Post WTC 9/11 Part 2

This training program is designed to help you become a more effective radio operator so you can assist with communications duties whenever a local or regional emergency occurs, including terrorist events. Each section is part of a step-by-step process which follows a logical sequence to help build your confidence and skill level in preparing for an emergency. The course was specifially tailored to licensed amateur radio operators who work behind the scenes during just about every emergency from hurricanes to terrorist attacks to earthquakes. I am not writing this as part of any organization's training or education, most of which I consider riddled with mistakes and considering the world we live in today at the very least outdated. Even newer versions of courses currently offered by organizations are just rehashings of old publications and techniques. A few are dangerously wrong.

This is a completely new guide and it is based upon my many years of actual field experience in emergency communications on local, national and international response levels. The main thrust of this information is to prepare you for responding during local emergency conditions. Using this course as a base, you will be able to expand your abilities beyond local emergencies to cover regional and even national emergency situations. You will be taught the proper procedures in communicating during both non-emergency and emergency conditions. You will also learn how to build and store the necessary items both you and your family will need to better cope with an emergency. You will be taken through a few emergency and non-emergency scenarios so you can gain a better understanding of both their similarities and differences.

I will also dispell some of the "bunk and baloney" that is being offered by other emergency communications training manuals. There may be organizations and people that do not agree with some of the advice I am delivering. Too bad, however, few people have had more experience providing emergency communications duties under such varied stressful and exhausting conditions. The following pages are written after being involved in winter storms, hurricanes, ice storms, floods, airline disasters, wildfires, missing persons searches, hazmat events and being the first responder at WTC 9/11 "Ground Zero". At the end of each section you will find a review and a small list of optional assignments that I suggest you try to complete.

This guide is NOT meant to be read in one sitting. Each section needs to be slowly read, digested, reviewed and where possible the optional assignments completed. You should to read this as if it were a course and re-read any section you might find difficult to understand. Consult with experienced amateur radio operators about any points you do not understand. When you have completed this training guide you will have been exposed to the most comprehensive and up-to-date training course that has ever been offered on the subject of amateur radio emergency communications.

You've studied long and finally gotten your amateur radio license. Congratulations on becoming part of a unique and tight-knit family! By now, you may have even purchased some radio equipment and gotten on the air, usually on two meters. I hope that you didn't buy too much as you'll read my recommendations on equipment, and my reasons why, later in section seven titled: "EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS: A LIST OF ESSENTIALS" and other places within this guide. Now your thoughts may drift to becoming involved in emergency communications and helping your neighbors. I'm glad that you have community spirit ! You already know that during an "emergency event", such as a hurricane, the infrastructure of any town or area is at risk. Often, the first areas of breakdown will be both the telephone and electrical power systems. Typically, cell phone systems also fail, as most cell phone companies do not have adequate backup systems and their limited capacity sites that are working during an emergency will probably be jammed. Also, since cell phones can't be recharged from dead wall outlets, they would eventually become useless. During a large wildfire emergency a few years ago most of the cellphone sites were burned up! All the other nearby cell sites were overloaded thanks to the many reporters who came to report the event. The only reliable form of communications is amateur radio, using emergency back-up power in the form of rechargeable batteries and generators, and being operated by experienced radio communicators like yourself. Most of the time, supplying emergency communications will require you to report somewhere for duty. Make sure you discuss this aspect with your family to see if they are comfortable with you being away during an emergency. Never leave your family or home if you think that either would be in jeopardy during an emergency.

During emergency operations, it is vital that your complete focus be on any task at hand. Before you should even consider becoming involved in emergency communications, you must make sure that your family can function at home without you. If this is not the case, if your family can not be comfortable without your support, you might be more concerned about your family's welfare at home and this worry could effect your abilities to properly carry out your emergency communications duties. The term "family first" is very important.

First, make sure that your family has their own, what I call, "home bag" and keep it up to date. A "home bag" is a collection of items that your family might need to help them through an emergency. You must always bear in mind that a small, local event might easily expand and encompass a greater area and last for a longer period of time. If your family has the proper supplies, information and family training, it will make doing your communications job less stressful. Some of the items I suggest you include in such a "home bag" collection are: duct tape , at least two rolls. Duct tape is used to prevent windows from shattering during a violent storm. You should tape a large "X" on each large window pane. Obtain several flashlights for your homebag. I like using portable (camping) fluorescent lights because they use less energy for the amount of light they produce so their batteries will last longer. You can get these in the sporting goods department of any large store. Be sure to include several changes of batteries for each flashlight.(Buy them fresh, keep them stored in plastic bags in the event they leak. That stuff about freezing batteries so they'll last a lot longer is a load of crap) You will also need enough bottled water for at least 5 days, a battery-operated AM/FM radio with extra batteries, a roll of heavy plastic sheathing that you can cut and apply to any widow area that does break, a heavy-duty staple gun with extra staples, canned or jarred food that needs no heating such as canned fruits, powdered milk, other non-perishable food such as "power bars", candles (use with extreme care and never unattended), a lighter and several boxes or books of matches, basic hand tools such as a hammer, cutters etc, prescription medication (enough for 5 days), cash, in case your family needs to buy additional supplies and ATMs are defunct, a decent first-aid kit , a note pad (large spiral type), pens and markers, a battery powered digital clock , three rolls of 1000 sheet single ply toilet tissue and any supplies/food and food bowl/leashes for your pet (the four-legged kind, not your mother-in-law).

