AMATEUR
RADIO EMERGENCY SERVICE
Operations Manual
Amateur Radio Emergency
Service® (ARES®) Sandusky County, Ohio
Radio Amateur Civil
Emergency Service (RACES®) Sandusky County, Ohio
February 2008 – Version
1.2
No duplication of
this manual is permitted without the express written permission of
the Amateur Radio Emergency Service® Sandusky County (ARESSC). Portions of this document are copyrighted by
the Central Ohio ARES® (COARES) and are used and reprinted with permission.
©2008, Amateur Radio
Emergency Service® Sandusky County, Ohio
Table of Contents
5.1 ARES ID CARD (ARRL FSD-224)
5.3 SANDUSKY COUNTY A.R.E.S. PHOTO ID CARD
5.4 SANDUSKY COUNTY EMA PHOTO ID CARD
7.1 RECOMMENED PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
8.2.1 EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
8.3.3 REPEATER IDENTIFICATION AND SERVICE MESSAGES
8.3.4 USE OF NON-ARESSC REPEATERS
9.2.3 OPERATIONS UNDER ACTIVATION
9.4.1 GREATER SANDUSKY / SENECA COUNTIES AMERICAN
RED CROSS
9.4.2 SANDUSKY COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
9.5.2 NORTHWEST OHIO TRAFFIC NET
10.2.3 CONFIRMATION OF ASSIGNMENT
11.1 SANDUSKY COUNTY EMA RECOMMENDED TRAINING
11.3 ARRL – CCEP EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS COURSES
12.0 GENERAL NOTES AND SUGGESTIONS
14.1 CURRENT ARESSC ADMINISTRATION (11/25/07)
14.2 SIREN NET PROCEDURE FOR SANDUSKY COUNTY, OHIO
14.4 AREA FIRE, E.M.S. AND POLICE CONTACTS
1.0 PURPOSE
1.1 DESCRIPTION
The Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®) and Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES®) consist of licensed amateur radio operators who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes. Every licensed amateur, regardless of membership in Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) or any other local or national organization is eligible for membership in ARES® and RACES.
The Amateur Radio Emergency Service® Sandusky County (ARESSC) is an organization of Amateur Radio operators licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The major purpose of the organization is to provide public service communications support for qualified organizations at the discretion of the ARESSC leadership.
The Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) is a public service provided by a reserve volunteer group of Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) operators that is administered by local, county and state Emergency Management Agencies (EMA), and supported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of the United States government. As a part of the Amateur Radio Service, it provides radio communications for civil-preparedness purposes only, during periods of local, regional or national civil emergencies.
For the purposes of this Operations
Manual, ARESSC encompasses both ARES® and RACES.
ARESSC will also provide these services for other counties in ARES® District 1 (Northwest Ohio) without an active ARES® organization.
1.2 ELIGIBILITY
The only qualification for membership in ARESSC is a valid Amateur Radio license, issued by the Federal Communications Commission, of any license class and a desire to help the community.
Any member found to be in violation of any Federal Communications Commission rules (any radio service) may be dropped from membership in the organization.
You must complete the following applications/forms:
· ARES® application
· RACES application (if desired)
· Sandusky County EMA Oath form
· Local background check by the Sandusky County Sherriff
1.3 LIMITATIONS
The ARESSC organization provides a communications service only. Amateur Radio operators are not expected to perform any additional functions.
This
manual is designed to serve as a general guide only. ARESSC
leadership and membership are expected to use their own judgment
based on conditions at the time. This manual will be updated as
needed.
1.4 CODE OF CONDUCT
All Amateur Radio operations will be governed by Part 97 of the Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations.
ARESSC members must conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times while participating in an ARESSC activity or when representing this organization.
All ARESSC members must follow the rules and regulations of any building or property where they are assigned as part of an ARESSC activity.
No ARESSC member shall participate in any activity or volunteer their services while under the influence of any drugs or alcohol.
No ARESSC member will discriminate against any individual, member or organization in any way. Any or all concerns should be discussed with the ARESSC EC.
2.0 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
2.1 NATIONAL
The American Radio Relay League (ARRL), under the supervision of the ARRL Field Services Manager, provided national coordination of the Amateur Radio Emergency Services® (ARES®) program. It is here that reference materials are produced and relationship/guidelines with national disaster organizations are maintained.
