[KYHAM] KEN Training for January 2004: Winter Utility Outages - Preparedness and Response

[Ron Dodson]

As we saw in February of 2003, winter storms can suddenly cripple
the power grid and landline communications.  Cell phone and
radio/TV towers can topple under extreme ice loads and repairs
can take day to weeks, in some cases, even months to complete.  
 
Some ARES teams may not have made plans to directly deal with
such an occurrence.  Here are some general thoughts about
planning for and responding to such an emergency if requested.
 
BEFORE THE OUTAGE OCCURS:
 
1 - MAINTAIN your radios, accessories, lighting, and other gear
in a "state of readiness". Keep your batteries charged, your
generator serviced, and enough fresh fuel (safely stored) to keep
it running at least 24 hours. Always keep the fuel tank in your
vehicle(s) at least 3/4 full. (Consider that when the power is
out... service stations cannot pump fuel.). 

After many years as an EM Director and volunteer fireman, I have
found that the cost is the same to keep it full as it is to let
it stay on empty.  Make sure that your vehicle's tires, coolant,
battery, lights and running gear are all in good order.
 
2 - REGULARLY PARTICIPATE in nets, drills, and training.  If you
are new to ham radio or the area, get to know your EC, AEC, and
other members on your ARES team.  Become and then remain familiar
with your local and regional emergency plans.
 
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 is not capable) of doing. Be
a responsible operator and show good judgment in making
statements regarding what is and is not possible from your team
to local officials.

4 - Many served agencies will want you to train with them before
they will make use of your abilities. Get to know served agencies
by cooperating fully in the planning and training stages.  The
stronger a relationship your team can build with served agencies
before a disaster strikes, the better!

DURING AN OUTAGE:
 
1 - ALWAYS 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 your local, area and section emergency net
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.
 
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 especially valuable. Don't feel left out as there
will likely be a need for a second, third or even more shifts
ahead in a large outage!
 
6 - IF YOU GO MOBILE, travel self-contained.  Appropriate
clothing, blankets, food (possibly some high energy food bars)
and drink. Don't forget the First Aid Kit and a good Tool Kit.  A
good flashlight or two plus extra batteries is essential... as
are a clipboard, notepad, pens and pencils, and local maps. 
Carry an adequate supply of blank message forms that you normally
would use for your served agency possibly including radiograms if
NTS may be needed.
 
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.  Above all, BE CAREFUL!!! Walkways,
roadways, overpasses and bridges etc. may be extremely slick and
hazardous or blocked by downed lines and trees.  Other vehicles
may have accidents and cause pileups- DON'T GET IN ONE YOURSELF
BY NOT BEING CAREFUL ENOUGH!
 
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.  Some agencies are issuing
ID cards, tags for vehicles etc. This you will learn in the
preparation stage. Working with served agencies BEFORE any real
response is a major asset. Walk-ins may not always be welcomed
and may well be sent back home.  
 
9 Check in with whomever is the appropriate point of contact or
staging officer at your assigned station.   DO NOT initiate or
accept ROUTINE traffic until the NCS gives the "OK".
 
10 - KEEP IN CONTACT with the NCS. The EC or acting EC may need
you to move to another location (such as a hospital, utility
office or city hall) as the served agency directs.  Remember, we
are not in charge, we are communicators!
 
11 - IF YOU MUST leave your post or assignment notify the NCS. 
Allow enough time for him/her to find a replacement. Never leave
an assignment unmanned without permission to do so.
 
12 - KNOW your own limitations.  Do not try to be a "marathon
operator". When your relief arrives, give him/her a brief report,
turn over your log and/or notes, and go get some rest.  You may
be needed tomorrow!  Review, KD4PWL's article on Operator Stress
http://www.qsl.net/kyham/docs/train/opstress.pdf written in the
aftermath of that eight day response in the 2003 ice storm.


REMEMBER, the better foundation you have laid BEFORE a response,
the more likely you will have a favorable outcome for all
concerned.  By failing to plan - we plan to fail! 

73, 
Ron Dodson, KA4MAP
Ky SEC