Nevada
Dick Flanagan K7VC, ARRL Nevada Section Manager
Don Carlson KQ6FM, ARRL Nevada
Revised & Updated
August 2007 by
Don Carlson KQ6FM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Background
2. Purpose
3. Organization
4. Plan Activation
5. Training and Procedures
6. Official Emergency Stations
7. Mutual Aid/ARESMAT
Appendix I
Appendix II Emergency Nets
Appendix - III VHF Packet & VoIP Frequencies & Systems
Appendix - IV VHF / UHF Repeater Systems
Appendix - V VHF / UHF Simplex Frequencies & State HF Frequencies
Appendix - VI Commercial Radio Systems & Other Radio Services
Appendix VII Standard Forms
Appendix - VIII Abbreviations, Acronyms and Terms
1. Background
A. The Amateur Radio Service is authorized under Part 97 of the Federal Communications Commission's rules as a "voluntary non-commercial communication service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications." ARRLฎ: The national association for AMATEUR RADIO facilitates emergency communications through its Field Organization in general and the Amateur Radio Emergency Serviceฎ (ARESฎ) in particular.
The ARES is the emergency branch of the ARRL Field
Organization. It operates under the direction of the Section Manager, an
elected position within the Field Organization. There are 71 sections in the
The ARES operates to serve both governmental and non-governmental agencies through "Memoranda of Understanding" (MOUs). These MOUs are non-binding letters explaining the participating parties' roles and responsibilities and are initiated at both the national and section levels. Written MOUs need not be in place on a section or local level if they exist on a national level. Local MOUs do not require district or section level signatures and are limited to their respective local ARES organizations. Section-level MOUs transfer in-kind as new Section Managers are elected unless specifically cancelled by the incoming Section Manager. Agencies signatory to MOUs are referred to as "Served Agencies."
With regard to the events of September 11, 2001 and our
newly created Department of Homeland Security, the need for trained and
prepared communicators is greatly increased. The recent affiliation of the ARRL
and the Citizen Corps opens new opportunities for service by the ARES. Part of that affiliation is the Community
Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. CERT provides teams of trained
volunteers that provide emergency services during emergencies in residential
and business neighborhoods. ARES is committed to provide training and operators
for the CERT program as it is developed in areas throughout
B. It is the intention of this plan to provide guidelines for training and usage of amateur radio volunteer communicators. The Nevada Section ARES organizations recognize the role of the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) to government agencies as auxiliary communications links during times of emergency. It is also the intention of this plan to recommend a standard for training and preparation of ARES operators to assist with the needs of the state and local government communications as required.
C. It is the recommendation of this plan that all ARES operators register with their local government emergency management agencies. This fulfills the mandatory registration requirements of Part 97 for RACES operators. It will also provide a larger contingency of qualified operators that may be utilized during emergencies regardless of affiliation with ARES or RACES. ARES operators should be prepared to assist any agency whether government or private sector as dictated by the needs of any given situation. It is preferred that all ARES and RACES members be one unit and members of both entities.
ARRLฎ, Amateur Radio Emergency Serviceฎ and ARESฎ are Registered Service Marks
of ARRL, Inc.
D. The Section Emergency Coordinator shall establish the
training standards for new ARES volunteers and ensure that all new ARES
operators complete a basic curriculum for EmComm training. The SEC shall ensure that both districts
within the section have qualified instructors available for training and that
regular exercises are held so that the section maintains a high degree of
readiness.
2. Purpose
A. The purpose of this plan is to outline the ARES organization in the Nevada Section and present the basic information required for effective operation during an emergency. It will also contain appendices, which constitute the bulk of the "living document," as submitted by the District Emergency Coordinators (DECs) and Emergency Coordinators (ECs). It is intended that this plan be updated periodically, on an as-needed basis, and reviewed annually by the ARES leadership.
B. This plan is not intended to be the "last word" in emergency operations, but to be a guideline for planning and operations. Training recommendations establish minimum standards for qualifying amateurs as ARES operators. ARES operator training will include items published by the Nevada Division of Emergency Management for RACES operators. All training should be tailored to meet the needs of the agencies and communities served on a local level.
3. Organization
The ARRL leadership structure within the Nevada Section is found at http://www.arrl.org/sections/?sect=NV
The
The ARES leadership individuals to the level of Emergency Coordinator are identified by District as follows:
Northwest District DEC and ECs are identified at http://nv.arrl.org/ares/northwest.html
Northeast District DEC and ECs are identified at http://nv.arrl.org/ares/northeast.html
Southern District DEC and ECs are identified at http://nv.arrl.org/ares/south.html
4. Plan Activation
A. Activation and mobilizing the ARES does not require a section officials endorsement. If a member station determines that a true emergency situation exists, every effort should be made to notify the appropriate EC so that information concerning an incident may be relayed through the ARES structure and net operations established. If the appropriate EC is unavailable, the chain of command should be followed. This does not preclude operators from contacting an emergency dispatch center or requesting assistance for smaller incidents, such as initial fire, medical, or traffic accident calls. ECs are to provide members with their personal contact information as well as the DEC and SEC.
ARES member stations should then monitor the assigned Amateur frequency utilized in the affected area. This would include appropriate repeater output frequencies and predetermined high frequency net frequencies. If electrical service to a repeater is interrupted and backup power is not available, stations should monitor the repeater output frequency or other pre-determined simplex frequency, as directed by the local leadership. Appointed OES stations shall establish HF, VHF and/or digital nets on assigned frequencies if a declaration of emergency is imminent. Do not wait for an official declaration before going on the air. The earlier in an emergency you can be operating, the sooner the need for assistance can be communicated.
B. It is important that stations not interrupt existing emergency communications, but instead listen and only transmit if specific assistance is requested from that station or if a clear relay can be given in times of difficult copy. Stations should conform to established net protocol at all times. Deviating from established net procedure slows and confuses operations.
C. Calls for assistance from served agencies should be routed to the appropriate EC. This will result in the most efficient and appropriate response. Only under prior arrangements should individual ARES members "self dispatch" to an assignment on their own. If an individual ARES member has a specific assignment during emergencies, they may at their own discretion, report to the agency or office they are assigned to.
D. The Nevada Section Emergency Coordinator shall notify the Section Traffic Manager whenever an incident is expected to require the movement of formal traffic outside of the local area. Available ARES OES stations appointed as NTS liaison stations should activate and check in on the ARES frequencies to handle any traffic that may be needed. NTS and MARS liaison stations are listed in the appendices of this plan.
5. Training and Procedures
A. An annual test of the Nevada Section ARES will be conducted during the month of October in conjunction with the National Simulated Emergency Test (SET). This test will be conducted at various levels throughout the section. It is encouraged that the SET coincides with the annual RACES exercise for training, coordination and interface practice. It is also recommended that district or local exercises be held as appropriate and coordinated with district or local agency participation whenever possible.
B. The ARRL has provided a course for Emergency
Communications training and certification. The course is presented in three
levels. The Level-I course is highly recommended as the basic training standard
for new ARES members in
C. Additional tests, drills, nets, and training will be carried out as directed by the individual ECs and DECs. These sessions allow tailoring of training requirements to the specific needs of the areas and served agencies. Consideration should be given to the needs of adjacent areas for maintaining a high state of readiness for mutual aid support. It is recommended that neighboring sections be invited to participate in any exercises held on a district or section-wide basis.
D. Directed nets are the backbone of the ARES traffic handling operation. Directed nets operate with a Net Control Station (NCS) which maintains order on the net. Stations not directly involved with the operation of a directed net should stand by until the net is clear. At no time will a station transmit on a directed net except when called upon by the NCS, when checking in during a non-roll call period or when a station has bona fide emergency or priority traffic. Utilization of VHF and HF digital modes is strongly recommended.
