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TABLE OF CONTENTS

FORWARD:

Many individuals in Grays Harbor County have made personal commitments to providing communications assistance during an emergency. This assistance is used by several public service agencies. Grays Harbor Auxiliary Emergency Communications (AEC) ARES and RACES personnel and other private communicators provide this service which is coordinated through the Grays Harbor Department of Emergency Management (DEM).

The intent of this handbook is to be used as a "tool" for those involved in emergency communications. The following document is not to be detailed and comprehensive. Nor should it be considered the final word in emergency communications. This manual is written to cover voice communications. Nothing in this manual should ever be permitted to jeopardize the accurate and timely delivery of a message. Each incident is different. Let common sense prevail.

RECOGNITION:

Information for this Handbook was drawn from several sources, which deserve recognition. They are:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency

The Amateur Radio Relay League.

The Grays Harbor RACES Plan.

The Clallam County Emergency Action Plan.

The Jefferson County Organization Manual.

The Kitsap County Alternate Emergency Communications Support Plan.

The Auburn Support Group Radio Communications Manual.

The Bolder County, CO Disaster Communications Handbook.

The Colorado Emergency Radio Plan.

The Santa Clara Valley Net Control Manual.

The Sonoma County, CA Emergency Communications Manual.

The California Auxiliary Communications Service Plan.

The Alameda County, CA "Instant Trainer".

The Provincial Emergency Communications Guide. (British Columbia)

Emergency Communications in Grays Harbor began in the early 60's when a group of young people met with a Deputy from the Sheriff's Department to form backup communications for the then Civil Defense operation in Montesano. Citizen's Band Radio was used. As the 70's and 80's emerged, Amateur radio took over as the "tool" of choice. Today Amateur radio plays a part in county emergency backup communications.

During some phase of a countywide emergency it can be assumed that the existing communications used every day by the public safety agencies may fail or become severely overloaded. An Emergency Communicator will be called upon to supply communication services where no established link exists or to supplement existing systems when they become disabled or overloaded. SAR Emergency Communicators will normally be called out for every incident of this type, as there are no public safety agencies, which provide this service. Public safety communication systems are designed to handle emergency situations but not to continue handling those daily emergencies and meet the demands of a major disaster. The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency System (RACES) (AEC) provide back-up communications in times of disaster to all requesting agencies within Grays Harbor County. The Grays Harbor DEM considers all duly registered volunteer emergency communicators operating during an emergency to be AEC operators. In virtually all cases, Emergency Communications provides support and logistic communications, rather than life and death communications. In Grays Harbor County, Emergency Communication Operators may be asked to provide additional communications during floods, earthquakes, fires, and any other natural or man-made disaster.

ORGANIZATION:

Although there are ARES and RACES programs in place, the DEM has appointed it's own leadership in the form of an EOC Back-up Communications Coordinator (EBCC). The EBCC is responsible for the EOC back-up communication facility and its program. This coordinator reports directly to the Deputy Director of Emergency Management. This is not a "life-time" appointment.

All communication personnel involved are State/County approved Emergency Workers. These operators do not form a non-profit corporation or any specific group or club. Meetings are only scheduled as needed. Information and up-dates are given on a Sunday evening (7PM) Amateur radio NET each week .

AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY SERVICE (ARES):

ARES is part of the field organization of the ARRL, which provides organization and national leadership to emergency and public service communications in accordance with Part 97 of the FCC rules and regulations. (See Appendix) The ARES service is composed of radio operators who are licensed by the FCC. ARES units provide service to non-governmental agencies such as the Red Cross and Hospitals. They also provide communications for the public in general. ARES units have members.

The Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) is part of the Amateur Radio service which provides radio communications during periods of local, regional or national emergencies. RACES operations are not limited to war related activities but could include natural disasters and SAR incidents. RACES can be activated at any time of perceived or actual need by the sponsoring local or state government pursuant to a request of the authorized official of that government. Local and state government sponsor RACES, not FEMA nor the FCC. A RACES unit can do most of the activities supported by ARES, (if) so authorized by its sponsoring government agency. Races units have participants, not members. The Grays Harbor Department of Emergency Management recognizes those Amateur Emergency Worker card holders as the official Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) unit in Grays Harbor County. In the event of a national emergency in which the President of the USA invokes his War Emergency Powers, all radio amateurs would be required to cease operations. Only those RACES radio amateurs providing emergency communications would be allowed to continue operations.