2.2 DISTIRCT
Each section is then divided into districts for area coordination, led by a District Emergency Coordinator (DEC). The Ohio Section is divided into 11 districts; we are located in District 1. The counties in our district include Sandusky, Seneca, Lucas, Wood, Hancock, Ottawa, Erie, Huron, Lorain and Cuyahoga.
2.3 LOCAL
In the Ohio Section, a local Emergency Coordinator (EC) is assigned to each county. The EC is responsible for all local ARES® activity. ARESSC is responsible for Sandusky County, Ohio, but may serve other counties at the discretion of the SEC, DEC and EC.
2.4 ARESSC ADMINISTRATION
The ARESSC EC may appoint, at their discretion, Assistant EC’s (AEC’s) to aid in managing the operations of ARESSC. These appointments may include but are not limited to the following:
|
Net Manager |
Primary lead for ARESSC net procedures Manage weekly nets Mentors Net Control Station (NCS) operators Creates and maintains ARESSC net standards Coordinates frequencies for multi-net operations Assists with ARESSC Operations Manual Performs other duties as requested by the EC |
|
Public Information Officer |
Fulfills duties of the PIO filed organization as outlined by the ARRL Performs other duties as requested by the EC |
|
Skywarn Coordinator |
Administer the National Weather Service SKYWARN program in Sandusky County, Ohio.Its mission is to collect reports of localized severe weather. Performs other duties as requested by the EC |
3.0 PARTICIPATION
3.1 MEETINGS
An in-person meeting will be held each month, normally on the first Monday of each month at 6 pm local time. The date, time or meeting location may be occasionally altered to accommodate upcoming events or special activities. These changes will be emailed to members, and/or listed on the ARESSC website and/or announced on the N8SAC repeater.
The meetings will be held at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) located in the lower level of the Sandusky County Jail, 2323 Countryside Drive, Fremont, Ohio 43420.
3.2 NETS
The ARESSC net will be held each Sunday at 6:00 pm local time on the N8SCA repeater (145.250+), Tx & Rx PL 186.2. The secondary repeater (146.910+) no PL will be used if the primary repeater is not available. Simplex frequency 147.430 will be used if both of the above repeaters are not available.
The net will be used for general announcements, coordination of upcoming events and training exercises. The net is open to both members and non-members.
ARESSC members may be assigned to assume the duties of Net Control. Procedures for running an ARESSC net are found in Section 13.6 – ARESSC NET CONTROL PROCEDURES.
The ARESSC net will also be activated as needed for disaster operations, drills, public service events, county siren checks and Skywarn.
3.3 ARESSC WEBSITE
The ARESC website will be maintained by the ARESSC EC. The Website will contain information on ARES®, RACES, Skywarn, news, meeting minutes, calendar of events, contacts, member lists and other pertinent information.
3.4 CALLING TREE
Each active ARESSC member will be assigned to a calling group. Each group has one leader. The leaders will be responsible for calling their group as required to inform and enlist members for upcoming events, special information, or disaster alert notification. Administration of the calling groups is the responsibility of the ARESSC EC.
Each member is encouraged to return calls promptly to their calling leader.
Under special circumstances a member who wishes to remain as a member of ARESSC, but not called by a calling group leader, may request to be placed on the “RESERVE” list. These members are encouraged to call the ARESSC EC directly to participate in events and rills. This will be arranged through the ARESSC EC.
3.5 REMAINING ACTIVE
Members with little or no activity in the organization will be asked if they wish to remain active. It is understood that family, work or other commitments can effect volunteer time.
3.6 ANNUAL SURVEY
The ARESSC EC will send out a survey form to the membership once a year. This is used to insure that our membership database is correct, determine what equipment each member has available, what training the member has received in the past year, member’s availability in case of emergency and ask for comments on improving the organization.
Each member is encouraged to return the form as it is used to generate year-end reports to the ARRL and plan the future of ARESSC. It is vital that the annual survey be returned to the ARESSC EC as soon as possible.
Each member is responsible for notifying the ARESSC EC of any changes to personal data, such as address, phone or email changes, license class or updates to equipment.
4.0 DUES / FINANCIAL
There are no dues to be a member of the ARESSC. We rely on donations from the membership and other organizations for financial support.
