[Oremem] Wealth of Data for VA ECOM EX on 03 OCT 02-Quakex 2002
John E Jewkes-AAA0OR-AAA0ID
[email protected]
Sat, 28 Sep 2002 09:26:38 -0700
Hello to all stations. Due to the LONG nature of the data below,
I have decided NOT to send it as a SMD BCST, as it would
quickly become a 7 or 8 Part Message.
Below, you will find the HAM Frequencies that will be in use
and at which facilities with VISN20 (VA District). I will also include
the
MARS Frequncies I suggest also be used by those (us) who are so
authorized.
Thank you for your anticipated Participation. This will be a
short
exercise. BUT, if we are ready, we can show the VA and NDMS folk
that we can indeed be very helpful in gathering/passing information
during
an emergency. Please prepare and be ready to send by either voice or
Digital (PACTOR/PACKET) Exercise EEI's based on the below info.
Look around your areas, and report things that would reflect the
damage expected by you/others in your areas that might affect response
to/support of local VA Facilities as well as other Facilities up/down the
multiple states involved. (EG: if the quake were to damage I-5 beyond
passability in the Siskiyou Mountains then response from California NG/
AR units would not be viable in ground based vehicles, and so on).
73 es tnx fer all ur doing de
John Jewkes, SMD US ARMY MARS
Oregon/Idaho State Director
AAA0OR OR/AAA0ID ID/AAR0MI OR
W6HNC
--------------------Forwarded Messages------------------------------
I am sorry I did not get back to you sooner. I had hoped to make contact
with Ed and make a better report to you today. Please review the attached
DRAFT documents. I expect some minor changes. The most important thing
about the spreadsheet (chart) is the list of locations and call signs.
Use
the communications plan for the frequencies. I would like to change the
75/80 meter frequency from 3.985 MHz to 3.910 MHz.
I think we need to work up a good tactical call sign for EMSHG
Operations.
Other than that, I am happy. Any advice you can give will be welcome.
You
will be carrying a heavy load. Thanks for your help.
Mike Fogarty AC7RU
[email protected]
360 693-5181 Voice
360 693-1894 Fax
360 606-4894 Cell
-----Original Message-----
From: James, Edward (VISN20 AEM) [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Thursday, September 26, 2002 8:42 AM
To: 'M. Fogarty'; James, Edward (VISN20 AEM)
Cc: Bob Goodale
Subject: RE: Quakex 202 information
Mike,
Here they are. I have added your communication plan and updated the
contact
listing.
Ed
-----Original Message-----
From: M. Fogarty [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Wednesday, September 25, 2002 6:36 PM
To: Edward James (VISN20 AEM)
Cc: Bob Goodale
Subject: Quakex 202 information
It would be nice if you could send a draft copy of the Exercise Plan and
the
Amateur Radio Operators Spreadsheet to Bob and I. This will help Bob
with
the background and scope of the project.
Again, I am impressed with the quantity of amateurs the VA has organized
in
your area of responsibility, VISN 20, you have met all of our needs.
Thanks,
Mike Fogarty AC7RU
[email protected]
360 693-5181 Voice
360 693-1894 Fax
360 606-4894 Cell
------------------------------next
message-----------------------------------
QUAKEX 2002
VISN-20 Emergency Communication and Coordination Exercise
"Are we ready?"
PURPOSE & SCOPE
This exercise is being conducted to test the effectiveness of
communications systems within VISN 20 that could be activated should an
emergency strike a network facility. The exercise will test the
effectiveness of the VISN 20 emergency management plan and the ability of
the Network Office and VISN 20 facilities to provide response and
recovery support to the affected facility.
The scope of the exercise will include activation and operation of the
Network Emergency Coordination Center (NECC), coordination between the
NECC and the affected facility, and Network coordination of support to
the affected medical center from other network facilities. The exercise
controller will be in Vancouver and will inject messages into the
exercise to prompt actions by the players.
Participants will include:
Network Office, VISN20 (Vancouver)
EMSHG, VISN-20 Liaison AEM
Portland VAMC
PSHCS
Roseburg HCS
White City DOM
Walla Walla VAMC
Spokane VAMC
Boise VAMC
Anchorage Clinic
Oregon Army MARS
Idaho Army MARS
Washington Army MARS
Oregon Navy-Marine Corps MARS
RGN 5 USAF MARS
Washington Navy-Marine Corps MARS
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)
Albuquerque VAMC
EMSHG Operations
VA New England Healthcare System (VISN 1)
OBJECTIVES
Network Office Objectives
NECC-1 Activate Network Emergency Coordination Center (NECC) and evaluate
the NECC plans and procedures.