There are recognizable and important differences in ARES and RACES. ARES is a broad-based Public Service unit privately owned and controlled. Its sponsoring government controls RACES. With the extensive and sophisticated Public Safety communications and Cell Phones now in use, government and public need for emergency communications support is nothing like it was just a few years ago. Emergency Support is no longer just on-the air operations; but is used to support Public Safety or other agency systems in their entirety. Some operators don't realize that or want to do nothing more than operate a radio. They don't want to support non-Amateur systems. On the other hand RACES units may operate and support ALL of a government’s communications. In some cases they may never use Amateur frequencies. Many times the work required is behind the scene and off the air.

All Amateurs should have their own handheld and/or mobile VHF, 2-meter radios. The Grays Harbor Amateur Radio Club and other private repeater owners have granted permission for use of their repeaters during emergencies. Simplex frequencies may also be used as needed. The availability of these radio frequencies provides excellent coverage over most of the County. This helps to relieve the overloading of the limited number of public safety frequencies. Packet radio is also available.

1. Have a sincere interest in providing volunteer emergency communications assistance to the Police, Fire, Sheriff and other public service agencies.

2. Submit a signed Emergency Worker application and other forms (as needed).

3. If an Amateur, a valid FCC Amateur Radio license.

4. Be approved by the Grays Harbor Department of Emergency Management, a division of the Sheriff's Department, which includes a background check.

5. If an Amateur, it is desirable they participate in the weekly AEC net.

6. If an Amateur, it is preferred they own a 2-meter hand-held radio or mobile radio. The radio shall be able to operate on the local repeater and simplex frequencies used for emergencies.

7. Other than that listed above, there are no formal training requirements for those personnel involved in emergency worker communications.

During emergencies, you will be working along side public agency professionals; some may be in uniform. In most cases, they will look and act very business like. You are expected to do the same. You aren't going to score any points talking to your partner about the latest rig you bought or country you worked, while you are supposed to be "on the Job". Arriving at the scene with four radios blaring, camouflage attire and a baseball cap filled with every pin and sticker you collected will not give you a "good" first image. And for the record: leave all weapons at home and drive the speed limits. You have no emergency vehicle or law enforcement status. A final word: Agency professionals may not understand or know about your special training and communication skill. They may perceive you as just another "Want-a-be" CB'er getting in their way. Show them you are a paraprofessional, there to provide a vital service to the community. Emergency Communication personnel do not wear uniforms. Camouflage outerwear should not be used. Personnel do carry a AEC ID card issued by the DEM. Without the ID card it is quite possible you will not be allowed to pass through a road block or gain entrance to a facility.

At least one Simulated Emergency Test (SET) is conducted each year for Amateurs. Also ARES District 4 provides up to four training exercises per year.

HAZARDOUS DUTY WARNING:

Potential communication volunteers are cautioned to consider that an emergency communication activity may involve hazardous situations such as forest fires, floods and SAR activities. They may also be asked to carry heavy loads of equipment or sandbags. Volunteers should be aware of their physical and mental limitations. It is up to you the individual to report any concerns before being sent on a mission. If at any time it appears that a particular assignment is inappropriate, personnel should immediately request a reassignment. If in doubt, ASK! This is a volunteer organization. PERSONNEL MAY REFUSE ANY ASSIGNMENT FOR ANY REASON.

The priority of every participant must be personal safety and the safety of others. No activity is so important to justify risking the life of anyone. Each person must remain alert to potential hazards in their area. If a situation appears hazardous, the individual(s) should first leave and then radio NET control or Base when there is an opportunity. In virtually all cases, we provide support and logistic communications,

It is very important that the individual be aware of and communicate their own limitations. NET control and others attempt to match assignments to an individuals capability, but in the rush of things, errors can and will be made.

Of course, personnel should not engage in hazardous activities or create hazards for others. Examples of this kind of activity might be a person with a bad back carrying a heavy load, creating a tripping hazard with cables or climbing up a tree to find a better site for an antenna.

Personnel injured during emergencies or DEM authorized training exercises will be covered by a state program. Report all injuries as soon as possible. In some cases, equipment broken may be replaced through the DEM.

EMERGENCY AUTO-PATCH OPERATION:

An auto-patch system is available with the Amateur repeater on top of Community Hospital. Contact an officer or member of the Grays Harbor Amateur radio club concerning the normal use and access codes. If the repeater is in use wait for the courtesy tone and then promptly transmit the words, "BREAK FOR EMERGENCY PHONE PATCH". When given use of the repeater, key your transmitter and say; "ACCESSING THE AUTOPATCH". After ending your transmission say, "CLOSING THE AUTOPATCH" and then your call letters.