Most net operations relating to emergencies are tactical in nature. They are generally directed nets and messages sent are defined as any exchange that does not utilize an established message format or form. The NTS message format should be utilized whenever practical. Its use has a long history of reliable and accurate message exchange. ARES members shall be proficient in the handling of ARRL NTS messages. In any case, it is the served agencys needs that will determine what format is to be used for messages in any given situation. Where traffic is classified as emergency it may be passed as a tactical message and without formatting into a radiogram for transmission. A message that is intended for broadcast to all stations with an EMERGENCY precedence may be sent as a formal message depending upon the timeliness of the message. An example would an evacuation order that is sent to all stations including by packet to warn of floodwaters rising. However, the same message should be sent as an all stations VOICE message if it were for a wildfire the wind direction had changed and the order is considered for an immediate threat to life and property. When in doubt as to whether a message should be priority or emergency, choose the higher precedence. It would be far better to receive a message more quickly than to have it delivered too late.
Without exception, all ARES stations are to keep a running log account of their operations. Your log becomes a legal document should an emergency require an after-incident investigation, and it may be considered evidence in court. An operators log file of an incident should be kept in a safe place for a period of five years. A sample log is included in Appendix VII with basic instructions.
Packet stations should retain hard copies of all message sent and received. The date and time of the message shall serve as their log entries.
All ECs shall file an After Action Report (AAR), with their DEC and the SEC, within 72 hours of demobilization from an incident. A sample format After Action Report is available in Appendix VII of this plan. Each ARES unit involved with an incident should arrange for an operational critique within 48 hours after stand-down from an incident. Bring your log files and notes for discussion. The critique meetings are not for placing blame for problems or singling out anyone for criticism. They serve as a means of discovering what worked and what didnt and to discuss how problems can be avoided in the future. Those who performed their jobs well will also be recognized. At no time is a critique session to be used for disciplinary action of an individual. Personnel problems are the responsibility of the EC and DEC and will be handled directly by them.
It is also recommended that operators become familiar with the MARS (Military Affiliate Radio System) message format so that inbound traffic from a MARS station can be translated into NTS format should that be necessary. MARS messages may be delivered as received by ARES operators. A sample MARS message form is included in Appendix VII.
Formal training requirements shall be at the discretion of SEC and DEC as to what ECs and AEC appointments shall have completed. For this purpose, a tiered level of membership should be implemented. Required training may be waived or amended on an individual basis by SEC and DEC. Such levels of training are as follows:
Members may be categorized by the level of training and experience they individually have. Such categories may be defined by the State and District officers. Such levels may be as follows:
LEVEL 3 Entry Level
ARES/RACES application
Provides only support functions. Can relay tactical messages in the field, coordinates with more advanced members.
LEVEL 2 Intermediate Level
ARECC Level 1, ICS-700
Members can be deployed to NGO staging areas. Relay traffic messages on behalf of NGO or H&W.
LEVEL 1 Full Member
All required State training; (ICS-100, 200, 700 and 800), and ARECC Level 1
Full ARES/RACES members: Supports EMA/NGO deployments to EOC's, IC's etc.
State, District and
COURSES TABLE:
FEMA Courses:
IS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System
IS-200 ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
IS-700 National Incident Management System An Introduction
IS-800 National Response Plan An Introduction
ARRL AREC COURSES:
ARRL EC-001 - Introduction to Amateur Radio Emergency Communications
ARRL EC-002 - Intermediate Amateur Radio Emergency Communications
ARRL EC-003 - Advanced Amateur Radio Emergency Communications
6. Official Emergency Stations
The Official Emergency Station (OES) appointment has been under-utilized for years. It is the intention of this plan, to emphasize the importance of the OES position to the effectiveness of an ARES organization. The basic description is for this position is available on the ARRL web at the following link: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/org/oes.html. The basic requirements of this position are:
The OES appointee must be an ARRL member and set high standards of emergency preparedness and operating. The OES appointee makes a deeper commitment to the ARES program in terms of functionality than does the rank-and-file ARES registrant.
Appointees for OES participate in the planning, preparation and execution of ARES operations and provide experience and expertise to local and area ARES groups. OES Appointments typically associate an ARES member with an agency or task. These associations may include but are not limited to:
Area SKYWARN Coordinator
Training Instructor
Field Operations Manager
Resource Management
Traffic Net Liaison Station
All ARES members are strongly encouraged to provide emergency power capabilities for their stations. While the ability to operate under emergency power is not mandatory, OES stations are expected to set high operating standards for themselves and their stations as an example for other ARES members to follow.
7. MUTUAL AID/ARESMAT
ARESMAT in
A RRT (Rapid Response Team) or similar group deployed to another county or ARES group will follow the procedures and operational plans as specified by the host ARES organization. Deployed ARES groups will be governed by the host groups EC or designated IC.
Deployments of assistance teams should coordinate on the local area repeater, simplex frequencies, or the NV Section statewide simplex frequency of 146.550. The EC for any group that is activated by ARES/RACES should notify their respective DEC or SEC. Notification puts the NV Section or District on alert to plan for possible ARESMAT requests or communications relay points. In the event of normal communications failures, OES volunteers should be activated and be asked to monitor NV Section HF frequencies. Local plans should have a calling tree and alternate methods to notify ARES leaders and OES stations in the affected area.
Notification outside an area without normal communications or power should follow a pre-determined plan between ARES organizations. Such a plan might include: using a mountain top repeater, contacting any available Ham operator on HF or linked repeater system to landline NV Section leaders or establish a calling schedule on Section HF frequencies.
Such a schedule might be to request activation of a special NV Section ARES HF net at a predetermined time, when there are known communications failures within the Section.
Normal chain of command would be from SEC to DEC to
Appendix I Section ARES Organization
The Nevada Section ARES leadership individuals are identified at http://nv.arrl.org/ares.html
As of April 2007, leadership is identified as follows:
Nevada Section Manager: Dick Flanagan, K7VC
Section Emergency Coordinator: Don Carlson, KQ6FM
Northwest District Emergency Coordinator: Glenn Thomas, WB6W
Northeast District Emergency Coordinator: Joe Giraudo, N7JEH
Southern District Emergency Coordinator: Glenn Hale, KB7REO
NOTE: Section Emergency Coordinator is currently the Nevada State RACES Officer, by appointment; all of the above mentioned DECs are also appointed District RACES Officers as of April 2007.
Northwest district DEC and ECs are identified at http://nv.arrl.org/ares/northwest.html
NOTE: The above website will be updated and amended regularly as changes occur.
As of April 20, 2007, the page looks like:
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Northwest
District Glenn Thomas WB6W District leadership: |
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Northeast district DEC and ECs are identified at http://nv.arrl.org/ares/northeast.html
NOTE: The above website will be updated and amended regularly as changes occur.
As of April 20, 2007, the page looks like:
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Northeast
District Joe Giraudo, N7JEH District
leadership: |
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Southern district DEC and ECs are identified at http://nv.arrl.org/ares/south.html
NOTE: The above website will be updated and amended regularly as changes occur.