NECC-2 Assess emergency communications capabilities throughout VISN 20.
NECC-3 Assess available resources and personnel within the VISN and the
capability
to deploy these resources in support of disaster response operations at
the affected
facility.
NECC-4 Assessment of the availability of WMD reference material at
Facility EOCs.
Medical Facility Objectives
Supported Facility Objectives (Portland VAMC)
Portland-1 Assess the activation and operations of the facility EOC
Portland-2 Assess back-up communications.
Portland-3 Complete Operational Status Report Form
Portland-4 Identify and report realistic support requirements to VISN
NECC
Supporting Facilities (PSHCS, Spokane VAMC, Walla Walla VAMC, Roseburg
VAMC, Boise VAMC, White City DOM, and Anchorage Clinic)
Support-1 Assess the activation and operations of the facility EOC
Support-2 Assess back-up communications.
Support-3 Complete Capacity Inventory Form
Support-4 Assess capability to respond and provide support to the
"supported facility" as
tasked by the Network Director.
SCENARIO NARRATIVE
On October 3, 2002 at approximately 1:00 p.m. (Pacific Time), a major
earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 occurred with the epicenter 15 miles
southwest of Portland, Oregon. Initial reports from city and county
authorities and the news media state that the Portland area has
experienced widespread damage. The Vancouver area is unaffected as well
as Roseburg and White City.
Numerous fires are burning out of control throughout the city due to
broken gas mains. Many areas within the metropolitan area of Portland
are without electrical power, but some areas are experiencing
intermittent outages only. The telephone system's operation is sporadic
citywide.
Local emergency response organizations are currently overwhelmed. The
local medical care system has been seriously compromised.
The Portland Airport in not operational, but all major freeways remain
open.
The Portland VA Medical Center has suffered only minor structural damage,
but is without normal electrical power and telephones are intermittent.
Their backup power systems are functioning. Evacuation of the VAMC was
determined not to be needed. Injured residents of the surrounding
neighborhoods are coming to the VAMC's Emergency Room for treatment of
injuries.
The death toll is currently estimated at 2,500 but officials predict that
number may rise to 7,500 or more.
The Portland VAMC operating rooms and emergency department are determined
to be fully functional.
Portland VAMC is assessing its needs in order to provide maximum support
to their beneficiaries and local community.
EXPECTATIONS
The value of an emergency response exercise depends largely on the
realism that is involved. Resource needs expressed by the VAMC Portland
should be as realistic as possible given the exercise scenario.
Likewise, as requests to fulfill those needs are made to supporting
facilities, those facilities should take whatever steps would be taken if
the situation were real. For example, if VAMC Seattle is requested to
supply a medical team to Portland, could they get it there? How could it
be transported to Portland? How long would it take to get there? Where
should it be taken upon arrival?
Participating facilities should feel free to conduct any level of
addition local exercise they wish as long as it does not interfere with
the primary objectives of this exercise.
All facilities will be expected to activate their EOC and to participate
in the testing of backup communication systems, as well as respond to
taskings by the Network Director.
LIMITATIONS
This exercise will last approximately from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. PST.
As such, time compression may be used to speed up some of the exercise
play.
SIMULATIONS
o There will be no actual deployment of resources to or from
participating VA facilities.
o Should atmospheric conditions limit HF radio transmissions, IP Phones,
telephone, or FAX will be used to pass message traffic. See the
communications contingency plan below.
EVALUATION AND OUTBRIEFING
All facility EPCs should coordinate locally for the evaluation of their
facility objectives.
Facility Directors or their designees are responsible for conducting an
out briefing or "hot wash" of the exercise immediately following the
conclusion of the exercise.
A VISN-wide out brief of the exercise will be conducted at the October 8
Executive Leadership Council conference call at 9:00 a.m.
The objective evaluation sheets found in each annex should be completed
and e-mailed to Ed James, AEM ([email protected]) by COB October
7. Please provide as much information as possible on the exercise
objectives, both positive and negative, so that the after-action report
can fully reflect the results of the exercise.
COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
A primary objective of this exercise is to test backup communication
systems between VAMC Portland, the Network Office, and all other VA
medical facilities within the VISN. To the greatest extent possible,
radio communication will be used once established. If unable to
establish communications via radio, IP phones will be used.
1. Initial Communications - Although the scenario indicates that local
phone system is compromised in the Portland area, in order to ensure
proper coordination of the start of the exercise, announcement of the
start of the exercise will be by FAX (approx. 1:00 p.m.) and an initial
conference call will be conducted (1:30, VANTS# 1-800-767-1750, access
code #42236).
2. Radio Communications - All participating medical facilities should
coordinate locally to have amateur radio support at their EOC.
Additionally, HF long distance radio communication will be tested as
available. For a listing of participants and call signs, see attachment.
Radio communication plan is as follows:
FREQUENCIES:
High Frequency, single sideband:
75/80 meters - 3.910 MHz.
40 Meters - 7.245 MHz.
20 Meters - 14.300 MHz.
The first choice for HF communications within VISN 20 will be 75/80
meters. The first choice for communications with the East Coast and
Albuquerque will be 20 meters. If you are unable to communicate using
first choice due to band conditions try 40 meters. If the frequency is
busy, move up 5 kHz. at a time until you find a free frequency.
Other HF modes such as PSK 31 or CW may be used in future exercises.
Very High Frequency (VHF):
From: To: Frequency:
VISN 20 (Vancouver) Portland VA 147.570 MHz. Simplex
VISN 20 MARS (Portland) 147.570 MHz. Simplex
VISN 20 NECC (Vancouver) 146.475 MHz. Simplex
VISN 20 American Lake 147.060 MHz. +
BAWFAW Repeater, tone 110.9
American Lake Puget Sound 146.640 - Tacoma Repeater
Spokane Walla Walla 146.720 MHz. - Ritzville RPTR
Roseburg White City 146.940 MHz. - Wolf Creek RPTR
VHF communications is planned between the facilities listed above to
provide a back up link. For instance, if one of the two locations does
not have HF communications the other can relay a message. Other modes
such as Packet or IRLP may be used in the future.
Ultra High Frequency (UHF) may be used as a backup as directed by VISN
20. Non-availability of UHF is not a problem.
OPERATIONS:
All communications will be in an efficient business like manner. If any
simulated emergency traffic is generated, it should be preceded by, "This
is a VISN 20 Quakex 2002 exercise message." If phonetic spelling is
needed, the only the ITU recommended phonetics will be used. Contacts
will be initiated by using a tactical call sign for the facility you wish
to contact. The tactical call sign will be assigned by the net control
and will probably be the name of the facility. We may need to work on
some of these. Conclude the contact with your amateur radio call sign
per FCC rules. Operators are requested to be familiar with message
handling procedures. Only simple messages, if any, will be handled
during this exercise. It may be necessary to deviate from this plan to
get the message through. Participants are encouraged to comment on this
plan prior to the exercise. You may want to test the VHF links prior to
the exercise. The email addresses of the participants are in the
spreadsheet.
SEQUENCE:
a. Starting soon after 1:00 p.m., Oregon Army MARS in Portland will
conduct the HF net, tactical call is Net Control. All listed VISN 20
facilities plus EMSHG Operations, Albuquerque and New England will be
contacted by Net Control in a roll call fashion on the frequencies listed
above and ask for a signal report and the call sign of all the operators
on duty. Stations close to Portland, OR will be contacted first, those
farthest away last.
b. Once this is completed, the Net Control will contact the facilities
associated with the VHF frequencies listed above and request they contact
each other and subsequently report the quality of the communications to
the Net Control.
c. In the event of a disaster, the most important communication will be
between VISN 20 and the participants. However, it may be necessary, due
to band conditions, for a message to be relayed via a helpful facility.
The Net Control will request that each HF station attempt to contact the
other participating HF stations in the order shown in the spreadsheet.
Stations will request a signal report, which will subsequently be
reported to the Net Control.
d. If there is time, a simple message handling exercise may be
conducted. Please be prepared with ARRL message forms.