COMMUNICATING WITH THE 911 EMERGENCY OPERATOR

It is preferable to speak directly to the operator rather than relaying through a third person. DO NOT precede the description of the problem with your call sign or the fact that you are an Amateur radio operator. Always use good judgment. Keep calm, speak clearly, provide accurate information and be courteous. Give essential details. Answer all questions as the 911 operator asks them. Keep in mind that you are talking to a trained dispatcher who deals daily with providing the correct response and has the necessary knowledge of available resources.

When you find yourself at the scene of such an accident and you are the first to arrive, back away and call 911. WAIT for competent personal to arrive and identify the materials involved. While waiting, stay upwind and at least a quarter of a mile away. Flammable vapors could ignite by operation of your equipment. Be PATIENT, don't become a PATIENT.

In the event of a disaster, your first responsibility is to attend to the safety of your family and/or plan for your absence. Next get an assessment of the incident. Its time to turn on your radio and LISTEN. Listen to the various emergency nets and your local emergency broadcast station KXRO (1320 kHz). Keep listening since further instructions will be provided by the net control stations (NCS) including information about other nets on different frequencies.

Serious concerns will arise when family members are separated at home, school and work. You must do some advanced planning. Develop plans for family rendezvous points and communication. Remember that this may not be possible for hours and perhaps days after the event. Establish a friend or relative outside the area as a check-in location for all members of the family. Everyone should then carry the phone number of that check-in. Make certain small children know how to make a long distance telephone call even if they don't have money. You will be of no use to the emergency service your are about to perform if your mind is on the safety of your family.

Your advance preparation must include the availability of radio and personal gear appropriate to emergency operations. Use the checklists found in the appendix of this handbook as a guide. You also have an on-going responsibility to develop your emergency communication skills. In a large or extended emergency there will be participating communicators who will not have the benefit of such advanced preparation. The direction and disciplined net operation will be set and maintained by you the active, experienced emergency communicator.

ACTIVATION PROCEDURES:

Any public service agency such as Police, Fire, Sheriff or Red Cross requiring assistance with communications will (in most instances) call the DEM. The DEM will in turn contact a volunteer communications coordinator or an assistant emergency coordinator, if not, then you. (Are you ready?) indicating a possible future need or will request immediate communications assistance. Who ever is called, they should record the time, the name of the person making the request, their title, phone number and name of agency. Also log all information given regarding the incident. The 2-meter main net control operator should be contacted and given the details. NET control will then usually make a short (QST) announcement on the 146.900 and 147.160 repeaters or a designated simplex frequency (146.580) if the repeaters are not working. The NCO will say something like the following.

"QST, QST, QST This is a Communications Alert. This is/is not a drill. All stations stand-by.... (Pause) The Grays Harbor Department of Emergency Management has activated the Grays Harbor Emergency Communications net. All available stations be prepared to check in for assignment when requested."

They will then give details of the incident. Operators shall not check-in at this time or offer any kind of assistance...JUST MONITOR. NET control and possibly others will initiate a mobilization of personnel needed by the requesting agency(s). A resource net may also be started at this time. A resource net is primarily used to recruit resources. This net may also be used as a check-in point before an assigned operator leaves for assignment. As the incident becomes more involved a command net may be necessary. This net allows communication leadership to communicate with each other to resolve communication related problems.

The DEM and DEM Incident Coordinators will normally make activation of emergency communications personnel for a major (countywide disaster). Since there are only a few communicators there needs to a way to keep track of this communication resource. Being deployed by the county also assures coverage for injury and liability. However if it is an isolated incident, where for an example the hospital or Red Cross needs communications, or if an agency so desires, they may elect to call us (ARES) direct. The ARES EC or his appointed person then makes the call out. Communication personnel are not authorized to contact any public service agencies offering the services of Auxiliary Emergency Communications.

Anyone who has concerns regarding a possible emergency situation should contact one of the volunteer coordinators or DEM and alert them to the situation.