Each member of your family should also have on them a list of phone numbers of friends and relatives and a sequence of places to stay if the need should arise that they have to evacuate from your home. Also, you should plan an additional place to meet if an evacuation needs to take place in your area and you are located elsewhere at the time. This might be a relative's home or a friend who lives nearby, but not in your area. In the event of possible flooding, such as may be the case during a hurricane or a series of severe storms, make sure that each location you choose is above any flood range and can be reached without having to drive through any low-lying areas. Plan such a route and practice driving it. Make sure that your family's vehicle always has at least a half tank of gas. Store both a local area and state map in the glove compartment and in your "home bag" so they can locate any shelter, or home, if their own evacuation needs to take place. IF THE NEED TO EVACUATE SHOULD OCCUR, MAKE SURE THAT YOUR FAMILY KNOWS TO TAKE THEIR "HOME BAG" WITH THEM.

You might also want to do some simple training with your family, such as taking them through the steps of covering a window with plastic sheathing and stapling it in place. Show them how to reload more staples in the gun. It's better they learn how to do this on a sunny day, so they will be better equipped to do the real thing under stress during a storm. Remind them that the safe way to use candles is by keeping them far away from anything that they might ignite, such as drapes, and use sturdy bases to hold them. NEVER leave a lit candle unattended. This includes keeping them away from snooping pets. I have large candles that are encased in heavy glass. These candles last longer and are safer to use than thin "dinner mood" candles. All of the items that are listed above can be stored in a large plastic bin with a snap-on cover. These storage bins can be purchased at any "Walmart", "K-Mart" or any other such discount store.

Optional assignment: After reading the above section, write a list of items you think should be included in your family's "home bag". When you are finished composing it, check your list with the items outlined in this section and discuss the list with your family. You may also wish to discuss emergency preparedness with friends and neighbors so they may make their own "home bags". Now is the time to start developing your famiy's "home bag". Purchase one of those inexpensive large plastic bins that are available at stores like "Walmart", with snap on lid, to use as your "home bag". Store it in a place not subject to freezing or excessive heat.

In order to become an effective communicator, you must learn the proper communications procedures to use when you operate. This is especially true during an emergency. It is not just as simple as picking up a microphone and speaking. The way to learn how to communicate properly is to start by taking small steps. First, listen in on the local repeaters in your area. It would be very wise, if you have the equipment, to place all the local repeater frequencies/offsets/tones into the memories of your radio. (If you do not know what these terms actually mean, refer to your licence study materials.) The directions on programming are included in your radio's operating manual. This way you will have quick access to them all. When you do, also make sure that you have included the proper tone/offsets by testing to make sure you can "hit"(reach) each repeater. Study the operating manuals that came with your equipment so you can quickly change frequencies or add new frequencies in your radio's memory in case the need should arise. It is a good idea if you make copies of your radio's operating manual so you can keep the original stored away in a safe place and use the copy instead. This way, if you lose the copy, you won't be crippled when you have to make changes in your radio's memories. You should also make a "quick reference card" listing in a few simple steps how to program your radio. Make several copies, laminate them and always keep one in your wallet and one with your radio.

On most local repeaters there usually are weekly "nets" where groups of amateur radio operators meet at pre-determined times and on specific days to listen and talk in a controlled situation. Usually there is a "Net Control Operator", whose job it is to make sure there is an orderly flow of communications during that specific net. After you have listened to several of these nets and gotten the general idea of how a net operates, you may wish to check into one. When the net begins, LISTEN to the directions of the net control operator and what they are requesting. The net control operator is like a radio "traffic cop", guiding everyone through a smooth operation of the net. Listen to what they say and respect their directions. Give the requested information and nothing more. Make sure that when the net control operator asks for "check-ins" and asks in a specific manner, that you check-in at the proper time. If the control operator asks for radio operators to check in with callsigns in a group of suffixes, follow their request. The series of letters after the number in your callsign is the suffix. If they ask for callsigns with a suffix of A through N, and you have a suffix that begins with a "P"(such as N2PSG), don't check-in yet. Learn the procedure and wait until it gets to the point where the "O through Z" suffixes are requested. When it comes time, use proper procedure: slowly and clearly say: "This is", then release your push-to-talk switch and listen for a second to see if you and someone else are talking at the same time, called "doubling". If you aren't doubling, then give your callsign, slowly and clearly, using ITU (International Telecommunications Union) phonetics ONLY. (refer to section nine about the REAL ITU phonetic alphabet) Give your name and any other information if requested by the net control operator, speaking as clearly as possible, and then wait. DO NOT interfere with any on-going communications. When called upon, it will be your turn to talk. The first net you check in to, such as a "club information net", will usually be short in duration. Remember that if you are called on to talk further you must ID with your callsign, observing the FCC's "10 minute rule" AND when you are done talking, say "back to net" so people know you have completed your thoughts. After becoming involved in several of these non-emergency nets, you will become much more confident in talking over the radio and gain the knowledge of what is expected of you. You will find a number of these nets to be very interesting, informative and fun!