As of April 20, 2007, the page looks like:
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Southern District Glenn Hale, KB7REO Searchlight EC: |
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Appendix II - Emergency Nets
ARES Nets, frequencies and times are identified at http://nv.arrl.org/nets.html
As of April 20, 2007, the page looks like:
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Net Name |
Time |
Area |
Repeaters/Frequencies/Modes |
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DAILY |
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1200L |
northwest |
147.150(+) PL 123 Mt Rose Nobb 147.210(+) PL 100 Pevine Mtn 444.925(+) PL 100 Pevine Mtn |
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Jefferson Noon Net |
1200L |
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7244 kHz LSB |
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1800L |
|
28.435 MHz USB |
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Golden Bear Amateur Radio Net |
1900L |
statewide |
3975 kHz LSB |
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Northern California Net (NCN) |
1900L |
Pacific Div |
3533 kHz CW |
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Northern California Net 2(slow speed) |
2100L |
Pacific Div |
3705 kHz CW |
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MONDAY |
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DCART ARES/RACES Net |
1830L |
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147.270(+) PL 123 |
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1845L |
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147.240(+) |
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Clark |
1930L |
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145.110(-) PL 100 Red Mtn |
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Newsline |
1930L |
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147.300(+) |
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Tahoe Amateur Radio Association |
1930L |
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147.240(+) |
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CW practice |
2000L |
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146.610(-) |
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TUESDAY |
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0900L |
statewide |
7080 kHz LSB |
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Lyon |
1900L |
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146.970(-) PL 103.5 |
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Sky Warn SSB Net |
1900L |
NW |
144.300 MHz USB |
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1930L |
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147.330(+) MHz |
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2000L |
statewide |
3980 kHz LSB |
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Northwest District ARES/RACES Net |
2000L |
Reno/Carson |
147.210(+) PL 100 Pevine Mtn 147.030(+) PL 123 |
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WEDNESDAY |
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0930L |
statewide |
7248.5 kHz LSB |
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NWS Alerts |
1100L |
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146.52 MHz |
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NV Section ARES/Skywarn VoIP Net |
1900L |
statewide |
Western Reflector 9258
441.650(+) PL 123 (Reno/Sparks) (linked full time coming soon will replace 146.46 simplex) 147.300 (+) PL 123 ( |
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1930L |
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146.91 PL 100 (Battle Mountain) 146.640 (-) PL 100 Winnemucca 147.300 100 PL Elko N. to 147.27 100 PL Jackpot to
53.25 PL 100 (Elko to |
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South Nye |
2000L |
Pahrump |
147.030(-) PL 100 |
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THURSDAY |
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0900L |
statewide |
7142 kHz |
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1000L |
statewide |
7244 kHz LSB |
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Western States Weak Signal Society VHF SSB |
1900L |
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144.260 MHz USB |
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1900L |
statewide |
IRLP Western Reflector 9258
Reno/Sparks IRLP 3082: 146.460 Simp. W/PL. 123 Reno/Sparks (linked full time) 441.650(+) PL 123 (Reno/Sparks) (linked full time coming soon will replace 146.46 simplex) Tonopah Wells East/Pequot
147.290 (-) PL. 100 Winnemucca146.640 (-) PL 100 |
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Wide Area Data Group |
1900L |
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147.210(+) PL 100 Pevine Mtn 444.925(+) PL 100 Pevine Mtn |
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1930L |
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146.520 MHz Simplex |
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Newsline |
1930L |
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147.300(+) Reno/Sparks |
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swapnet |
1930L |
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147.300(+) |
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FRIDAY |
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Tech Net |
1900L |
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146.790(-) |
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Rural Amateur Radio Association |
2000L |
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147.180(+) PL 123 |
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SATURDAY |
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Rural Amateur Radio Association |
0730L |
statewide |
3965 kHz LSB |
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ECHO |
0730L |
statewide |
3970 kHz LSB |
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0800L |
statewide |
3965 kHz LSB |
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Civil Alerts |
1200L |
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146.52 MHz |
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SUNDAY |
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New Hams Net |
1300L |
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147.150(+) PL 123 Mt Rose Nobb 147.210(+) PL 100 Pevine Mtn 444.925(+) PL 100 Pevine Mtn |
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American Red Cross Communicators VoIP Net |
1800L |
statewide |
Western Reflector 9258
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Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Net (SATERN) |
1900L |
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147.210(+) PL 100 Pevine Mtn 147.150(+) PL 123 Mt Rose Nobb |
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1900L |
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147.270(+) |
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Churchill |
1900L |
Churchill |
145.350(-) PL 123 |
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ARRL Audio News |
1930L |
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147.300(+) PL 123 ( |
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2000L |
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147.060(+) |
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OTHERS |
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Space Shuttle audio |
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statewide |
Channel 2 of the Western IRLP Reflector 9252 (worldwide) |
Appendix III VHF Packet
This is the suggested mode of operating while handling disaster welfare inquiry message for the American Red Cross. Both VHF or UHF voice and VHF packet should be utilized for shelter and evacuation center information exchanges with Red Cross stations. Although this system is not the best means of communicating across the Nevada Section, it may be a viable method of getting low priority traffic to its destination.
There are several packet nodes set up through the state and
a system is presently being assembled that will facilitate the linking of much
of
Routing of packet traffic between areas of the state is a
challenge at best. Presently there are route links between
ROUTE-1
Packet link via I-gate, link from
Your station connected via N8RRL to VEGAS to BBGATE, BENCA, DIA, YRGTN, RNO.
On HF 7.1045 LSB :
Connect to AL7LS-7 then cross connect X WA6EWV-1, G (gate command), Port 3 (145.05),
C W7TA-4 (RNO)
The reverse route would be used for connections from the
Voice-over-IP (VoIP)
The NV Section (ARES) SKYWARN Weather Net is held every Wednesday at
1900L. State ARES/RACES Net every Thursday at 1900L. Both nets held on the IRLP
WESTERN REFLECTOR, 9258 and ECHOLINK Conference Server NV-GATE 152566 (linked to each
other) and may be heard on the following repeaters:
Las Vegas
IRLP 3641, 447.000(-) PL 100; IRLP 3260
IRLP 3290, 145.370(-) PL 123
IRLP 3194, 447.725(-) PL 123
Reno/Sparks/Carson
City
IRLP 3257, 147.300(+) PL 123
IRLP 3875, 147.270(+) PL 123
IRLP 5560, 444.975(+) PL 146.2
IRLP 3082, 146.640 Simplex W/PL 123.0 (temporary until 441.650 repeater available)
441.650 (+) PL 123 (to be linked fulltime)
Tonopah
IRLP 3396, 146.640(-) PL 123
Mesquite
IRLP 3705, 449.750(-) PL 123
Elko
IRLP 3806, 444.950(+) PL 100
IRLP 3227,
NV Section Voice-over IP (VoIP) Network (All Districts)
Other VoIP Nets of Interest are the American Red Cross Communicators and the Disaster Communicators Forum nets on Sundays, starting at 1800L. They run concurrently on the above IRLP and Echolink Conference Servers.
The VoIP Coordinator (also Nevada Section Technical Coordinator) is
Kent Johnson, W7AOR (702)452-4412 w7aor@narri.org
Members are encouraged
to monitor IRLP 9258 Western Reflector Channel 8 during all emergency
situations. This is a statewide
ARES/RACES link. It may also be engaged through Echolink Nevadagate # 152566.
Appendix IV VHF / UHF Repeater Systems
VHF or UHF repeaters serve most communities within the section. This may be a viable means of contacting a desired person or someone who can in turn contact that person for you. The most commonly utilized repeaters are identified in the "Emergency Nets" portion of this document above.
Some portions of the section are served by linked systems, which allow more widespread coverage. This may allow getting into or out of a metropolitan area to rural communities. These systems are susceptible to commercial power interruption and may not function during times of widespread or localized power outage. When power outages occur and repeaters being utilized for emergency communications stop working, it is recommended that the output frequency of the repeater be use in 'simplex' mode along with relay stations to handle all traffic. Once the repeater system is on the air again, the transition back to repeater operation is simple. This method should be practiced whenever possible in order to understand the geographical challenges presented and for training operators in relay operations.