Members are encouraged to donate anytime to the ARESSC EC. Equipment donations are also accepted. Checks should always be made out to “ARES® Sandusky County”.
ARESSC is not currently registered with IRS as a non-profit organization and donations are not tax deductible at this time.
5.0 IDENTIFICATION
5.1 ARES® ID CARD (ARRL FSD-224)
Each ARESSC member is issued A national ARES® ID card, ARRL FSD-224. The card is part of the national ARES® program and is recognized by all law enforcement agencies. There is no charge for this card. All ARES® ID cards (FSD-224) are set to expire at the same time.
5.2 ISSUANCE OF ID CARD
The EMA has an agreement with the Sandusky County Health Department for issuing photo ID cards. Any ID card that needs to be issued will be organized through the EMA as stated in that agreement. There is no charge for ID cards.
5.3 SANDUSKY COUNTY ARES ® PHOTO ID CARD
The Sandusky County ARES® photo ID card is authorized by the ARESSC EC. It is used for ARES® functions or emergencies and to access SVARC or ARES® meetings at the EOC. It is also used for identification in other counties at ARES® events. The ARESSC EC will notify members involved as to whether the event is ARES® or EMA (RACES).
5.4 SANDUSKY COUNTY EMA PHOTO ID CARD
The Sandusky County EMA photo ID card is authorized by the EMA and ARESSC EC. It will only be used when Amateur Radio Operators are activated by the EMA for emergency operations under RACES and to access SVARC or ARES® meetings at the EOC. The ARESSC EC will notify members involved as to whether the event is ARES® or EMA (RACES).
5.5 OTHER AGENCY ID’S
Other agencies served by ARESSC may offer an additional ID card to allow access into their facilities, or to allow access into secured areas.
5.6 CLOTHING / UNIFORM
There is no formal uniform code for ARESSC members. Members are encouraged to dress professionally and according to the situation and weather.
Some disaster operations and drills may require heavy clothing or a jump suit and sturdy hard shoes. A hard hat will usually be provided, if required.
Standardized reflective vests with approved identification may be purchased by ARESSC members. They will be used during ARESSC operations only.
5.7 OTHER IDENTIFICATION
All ARESSC members should carry a copy of their Amateur Radio license and ARES® ID card at all times.
Standardized magnetic car signs stating your call and Amateur Radio Emergency Services® may be purchased by ARESSC members. They will be used during ARESSC operations only.
6.0 SAFETY
Beacons and rotating safety yellow colored lights can be used by ARESSC members only during ARESSC operations.
6.1 INSURANCE
ARESSC members are responsible for their own personal medical, liability, vehicle and equipment insurance at all times.
As an organization, ARESSC carries no insurance.
6.2 PERSONAL SAFETY
All ARESSC members are responsible for their own safety at all times. Any member may decline an assignment at any time for any reason if you are not comfortable with the situation. Members should be especially careful around vehicle traffic during our public service events and at all times during a disaster situation. Always remain aware of what is occurring in and around your location.
Before accepting an assignment during an actual emergency, please be sure that your own family and personal property are safe and secure. Your own well being is priority one.
7.0 ARESSC EQUIPMENT
7.1 RECOMMENED PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
The first piece of Amateur Radio equipment for most members is a two-meter handi-talkie. Members should also have extra batteries and an external magnetic mount antenna with adapter.
Next consider a higher power mobile radio, or an external power amplifier and additional equipment for other bands.
8.0 SANDUSKY COUNTY EMA
8.1 PURPOSE
The intent of this section is to establish a uniform and organized use of the Sandusky County EMA facility with ARES® members.
All decisions that involve changes of any kind to the EMA facility and/or the equipment will have final approval from the EMA staff before the change(s) is made.
8.2 FACILITY USE
We are all guests in this facility and must act accordingly.
All ARES® and SVARC members and guests are restricted to the Communications Room, Meeting Room and Restrooms ONLY. Anyone violating this rule will be questioned and if in violation ask to immediately leave the building.
This is a secure facility with a zero tolerance level.
8.2.1 EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
The EOC is available for use to all Amateur Radio operators for functions related to Amateur Radio and communications by appointment only. To request use of the EOC you must phone 419-334-8933 and make arrangements with the EMA staff.
To access the EOC, ARESSC members must use the intercom system to call a guard.