You will make many "on the air" friends that you will eventually meet should you join any local radio clubs. I suggest that at this point you join a few local radio clubs, attend their meetings, listen to any technical talks that might be given, take notes, and soon you will be able to put faces to the callsigns you hear on the air. These will be the same people you will be working with during emergencies. Ask them any questions you might have concerning programming and operating your equipment and their participation in emergency communications. I am sure you will get plenty of information, some inaccurate, but most will be good solid advice.

Now that you've listened to various net operations and have participated in a few and followed the directions of the net control operator, you are ready to take that next step. But first, a short review. If you don't understand any of the things covered in this section re-read it or contact the "elmer" in your radio club. An "elmer" is a term used to describe an experienced amateur radio operator who makes it a point to assist/teach new amateur radio operators in everything from programming and operating that new rig to assembling a new antenna.

Listening is the most important part of communicating. Become involved in local "nets" on the radio so you can become aquainted with "net control" operations. Learn the proper way to "check in" to a net. Talk slowly and clearly. See Section nine: "Lots Of Odds and Ends" to learn the right way to use a microphone. (yes, there is a wrong way to use a microphone)Follow the directions of the "Net Control Operator", who acts as a traffic cop by assuring an even flow of communications. "Listen much, talk little". Join and be active in one or more local radio clubs and attend their meetings. Learn and remember all proper communications procedures. Know how your radio works and how to program it. Keep a list of local repeaters in it's memory. Refer to your radio's operations manual often, make a copy of it, and use the copy. Keep the original manual in a safe place.

Ask a fellow club member, who serves as a Net Control Operator during a short non-emergency net, if you can sit in with them as they do an actual net. Ask them if they will allow you to serve as a part-Net Control Operator and do just the check in list at the beginning of the operation. You will find out that even doing this is not as easy as you might think. Write notes when they do the net and ask them any questions you might have about net control operations and net procedures. Re-read this section as it is VERY important that you understand about proper communications procedures.

You are now ready to put your talents into use. This does NOT mean you are ready to participate in an actual emergency situation. You still need to gain some field experience operating your radio during non-emergency "events". Those clubs that you've joined probably support local community organizations by providing radio communications during events such as a bike race, parade, walk-a-thon, or some other limited-duty one day event. These are called "public service events". When your club asks for radio operators to help out in such an event, SIGN UP!! Don't be apprehensive. We all started out this way. The experience you gain by volunteering for a few of these one-day public service events will be most rewarding. Not only will you be helping out your community, but you will also gain that inner strength that comes from the experience in communicating during these events. There will always be someone in charge of taking down names and callsigns for whatever event you choose to start with. Make sure you tell this person that this will be your first event as an amateur radio operator. Usually, if there are enough operators signed up, you might be paired with an experienced operator. This is a great way to learn from someone who has "been there, done that".

Let's just say, for example, you signed up for the "Annual Walk-a-thon For Wayward Socks". Before the event, you will be given some basic information, such as the location of the event, length of the walk and where and when you are to report for deployment. MAKE A LARGE SIGN WHICH STATES : "RADIO COMMUNICATIONS " using a computer printer. You will need this placed on the dashboard of your car to identify that you aren't just a regular driver, but a member of the support process of whatever event you are going to. Gather up your radio equipment, including extra batteries if you are using an HT, water, snacks, two pens and a small spiral bound note pad so pages don't become dislodged and lost. If inclement weather is in the forecast a bright colored rain parka is a great idea. Drive to the location for deployment, called a "staging area".

When you reach the communications staging area, there will usually be other ham radio operators you will recognize from your club's membership who have also signed up. Introduce yourself, giving your name and callsign. It's always a good idea to have a "callsign badge" or a hat with your callsign on it. People, myself included, tend to remember callsigns rather than names. Report to the person in charge, usually a ham radio operator, telling them what type of equipment you will be using, either an HT or a mobile unit in your vehicle. You will then be given your assignment. This is the location where you will be stationed and will be based upon your equipment and experience. You will also be given a map of the course with all "radio posts" clearly marked along the route, perhaps an ID badge or shirt and the frequency you will be using, usually a repeater, and a back-up frequency. Write these frequencies down. PROGRAM YOUR RADIO NOW, if you don't already have that repeater, and back up frequency, in the radio's memory.

