Disaster Preparations

[MUTNAV]

Many gov's do a great job of disseminating information through tools like Nixle, PulsePoint, EverBridge, etc etc., and have PIOs and people assigned to put stuff out not just to inform, but to seek information. Some do not.

Third/fourth/fifth party information is as useless as middle school rumors. Ever play the game of telephone? None of that has a place in official response cues.

If hams or volunteer group wants to be an asset and not a liability, get trained, know what to do when in harm's way, and know what to say and what not. Words cannot be taken back anymore than bullets from a gun.

Not buying it... I'll take the word of a trustworthy thoughtful person over others- even officials, .

Especially if the other persons reputation is on the line and I have a chance to inquire about the situation.

I would accept, at least initially, a lot of information from people that post on Radio Reference that have built up reputations (for not being deceptive and but trying to be helpful) than a lot of "official" sources of information.

Too much misleading going on for me to just follow a single source only.

Thanks
Joel

 

[MTS2000des]

Not buying it... I'll take the word of a trustworthy thoughtful person over others- even officials, .

Especially if the other persons reputation is on the line and I have a chance to inquire about the situation.

I would accept, at least initially, a lot of information from people that post on Radio Reference that have built up reputations (for not being deceptive and but trying to be helpful) than a lot of "official" sources of information.

Too much misleading going on for me to just follow a single source only.

Thanks
Joel

But how do you KNOW the info is good if you really don't KNOW the source? Reputation is subjective. Just because one reads it online doesn't mean it's true. That's the problem with today's internet generation, look at the poor folks in a town in Ohio right now. This is EXACTLY the problem.

 

[KevinC]

But how do you KNOW the info is good if you really don't KNOW the source?

If it’s on Radio Reference you can rest assured it’s true. Because, you know, the moderators have nothing else to do and fact check every single thing posted here.

 

[AK9R]

Because, you know, the moderators have nothing else to do and fact check every single thing posted here.

As a RadioReference Moderator, I have fact-checked the quoted statement and I certify it to be true. My credentials as a certified Internet fact-checker were issued by President Abraham Lincoln.

 

[vagrant]

You can’t get a better endorsement than that…on the Internet.

Also, not just a moderator, but a Super Moderator!

Signed,

Premium Subsciber

 

[StoliRaz]

Just because one reads it online doesn't mean it's true.

Especially if it came from major "news" websites..where they don't even try to hide their bias and half truths any longer.

 

[k6cpo]

Many gov's do a great job of disseminating information through tools like Nixle, PulsePoint, EverBridge, etc etc., and have PIOs and people assigned to put stuff out not just to inform, but to seek information. Some do not.

This is why CalOES has a training program leading to a Public Information Officer Specialist certificate.

 

[Sarexpert]

Individual Amateur radio operators who volunteer for emergencies are less than worthless.
1) Without credentials (A ham license notwithstanding) emergency managers have no way to determine your qualifications or even if you are a looter.
2) Communications personnel and equipment have no purpose without someone with authority on the other end.
3) Gear and antennas set up for the emergency go away when the amateur radio operator has to leave. Communications capability that are only available for a few hours is not very valuable.
4) Most of the official communications in an emergency requires operational security and must protect privacy and HIPAA.
5) Every resource in an emergency consumes management and support resources. If an amateur radio operator is of little value but consumes management resources, they are of negative value to emergency management.
6) There are always safety issues in emergencies. Volunteers with unknown capabilities are at risk because they often are unaware of the unique dangers that are present in emergencies.

There are some things that are obvious. Amateur radio is only of use in teams that can be typed in the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Or as individuals that have specific NIMS qualifications like COMT (Communications Technician) or CUL (Communications Unit Leader).
We recently formed the Communications Volunteer Institute ( A 501(c)3 corporation) to:

• Research why Amateur radio operators and other volunteers who may bring valuable capabilities to bear in emergencies are so poorly utilized, and promote regulatory change to advance the effective use of communications volunteers in emergencies.
• Devise systems to form teams that can be confidently be recognized by emergency managers as able to fulfill emergency communications unmet needs..
• Develop training workbooks and courses to fill in qualifications that are not met by FEMA and other courses.
• Work with jurisdictions and NGOs to identify, recruit, enroll, train and qualify members of their teams, and the teams themselves
• Find methods to facilitate teams from outside an emergency effected area to participate in response when local teams become exhausted or are themselves effected by the emergency.
• Design equipment and methods to fulfill needs that may not be met by day to day jurisdictions. ex. temporary mesh networked environmental sensors, NVIS communicatons, field deployable base stations, temporary campus or emergency area networking connections.

The Institute has a discord server running, (Communications Volunteer Institute) and the beginnings of a website (https://www.commvolunteers.org) (looking for volunteers).
If you are interested, please send a message to ted@commvolunteer.org and I will send an invitation to the discord server.