8.2.2 COMMUNICATIONS ROOM
Use of the Communications Room is allowed for ARES®/RACES Skywarn activation, siren nets and emergency exercises.
Use of the Communications Room is allowed for the Sandusky Valley Amateur Radio Club (SVARC) and the Volunteer Exam Program (VEP), making copies or using the equipment for radio program demonstrations.
All other Communications Room use must be approved by contacting the EMA staff.
8.2.3 RADIO EQUIPMENT ROOM
No access to anyone except personnel assigned by EMA staff to maintain the Amateur Radio equipment.
8.3 EQUIPMENT
8.3.1 REPEATER SYSTEM
See Section 14.3 AREA HAM REPEATERS
Primary
Repeater:
The primary ARESSC repeater is the N8SCA system. The frequencies used with this system include:
Input Output CTCSS (PL)
144.650 MHz 145.250MHz 186.2 Hz Encode/Decode
Secondary Repeater:
The secondary ARESSC repeater is the KC8EPF system. The frequencies used with this system include:
Input Output CTCSS (PL)
146.310 MHz 146.910 MHz NONE
Simplex
Frequency:
147.430 MHz
8.3.2 REPEATER OPERATIONS
The W8NCK/N8SCA (145.250) repeater will function as normal Amateur Radio use in non-emergency situations. If an emergency situation arises then all normal use will stop and the ARES®/RACES personnel in charge will control the repeater.
As with any repeater, users are asked to leave a pause between transmissions, listening for the courtesy beep. Please keep your transmissions short at all times, allowing emergency traffic to break into a conversation.
When monitoring, always be friendly and courteous answering questions, and always answer distress calls.
Echolink can be used on the repeater as long as it does not cause problems. If problems should arise, Echolink will be immediately disabled. Before it is enabled again the EMA staff must be notified for permission and convinced that it will no longer cause any problems.
8.3.3 REPEATER IDENTIFICATION AND SERVICE MESSAGES
W8NCK shall be the repeater ID, N8SCA shall be used for all ARES® functions. The ARES® License Trustee and SVARC License Trustee shall be responsible for all service messages, programming and repeater ID.
8.3.4 USE OF NON-ARESSC REPEATERS
It is necessary to use non-ARESSC repeaters at times. When possible contact the repeater association or owner as far in advance as possible to obtain permission to use their system(s). In an emergency, make every effort to obtain the permission of the organization, owner or control operator. When the operations complete, remember to thank the other organization for the use of the repeater and include it in the event write-up.
8.3.5 TECHNICAL SUPPORT
The maintenance for the W8NCK/N8SCA repeater shall be the responsibility of the EMA. The SVARC Technical Committee will be allowed access to the radio room for the purpose of making minor repairs and modifications. These repairs and modifications must first be approved by the EMA staff.
If the repeater needs repair above the capability of the SVARC Technical Committee, the EMA will arrange for those repairs.
8.3.6 RADIO EQUIPMENT
All Amateur Radio equipment installed at the EMA will be tagged as EMA inventory and covered by EMA insurance. Absolutely no proprietary equipment will be installed at the EMA. Software installed on Amateur Radio computers must be legally purchased according to Federal Copyright laws.
Amateur Radio Operators may use the Amateur Radio equipment when needed for nets, exercises or programs. If equipment leaves the premises it must be listed on the sign-out sheet. The serial number, date, time and signature of the person taking the equipment must be on the sign-out sheet. The borrowed equipment must be returned in a reasonable amount of time and in the same condition as when it was taken.
8.4 RESPONSIBILITES
8.4.1 MEETINGS
The first person at the EOC for any scheduled meeting should put the appropriate sign on the door in the upstairs lobby.
8.4.2 KEYS
No one is authorized to use any of the keys located in the Sandusky County EOC except as noted here:
The ARESSC EC and Skywarn Coordinator will have key access to the EOC.
The Communications Room can only be opened by the ARES® EC or in his absence by his appointed replacement and the Skywarn Coordinator or in his absence by his appointed replacement.
The Communications Room can only be opened by the SVARC club President for meetings only, or in his absence by his appointed replacement.
8.4.3 DOCUMENTATION
All documentation related to the equipment at the EMA will be filed at the EMA. This documentation will include, but not limited to, the following: Repeater Manual, Repeater codes, Repeater linking information.
