VII. OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES

C. Net Procedures.

1. During emergency operations, messages should be accurate, brief and clearly understandable. The operator transmitting the message and the operator receiving the message share the responsibility for making sure the message is received by the addressee exactly as it was written by the original writer (originator). The originator has the responsibility for writing the message in as brief a form as possible, without making the meaning of the message unclear. The operator transmitting the message is responsible to the receiving operator for clearly transmitting the message by speaking distinctly and at a rate that the receiving operator can understand and copy. A formal network with mutually understood procedures will be established to pass emergency traffic in an accurate, brief and clear format.

2. The primary goals of Net Control are to expedite traffic in and around the net, and to keep the frequency as clear as clear for emergency traffic as possible. Net Control is responsible for the following:

a. Identify the net, using the Net Preamble. A formal announcement is need at the start and at least every 10 minutes thereafter, traffic permitting. In between times, you can give your call and say, " ... for Linn County EOC Communications". If the activity is a drill or disaster exercise, it is necessary to FREQUENTLY to announce the activity is a DRILL or EXERCISE. This notification should be the preamble and to each piece of traffic that is passed.

b. Keep firm control over the net frequency. Remember that you set the tone and pace of the net.

c. Have an adequate supply of writing materials, paper ore printed forms to maintain organization and the proper records of the events as they occur. (Some forms may be provided by the agency)

d. Keep a running log of all significant net events. SEE LOG SHEET.

e. Keep a current list of all stations on either the net frequency, or on an assigned simplex frequency, along with their assignments and locations.

f. Keep a current list of simplex frequency assignments and their use.

g. Assign "tactical" call signs to units such as shelters, EOCs, fire stations, public works sites and City Halls, where changes in operator and call would cause confusion. Stations using tactical call signs will simply close each exchange with their FCC assigned call.

h. Make it clear that you want LCARES personnel to check in. If you do not recognize a call, it is appropriate to ask if the station is a member of ARES. If you are running the weekly net and the station is not a member, ask them to stand by for visitor check-in. If you are running an emergency net, have them identify their traffic for the net.

i. If the stations who check in are not LCARES group members, ask them for their name, call sign, location and type of equipment available. Schedule an operator and frequency where general information, instructions and directions can be given without holding up traffic on the net frequency or other assigned frequency. Please be courteous. It is common and natural for amateur radio operators who are not ARES volunteers to want to help in an emergency. Although they may not be familiar with the necessary procedures that you have been trained to implement in an emergency, they may have some skills that may be of value, such as passing on traffic from neighborhood watch groups. At the very least, be sure to remember to record their copy down the non member call sign so that after the emergency, they can be invited to join ARES as a regular member.

j. Before closing the net, verify that there are no further check-ins or traffic.

3. Net Check-In. Stations checking into the net should follow standard net procedures and be prepared to provide information regarding their status, availability and location, along with any other information requested by Net Control. The EC or Net Control will assemble a list of available volunteers and their capabilities and make assignments.

4. Assignments. The EC is responsible for developing work assignments and shifts based on needs, availability of people an equipment. Shifts should be 4 to 6 hours long, unless circumstances require other arrangements.