|
|
| 1. Keep the QRM
level down. In a disaster, many of the most crucial stations will be
weak in signal strength. It is most essential that all other stations
remain silent unless they are called upon. If you're not sure you
should transmit, don't. Our amateur bands are very congested. If you
want to help, study the situation by listening. Don't transmit unless
you are sure you can help by doing so. Don't ever break into a
disaster net just to inform the control station you are there if
needed. |
| 2. Monitor
established disaster frequencies. Many localities and some
geographical areas have established disaster frequencies where someone
is always (or nearly always) monitoring for possible calls. When you
are not otherwise engaged, it is helpful simply to sit and listen on
such frequencies, some of which are used for general ragchewing as
well as disaster preparedness drilling. On CW, SOS is universally
recognized, but has some legal aspects that should be considered where
the need is not truly crucial. On voice, one can use "MAYDAY"
(universal, the phone equivalent of SOS) or, to break into a net or
conversation, the word "emergency." |
| 3. Avoid spreading
rumors. During and after a disaster situation, especially on the phone
bands, you may hear almost anything. Unfortunately, much
misinformation is transmitted. Rumors are started by expansion,
deletion, amplification or modification of words, exaggeration or
interpretation. All addressed transmissions should be officially
authenticated as to their source. These transmissions should be
repeated word for word, if at all, and only when specifically
authorized. In a disaster emergency situation, with everyone's nerves
on edge, it is little short of criminal to make a statement on the air
without foundation in authenticated fact. |
| 4. Authenticate all
messages. Every message which purports to be of an official nature
should be written and signed. Whenever possible, amateurs should avoid
initiating disaster or emergency traffic themselves. We do the
communicating; the agency officials we serve supply the content of the
communications. |
| 5. Strive for
efficiency. Whatever happens in an emergency, you will find hysteria
and some amateurs who are activated by the thought that they must be
"sleepless heroes." Instead of operating your own station full time at
the expense of your health and efficiency, it is much better to serve
a shift at one of the best-located and best-equipped stations,
suitable for the work at hand, manned by relief shifts of the
best-qualified operators. This reduces interference and secures
well-operated stations. |
| 6. Select the mode
and band to suit the need. It is a characteristic of all amateurs to
believe that their favorite mode and band is superior to all others.
For certain specific purposes and distances, this may be true.
However, the merits of a particular band or mode in a communications
emergency should be evaluated impartially with a view to the
appropriate use of bands and modes. There is, of course, no
alternative to using what happens to be available, but there are ways
to optimize available communications. Long experience has developed
the following advantages: CW Mode Less QRM in most amateur bands.
Secrecy of communications--contents of communications are much less
likely to be intercepted by the general public to start rumors or
undue concern. Simpler transmitting equipment. Greater accuracy in
record communications. Longer range for a given amount of power. Voice
Mode More practical for portable and mobile work. More widespread
availability of operators. Faster communication for tactical or
"command" purposes. More readily appreciated and understood by the
public. Official-to-official and phone-patch communication. Digital
Modes Advantages (1) and (2) of CW, advantage (2) of voice mode, plus
greater speed in record communication than some of the other modes,
and--in most of these modes--error detection. In addition, digital
modes offer the potential for message store-and-forward capability
from within the disaster site to the "outside world." Finally, packet
provides the capability of "digipeating" messages from point A to
point Z via numerous automatically-controlled middle points. The
well-balanced disaster organization will have CW, phone, and digital
mode capabilities available in order to utilize all of the advantages.
Of course, one must make the best use of whatever is available, but a
great deal of efficiency is lost when there is lack of coordination
between the different types of operation in an emergency. Absolute
impartiality and a willingness to let performance speak for itself are
prime requisites if we are to realize the best possible results. |
| 7. Use all
communications channels intelligently. While the prime object of
emergency communications is to save lives and property (anything else
is incidental), Amateur Radio is a secondary communications means;
normal channels are primary and should be used if available. Emergency
channels other than amateur which are available in the absence of
amateur channels should be utilized without fear of favoritism in the
interest of getting the message through. |
| 8. Don't
"broadcast." Some amateur stations in an emergency situation have a
tendency to emulate "broadcast" techniques. While it is true that the
general public may be listening, our transmissions are not and should
not be made for that purpose. Broadcast stations are well equipped to
perform any such service. Our job is to communicate for, not with the
general public. |
| 9. Within the
disaster area itself, the ARES is primarily responsible for
communications support. When disaster strikes, the first priority of
those NTS operators who live in or near the disaster area is to make
their expertise available to their Emergency Coordinator where and
when needed. For timely and effective response, this means that NTS
operators need to talk to their ECs before the time of need so that
they will know how to best respond. |
|
|