Repeater Systems Available for ARES Emergency Use:
NORTHWEST
NEVADA DISTRICT
Location, Frequency,
Coverage Area
Ophir Hill (Virginia City) 146.610(-) PL 123 Reno/Sparks portions of Douglas, Lyon,
Churchill and
Carson Valley/Douglas County 147.270(+) PL 123 441.250(+) PL 123 McClellan Pk. (linked system)
Reno/Sparks 441.650
(+) PL 123.0 Linked full time to Channel 8 of Western
Reflector. May also be accessed via Echolink Nevadagate # 152566. Operational
October 2007.
Carson City/Tahoe 147.240(+) PL 123
Lake Tahoe,
146.970(-) PL 103.5
145.350(-) PL 123
SOUTHERN
NEVADA DISTRICT
145.110(-) PL 100 Red Mountain
145.220(-) PL 100
145.300(-) PL 100
147.180(+) PL 100 Angel's Peak
147.180(+) PL 127.3
447.325(-) PL 127.3 Angel's Peak
927.6625(-) DPL606 Angel's Peak
447.725 (-) PL
107.2
Pahrump
447.700 PL 123, Hospital, emergency power.
447.500 PL 123, Private home up on fan area
145.130 PL 100, Kellogg Fire tower
145.620 PL 100, Jonnie (being built as of April07, will be on solar power/batteries)
Center/Dial
3594/3592.5 kHz Pactor 1 or 2
7074.9/7073.4 kHz Pactor 1 or 2
7103.2/7101.7 kHz Pactor 3
10144.9/10143.4 kHz Pactor 1, 2 or 3
145.130 PL 100
447.500 PL 100
146.580 Simplex
445.550 Simplex
145.050 WA1OOH-1 (PACKET)
WA1OOH-10 (WINLINK)
146.640 PL 123
145.220 PL 100
NORTHEAST
NEVADA DISTRICT
147.210(+) PL 100 Elko and vicinity
444.950(+) PL 100
53.25 (-) PL 100
444.500(+) PL 100 North Elko areas
146.960(-) PL 100 Wells area
146.910(-) PL 100 Battle Mountain area
448.900(-)PL 100 Battle Mountain area
146.850(-) PL 100 I-80 through Carlin area
147.290 (-) PL 100 Pequop
146.640 (-) PL 100 Winnemucca
147.300 (+) PL 100 Elko North to
147.270 (+) PL 100 Jackpot to
Appendix V VHF / UHF Simplex Frequencies and Statewide HF Frequencies
Several portions of the section utilize predetermined simplex frequencies for "event or scene of action" operations. Use of the simplex mode minimizes exposure to power interruption, but also shortens effective communications range in most cases. The frequencies listed are those considered primary for operations. Additional frequencies may be assigned as an event requires. Some of the most commonly utilized frequencies are listed as follows:
52.525 MHz The National Simplex Calling frequency on 6 meters, utilized in Elko and White Pine Counties
146.460 MHz Douglas Co. ARES Command Simplex Frequency.
146.490 MHz Lyon and Churchill Counties Secondary (Tac-2)
146.520 MHz The
national simplex calling frequency on 2 meters. Utilized in the
146.550 MHz Statewide ARES CALLING SIMPLEX Frequency
147.270
147.420
147.510 MHz Southern
146.550 MHz Washoe
446.575 MHz
Northeastern
HF CALLING FREQUENCIES: (For
Primary Nighttime: 3965 kHz
Primary Daytime: 7280 kHz
Appendix VI - Commercial Radio Systems & Other Radio
Services
Use of commercial radio equipment tuned to operate on amateur radio frequencies is encouraged. Most commercial radio equipment is made to withstand vehicle vibration and moderate shock as well as being much more frequency stable than average amateur equipment.
Commercial radio equipment is often phased out by government agencies and can be obtained for pennies on the dollar. Many models lend themselves nicely to working as full-time packet radios and for dedicated voice radios. Check with your city and county emergency management and inquire if there is equipment being replaced. Often times, they will donate obsolete equipment to an ARES/RACES unit for use in support of their agencies.
The use of amateur equipment modified to operate on commercial frequencies is prohibited.
In the event that the nature of an emergency presents an imminent threat to life and/or property, any viable means of notifying authorities to affect a response by emergency personnel may be used. This method is to be used only as a last resort when all other means of communication have failed. Any ARES operator taking this action must be brief on the air, explain who they are, the nature of the emergency and remain on the air long enough to receive an acknowledgment. Operators taking this action are individually responsible for their actions. Operators should fully document their actions be prepared to provide a full report of their actions to a board of inquiry should that be required.
Appendix VII - ARES-ICS Forms & Information
ICS-213 Form - Message Form
ARRL NTS Message Form
The ARRL Radiogram form is found at
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/forms/#radiogram_form
The FSD-3 "ARRL Numbered Radiograms" is found at
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/forms/#fsd-3
ICS-309 Form Radio Log
FRS & GMRS Frequency List
Appendix VIII Acronyms, Abbreviations and Terms
The information contained in this document comes from a variety of resources. This list is representative of acronyms, abbreviations and terms that amateur radio communicators may encounter while operating. The list is not all encompassing and has been compiled to reflect items that may be encountered during an emergency response or exercise. The more you know, the better prepared you are. Included are many ICS terms. These are defined generally and will help in your understanding of an incident when communicating.
If you have items that should be included in this document, please submit them to your DEC or the SEC and they will be noted for the next update.
AEC Assistant Emergency Coordinator. A position of leadership within the ARES organization reporting to the EC.
Agency Representative An individual assigned to an incident from an assisting or cooperating agency who has been delegated full authority to make decisions on all matters affecting that agencys participation at an incident. Agency representatives report to the incident liaison officer. (ICS)
Alert Notification that and emergency situation has occurred, standby for possible activation.
Allocated Resources Resources dispatched to an incident that have not been checked in by the Incident Commander. (ICS)
ALS Advanced Life Support (SAR)
AM Amplitude Modulation. A modulation system where the carrier amplitude is modulated producing equal sidebands or varying amplitude.
AMTOR Amateur Teleprinting Over Radio uses time diversity to minimize the effects of fading. Sent in either ARQ or FEC mode.
APRS Automatic Position Reporting System. A packet based communication system where information from a Global Position Satellite (GPS) is fed to another computer for use.
ARC American Red Cross
ARES Amateur Radio Emergency Service
ARQ Automatic Repeat Request is an AMTOR communication mode where a repeat is sent only when requested by the receiving station.
Assigned Resources Resources checked-in and assigned work tasks on an incident. (ICS)
Assisting Agency An agency directly contributing suppression, rescue, support or services resources to another agency. (ICS)
Assumptions Basic understandings about emergency situations that the emergency operations plan is based on. (ICS)
ATV Amateur Television
AFSK Audio Frequency Shift Keying
AUTODIN Automatic Digital Network, a military teletype-based messaging system.
Autopatch A device that interfaces a repeater to the telephone system to permit repeater users to make telephone calls. Often just called a "patch."
Available Resources Resources assigned to an incident and available for an assignment. (ICS)
Base(1) The location from which the primary logistics functions are coordinated and administered (incident name or other designator will be added to the term Base.) The incident command post may also be located with the base. There is on one base per incident. (ICS)
Base(2) - A radio station located at a fixed location as opposed to a mobile. Used to identify the control location in a network of radio stations.