3. Satellite Communications - At 1:00 pm (Pacific) all EOCs should ensure
their satellite phones on turned on and operational. The VISN will
attempt to establish communications with all network facilities via
satellite telephone. After this is accomplished or attempted, the
satellite phones will not be used for exercise communication due to the
cost involved.
4. IP Phones - The VISN will attempt to establish communications with all
network facilities via IP telephone. After this is accomplished or
attempted, the IP phones will not be used for routine exercise
communication unless HF Radio is determined to be ineffective, then IP
phones will be the primary means of communication.
MASTER EVENT LIST
October 3, 2002
TIME (LOCAL) EVENT
EXPECTED ACTIONS
1:00 pm Earthquake In Portland
VISN Send Fax to all facilities to notify them of the earthquake and
to START EXERCISE
1:00 - 1:30 Radio Operators Arrive and Setup Communication Net VISN and
All FACILITIES Coordinate for radio support
1:00 - 1:30 Activate NECC/EOCs
VISN and FACILITIES Activate NECC/EOCs
1:30 Conference Call
VISN and FACILITY ICs attend conference call and
receive initial situation report and taskings
1:30-3:00 Establish/Test Communication
VISN NECC Staff and Facility EOC Staffs assess communication via:
1. IP Phones
2. Satellite Phones
3. Amateur/MARS HF Radio
and assess
4. Availability of WMD Reference Material
1:30-4:00 Assess Available Resources and Needs and respond to taskings
Portland VAMC -Completes Operational Status Report and
identifies needed support
OTHER FACILITIES -Complete Capacity Inventory Forms and
assess available resources for deployment,
respond to taskings to provide support
VISN -Collect reports and assess needed and
available resources, coordinate taskings to
meet needs
4:00-4:30 ENDEX and Out-briefing
VISN NECC and FACILITY EOCs
EXERCISE ANNEX
NETWORK OFFICE
Exercise Coordinator: Ed James
Local Scenario:
The Network Office in Vancouver learns of a large earthquake in Portland
at approximately 1:00 p.m. from television news reports. The Network
Director orders that a FAX be sent to all facilities in VISN 20 notifying
them that a conference call will be held at 1:30 p.m. PDT to brief the
facilities on the earthquake. This FAX will effectively start the
exercise. On the conference call the Network Director will provide
whatever information is available at the time concerning the situation in
Portland. Specific directions will be provided to VA facilities on the
conference call as to actions they need to be taking to prepare for
probable taskings to support the Portland VAMC.
Throughout the remainder of the exercise the Network Office will be the
focal point to coordinate support for the Portland VAMC. The exercise
controllers will generate message traffic. The Portland Area Emergency
Manager (AEM) will be at the Network Office to assist with management of
the Network Emergency Coordination Center (NECC).
----------------------------------------------OFFICIAL SCHEDULE---------
** All Times Pacific Time**
10/3/2002
1:00 pm Radio Operators should be pre-staged and setup at facilities
VISN FAX SENT - Begin Exercise (STARTEX)
1:00 - 4:00 Exercise Play
VISN and Facilities initiate activation of NECC/EOCs
VISN NECC begin to establish communications with Network Facilities
via:
1. Radio
2. Satellite Phone
3. IP Phones
1:30 - 2:30 VISN Conference Call with all facilities
(VANTS# 1-800-767-1750, access code #42236)
4:00 pm Approx. Exercise Ends
4:00 - 4:30 Conduct facility after action reviews (hot wash).