9.0 EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
Reference the Sandusky County Emergency Operations Plan.
Reference the Suggested Operating Guideline for an Emergency at the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station.
9.1 TYPES OF DISASTERS
The Northwest Ohio area may expect to encounter a number of different types of disaster situations. Examples of these include, but are not limited to:
· Tornado
· Fires
· Flooding
· Hazardous Materials (chemical and nuclear)
· Search and Rescue (missing person)
· Civil disturbance
· Earthquake
· Terrorist Attack
· Aircraft / mass casualty
9.2 ARESSC ACTIVATION
Any member of ARESSC who for any reason suspects a communication emergency exists should monitor the N8SCA 145.250 repeater for activity.
If local phone service is available, the ARESSC EC and/or ARESSC AEC’s should be notified by telephone.
In an emergency in which Amateur Radio might serve the community, Amateur Radio operators may be alerted by the EMA, Red Cross or similar official notifying the ARESSC EC and/or ARESSC AEC’s.
9.2.1 ARESSC ACTIVATION
If telephone service is available, the ARESSC calling tree system will be activated.
Upon the awareness or notification that a communications emergency exists, members of the ARESSC will call into the ARESSC Emergency Net on the N8SCA 145.250 repeater. If this repeater is not working use the back-up 146.910 repeater. If the 146.910 repeater is not working use simplex frequency 147.430.
The ARESSC EC or Net Manager AEC will assume net control or delegate another station as the Net Control Station (NCS).
This station will be designated as the “Key Station” and will be extensively utilized during a communications emergency.
9.2.2 NCS DUTIES
The ARESSC Emergency Net will be called to order by the NCS at the time determined by the ARESSC EC and/or ARESSC AEC’s.
Members of the ARESSC are checked into the net from their mobile or home stations to await further instructions.
9.2.3 OPERATIONS UNDER ACTIVATION
All written messages will be in the standard ARRL radiogram format.
The official, who originates them, with his/her title, taking responsibility for their contents, must sign all messages.
Message precedence of “EMERGENCY”, “PRIORITY”, “WELFARE” and “ROUTINE” as defined on ARRL form FSD-3 shall be used on all messages.
Stations do not transmit unless invited to do so by the NCS. The only exception to this is for a station having EMERGENCY TRAFFIC.
9.3 AGENCIES SERVED
Any government or private agency can request ARES® service during a disaster, and we will make every effort to honor those requests. ARESSC has already set up disaster agreements with a number of agencies. These include:
American Red Cross Sandusky County EMA
9.4 ARESSC STATION LOCATIONS
9.4.1 GREATER SANDUSKY / SENECA COUNTIES AMERICAN RED CROSS
ARESSC operates and maintains an Amateur Radio station at the Red Cross office located in Fremont, Ohio. The ARESSC EC and one ARESSC AEC have access to the building.
9.4.2 SANDUSKY COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
ARESSC operates an Amateur Radio station at the Sandusky County EMA located in Fremont, Ohio. See section 8.0 SANDUSKY COUNTY EMA for access to the building.
9.5 FORMAL TRAFFIC PROCEDURES
9.5.1 PURPOSE
When required, ARESSC will use the formal NTS traffic procedures to pass traffic which requires extreme accuracy. Forms and sample procedures can be found on the ARRL website. It is recommended that all ARESSC members be familiar with formal traffic handling procedures as a part of their training.
9.5.2 NORTHWEST OHIO TRAFFIC NET
The Northwest Ohio Traffic Net is a local net of the ARRL National Traffic System. The ARRL National System offers a systematic relay of radiogram messages along established routes and includes the sending and delivery of the messages.
During normal times the Northwest Ohio Traffic Net operates daily at 6:40 pm local time on the 147.375 repeater.
9.6 DISASTER CHECKLIST
9.7 DRILLS AND EXERCISES
At time, ARESSC will hold disaster drills and exercises. Remember that other Amateur Radio operators and the public, including news agencies, may monitor our frequencies. Announce all drills and exercises frequently and explain what is happening as you identify the net every ten minutes.
Any exercise relating to formal traffic which uses PRIORITY OR EMERGENCY precedence should become TEST PRIORITY OR TEST EMERGECNY and always include the phrase TEST MESSAGE X as the first three words of the message.