BIFC
BLM Bureau of Land Management
BLS Basic Life Support (SAR)
BNICE Biological, Nuclear, Incendiary, Chemical and Explosive. (Five categories of terrorist incidents)
Branch The organizational level having functional/geographic responsibility for major segments of incident operations. The branch level is organizationally between section and division/group. (ICS)
Break - Term used to interrupt a conversation on a repeater to indicate that there is an emergency or urgent message. If non-urgent, simply interject your callsign.
Briefing A meeting before an operation in which information is disclosed to the members in order to ensure proper initiation and execution of the operation.
Brush Truck A light, mobile vehicle with limited pumping and water capacity for off-road operations.
Burnout Mental and emotional problems that occur soon after or even during a stressful incident or series of incidents.
Care and Shelter A function providing food, clothing and housing for people on a mass care basis.
Cache A predetermined complement of tools, equipment and/or supplies stored in a designated location, available for incident use.
Calling Frequency -A defacto standard frequency where stations attempt to contact each other. Example -- 146.520 MHz is the USA National FM simplex calling frequency
Camp A geographic site, within the general incident area, separate from the incident base, equipped and staffed to provide food, water, sleeping and sanitary facilities to incident personnel.
CAP Civil Air Patrol
CAT Crisis Action Team (DHS)
C/B-RRT Chemical/Biological Rapid Response Team (SAR)
CB Citizen Band is an unlicensed radio service for personal communications using low-power 27 MHz transceivers.
CCP Casualty Collection Point Serves as a location near the incident site which provides areas to triage, treat and transport victims in a multi-casualty incident. CCPs are not an official facility in the NIIMS ICS.
CERT Citizens Emergency Response Team. A program enabling citizens to organize into neighborhood response teams.
Chain of Command A series of management positions in order of authority.
Check-in The process whereby resources first report to an incident. Check-in locations include: Incident Command Post (Resources Unit), Incident Base, Camps, Staging Areas, Helibases, Helispots and Division Supervisors (for direct line assignments).
Chief Incident Management System (IMS) title for individuals responsible for command of the functional sections; Operations Section Chief, Planning Section Chief, Logistics Section Chief, Financial/Administration Section Chief. (ICS)
CISD Critical Incident Stress Debriefing
CISM Critical Incident Stress Management. (part of CISD)
Clear Term used to indicate a station is done transmitting.
Clear Text Use of plain English in radio communications transmissions. No ten-codes or agency specific codes are used when using clear text.
CMT Crisis Management Team
Command The act of directing and/or controlling resources by virtue of explicit legal, agency or delegated authority. May also refer to the Incident Commander.
Communications Unit (Comm Unit) A functional unit within the service branch of the logistics section. This unit is responsible for the incidents communications plan, the installation and repair of communications equipment, and the operation of the incident communications center. Also may refer to a communications center. The amateur radio liaison officer reports to the comm unit leader for use of amateur radio volunteers. (ICS)
Company A ground vehicle providing specified equipment capabilities and personnel (engine company, truck company, rescue company, etc.) (ICS)
Compensation Unit/Claims Unit The functional unit within the finance/administration section responsible for financial concerns resulting from property damage, injuries or fatalities at the incident. (ICS)
Complex Two or more individual incidents located in the same general area which are assigned to a single incident commander or to unified command. (ICS)
Consequence Management The response to a disaster, focusing on alleviating damage, loss, hardship or suffering. (ICS)
Contingency Plan A sub or supporting plan which deals with one specific type of emergency, its probable effect on the jurisdiction and the actions necessary to offset these effects. (ICS)
CONTROLLED NET A net, run by a NCS where all traffic is authorized by the NCS. Casual discussions are discouraged.
Control Operator - The Amateur Radio operator designated to "control" the operation of the repeater, as required by FCC regulations.
Cooperating Agency An agency supplying assistance other than direct suppression, rescue or service functions to the incident control effort (Red Cross, law enforcement, telephone company, etc.) (ICS)
Coordination The process of systematically analyzing a situation, developing relevant information and informing appropriate command authority of viable alternatives for selection of the most effective combination of available resources to meet specific objectives. The coordination process (which can be either intra- or interagency) does not involve dispatch actions. However, personnel responsible for coordination may perform command delegations, procedures, legal authority, etc. (ICS)
Copy - Indication of how well communications are received. "I have a good copy on you" also used as a question, as in "did you copy/understand all"
COQ Call Out Qualified (SAR)
Cost Unit A functional unit within the finance/administration section that is responsible for tracking costs, analyzing cost data, making cost estimates and recommending cost-saving measures. (ICS)
Coverage - The geographic area that the repeater provides communications.
CP Command Post The location from which primary command functions are executed; usually located with the incident base. (ICS)
Crew A specific number of personnel assembled for an assignment such as search, ventilation or hose deployment and operations. The number of personnel in a crew should not exceed recommended span-of-control guides (over seven personnel). A crew operates under the direct supervision of a crew leader. (ICS)
Crisis Management Measures to identify, acquire and plan the use of resources needed to anticipate, prevent and/or resolve a threat or act. (ICS)
Critical Angle - The angle at which a radio signal is refracted in the ionosphere. Lower angles generally result in greater distance transmissions. Used with NVIS propagation.
Critical Frequency - The highest frequency at which a vertically incident radio wave will return from the ionosphere. Above the critical frequency radio signals pass through the ionosphere instead of returning to Earth.
Critical Functions Business activities or information that could not be interrupted or unavailable for several business days without significantly jeopardizing the operation of the organization.
Critical Incident Stress Problems that can arise as a result of an over taxing situation, such as a major disaster event.
Critical Records Records or documents, if damaged or destroyed, would cause considerable inconvenience and/or require replacement or recreation at a considerable expense.
Critique A formal review of any incident, no matter how large or small. The critique is a process intended to identify the lessons learned from an exercise or mission and is not for placing blame, pointing the finger or allowing adversaries to embarrass each other.
Cross Band - The process of transmitting on one band and receiving on another.
CTCSS Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System. A form
of sub-audible tone squelch that is used to minimize interference caused by
inter-modulation. (Also referred to as 'PL' an acronym for Private Line, a
registered trademark of Motorola, Inc.)
Damage Assessment The process of assessing damage, following an emergency, to facilities, infrastructure, computer hardware, vital records, etc. and determining what can be salvaged or restored and what must be replaced.
DART(1) Downed Aircraft Rescue Transmitter
DART(2) Disaster Assistance Response Team DCO Disaster Coordinating Office
Debriefing - A meeting after an operation or a team is called in, in which all information is disclosed and where suggestions can be made for the future.
DEC District Emergency Coordinator. A position of leadership within the ARES organization reporting to the SEC.
Demobilization Unit A functional unit within the planning section that is responsible for ensuring the orderly, safe and efficient demobilization of resources committed to the incident. (ICS)
Deploy The term used to describe the distribution and/or dispatching of resources.
Desense (Desensitization) The reduction of receiver sensitivity due to overload from a nearby transmitter.
DF Direction Finding (As in equipment described under ELT)
DFO Disaster Field Office (DHS)
DHS Department of Homeland Security
Digipeater - A store-and-forward digital repeater which will receive and transmit a data packet on the same frequency.
Diplexer - A frequency splitting and isolation device. Typically used to couple two transceivers to a single or dual band antenna, thus allowing one to receive on one transceiver and transmit on the other transceiver. Typical application, 2 meters and 440 MHz transceivers into a dual-band antenna.
Director Incident management system (IMS) title for individuals responsible for command of a branch.