Ask any questions you might have concerning the event NOW because once you are at your post it may be too late. Listen and write down other hams' assignments, INCLUDING the callsign of the control operator for the event, since this is the person you will be communicating with 99% of the time. This probably isn't the first time ham radio operators have "worked" this event, so they know the best frequency/repeater to use for maximum coverage. If all you have is an HT (handi-talkie), you'll probably get a fixed, non traveling, assignment closer to the repeater so you can be assured of reliable communications. YOU DID BRING SPARE BATTERIES, DIDN'T YOU?? There might be many assignments, depending upon the number of hams available. Some will be stationed at rest/refreshment areas, which might also be called "check points", along the route. Others will be "shadows". These are hams that will follow specific event officials in case they need to relay some information. Still others will be at the walk's start/finish location. Some radio operators will be on "chase or SAG vehicles" that will follow the event as it winds along the route. Some will be on "pick-up" vehicles, such a bus or van, that will pick up people who can't finish the walk for one reason or another. Another operator might be stationed at any first-aid/ambulance staging area. Then there will be others who might be with any re-stocking vehicles that bring more water/cups/snacks to any checkpoints that may run low. Different public service events will run differently and have different needs. There may not be as many of these assignments as stated. It all depends upon the size of the event, and its participants, the number of radio operators, and any arrangements that were made.

The person who is in charge of the radio communications for this event will instruct you when it is time to go to your assigned post. Due to streets or areas being closed off for the event, there might be specific directions for getting to your post. Listen to any instructions about taking detours. This will help in getting you to your location easier. The sign on your dashboard, and the antenna on your vehicle, will usually get you through closed streets if necessary. DRIVE VERY SLOWLY and WATCH FOR PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN, who might be darting in and out of the streets to get to better observation points. Once you have found your "post", park your vehicle in a place that will not hamper the smooth flow of people or support vehicles such as re-stocking vans or emergency vehicles. If you are using your mobile radio in your vehicle, you will have to park "close to the action". This is another reason to have a sign on your vehicle stating: RADIO COMMUNICATIONS. Now is the time to test out your radio equipment, either your mobile or HT radio, from your post. A simple report to your net control operator letting them know you have reached your assigned area will do. When they contact you back, that will prove your communications setup works. The next step is to find the person who is in charge of that location, if it is a check point or rest area, and tell them that you are assigned to that site to provide communications on their behalf to the other race officials and other support services. Sometimes they won't even be aware that a radio operator was to be at their location. Also inform them that if they need any additional supplies or services that it is just a radio call away. Then step back and let them do "their thing" because they, and other volunteers, are probably going to be very busy setting up whatever is involved at that location, such as setting up tables, water, etc.

Because this is a walking event, try to get as clear and as long a view of the course as you can so in the event that someone should require assistance you can see them down the course and they won't have to struggle to get to you for help. The area you are servicing is NOT just that check point/rest area. I don't care what anybody may say to the contrary. You need to watch not only your position, but as far as you can see up and down the course. If you are using your mobile unit in your vehicle, try parking it in such a way as you have as wide a view as possible, even if you have to park in a vacant parking lot across the street from the check point. You must always be aware of this responsibility of coverage during the entire event. Being observant is very important. DO NOT just sit in your vehicle while the event is taking place. This is the sign of a poor operator. Be active. Look around. An observant communicator makes ham radio operators look more professional and increases our value and stature during these events.

You can relax a bit, but always keep an open eye. Quite often the net control operator will ask each radio operator stationed at each check point to call in as the first participants pass by their location. If you listen carefully, and refer to the course map, you will see just how quickly they are moving. When you see the first participants coming down the course towards your area, you know that soon you will be making your first official communications. When they arrive at your site, and if the policy is to contact the net control operator of this, it's your turn to talk. (Sometimes there is a "Lead" vehicle with a radio operator who will report this information) Just slowly say: "Net Control, this is (your callsign or tactical call)" and wait for the net control operator to come back and acknowledge you. (see the red paragraph below about tactical callsigns) DO NOT be upset if they don't come back right away as they might be busy "off air" doing some other duty or getting information. If you don't get a call back from them in a MINUTE, then repeat your communications as was stated above. Once net control has acknowledged you, you can come back to them and state that the first participants have reached your location. Then give BOTH your tactical call and your callsign. That's it!! Your first communications! That was the simple part. Now it gets a bit more complex, but nothing you can't handle.

As the event continues, you might be called upon to send requests on behalf of your check point/rest area for additional supplies. Make sure that you are NOT interrupting any on-going communications. Then you may begin your communications. ALWAYS say "Net Control, this is (your callsign or tactical call)" Again, there are a lot of things going on at this point and the net control operator may not come back and acknowledge you right away. Wait about a minute, then call again. Once they have acknowledged you, then you should give your request. Speak slowly and clearly. Also state your location. I say this because quite often if the net control operator is busy, he/she may not be aware of your location even though they probably have a map listing all locations of radio operators.

USING TACTICAL CALLS: During both public service and emergency events the net control operator may request that you use Tactical Calls to identify. These are usually either a location or vehicle you might be in. Tactical calls make the net control operations easier to keep track of during a hectic operation. If this is the case, then do so. An example would be saying: "Net Control, this is Rest Stop # 3". But remember that this does NOT absolve you from following FCC rules that state you MUST give your callsign when IDing at the end of a series of transmissions and every ten minutes. Since most of your communications during an event will be under ten minutes in duration, this can be simply done on the last transmission in the series by stating your callsign.