An annual test will be conducted in October in conjunction with the nationwide ALL Simulated Emergency Test (SET).
At the discretion of the EC, ARESSC will be activated unannounced via the Calling Tree system at least once per year.
10.0 PUBLIC SERVICE EVENTS
10.1 TYPES OF EVENTS
ARESSC participates in many types of public service events. These include but are not limited to:
· Runs (cross country event in Tiffin)
· Bike tours
· Community celebration / events (Sandusky River Clean-up)
· Parades
10.2 PARTICIPATION
10.2.1 TYPES OF PARTICIPATION
The types of assignments available depend on the event and size. Sample assignments include:
· Mile mark check point
· Shadow an event official
· Medical (Red Cross or other EMS)
· Security communications
· Liaison
· Net Control
10.2.2 VOLUNTEERING TO WORK
Scheduled events will be listed on the ARESSC web site and announced during the weekly net.
10.2.3 CONFIRMATION OF ASSIGNMENT
You should confirmation by email or phone shortly before the event, with your assignment including the location, and time to meet. Allow plenty of time to travel to the meeting location. Let the coordinator know if you be late or need further directions.
If you
are not able to participate, please let the coordinator know as
quickly as possible to that a replacement can be found.
If you
do not receive your assignment or cannot get in touch with the
coordinator, contact the Event Manager or EC immediately.
10.2.4 EQUIPMENT
Equipment to bring to an event depends on the type or event and your assignment. Suggestions include:
· Extra batteries
· Clipboard with pens and paper
· Maps of the area
· ARESSC jacket and/or shirt
· Food and drink
· Mobile magnetic mount antenna
· Weather gear
· ID badges (ARES / EMA-RACES / other)
10.2.5 MEDICAL PROCEDURES
One of our primary responsibilities at any public service event is for the safety of the participants and public. It is important to recognize problems and summon the correct response. The event coordinator should know what medical and law enforcement resources are available and announce these arrangements to the net.
If you see a potential medical problem, don’t panic. Use the key phrase MEDICAL with your call sign and location to net control and describe the situation as much as possible. Net control will contact the appropriate resource.
If you hear the word MEDICAL when in the net, hold your current
traffic until the MEDICAL situation is cleared, even if you
are recognized by net control prior to the situation.
10.2.6 OTHER KEY WORDS
Other key words which are used during ARESSC nets are “PRIORITY” and “INFORMATION” (or “INFO”). The uses of these key words are as follows:
PRIORITY – Used to give the Net Control Operator a way to prioritize your traffic over all other traffic (except MEDICAL, see above).
INFORMATION – Used when you have information that can help with a discussion that is taking place during the net. Break the net with your call sign (or tactical call) and “Information”. This will allow the NCS to break the current conversation and allow you to give your information traffic
10.2.7 TACTICAL CALL SIGNS
The uses of Tactical Call Signs are encouraged during public service and emergency nets. Tactical Call Signs allow the NCS to know where the station is calling from during the operation. Tactical Call Signs allow the flexibility of having different operators assigned to the same location. The most important point of using a Tactical Call Sign (i.e. “Mile Mark 1” or “Transportation 2”, etc.) is to know the rules and regulations of properly identify your station with the proper FCC amateur Radio call sign. Identify every 10 minutes and at the end of your transmission with your FCC call sign and you will be in compliance.
11.0 TRAINING
11.1 SANDUSKY COUNTY EMA RECOMMENDED TRAINING
The Sandusky County EMA recommends that every ARESSC member pass the NIMS 700 course. The EC recommends that you take them in this order, NIMS 700, 100, 200 and 800. These courses are offered on the FEMA website. The next courses are NIMS 300 and 400. They are only available in a class room setting. The EMA’s in Sandusky and surrounding counties offer these courses. Contact the EC for information.
11.2 NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
The National Weather Service provides severe weather (Skywarn) training each spring. ARESSC members are encouraged to attend the training and support the Northwest Ohio Skywarn network as trained spotters.
11.3 ARRL – CCEP EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS COURSES
The ARRL Certification and Continuing Education Program (ARRL/CCEP) hosts three levels of Emergency Communications courses for those who wish to further understand the basics and advanced techniques of Emergency Communications. ARESSC recommends at a minimum that all members take the Level 1 –Introduction to Emergency Communications course.