Dispatch The implementation of a command decision to move a resource or resources from one place to another.
Division An organization level that has responsibility for operations within a defined geographic area. The division level is organizational between single resources, task force or the strike team and the branch. (ICS)
DMAT Disaster Medical Assistance Team
DMORT Disaster Mortuary Response Team
Documentation Unit An organization level that has responsibility for recording/protecting all documents relevant to an incident. (ICS)
Dog Team One handler and one canine. (SAR)
DRC
DSP Digital Signal Processor. A high-speed numeric processor IC ship that filters audio signals to improve intelligibility of received information.
DTMF Dual Tone Multi Frequency. A signaling and control method using two simultaneous tones. The same method as used in telephones.
Duplex - A communication mode in which a radio transmits on one frequency and receives on another (also see full duplex, half duplex, and simplex)
DWI Disaster Welfare Inquiry (ARC)
EAS Emergency Alert System. A system used by broadcasters to enable emergency management authorities to alert and inform the community via TV and radio.
EC Emergency Coordinator. A position of leadership within the ARES organization, reporting to the DEC.
ECC Emergency Communications Center EICC Emergency
Information and
ELT Emergency Locator Transmitter A low-power transmitting device carried on light aircraft as required by federal law, and on most military aircraft. It is impact activated and transmits a distinctive sweeping tone that can be detected by aircraft mounted or hand-held direction finding (DF) equipment. (SAR)
EmComm Emergency Communications. Also the ARRLs Continuing Education program in Emergency Communications.
Emergency Operations Those actions taken during the emergency period to protect life, property and the environment and to care for the people affected and temporarily restore essential services.
Emergency Power The term used to describe a power source other than normal commercial power sources. (e.g., generator, batteries, solar panels, etc.)
EMT Emergency Medical Technician
EOC
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
ERT Emergency Response Team
ESF Emergency Support Function Located in the EST; includes staff members of Federal Response Plan participants)
EST Emergency Support Team (sent to disasters)
ETA Estimated Time of Arrival
ETD Estimated Time of Departure
Event A planned, non-emergency activity. ICS can be used as the management system for a wide range of events (e.g., parades, concerts or sporting events).
Eyes Only Term utilized for prefacing confidential information.
FAX Facsimile
FEC Forward Error Correction. One of the two modes of AMTOR communications. In this mode, each character is sent twice.
FCO Federal Coordinating Officer (DHS/FEMA)
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency (part of DHS)
Facilities Unit A functional unit within the support branch of the logistics section that provides fixed facilities for an incident. These facilities may include the incident base, feeding areas, sleeping areas, sanitary facilities and a formal command post. (ICS)
Finance/Administration Unit Responsible for all costs and financial actions of the incident. Includes the time unit, procurement unit, compensation/claims unit, and the cost unit. (ICS)
FIPS Federal Information Processing Standards codes. A system of five digit codes assigned by the federal government to designate each county in the country.
Fixed Station The term used to describe a radio station that is neither mobile or portable, normally a permanent installation.
FLIR Forward Looking Infrared A thermal imaging device designed to be aircraft mounted, usually on a helicopter, that can detect head sources at night. Useful in locating persons on foot, in concealed vehicles, aircraft wreckage and other heat sources. (SAR)
FOC
Food Unit A functional unit within the service branch of the logistics section. Responsible for providing meals for personnel involved with the incident. (ICS)
FOUO For Official Use Only
FRN Federal Radio Network
FRP Federal Response Plan. (Plan that includes multiple federal agencies under FEMAs oversight to respond to presidentially declared disasters, now called NRP)
FRS Family Radio Service. An unlicensed service for personal communications using low powered (1/2 watt) UHF (460 MHz) transceivers.
FSK Frequency Shift Keying. The transmitter shifts between two predetermined frequencies. The standard shift is now 170 Hz.
FSTV Fast Scan Television. An amateur radio image communication mode that closely resembles the picture quality available in commercial broadcast.
FTL Field Team Leader (SAR)
FTM Field Team Member (SAR)
Full Duplex - A communications mode in which a radios can transmit and receive at the same time by using two different frequencies (see "duplex" and half duplex)
General Staff The group of incident management personnel comprised of the operations section chief, planning section chief, logistics section chief, and finance/administrative section chief. (ICS)
GMRS General Mobile Radio Service. Type of communications positioned in the UHF (460 MHz) spectrum that required a personal license. Some channels correspond with the Family Radio Service (FRS) and communication between the two is permitted.)
GPS Global Position System
Group The organizational level having responsibility for a specific functional assignment at an incident (ventilation, salvage, water supply, etc.) The need to group resources to perform a like task or function. (ICS)
GSU Ground Support Unit. A functional unit within the support branch of the logistics section, which is responsible for fueling, maintaining and repairing vehicles and the transportation of personnel and supplies. (ICS)
Half Duplex - A communications mode in which a radio transmits and receives on two different frequencies but performs only one of these operations at any given time (see "duplex" and "full duplex")
Hazardous Chemical Any chemical which is a physical or health hazard.
HazMat Hazardous Materials
Helibase A location within the general incident area for parking, fueling, maintenance and loading of helicopters. (ICS)
Helispot A location where a helicopter can take off and land. (ICS) HF High Frequency. The radio spectrum from 3 to 30 MHz.
HHS Department of Health and Human Services
HT Hand-Held A small, lightweight portable transceiver small enough to be carried easily; also called HT (for Handie-Talkie, a Motorola trademark).
IAIP Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection (DHS)
IC Incident Commander The individual responsible for the management of all incident operations. (ICS)
ICAP Incident Communications Action Plan ICP Incident Command Post The location at which the primary command functions are executed. (ICS)
ICS Incident Command System. A concept of command and control for emergency situations that is scalable to handle events of any size.
IMT Incident Management Team (designed to operate within NIMS)
Incident An occurrence or event, either human caused or natural phenomena, that requires action by emergency service personnel to prevent or minimize loss of life or damage to property and or natural resources. (ICS)
Incident Action Plan The strategic goals, tactical objectives and requirements for the incident. All incidents require and action plan. For simple incidents, the action plan is not usually in written form. Large or complex incidents will require an action plan to be documented in writing. (ICS)
Incident Support Organization (ISO) Includes any off-incident support provided to an incident. Examples would be agency dispatch centers, airports, mobilization centers, etc.
Input Frequency - The frequency of the repeater's receiver (and your transceiver's transmitter).
Intermod - Short for "intermodulation," this means false or spurious signals produced by two or more signals mixing in a receiver or repeater station.
IPP - Initial Planning Point (SAR)
IST Incident Support Team (FEMA)
JNOS A NOS (Network Operating System) that can be used as a platform for exchanging messages using a wide range of methods such as Internet, amateur radio and TCP/IP.
Leader The individual responsible for command of a task force, strike team or functional unit. (ICS)
LFA Lead Federal Agency
Liaison Officer The point of contact for assisting or coordinating agencies. Member of the command staff. (ICS)
LKP Last Known Position (SAR)
LL Land-Line Term used to describe telephone communications over a wire connection.
Logistics Section Is responsible for providing facilities, services and materials for the incident. Includes the communications unit, medical unit and food unit, within the services branch and the supply unit, facilities unit and ground support unit within the support branch. (ICS)
LSB Lower Sideband. The sideband below the base operating frequency. This is the common single sideband operating mode on the 40, 80, and 160 meter amateur bands.
MACC
MARS Military Affiliate Radio System
MATF Multi-Agency Task Force MATTS Mobile Air Transportable Telecommunications System (deployed to disaster sites to re-establish emergency communications)
MD Medical Doctor
Media All means of providing information and instructions to the public, including radio, television and newspapers.
