in real time where the Policy and Coordination personnel practice emergency response. It is designed to be a "stressful and realistic" simulation. The exercise emphasizes Emergency Functions and the Emergency Operations Center is activated.
This would involve ARES activation and participation in a City or other agency exercise.
A full-scale exercise takes place in real time, employs real people and equipment and coordinates many agencies. The full-scale exercise tests many (but does not need to test all) of the Emergency Functions. The Emergency Operations Center is activated and it produces high stress.
The SET is an annual nationwide exercise in emergency communications organized by ARRL Emergency Coordinators and Net Managers. The national SET is held over a weekend in October, however ECs may hold the exercise at any time.
The Purpose of SET
In order to improve our abilities every exercise and real deployment of ARES should be followed-up with an After Action Report. This is a summary of the circumstances of the event, deployment of ARES, the services provided, what went well and worked and what needs improvement. The report serves as a guide for future training as well as modifications that may be needed to the Communications Plan.
Nick Meacher, N3WWE
Emergency Coordinator
Northern SE AK ARES
907-796-3322
Email: [email protected]