10/7/2002 Critique Sheets due to Area Emergency Manager by COB
10/8/2002 Executive Leadership Council Conference Call, 9:00 a.m.,
Overall Exercise Debriefing
QUAKEX 2002
VISN 20
REVISED: September 25, 2002
-------------------------------NEXT
MESSAGE---------------------------------
Facility / Hospital
Emergency Preparedness Coordinators (EPC)
Amateur Radio Oper Name
Amateur Radio Oper
Phone
Radio
Call Sign
And
Primary/Alternate
Frequencies
Amateur Radio Oper E-mail
Remarks
Anchorage VAMROC
Kit Binns
Safety Specialist
Douglas Duncan
(Woody)
907 770-2004
KL0TS
50.125M, 52.525M, 146.210M
[email protected]
or
[email protected]
Note: 0 in KL0TS is zero
On 2M packet on 145.010M
Oct 1 freq s/b 14.300M & 7.275
Boise
VA Medical Center
Heidi Parke
Safety Officer
Gary Peek
208-377-8504
K7TIH
3.990 MHz
[email protected]
Portland
VA Medical Center
Bob Albrecht
Safety Specialist
Mark Ward
David Duff
503-220-8262 x54242
503-220-8262 x55600
W7ZB
KG7BR
[email protected]
[email protected]
Puget Sound Healthcare System
Joe Cain
Safety Director
Marina Zuetell
206-997-0095
N7LSL
145.11
[email protected]
American Lake
Division
Greg Nixon
Assist Safety Mgr
Marina Zuetell
206-997-0095
N7LSL
145.11
[email protected]
Roseburg
Heath Care System
Larry Fisher
Safety Officer
Gerald Eifert
541-673-8868
KB7WDR
145.430MHz (-) offset
146.900MHz (-) offset
(PL or sub audible tone of 100hz)
[email protected]
Tech Class upgrading to General Class
Spokane
VA Medical Center
Cheryl Wood
Safety Officer
Glenn Moore
509 922-6338
pgr 509-477-4209 #2496
N7VBW
147.300 MHz (local)
3.985or7.245MHz (Wash.)
[email protected]
Checks e-mail at least once per day
White City
VA Domiciliary
Greg Martinen
Industrial Hygienist
Peter Bateman
(541) 826-2111
x3334
WB7BJW
N/A
Rogue Valley Amateur Radio Club ARES Section
(Volunteer on license for radio at facility)
Walla Walla VA Medical Center
Guy Jessee
Safety Officer
Jim Roe
(509) 525-5200
x22861
WA7NMF
[email protected]
VISN 20
Ed James
AEM
Ron Miller WB6JGV
Mike Fogarty AC7RU
(360) 694-5212
360-699-9166pager
360-693-5181
cell:360-606-4894
[email protected]
[email protected]
OTHER PARTICIPANTS
EMSHG
OPERATIONS
Bob Elliot
EMSHG
Mark Arnold
(301) 619-7854
(304) 876-9330
KJN950
WA8FSE (Amateur)
[email protected]
ALBUQUEQUE VAMC
Bill Weaver
AEM
N5VA
New England HCS (VISN 1)
Francesca Austin and Grace West
AEM
Jill Henderson
Larry Coblentz
Pam Nordstrom
Jon Nordstrom
Don Lahr
W: 413 582 3024 C: 617 823 0808
P: 888 405 1617
WV9GF - (North Campus)
WV9GM- (South Campus)
N9XXL (North)
N9WOY (North)
N9LPP (South)
WS9G (South)
WV9G (South)
Oregon/Idaho Army MARS
John Jewkes
(503) 730-7253 CELL
(503)977-0527 HOME
W6HNC (Amateur)
AAR0MI/AAA0OR OR/AAA0ID ID
[email protected]
Washington Navy-Marine Corps MARS
Randy Williams
509-754-2990
C: 509-760-2178
AC7NJ (Amateur)
NNN0GJM (4041.0)
[email protected]
VISN 20 Facilities (Alaska, Washington, Oregon & Idaho)
Amateur Radio Operators 9/25/02 Primary Point of Contact -
[email protected]
---------------------------next message----------------------------------
Coordination of Exercise Nets/Frequencies through AAA9USA AZ, on
13996.0 USB for MARS NETS ALL MARS AGENCIES outside area.
Suggested Frequencies for MARS stations participating:
RGN 10 : (Army MARS) and authorized MARS participants:
7317.0 LSB Dial Primary
4029.0 LSB Dial Secondary
27.563 USB Dial Tertiary
Local Coordination on 148.375 +600 kc Clear Squelch (NMCM PDX RPTR)
148.010 CLEAR SQUELCH Simplex (RPTR
down)
148.650 VHF DIGITAL SIMPLEX PDX Clear
Squelch
NMCM RGN 5/7:
7381.0 USB Dial Primary
4003.5 USB Dial Secondary
4041.0 USB Dial Tertiary
AF MARS RGN 5:
Frequency Matrix Unknown
---------------------End Forwarded
Messages----------------------------------
TNX es 73 de John W6HNC/AAA0OR/AAA0ID
Comments/Suggestions??
________________________________________________________________
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