 

[KK4JUG]

Contrary to what most people believe, HIPAA does not apply to law enforcement (or the courts, either, for that matter).

 

[Echo4Thirty]

Contrary to what most people believe, HIPAA does not apply to law enforcement (or the courts, either, for that matter).

Or EMS radio.

That said the federal CJIS rule does say PII must be encrypted. Most agencies we interface with are choosing to encrypt their talk groups completely rather than just making the officers move to an encrypted channel or MDT usage.

 

[MUTNAV]

Individual Amateur radio operators who volunteer for emergencies are less than worthless.
1) Without credentials (A ham license notwithstanding) emergency managers have no way to determine your qualifications or even if you are a looter.
2) Communications personnel and equipment have no purpose without someone with authority on the other end.
3) Gear and antennas set up for the emergency go away when the amateur radio operator has to leave. Communications capability that are only available for a few hours is not very valuable.
4) Most of the official communications in an emergency requires operational security and must protect privacy and HIPAA.
5) Every resource in an emergency consumes management and support resources. If an amateur radio operator is of little value but consumes management resources, they are of negative value to emergency management.
6) There are always safety issues in emergencies. Volunteers with unknown capabilities are at risk because they often are unaware of the unique dangers that are present in emergencies.

There are some things that are obvious. Amateur radio is only of use in teams that can be typed in the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Or as individuals that have specific NIMS qualifications like COMT (Communications Technician) or CUL (Communications Unit Leader).
We recently formed the Communications Volunteer Institute ( A 501(c)3 corporation) to:

• Research why Amateur radio operators and other volunteers who may bring valuable capabilities to bear in emergencies are so poorly utilized, and promote regulatory change to advance the effective use of communications volunteers in emergencies.
• Devise systems to form teams that can be confidently be recognized by emergency managers as able to fulfill emergency communications unmet needs..
• Develop training workbooks and courses to fill in qualifications that are not met by FEMA and other courses.
• Work with jurisdictions and NGOs to identify, recruit, enroll, train and qualify members of their teams, and the teams themselves
• Find methods to facilitate teams from outside an emergency effected area to participate in response when local teams become exhausted or are themselves effected by the emergency.
• Design equipment and methods to fulfill needs that may not be met by day to day jurisdictions. ex. temporary mesh networked environmental sensors, NVIS communicatons, field deployable base stations, temporary campus or emergency area networking connections.

The Institute has a discord server running, (Communications Volunteer Institute) and the beginnings of a website (https://www.commvolunteers.org) (looking for volunteers).
If you are interested, please send a message to ted@commvolunteer.org and I will send an invitation to the discord server.

Seems like several different points of view / ideas about disaster communications are being talked about. helping yourself/community, and helping "agencies".

This is probably good information for what/who it is aimed at.

But disaster communications for many people is checking in with thier neighbors and loved ones, and making plans, along with gathering information about the state of the general situation. (as in post #10).

If "agencies" need outside assistance, they'll need to find it, otherwise I (and I hope others) presume they are fine.

Thanks
Joel

 

[buddrousa]

Wackers gonna be wackers

 

[Robbie1984]

Updated Field/Back up communications (In event of having to assist in establishing evac centers at the pub, primary school, local farmers market, 2 churches and football club)

* Uniden x86 UHF radio (installed in Tucson)

* ICOM IC-2730A (installed in Tucson)

* Uniden 436pt handheld (has a special microphone hook it sits in on drivers side)

* GME XRS-660 handheld

*GME TX6160 handheld

* Uniden UH755 handheld

 

[Robbie1984]

Or EMS radio.

That said the federal CJIS rule does say PII must be encrypted. Most agencies we interface with are choosing to encrypt their talk groups completely rather than just making the officers move to an encrypted channel or MDT usage.

Here in South Australia the Ambulance Service is fully encrypted along with a special MDT system that operates on Telstra mobile internet however their radios are programmed with 4 blocks

1.Pre existing analogue channel plan
2. Encrypted channel plan (combined SAAS and SA Health)
3. Encrypted-Standard open P25 (combined SAAS and SA Health)
4.Multi agency/National simplex channels

When it comes to SA Ambulance having to communicate with say CFS,SES or MFS they have to change to a multi agency channel in block 4 which is unencrypted standard open p25 this only happens when someone has an accident in the conservation park sand dunes and require extrication by firies and treatment by ambulance

 

[KB2GOM]

Individual Amateur radio operators who volunteer for emergencies are less than worthless.
1) Without credentials (A ham license notwithstanding) emergency managers have no way to determine your qualifications or even if you are a looter.
2) Communications personnel and equipment have no purpose without someone with authority on the other end.
3) Gear and antennas set up for the emergency go away when the amateur radio operator has to leave. Communications capability that are only available for a few hours is not very valuable.
4) Most of the official communications in an emergency requires operational security and must protect privacy and HIPAA.
5) Every resource in an emergency consumes management and support resources. If an amateur radio operator is of little value but consumes management resources, they are of negative value to emergency management.
6) There are always safety issues in emergencies. Volunteers with unknown capabilities are at risk because they often are unaware of the unique dangers that are present in emergencies.