Being net control operator can, at times, be a bit hectic. There are also times when they will be relieved for a spell and someone else will be the net control operator. So give your location. If you are unsure of the message being properly received by the net control operator, ask for a verification, called a "read back". A good net control operator will automatically repeat your request just to make sure they understood it. And while you are at it, mark down all requests made by you in your spiral notebook, noting the time. location and actual request and who requested it. If another station is asking a question to the net control operator and you know the answer DO NOT "chime in" with a reply. Remember net protocol. If net control doesn't answer the question then you should address the net control operator and ask for permission before "going direct" with the other station.

I DON'T CARE WHO SAID WHAT DURING ANY OTHER TRAINING YOU MIGHT HAVE HAD, if it appears to you that your location is running low on water, ASK the person incharge of that location if they'd like you to send a radio request for more. Sometimes they may be so busy attending to other things they won't notice it. Tell them that the reason you ask is that it will probably take a while for the supplies to be delivered. The re-supply vehicle might be driving VERY slow due to the streets being clogged with participants OR it might be making other drops. Dehydration during an event is a common problem. Your observing low water supplies might prevent a medical emergency. Be observant. Check water supplies often.

Now the event is in full swing. Other radio operators are calling net control with updates on where the first participants are or any other information requested by the net control operator. Others might be requesting supplies or a vehicle to pick up anyone who gets fatigued along the route. This is when you must be very observant. At times there might be a great swell of people, perhaps hundreds, walking past your location. Look up and down the route. Make sure that everything is going well. If you see someone sitting on the side of the route looking tired, you may wish to ask them if they need a ride back to the finish line. If they do, call net control, and after getting their acknowledgment, inform them that there is someone who needs a ride, giving their exact location including the main street, any cross streets and any outstanding landmarks. The same thing applies for anyone who gets injured. DO NOT attempt any first aid other than, perhaps, offering water. It is not your responsibility to administer first aid unless you are both trained and qualified. Just pass the information ("traffic") to the net control station.

DO NOT jump into the street and try to direct traffic or walkers. This is NOT your responsibility and doing this might cause a "black eye" for amatuer radio communicators. AKA: Don't act like a jerk!! There have been a few cases, in different parts of the country, where one or two over-zealous hams have acted in an unprofessional manner and because of their actions ham radio operators are no longer invited to participate in that area's public service events. If you are approached by people who seem interested in what you are doing, tell them all about the wonderful things ham radio has to offer! It's your turn to be a salesman for amateur radio.

While you are doing all of this, it pays keep a mental note whenever you see either a supply truck, "pick-up" or emergency vehicle pass or stop at your location. There may be some point during the operation where the net control operator will ask ("poll") all the radio operators to see if someone has seen "such-and-such" vehicle. If it has passed your point, or if it is currently there, relay this to net control using the proper communications procedure. Some vehicles might not have radio operators with them and will rely on directions from you and others. It will be rare, but it will happen, when in the middle of a communications the net control operator asks you to "go direct" with another operator in order to pass information. Do so in a professional manner. When you are done passing that traffic, respond to net control by saying : "This is (your callsign), back to net". By doing this, you have properly ID'd and have let everyone know that your direct communications with another radio operator is done. If you are listening to communications and net control tells two other stations to "go direct", DO NOT interfere with any other type of communications you might have, EXCEPT IF YOU HAVE DIRE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS. There will be plenty of time to pass any routine traffic you have after the two stations have finished ("cleared"). Also be aware that if you are talking to net control and another radio operator breaks in and says "emergency", YOU ARE TO STOP TALKING. Emergency communications have top priority over EVERYTHING. Just wait until you are sure that the emergency traffic has cleared before trying to re-establish contact with net control to finish your communications.

Now the walk-a-thon is slowly winding down and you've passed a few messages asking for additional supplies that came and were a big help. You've also heard that the last of the walkers have gone by the check point just before yours. This means that your part as a communicator for this event is coming to a close. BUT NOT YET !! Usually the people who are in the final groups to travel the route are those who might have "bit off more than they could chew", families who might be pushing strollers or even people in wheelchairs. This is a time when you should remain attentive and watchful. There might be a person or two, who when they reach your location, decide that they can't continue. Of course, by now, you know exactly what to do. You call in to the net control operator and inform them that you have people who cannot finish the walk and need to be picked up.

There might be a vehicle that trails the last of the walkers. (Sometimes called a "Tail" vehicle) When this vehicle passes your point, you should again contact net control and inform them of that fact. At this point in the event, you might think you'd be done. This is NOT the case. After the last of the people have passed, there still remains for the people who volunteered to work at that location to "break" it down... or in other words, pack up the leftovers. Usually they just either box it up and pack it into their vehicles or leave it stacked for a truck that will come by later to pick it up. This might be about the time where the net control operator calls to tell you that you can now either come back to the staging area or leave your post and travel back home, called "standing down". DO NOT DO THIS. Yes, that's what I said. Do not leave your location until those people whom you've called in to net control to get a ride actually get the transportation they need. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER leave a participant by themselves. Our communications duties REQUIRE us to look after anyone on the route. To do less is morally wrong, NO MATTER WHAT YOU WERE TAUGHT IN ANY OTHER TRAINING. Only after all the participants have been taken care of will you be absolved of your communications duties. Can you imagine if you left, just because net control said you could, and there is a person or two stuck at your site? What if one of them is close to heat exhaustion? Rather you should be a professional and wait those extra few minutes to make sure they are picked up.

