EMERGENCY PLAN

Our emergency plan is presently undergoing a review process that will keep it current with the state of today's threat conditions and procedures. Some of the changes you can expect to see will be a greater compliance with the Incident Command System (Overview and Course), a more realistic reflection of repeater use and availability here in Jefferson County, and better coordination with adjoining counties leading to our ability to operate in the same environments with them, but without additional training.

The following is the recommended structure of an emergency plan as per the outline provided here by FEMA. There are more links below.

Guidance For Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service

March 18, 1991

Foreword

This Civil Preparedness Guide (CPG) has been prepared as a reference to assist State and local emergency management officials in establishing and operating Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) capabilities for use in responding to and managing emergencies and disasters. This CPG outlines the procedures for developing a RACES plan and provides an example of a plan format.

Chapter 2 - Eligibility and Procedures for RACES

2-6. Development of a RACES Plan.

  1. Once membership reaches a strength that is considered adequate by the RACES Officer, bylaws and an emergency plan that meet local requirements must be written.

     

  2. Development of a RACES plan is vital to the organization and its importance cannot be overemphasized. A plan must be prepared in accordance with the local area needs and the facilities available within that particular area. Written plans must clearly describe each area to be covered. All local government RACES plans are forwarded to the State disaster preparedness communications officer for coordination and retention. All State Government RACES plans are forwarded to the FEMA Regional Communications Officer for coordination and retention.

     

  3. The following items should be addressed, at a minimum, within the plan and provisions made to cover them:

     

    1. Identify the community or area where coverage is required;

       

    2. Identify the type of support needed, i.e., shelter, communications, hospital, etc.

       

    3. Identify the network to be used to provide each type of support, the operating frequency, mode of operation, and location of the network control station for each network;

       

    4. Establish the RACES Unit's chain of command, identifying the emergency management organization's communications officer (or other official) to whom the RACES unit reports;

       

    5. Identify frequencies--high frequency and very high frequency--to be used by the mobile, portable, repeater, and fixed stations;

       

    6. Provide the addresses of all known fixed station locations required to support each network;

       

    7. Define the areas of operation of mobile stations required to support each network;

       

    8. Describe, briefly, the communications equipment required for portable, mobile, and fixed operations;

       

    9. Describe, briefly, the communications equipment, antenna, and power source required for portable, mobile, and fixed operations;

       

    10. Include a statement that states, "FCC Rules and Regulations apply to the operation of a radio in the amateur service and therefore apply to the RACES organization."

       

  4. A checklist unique to the local requirements may be developed and incorporated into the plan. Testing and drills may be scheduled but must not exceed a total time of 1 hour per week.

 

 

Links:

Spokane, Washington ARES/RACES Emergency Plan (very professional), and home page.

Erie County ARES/RACES (ECAR) Activation Plan and home page.

The Town of Babylon Amateur Radio Emergency Services Emergency Plan and home page.

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