[BARC-List] Before and During all disaster/emergency events

[Arthur N1NHZ]

The following is good advice for all disaster/emergency events for which 
ARES might be activated.
--  Arthur  N1NHZ, 73
Copied from:  emergcomm@yahoogroups.com

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Date: Tue, 19 Aug 2003 14:20:33 -0400
From: "Rick Harrison" <radio62@idirect.com>
Subject: Given the recent large scale power black out that affected many 
people in North America, the following information seems timely: __

GUIDELINES AND A "GENERIC" PLAN FOR ARES TEAMS DURING WIDESPREAD AND/OR 
EXTENDED POWER OUTAGES AND TELEPHONE SYSTEM FAILURES
D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ

BEFORE THE POWER OUTAGE:

1 - MAINTAIN your radios, accessories, lighting, and other gear in a "state 
of readiness." Keep your batteries charged, your generator serviced, and a 
enough fresh fuel (safely stored) to keep it running at least 24 hours. 
Always keep the fuel tank in your vehicle(s) at least 1/2 full. (When the 
power is out...service stations cannot pump fuel.)

2 - PARTICIPATE in daily and weekly nets, drills, and training. Get to know 
your EC, AEC, and other members of your ARES team. Keep familiar with your 
local and regional emergency plan.

3 - CULTIVATE good public relations on a daily basis. Let your friends, 
neighbors, and local community leaders know what amateur radio is and what 
it is capable (and not capable) of doing.

DURING A POWER OUTAGE AND/OR TELEPHONE SYSTEM FAILURE:

1 - CHECK ON your family and neighbors. Especially any elderly, disabled, 
or infirm persons you know. If assistance is needed summon help as 
appropriate.

2 - ACTIVATE your station by connecting to your auxiliary power source. 
Monitor designated local and section EMCOMM frequencies. Keep an accurate 
log of pertinent information and traffic.

3 - CONSERVE power (and help keep the frequencies clear) by not 
transmitting unless you have traffic or useful information. When you do 
transmit use the lowest power output that will provide communications.

4 - AS SOON AS a net has been activated, check in when your area is called. 
Advise the NCS of your availability for assignment(s).

5 - YOU MAY BE asked to stay at home and serve as a relief NCS or a relay 
station. ARES stations (fixed or mobile) with both VHF and HF are of 
special value.

6 - IF YOU GO MOBILE, travel self-contained. Appropriate clothing, food and 
drink. First Aid Kit. Tool Kit. A good flashlight or two plus extra 
batteries are essential...as is a clipboard, notepad, pens and pencils, and 
local maps. Carry an adequate supply of blank RADIOGRAMS
.
7 - RESPOND as directed by your NCS. OR, go to the nearest location where 
people congregate during an emergency. This may be a local fire station, 
community hall, school, church, general store, or even an intersection. 
When surveying an affected area, be alert for people who may have an 
immediate need for communications or other special needs. Obey all laws, 
stay out of the way of emergency vehicles, and periodically keep the NCS 
station informed of your location.

8 - IDENTIFY yourself as an emergency communications unit. Wear your ARES 
cap, jacket, or other ID materials. On vehicles, the magnetic ARES signs 
are nice. Or, you can make placards and place them on your dashboard or sun 
visor.

9 - INTRODUCE yourself to local officials. Briefly tell them who you are, 
what you can do, where you will be located, and that they may refer persons 
with emergency, priority, or health and welfare messages to you. Remain 
polite, but DO NOT initiate or accept ROUTINE traffic until the NCS gives 
the "OK."

10 - THE NCS (at the direction of the EC or acting EC) may ask you to move 
to other locations (such as a hospital, clinic, utility office or city hall).

11 - IF YOU MUST leave your post or assignment notify the NCS. Allow enough 
time to find a replacement. 12 - KNOW your own limitations. Do not try to 
be a "marathon operator." When your relief arrives, give him / her a brief 
report, and go get some rest. You may be needed tomorrow!
====================================================================

de Arthur  N1NHZ, 73
Boston (MA) Amateur Radio Club
Membership Services Committee at Work
One full member AND 120 associate members
Please visit:  http://www.aabb.eboard.com
For additional information