Well, now you finally were able to "stand down" and are returning to the communications staging area for a short de-briefing. Drive VERY slowly and carefully as there will still be many people in your area and the areas along your return path. At the de-briefing, tell them your observations and ideas, using the notes of communications, etc. that you made in your small spiral-bound notebook. We, as communicators, always try to improve our operation. You might also have input that would make next year's event run better, such as if possible relocating the check point/rest area to another parking lot so people have better access. Your input, and the actual communications help you provided to make the event successful, is greatly appreciated by everyone.

The same basic principles can be applied to many other events, such as parades, special events at parks, minor sporting events, etc. The main reason you would be at any of these would be to supply either primary or seconadry communications. There are times when organizations will be using a limited amount of either rented handi-talkies or GMRS type radios. In most cases the people with these radios are untrained in communications. The amateur radio operators will really stand out if proper procedures and a professional attitude are maintained. As you volunteer and turn out for more and more public service events you will become at ease with the communications duties and operating procedures. This self-assurance will go a long way in helping you communicate during emergency events.

Test your radio at the "staging area", BEFORE you are deployed, so you can be sure you have the right frequencies in your radio's memory. Listen to the requests of the net control operator and follow their directions. DO NOT interrupt any emergency communications that might take place. Be observant of all that is taking place around you. Keep notes of all information you send, noting date and time. Send each request exactly as it is given to you. Add NOTHING except your callsign. A "RADIO COMMUNICATIONS" sign, printed and displayed on your dashboard, will assist you in SLOWLY driving to your location for deployment. NEVER leave your post until ALL participants have passed your deployment area and are out of view. Be active and visible. DO NOT just sit in your vehicle. Re-read this section again, just in case you missed a point or two.

Optional assignment: Talk to several radio operators who have been active during public service events. Ask them how they felt and what they did on their first assignment. Ask if they could have handled something differently and what they learned from the event. If you feel comfortable with one, ask to be assigned with them on your first communications detail. If there are any small public service events in your area sign up for one. After you have "worked" one refer to the next section so you can be ready for your second public service event.

Now that this event is over and you've gotten a taste of communications during your first non-emergency event, you need to do a little self-evaluation. What did you learn from this experience? One thing you might have learned is that if you are operating using your mobile rig in your vehicle, it is hard to monitor communications. If net control tries to call you when you are out of the vehicle you may not be able to hear them. The answer: Buy an inexpensive external speaker that you can plug in your radio and place the speaker on the roof or hood of your car/truck facing the direction you will be standing. With the volume turned up, it should supply more than enough audio to overcome all the extraneous noise from your location. You will also become atuned to your callsign or tactical call when it is announced by the net control operator. By now, you've also learned that keeping the microphone poised at the window will prevent you from having to enter your vehicle each time you have to make a call on your radio. Not to worry, the "duty cycle" of your radio communuications will be very small and the drain on your vehicle's battery during your public service event will not be a problem. (Unless you have a poor vehicle battery to begin with)

If you used an HT, you might have learned that it would make a world of difference if you bought a belt-clip to hold your radio on your belt AND a speaker/mic that can be clipped to your shirt near one of your shoulders, just a bit below mouth-level, so all you have to do is press it's PTT (push-to-talk) switch. No fumbling around, it leaves your hands free AND it makes the communications easier to hear in noisy areas. While you are at it, buy a longer (at least 15 inches) FLEXIBLE antenna to use with your HT. It will make "hitting" the repeater easier. Some other suggestions might be to check with your fellow hams about getting a "battery bag" for your HT. This is a bag with a shoulder strap that contains a small, rechargeable gel-cell type battery (4-7 amp-hours) and can be plugged into your HT. This will supply power for a much greater time, usually days, so no battery switching will be needed. Not all HTs have an "external power input"... This is an option you will need to think about when you buy an HT. You've probably also learned that those cute little HTs that put out 300 milliwatts are just toys. For dedicated communications work you need a sturdy 5 watt handi-talkie, with a good antenna, to effectively do communications work.

As far as your personal comforts are concerned, perhaps next time bring an extra salty snack as you are not immune to dehydration, a little more water and some other clothing as the weather might change during the event. How about another hat? Some handi-wipes for when you spilled soda on yourself? Sunglasses...yes. That will save you a headache. Speaking about headaches, how about some type of pain reliever like aspirin or such? Do you know what you are doing? You are slowly composing what we call a "go-bag" for a one day event. All the things you need for personal comfort and to aid your communications! Assemble all these items in a bag, with a strap, that you can carry with you in case your assignment is, say, that of walking around with a race official. We call that assignment a "shadow". Wear comfortable shoes if you know you are going to be someone's shadow . There is a detailed discussion about "go bag" items in section seven.