Medical Unit A functional unit within the service branch of the logistic section, which is responsible for providing emergency medical treatment of emergency personnel. This unit does not provide treatment for civilians. (ICS)
Mission Coordinator The person designated by the legal responsible authority to coordinate and manage on-scene operations during a specific SAR incident. Depending upon the management system used and the organizations involved, this person may be called the Mission Coordinator, On -Scene Commander or Incident Commander. (ICS)
Mobile Station An amateur radio station installed in a vehicle - a mobile station can be used while in MOTION. A portable station is one that is designed to be easily moved from place to place but can only be used while stopped.
Mobilization The process and procedures used by all organizations Federal, State and local for activating, assembling and transporting all resources that have been requested to respond to or support and incident.
MOU Memorandum of Understanding
Mounted Team One rider and one horse. (SAR)
MRE Meals Ready to Eat (Military)
Mutual Aid Search A search that is too large scale to be handed by one organization. One or more organizations or groups outside the initial group are called in to assist in the effort. (SAR)
NAWAS National Warning System. The federal notification system used to inform and coordinate regional and national emergency management.
NBC Nuclear, Biological and Chemical
NET Network. An on-the-air meeting of amateurs to handle messages and/or pass information relating to a scheduled or unscheduled event. May be conducted by an NCS.
NCS Net Control Station. The person charged with maintaining orderly flow of information during a net. Also National Communication System par of IAIP.
Negative Offset (-) - The repeater input frequency is lower than the output frequency.
Night Vision A monocular or binocular piece of equipment that allows you to see in near total darkness by intensifying existing light. It may also be utilized in total darkness with an infrared attachment. Night vision is very useful for search and rescue missions.
NIMS National Incident Management System (A nationwide approach for federal, state and local governments to work together to prepare for, respond to and recover from domestic incidents, regardless of cause, size or complexity.)
NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The administration under the federal Department of Commerce responsible for oceanic and atmospheric study.
Node - A remotely controlled TNC/digipeater - used as a connect point in packet radio.
NRT National Response Team
NTS National Traffic System -National Traffic System - an amateur radio relay system for passing messages.
NVIS Near Vertical Incidence Skywave. The mode of HF propagation that uses the ionosphere overhead as a reflector for a vertical radio signal and provide HF coverage for a service radius of approximately 250 miles. Usually from a half-wave dipole mounted no more than 1/8 wavelength above the ground.
NVOAD National Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (Includes Red Cross and Salvation Army)
NWS National Weather Service. The weather forecasting arm of the NOAA.
OO Official Observer. Monitors amateur frequencies for rule compliance.
Odd
OEM Office of Emergency Management
Officer The ICS title for the personnel responsible for the Command Staff positions of Safety, Liaison and Information.
Offset - In order to listen and transmit at the same time, repeaters use two different frequencies. On the 2 meter ham band these frequencies are typically 600 kHz apart. As a general rule, if the output frequency (transmit) of the repeater is below 147 MHz then the input frequency (listening) is 600 kHz lower. This is referred to as a negative offset (-). If the output is above 147 MHz then the input is 600 kHz above. This is referred to as a positive offset (+).
OPEN NET A net that may be run by an NCS but only to designate who is to speak next. Casual conversation is accepted and traffic is handled on a first-come -first-served basis.
Operational Period The period of time scheduled for execution of a given set of operation actions as specified in the incident action plan (ICS).
OPSEC Operational Security
OSC On-Scene Coordinator
OSCAR Orbital Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio
Out-of-Services Resources Resources assigned to an incident but unable to respond for mechanical, rest, or personnel reasons (ICS).
Output Frequency - The frequency of the repeater's transmitter (and your transceiver's receiver).
Over Word used during a two way communication under difficult copy - to alert the other station that you are returning the communication back to them. Other terms are in CW the letter K is used as an invitation to transmit. Not normally necessary on 2 Meter FM repeaters, as a courtesy beep serves this function.
Overhead Team A highly trained, quick response management team that can respond to assist with incident planning, coordination and operations. The overhead team usually consists of a manager and two assistants. (ICS)
PA Public Assistance
Packet Radio A system of digital communication whereby information is transmitted in short bursts. The bursts ("packets") also contain call sign, addressing and error detection information.
PACTOR PACketized Telex Over Radio. A digital mode of radio communications.
PAO Public Affairs Officer
PDAs Preliminary Damage Assessments (done by FEMA as a preliminary in the disaster declaration process)
Phone Patch - A connection between a two-way radio unit and the public telephone system. (Also see Autopatch).
PIC Public Information Coordinator. Person assigned to coordinate and appoint Public Information Officers.
PIO Public Information Officer The person assigned to provide information to the media and general public. (ICS)
Planning Meeting A meeting held as needed throughout the duration of an incident to select specific strategies and tactics for incident control operations and for service and support planning. (ICS)
Planning Section Is responsible for the collection, evaluation, dissemination and use of information about the development of the incident and the status of resources. Includes the situation status, resources status, documentation and demobilization units, as well as technical specialists. (ICS)
Plan of Action A written document that consolidates all of the operational actions to be taken by various personnel in order to stabilize and incident. (ICS)
PLB Personal Locator Beacon
PLS Place (or point) Last Seen The location where the missing subject was actually seen by another person. (SAR)
Portable Station A portable station is one that is designed to be easily moved from place to place but can only be used while stopped. Portable operation is away from the home base station.
Positive Offset (+) - The repeater input frequency is higher than the output frequency.
Post Traumatic Stress/Shock Emotional problems that can arise after a critical incident that can be long lasting. Search managers, team leaders, etc. should know the signs and symptoms and be alert to the well-being of every team member.
PPE Personal Protective Equipment
Procurement Unit A functional unit within the finance/administration section, which is responsible for financial matters involving vendors. (ICS)
PSK Phase Shift Keying. The phase angle of the transmitted signal is shifted in response to the modulating signal.
PSK31 Phase Angle Keying 31 Baud. A point-to-point communication mode that works very well in low signal strength situations. Worldwide communication is possible on HF with as little as one watt of output power.
PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (see Post Traumatic Stress)
RACES Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service. The FEMA program for organizing amateur radio operators registered with civil defense organizations into a reserve of emergency communicators.
Radio Cache A supply of radios stored in a predetermined location for assignment to incidents.
REC Regional Emergency Coordinator
Recorders Individuals within ICS organizational units who are responsible for recording information. Recorders may be found in Planning, Logistics and Finance/Administration Sections. (ICS)
Recovery Plan The document that defines the resources, actions and tasks required to restore facilities and business practices in the event of a business interruption. The plan is designed to assist in restoring business processes within stated emergency recovery goals.
Repeater - A repeater is a receiver/transmitter that listens for your transmission and re-transmits it. Repeaters usually enjoy the advantage of height and power to extend the range of your transmission. Repeaters listen on one frequency and transmit on another. The separation between these two frequencies is referred to as the Offset.
Reporting Location Any one of six facilities/locations where incident-assigned resources may be checked in. Direct line assignment locations are: Incident Command Post, Resource Unit (RESTAT), Base Camp, Staging Area, Helibase and Division Supervisor. (See Check-in) (ICS)
Resource Net A radio net that is used for ARES/RACES activation and resource management, including responder recruiting and dispatching.