12.0 GENERAL NOTES AND SUGGESTIONS
Watch your microphones at all times. If you do not hear noise from your radio during a busy net, check to see if you are inadvertently transmitting.
Use the lowest power setting on your equipment, which still gives a reliable signal.
Disable VOX and “lock on” switches.
Don’t rely on the repeaters, use simplex frequencies when coverage will allow.
You may give direct but controlled use of your radio (third party traffic) to officials if required to avoid explaining and/or interpreting a situation twice. This is allowed as long as you are present to supervise the operation. Explain how to use the radio and announce that they are finished when the information exchange is complete.
13.0 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
The following is a list of some of the many terms associated with ARES® and our communications activities.
AEC Assistant Emergency Coordinator
ARC American Red Cross
ARES® Amateur Radio Emergency Service®
ARRL Amateur Radio Relay League
CP Command Post
CTCSS Continuous Tone Controlled Sub-audible Squelch (sub-audible tone used for repeater control or selective calling. Most recent radios are equipped with this feature or easily installed.)
CW Continuous Wave (Morse Code)
DAT Disaster Action Team (Red Cross)
DEC District Emergency Coordinator
DF Direction Finding (use of special techniques to find the exact location of a radio signal.)
EC Emergency Coordinator
EMA Emergency Management Agency
EMD Emergency Medical Services
EOC Emergency Operations Center
FCC Federal Communications Commission
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
NCS Net Control Station
NTS National Traffic System
NWS National Weather Service
OSERP Ohio Section Emergency Response Plan
OSSBN Ohio Single Side Band Net
RACES Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service
SEC Section Emergency Coordinator
SET Simulated Emergency Test
SKYWARN Severe weather spotting service for the National Weather Service
SM Section Manager
TNC Terminal Node Controller (Packet radio interface)
14.0 APPENDIX
14.1 CURRENT ARESSC ADMINISTRATION (1/1/08)
Emergency Coordinator (EC):
David Gierhart – W8DAG
Assistant Emergency Coordinators (AEC’s):
Ervin Remaley – KA8CAS
Public
Information Officer & Assistant Skywarn Coordinator
Gene Schumacher – W8VMW
Net Manager
Larry Ferguson – W8LAF
Skywarn
Coordinator
Jeff Herman – KD8ERV
Assistant
Skywarn Coordinator
Owen Fritz – KD8GSI
14.2 SIREN NET PROCEDURE FOR SANDUSKY COUNTY, OHIO
This is
the Siren Net Procedure for Sandusky County, Ohio used the first
Saturday of every month to check alert sirens for Sandusky County
law enforcement.
Start the net 5 to 10 minutes prior to the noon time siren activation.
“Is this
frequency in use?”
“This is
N8SCA net control station for the Sandusky County Emergency Siren
test conducted the first Saturday of every month.”
“County
sirens are activated and tested by law enforcement. ARES®
mobile units report if the sirens are working.”
“This is a
public service by the Amateur Radio Emergency Service®
of Sandusky County.”
“We will
now do a roll call of mobile units to confirm their location prior
to the siren test.”
Acknowledge
each station.
“We will
now do a roll call of mobile units to confirm sirens sounding.”
Acknowledge
each station.
“Are there
any comments?”
“Thanks to
all amateur radio operators who helped with this test.”
“This is
N8SCA net control turning the frequency back over to regular amateur
radio use.”
“73 and see
you next month. N8SCA”
14.3 AREA HAM REPEATERS
W8NCK/N8SCA
145.250 (minus offset)
PL: 186.2 ENC/DEC
Fremont ARES®/RACES/SVARC OPEN- Countryside Drive, Fremont, Ohio
ECHOLINK NODE: 164976 - Bill Ritche N8FIS
Trustees: W8NCK Mike Kosta K8VCP / N8SCA David Gierhart W8DAG
KC8EPF
146.910 (minus offset)
PL: OPEN
Fremont ARES® Backup OPEN- St. Rt. 590 and 20 West of Fremont, Ohio
Trustee: Mike Gruss KC8EPF
KC8EPF
443.450 (plus offset)
PL: OPEN
OPEN- Fremont, Ohio - West
Trustee: Mike Gruss KC8EPF
N8TRQ
443.000 (plus offset)
PL: 107.2 ENC/DEC
OPEN- Fremont. Ohio - Central
Trustee: Keith Loreno Jr.
