Transcript Emcomm via Ham Radio

Emcomm via Amateur Radio
Information for Served Agencies and
Organizations in King Co.
Kirk Bellar 4-20-08
1
Why Amateur Radio?
• Hams are (just about) everywhere
– Ham populace dispersed throughout King Co.
– Over 500 hams presently active in emcomm in King Co.
– 25 local teams within the county
• Hams are flexible
– Hams can go where they’re needed
– They can set up and maintain their own equipment, or use preinstalled equipment
• Hams are disciplined
– During actual events, teams function only at the behest of their
served agencies
– No “wannabes” or “cowboys” (except for the hams who are also
professional responders)
– Hams are there to augment, not replace, the pros, and to free
them to do their jobs
– Most teams are already vetted and credentialed
2
Why Amateur Radio?
• Hams are self-sustaining
– Have their own radio equipment, supplies, backup power
• Multiple frequency bands and modes
– Bands: HF through microwave bands, frequency agile
– Modes: FM, SSB, digital, TV (and yes, Morse code is still around)
– Amateur repeaters extend effective coverage
• Training and exercising
–
–
–
–
–
ARRL online courses – three levels
FEMA IS-100, 200, 700, 800 (ICS, NIMS)
SKYWARN, CERT, Red Cross training
Local, state-wide, and national exercises
Participation in exercises with their served agencies (Sound Shake,
TOPOFF)
– Public-service events (parades, fun runs, etc.) provide practice
opportunities
– Communications Academy
3
Who Do Hams Talk To?
• Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs)
–
–
–
–
•
•
•
•
•
•
State EOC – Camp Murray
County EOC (RCECC) – Renton
Other county EOCs in Washington
Local EOCs – Seattle, Bellevue, etc.
Local fire and police stations
NGOs – Red Cross, Salvation Army, hospitals, churches
National Weather Service
Port of Seattle (maritime operations)
Corporations – PSE, Boeing, Microsoft, Safeco
All of these entities have dedicated ham teams
4
What Happens in an Emergency?
• We activate only at the request of our served agencies – we’re not first
responders
• Not every emergency is a communications emergency
• Hams check in on pre-arranged frequency, get assignment or go to preassigned location
• Typical assignments:
– Staff EOC ham radios, exchange tactical and formal messages with other
agencies
– “Shadow” served-agency leadership
– Support fire and police stations
– Support emergency shelters, exchange messages with EOCs or NGOs
• Related tasks:
–
–
–
–
–
“Stealth” damage assessment
Severe weather spotting (Skywarn)
Operate public-safety radios, phones, fax machines
Block watch (CERT and similar teams)
SAR and CAP – teams use ham radio as a tool to talk among themselves
5
Getting Ham Help in King Co.
• You may already have a ham team supporting
your municipality or organization, see
www.aresofkingcounty.org/contact.php
• If not, contact Kirk Bellar, DEC/RRO:
[email protected] or 206-465-2873
• State leadership contacts are available at
www.wastateares.org
6
Legalities and Caveats
• Hams are licensed by the FCC, must pass exam
• By law, hams can’t be paid specifically to exchange
messages
• However, employees who are also hams can legally operate
on-the-clock if their amateur activity is incidental to their
normal duties
• Messages must not concern normal operation of a
business, must relate to safety of life and property or be of
an “unimportant” nature
• Transmissions are unencrypted; anyone can listen in
• Non-hams can talk on a ham radio only if a licensed ham is
controlling the transmissions, unless there’s an immediate
threat to life or property
• Insuring emcomm volunteers is an ongoing issue
7
“How Can I Get Ham Support?”
• In an emergency, there are never enough hams to go around
• FDs, PDs, municipal governments, and hospitals get priority
• Best way to assure yourself of ham support: Grow your own
hams!
• Technician-class license is sufficient for most emcomm needs
• Morse code proficiency is no longer needed for exams
• Calendar of upcoming ham classes and exams is available at
www.mikeandkey.org/education.htm
• Self-study materials are available at www.arrl.org/catalog or
www.w5yi.org
• Online study materials: Too numerous to mention! Start with
www.ac6v.com/help.htm
8
Equipment Needs
• Hams pride themselves on self-sufficiency, but preinstalling ham equipment can save valuable time in an
emergency
• Priorities for equipment:
–
–
–
–
–
Dual-band (2m and 75cm) vertical antenna: ~ $150
Dual-band FM mobile radio & power supply: ~ $530
NVIS antenna for 75, 60, 40 meters: ~$100
HF transceiver & power supply: ~$1650
Terminal Node Controller (TNC) and PC for packet (digital)
radio: ~$200 (not including PC)
– 6m vertical antenna for FM: ~$150
– 6m mobile transceiver & power supply (if HF transceiver
doesn’t include 6m): ~$450
9
Affiliations
• Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES®):
–
–
–
–
An arm of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL)
Started as Amateur Radio Emergency Corps in the mid-30s
Supports NGOs (Red Cross, Salvation Army) and corporations
Teams are headed by Emergency Coordinator (EC) or Assistant EC
• Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES):
– Started by FEMA in early 50s
– Supports government entities (fire, police, etc.)
– Local Emergency Manager appoints RACES Radio Officer (RO), who
heads the team and selects its members
– RACES members are registered state emergency workers
– Some liability and property-loss protection under WAC 118 if state EMD
issues a Mission Number or Training Number for the event
• Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS):
– “Big tent” encompassing ARES, RACES, MARS, CAP, REACT, other
emcomm organizations
10
Thanks for your Interest!
• King Co. ARES/RACES contact info:
www.aresofkingcounty.org
• Seattle team: www.seattleacs.com
• Medical Services Team:
http://www.ww7mst.org/
• Questions??
11