There are some things that are obvious. Amateur radio is only of use in teams that can be typed in the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Or as individuals that have specific NIMS qualifications like COMT (Communications Technician) or CUL (Communications Unit Leader).
We recently formed the Communications Volunteer Institute ( A 501(c)3 corporation) to:

• Research why Amateur radio operators and other volunteers who may bring valuable capabilities to bear in emergencies are so poorly utilized, and promote regulatory change to advance the effective use of communications volunteers in emergencies.
• Devise systems to form teams that can be confidently be recognized by emergency managers as able to fulfill emergency communications unmet needs..
• Develop training workbooks and courses to fill in qualifications that are not met by FEMA and other courses.
• Work with jurisdictions and NGOs to identify, recruit, enroll, train and qualify members of their teams, and the teams themselves
• Find methods to facilitate teams from outside an emergency effected area to participate in response when local teams become exhausted or are themselves effected by the emergency.
• Design equipment and methods to fulfill needs that may not be met by day to day jurisdictions. ex. temporary mesh networked environmental sensors, NVIS communicatons, field deployable base stations, temporary campus or emergency area networking connections.

The Institute has a discord server running, (Communications Volunteer Institute) and the beginnings of a website (https://www.commvolunteers.org) (looking for volunteers).
If you are interested, please send a message to ted@commvolunteer.org and I will send an invitation to the discord server.

Who is "we"?

I clicked on the link and got a "server not found" notification.

 

[buddrousa]

WACKER? If you look at the username SAR EXPERT

 

[DeeEx]

Who is "we"?

I clicked on the link and got a "server not found" notification.

It’s there if you copy the URL from the email address as “volunteer” singular.

Website is a bizarre mishmash of horrible grammar, photos of a scantily-clad woman in workout gear, an introduction of “Founder and CEO Alice Smith”, and more strangeness.

I’m an older person and not up to date on everything but my guess is the site was created by someone who doesn’t speak English in order to market something that doesn’t exist yet.

 

[MTS2000des]

WACKER? If you look at the username SAR EXPERT

Yeah, I smell a troll. Whackerism is a mental illness that spreads like a wildfire. That site is just a template some troll registered. There is no CEO. There is nothing more than a sock puppet, smoke and mirrors. But the Lorem Ipsum makes it all legit right!

 

[nd5y]

I’m an older person and not up to date on everything but my guess is the site was created by someone who doesn’t speak English in order to market something that doesn’t exist yet.

Somebody just opened a can of ready made Web Site and didn't fill out the information or replace the images.

 

[AK9R]

Communications Volunteer Institute

Like others, I sense either a half-baked start-up organization or a full-on scam.

The link to your website contains an error. But, like others, I found your website.

Your website probably should have been finished before you made it public. The images don't seem to fit your narrative and boilerplate place-holder text looks like the work of an amateur web developer who just slapped something together to get it online. Who is Alice Smith other than founder and CEO and "Former co-founder of ACME company. Early staff at XYZ." (listed three times)?

Research why Amateur radio operators and other volunteers who may bring valuable capabilities to bear in emergencies are so poorly utilized, and promote regulatory change to advance the effective use of communications volunteers in emergencies.

Do you have recent examples of amateur radio operators being poorly utilized in emergencies? Why do you think amateur radio operators are poorly utilized? What regulatory changes do you have in mind? How do you plan to implement those regulatory changes?

Devise systems to form teams that can be confidently be recognized by emergency managers as able to fulfill emergency communications unmet needs..
Develop training workbooks and courses to fill in qualifications that are not met by FEMA and other courses.

What training and team building do you have in mind other than ARES, RACES, SATERN, Auxcomm? How would your training workbooks and courses differ from the existing AUXCOMM training classes or existing ARES courses and taskbooks?

Work with jurisdictions and NGOs to identify, recruit, enroll, train and qualify members of their teams, and the teams themselves

How do you plan to qualify members? Require certain training? Issue credentials? Require regular participation?

Find methods to facilitate teams from outside an emergency effected area to participate in response when local teams become exhausted or are themselves effected by the emergency.

What would this look like? A nationwide registry of volunteers? Would these volunteers be reimbursed for travel expenses?

Design equipment and methods to fulfill needs that may not be met by day to day jurisdictions. ex. temporary mesh networked environmental sensors, NVIS communicatons, field deployable base stations, temporary campus or emergency area networking connections.

All of which already exists.

What's your amateur radio callsign? What courses or training have you completed? What experience do you have with providing communications in a disaster setting?