Resource Unit (See RESTAT)
Resources All personnel and major items of equipment available or potentially available, for assignment to incident tasks on which status is maintained. (ICS)
Responder Rehabilitation (REHAB) The function and location which will include medical evaluation and treatment, food and fluid replenishment and relief from extreme climatic conditions for emergency responders according to the circumstances of the incident. (ICS)
RESTAT Resource Status Unit. A functional unit within the planning section, which is responsible for recording the status and accounting of resources committed to an incident and evaluation of resources currently committed to the incident, the impact that additional responding resources will have on the incident and anticipated resource needs. (ICS)
RIT Receiver Incremental Tuning
ROC
RTTY Radio Teletype. A digital mode of radio communications.
Safety Officer Responsible for monitoring and assessing safety hazards, unsafe situations and developing measures for ensuring personnel safety and a member of the command staff. (ICS)
SAME Specific Area Message Encoding. An alert messaging scheme used by the National Weather Radio Service to alert specific counties of emergency conditions. SAME uses FIPS codes to address the counties.
SAR Search and Rescue SAR Emergency Any SAR incident, whether related to any other type of incident or not, that requires the utilization of resources to resolve, due to the threat or potential threat to human life.
SATERN Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network The national network of amateur radio operators supporting the Salvation Army.
SCBA Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
SCO State Coordinating Officer
Scope Predefined areas of operation for which an emergency operations plan is developed.
SEC Section Emergency Coordinator. A position of leadership within the ARES organization charged with leading a section who reports to the section manager. May also be appointed as State RACES Officer, in accordance with State RACES plan.
Section The organization level having functional responsibility for primary segments of incident operations such as; operations, planning, logistics and finance/administration. The section level is organizationally between branch and the incident commander. (ICS)
Service Branch A branch within the logistics section, which is responsible for service activities. Components include the communications unit, medical unit and food unit. (ICS)
Shadow A radio operator assigned to a particular public safety officer or organization VIP to provide them with auxiliary communications. (ICS)
Shift Supervisor The ARES/RACES responder who has responsibility for overall net management. Shift Supervisors serve 6-8 hour shifts at the ECC. (ICS)
Simplex - A communications mode in which a radio transmits and receives on the same frequency.
Single Resource An individual company or crew. (ICS)
SITSTAT Situation Status A functional unit within the planning section, which is responsible for analysis of the situation as it progresses. Reports to the planning section chief. (ICS)
SITREP Situation Report
Sizeup The rapid mental evaluation of the factors that influence an incident. Sizeup is the first step in determining a course of action. (SAR)
SKYWARN A network of community weather spotters serving the National Weather Service.
SM Section Manager. A position of leadership within the ARRL Field Services Organization just below the national level.
SNS Strategic National Stockpile (pharmaceuticals and medical supplies ready for deployment)
SOP Standard Operating Procedures A set of instructions having the force of a directive, covering those features of operations that lend themselves to a definite or standardized procedure. Standard operating procedures indicate in detail how a particular task will be carried out.
Space Blanket Emergency blanket that looks like foil. This thin, light blanket keeps the body heat in. (SAR)
Span of Control The supervisory ratio of from three to seven individuals, with five-to-one being optimum.
Squelch Tail - A brief bit of noise heard between the end of a radio transmission and the reactivation of the receivers squelch circuit.
SSB Single Sideband. A method of modulation where only one sideband is transmitted. The carrier and other sideband are suppressed.
Staging Area The location where incident personnel and equipment gather and are assigned with an immediately available status. (ICS)
Strategic Goals The overall plan that will be used to control the incident. Strategic goals are broad in nature and are achieved by the completion of tactical objectives. (ICS)
Strike Team Specified combinations of the same kind of resources, with common communications and a leader. (ICS)
Supervisor Individual responsible for command of a division/group. (ICS)
Supply Unit Functional Unit within the Support Branch of the Logistics Section responsible for ordering equipment and supplies required for incident operations.
Support Branch A branch within the logistics section, which is responsible for providing the personnel, equipment and supplies to support incident operations. Components include the supply unit, facilities unit and ground support unit. (ICS)
Tactical Call Sign An identifier used by all radio
operators at a specific location. They may include jurisdiction names (
Tactical Net A radio net whos operation is directly in support of agencies involved in an incident.
Tactical Objectives The specific operations that must be accomplished to achieve strategic goals; tactical objectives must be both specific and measurable. Tactical level officers are division/group. (ICS)
Task Assignment Specific tasks assigned to companies (single resource, task level assignment). (ICS)
Task Force A group of any type and kind of resources, with common communications and a leader, temporarily assembled for a specific mission. (Not to exceed five resources) (ICS)
TCP Telecommunications Priorities
TCXO Temperature controlled crystal oscillator (see OCXO).
TDS Time, Distance and Shielding. Three types of protective measures commonly associated with hazardous materials training.
Team (See Single Resource)
Technical Specialists Personnel with special skills who are activated only when needed. Technical specialists may be needed in the areas of: fire behavior, water resources, environmental concerns (HazMat, etc), resource use and training. Technical specialists report initially to the planning section but may be assigned anywhere within the incident management system organizational structure as needed. (ICS)
TFR Temporary Flight Restriction Temporary airspace restrictions for non-emergency aircraft in the incident area. TFRs are established by the FAA to ensure aircraft safety and are normally limited to a five-nautical-mile radius and 2000 feet in altitude.
Third Party Communications - Messages passed from one amateur to another on behalf of a third person.
Time Unit A functional unit within the finance/administration section, which is responsible for keeping records of the time for personnel working at the incident. (ICS)
TNC2 Terminal Node Controller, Version 2. A piece of equipment for packet radio communications.
Tracker (SAR) An individual who can detect and follow signs of human passage.
Traffic Net A radio net allowing interface between ARES/RACES, NTS and MARS stations for the handling of formal message traffic into and out of a disaster area.
Transceiver A radio that combines a transmitter and receiver into one unit.
Triage Sorting out the wounded at a major incident so that most serious cases are treated first.
Triplexer (see diplexer)
Truck Company A ground vehicle that provides an aerial ladder or other aerial device, specific portable ladders and equipment capability and personnel. (ICS)
TSA The Salvation Army
TSP Telecommunications Service Priority
Type Refers to resource capability. A Type-1 resource provides a greater overall capability because of power, size, capacity, etc., than would be found in a Type-2 resource. Resource typing provides managers with additional information in selecting the best resource for the task.
UHF Ultra High Frequency. The radio spectrum from 300 to 3,000 MHz.
Unified Command (UC) A method for all agencies or individuals who have jurisdictional responsibility at the incident, to contribute to determining overall objectives for the incident and selection of a strategy to achieve the objectives.
Unit The organizational element having functional responsibility for the specific planning of an incident, logistics or finance/administration activity. (ICS) Unity of Command The concept by which each person within an organization reports to only one designated person.
USB Upper Sideband - Upper Side Band the common single-sideband operating mode on the 20, 17, 15, 12, and 10 meter HF amateur bands, and all the VHF and UHF bands.
US&R Urban Search and Rescue UTC - Coordinated Universal Time, the time (expressed in 24-hour format) at the zero-degree Meridian, which passes through Greenwich, England.
VA Veterans Administration
VHF Very High Frequency. The radio spectrum from 30 to 300 MHz.
VOAD Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters
VOX Voice Operated Transmit. A circuit that will cause a transmitter to automatically transmit when the microphone picks up voice or loud sounds. Water Tender Any ground vehicle that can transport specific quantities of water. Wind Chill The temperature when the temperature is lowered by the speed or gusts of wind to create an actual temperature that one would feel against the body.
WMD Weapon of Mass Destruction
WX Weather
XIT Transmit Incremental Tuning control; allows for slightly changing the transmit frequency while leaving the receive frequency the same. Useful for split operations.
Zulu Military designation for GMT or Coordinated Universal Time.