NF8E
145.350 (minus offset)
PL: 110.9 ENC/DEC
Clyde Amateur Radio Society (Linked to Bellevue 440 Repeater Normally, CAN link to Fremont 145.250 and Toledo 146.940) OPEN- Clyde, Ohio - Central
Trustee: Steven Karr NF8E
W8ID
145.450 (minus offset)
PL: 107.2 ENC
Seneca Co. Radio Club OPEN- Tiffin, Ohio
Trustee: Daryl Campbell
K8VXH
147.075 (plus offset)
PL: OPEN
Ottawa Co. Amateur Radio Club OPEN- Oak Harbor, Ohio - East
Trustee: Greg Sanderson
WB8JLT
443.850 (plus offset)
PL: Normal, Dummy, ARES, Mode: 186.2 ENC/DEC
PL: WX Mode: 186.2 ENC 179.9 DEC
Skywarn/ARES® OPEN- Oak Harbor, Ohio - West
Trustee: Scott Renz WB8JLT
K8VXH
442.250 (plus offset)
PL: OPEN
Ottawa Co. Amateur Radio Club OPEN- Oak Harbor, Ohio - East
Trustee: Greg Sanderson
KB8TEP
442.425 (plus offset)
PL: 100.0 ENC
Skywarn Backbone OPEN - Davis Besse
Trustee: Vincent Vassello
KC8RCI
443.1875 (plus offset)
PL: 107.2 ENC
Ohio Amateur Radio Network (Linked to Elyria, Mansfield, Gibsonburg, Tiffin, Norwalk 440/2M Repeaters) OPEN – Gibsonburg, Ohio – South (water tower)
Trustee: Keith Loreno Jr.
14.4 AREA FIRE, E.M.S. AND POLICE
CONTACTS
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FIRE
|
LAW/EMS |
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Lindsey Fire Dept. VOL
238 S. Main St.
Lindsey, Ohio 43442
Phone: 419-665-2321
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Sandusky Co. Sheriff/EMS
2323 Countryside Dr.
Fremont, Ohio 43420
Phone: 419-332-2613 |
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Ballville Twp. Fire Dept. VOL
1414 W. Cole Rd.
Fremont, Ohio 43420
Phone: 419-332-7496 |
Highway Patrol Post 72
St. R.T 20
Phone: 419-332-8246 |
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Clyde Fire Dept.
222 N. Main St.
Clyde, Ohio 43410
Phone: 419-547-7123 |
Woodville Police
219 W. Main St.
Woodville, Ohio 43469
Phone: 419-849-3020 |
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Fremont Fire Dept.
1145 W. State St.
Fremont, Ohio 43420
Phone: 419-332-4131
Chief E-mail- firechief@fremontohio.org
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Gibsonburg Police
214 W. Madison St.
Gibsonburg, Ohio 43431
Phone: 419-637-2143 |
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Gibsonburg Fire Dept. VOL
120 S. Main St.
Gibsonburg, Ohio 43431
Phone: 419-637-2160 |
Fremont Police
1141 W. State St.
Fremont, Ohio 43420
Phone: 419-332-6464
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|
Helena Fire Dept. VOL
229 Main St.
Helena, Ohio 43435
Phone: 419-638-2011 |
Clyde Police
222 N. Main St.
Clyde, Ohio 43410
Phone: 419-547-9555
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|
Sandusky Twp. Fire Dept. VOL
2205 Oak Harbor Rd.
Fremont, Ohio 43420
Phone: 419-355-8188
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North Central EMS
12513 US Hwy 250
Milan, Ohio 44846
Dispatch:1-800-589-2515
Station 11: 419-334-4341 (Hayes Ave.)
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Townsend Twp. Fire Dept. VOL
5076 C.R. 247
Vickery, Ohio 43464
Phone: 419-547-9747 |
Fremont Hospital
715 S. Taft Ave.
Fremont, Ohio 43420
Phone: 419-332-7321 |
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Woodville Fire Dept. VOL
321 E. Main St.
Woodville, Ohio 43469
Phone: 419-849-3232 |
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This page last updated 1-26-08.