Develop a "go bag" that will contain all the supplies and comforts needed to carry out your basic communications duties. Review the list above and check it again after reading "List of Essentials", located in section seven.* Before you do this, do the optional assignment below. It is better to have too much than too little. Use a longer antenna on your HT to maintain reliable communications. Make sure you have enough battery power to fulfill your communications needs. An HT that relies on "AA" batteries is better than one that needs special battery packs. Use an HT that supplies enough power, 4-6 watts, to reach the repeater you are using. A speaker/mic with your HT makes communicating much easier in noisy locations. An external speaker, located outside your vehicle, allows you more flexability when using a mobile radio instead of an HT. After each event do a self-evaluation so you can improve your "go bag" and your communications procedures. Listen to any suggestions of more experienced operators to see if you need to make any corrections or additions. There will be many additions to prepare for your deployment during a terrorist event.

So with one public service event under your belt, you are gaining the understanding and knowledge that evolves with becoming a communications professional. YES, Read that last word: "professional". A professional isn't someone who gets paid. A professional is a person who becomes trained and learns to do a superior job. You are on the right road to becoming a professional in providing communications for public service events, and later, during emergencies. I also said "becoming" because you need to experience other public service events in your area that use amateur radio communications.

You did a great job during that casual walk-a-thon, but what about, say, a marathon? That is a slightly different event where people actually compete, sometimes for awards or money prizes. The New York City Marathon, for example, avails themselves with the help of over 300 ham radio operators to provide communications along the over 26 mile course. I know, several years ago I was one of them. That is a lot of area to cover. In simplest terms, however, it is much like that walk-a-thon you helped out on. Many runners instead of walkers, many, many water stops, tens of thousands of bottles of water, hundreds of thousands of cups, emergency issues and countless other things that need attention. You might think that this is an super-human feat that needs to be accomplished, BUT, when you break each coverage area down, it isn't that big a problem.

When you do communications for a marathon, you will usually be deployed at a location to see that the needs of the runners are accommodated by communicating requests for water and other supplies, watching for fallen runners and calling net control for first aid when needed. Doesn't that kind of sound like the same thing that went on during the walk-a-thon? Yes, it is, with a few minor differences. In a marathon, the runners are in a race, so they definitely don't want to get involved in a chat, or even stop. There will be lines of helpers stationed along the course to simply hand out cups of water and other fluids that runners will grab along the way, usually dumping empty bottles and cups as they run. What a clean-up job!!! Be glad you aren't on that detail! The officials at each site will be asking you to send re-supply requests, so make yourself very visable, but DO NOT get in the way of any runner!! There will be some amount of stress associated with the seriousness of an actual race. Don't worry, you'll do fine as long as you remember all what you have read so far, and will read in later sections, AND have experienced in your previous event. So many of the same duties will be handled by radio communicators: riding in a SAG vehicle, being on a re-supply vehicle or "pick up" vehicle, being a shadow or being at the check points. But out of all of these, the "chief" is still the NET CONTROL OPERATOR. Listen to their directions and follow them.

Make notes in your book in case there is a question during your de-briefing. Do a self-evaluation after the event is over when you can review things in your head. What could you have done better? What other supplies do you need to include in your "go bag"? Perhaps you need to purchase an orange vest so you can be easily seen? "Communications? Yeah, See the guy in the orange vest". It is always nice to document the public service event you are supporting so you may wish to take a few photos to bring to your next emergency communications group's meeting. (before you do, read the paragraphs about taking photos in section sixteen) As you answer these questions, and as you become involved in events such as these, you will learn much more than any course can ever hope to teach you. Being "in the trenches" is always the best teacher as long as you keep your eyes and your mind open

Each event you participate in as a communicator will have it's own unique set of parameters. Be flexible, yet maintain the standard communications procedures you have been trained for. Being "in the trenches" is the best teacher. Make sure you introduce yourself to the person in charge of your site. Do not interfere with any on-going event participants. No directing traffic or any duty not within the realm of communications. Be visible at all times. Always do a self-evaluation after each event. Try to volunteer for as many DIFFERENT public service events as possible so you can experience the differences and similarities in each deployment. Add to your "go bag" any additional items you feel necessary to improve personal comfort and communications efficiency and keep "dated" items, such as batteries or food bars, fresh.

Optional assignment: List what you think are the important differences between communications support for a marathon and for a parade. List the similarities. Why is supplying water of utmost concern during any type of event requiring walking, biking or running? Why is it important to stay out of "harm's way" during a marathon? If you don't know the answers, re-read the section above. Try to be involved in as many different public service events as your time allows. This will increase your skill level and confidence.

So now you have several public events under your belt and have gained the experience needed to start on your "emergency communications journey". The next step is to find whatever emergency communications groups are in your area. There are probably several, each with different affiliations and specialties. The best way to learn about these organizations, and how to contact them, would be to ask at those radio clubs you are a member of. There will be hams who attend those club meetings who are members of one or more emergency communications groups. Some groups that involve themselves in emergency communications : REACT, SATURN,ARES, RACES and more. You might even find that high level members in such organizations are sitting next to you at your club meetings! If, by now, they haven't given some sort of presentation at your club's meetings, then SHAME ON THEM. Each radio club offers a vast cadre of operators, some of whom might wish to be a part of an emergency services group. It is unfortunate that there are locations in our country that such groups can act very "cliquish" and think that only a few hams are "worthy" to be a member in their group or attend their meetings.

After you have made a list of organizations, research each one carefully. See if they have an adequate operational structure. How do you know? Well, talk to several people in each group who are part of the "chain of command". See if they are all on the "same wavelength", that is, see if they all unveil to you the main purpose of their organization, the "served agencies" and the system and means to carry out that purpose. Some groups may assist agencies like the Salvation Army or Red Cross. See how strong the connection is.

Another training resource is CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). This is a training program not just for communicators but also for the public. People from many walks of life go through this training as CERT teams will be called upon to assist when due to a wide-scale problem there aren't enough fire, police or rescue workers to fill all the tasks which might be required. CERT training teaches how to do "cribbing" to remove a victim trapped under rubble, basic first aid, going into a smoke-filled structure to assist those trapped and more. The hands-on drills are a good measure of what may present itsellf in real life. You are usually given basic CERT supplies to help you after the training process has been completed. I suggest that if there is a CERT training program in your area that you take it and be involved in periodic CERT test drills.

Under emergency conditions, radio operators are called upon to "man" evacuation centers. These are places, also called "shelters", that people can come to when they need a place to stay for a while. These shelters may be "activated" (started) by the Red Cross, Salvation Army or many other helping groups and will need communications. They supply the cots and food, we supply the "tongue". Most of the time, thanks to pre-made agreements, these shelters will be located in churches, schools and other large public buildings. Your emergency communications group will have a list of these possible sites could be opened depending upon the size and severity of the emergency.

Your emergency communications organization will not be the one who opens them. That determination is made by other people. Your radio organization WILL support each shelter that opens by supplying trained communicators. Once you have looked into the emergency communications organizations in your area, pick one that will allow you to grow, train you a bit, is active in tests and drills, welcomes new volunteers and responds the best to the community's needs. Don't pick a poorly organized group, one that lacks the ability or time to become productively involved or attempts to instruct you using old techniques that are no longer valid in today's world. Some of these groups seem like ghosts and are merely used to inflate egos. Pass them by. Take a good look at each organization's "track record". Do not rely on making a decision based upon their propaganda. The team you choose to be a part of will determine how the radio world and the public will see you, ie: "You're known by the company you keep."

For example, let's say you've chosen to enroll in the "Emergency Messaging Amateur Radio" or EMAR group. You've heard some nice things about them, such as their ability to effectively handle communications on behalf of the "International Community Support Services" during the last major hurricane in your area. After speaking to the EMAR's Radio Training Officer, he's invited you to join them at their next general meeting. The meeting will run along the lines of the radio club meetings that you've attended, so there won't be that much of a surprize. However, instead of the normal speaker that might be lined up to talk at a radio club meeting, you will have someone speak about training, such as how to assemble a "go bag", build a "J"pole antenna or perhaps review emergency on-the-air procedures. Then you might be asked to participate in a round-robin of simple traffic handling..... The moderator will whisper some information in the first member's ear. He will write down the information, then relay the information, via whispering, to the next person who will do the same, and so on down the line for about 4 people. The last person, who has written down the information he received, will then compare his information with the original traffic. This might just be a list of supplies for a shelter. After the comparison has been made, a critique of the procedure will take place. Although very crude, this is a great way to learn how to pass information exactly as heard and get to know the members of this group. Then they might talk about any emergency equipment they have "on the ready" or perhaps an actual radio room that is at their "command center" or EOC, Emergency Operations Center. An Emergency Operations Center is usually located near, or with, other agencies and has access to local governmental officials who make decisions during emergencies..

Hopefully, your emergency communications group will start to supply you with handouts about how they operate and a quick synopsis of what they do during an event. If you decide to actually join, they will have you fill out some paperwork, giving them information about you, your phone contact numbers in case you need to be "called out", and a list of the equipment you have on hand and other equipment you know how to operate. I'm sure that if they are an efficient group, they will also have a local repeater that they use during most events. PROGRAM IT IN YOUR RADIO AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. They probably will wish to give you some sort of introductory training on exactly how they operate. Hopefully, you will "turn out" for any "test drills" they have. Treat any drill as a REAL EVENT. These drills will uncover any weakenss in their system or your own operation. They are learning events, so don't worry if you aren't perfect. All anyone can ask is that you do your best. By you being involved, they will soon see that you are going to be a sincere and dedicated radio operator. It will be at this point that you will be issued an official ID card or laminated badge with your picture on it that identifies you as a member of that group. This ID will help you get through any "off limits" areas or routes when you do your emergency communications duty. DO NOT ABUSE THIS. The way you conduct yourself will be a reflection on the entire communications group and ham radio operators in general.