Emergency radio communications nearly always use directed nets. The organization makes for efficient operations and helps insure that urgent matters get handled first. The NCO (Net Control Operator) is the net's traffic cop. If it is a directed net, the NCO will exercise strict control, requiring every station to get permission before using the net. If operations are slow, the net control may declare the net free or open and you then may call anyone you wish. Be prepared however, for the NCO to change back to a directed net without any notice. In any event, the net control is responsible for the operation of the net and you are responsible for following instructions. Controlled nets are a means of ensuring orderly use of limited frequency resources. Controlled nets have someone on a frequency who determines who talks to who and when. The person in control of the frequency is called Net Control. Traffic on the net is handled in order of requests depending on the priority of the message. NET CONTROL DOES NOT PRIORITIZE MESSAGES. The "official" or his designee at the specific location determines the priority of the message.

The priorities are as follows:

1. EMERGENCY - Traffic with a life and death urgency.

2. PRIORITY - Traffic used for official messages with a specific time limit.

3. ROUTINE - Traffic used for official and personal messages with no time limit.

If you come into a net late, listen for the procedures being used and then follow them. Arrive at your assigned location about 15 minutes ahead of time. This allows for a proper turnover between you and the operator you are relieving. Keep the frequency available for interruptions. Keep your transmissions short. Stop transmitting if you stop talking. If on the repeater WAIT for the courtesy tone and then just a bit longer to allow someone to jump in. Another reason for keeping transmissions short is less time is lost if the transmission was only partly readable. Brief transmissions also allow other stations to interrupt if they have urgent traffic. Use the shortest message to get the point across. Don't transmit needlessly; don't take an extra turn just to say that you are "clear". If no one answers a call you are making, saying "nothing heard," (your callsign) "clear" wastes times and accomplishes nothing. If no one answers, simply identify yourself with your callsign (FCC) and leave the air. It is not improper to interrupt a net for emergency traffic; that is to transmit when Net Control has not given you permission. If you interrupt, key very briefly, only enough to ID. If others are observing proper transmission brakes, they will usually hear you and relinquish it to you for your emergency traffic.

To Review: when someone wishes to talk to someone else during an emergency it is because he has traffic for the other person or someone at the other person’s location. Control of the frequency is exercised by net control granting permission for one operator to talk to another.

When calling net control, always specify your message priority by words, not by number. When given permission to transmit their message, the originator will speak directly to the recipient. The message will not normally be repeated through the net control to the recipient unless conditions control the need.

If a controlled net is in progress, do not check into the net simply to say that you are listening or to give personal information. ONLY check in when asked and if you are actually available for an assignment, otherwise, DO NOT transmit. Simply monitor the happenings. Also remember, communication operators are not reporters, telling our side of the story. Except for emergencies, do not provide information unless you are asked.

Every attempt will be made to make call outs on a rotational basis. However there will always be those that have special equipment and or training, which may be needed for a certain emergency. If you know that a disaster has occurred, but do not hear any activity on the normal frequencies, start scanning all other local frequencies. See the frequency chart listed in the appendix of this handbook.

Communication assignment personnel will attempt to place each operator in a position, which they can most effectively assist in the incident. Factors such as skills, experience, temperament and physical restrictions may be put into play depending on the requirement. The normal shift or work period is six-hours, although individuals can volunteer to work two shifts. A 1/4-hour overlap in shifts will be made to allow the new shift crew to be briefed by the previous shift crew. In most cases, two personnel will be assigned to a site or location, especially in a SAR emergency. The most experienced will usually be in charge.

In the first hour or so of an emergency, assignments are made as people become available and are asked to check into NET control. If the emergency extends for many hours or days, the process becomes more formalized and a special check-in net may be established; the resource net. Communications personnel are expected to "survive" on their own by bringing their own emergency kits, which may include their ID card, radio, antennas, coax, food, water, suitable clothing & shoes, etc. A personal checklist can be found in the appendix of this handbook.

When you receive a specific assignment, you should also receive directions to your assigned location. At times you may be asked to meet at a staging area for carpooling, as access to the disaster site is usually limited. An amateur should monitor NET control before leaving and while enroute. Notify the net that you are enroute and when you arrive.

In an emergency, normally TACTICAL CALL SIGNS will be used. These are short, easily remembered names which either identify a location, agency or function. Examples are "Aberdeen Fire"' "Hoquiam PD", "EOC", "Red Cross", Team 1, or Relay 1. Their use promotes efficiency and coordination with all individuals or agencies that are monitoring the net. When operators change shifts or locations, the set of tactical calls remains the same. The use of tactical call signs greatly reduces the confusion when various operators use the same station. Net Control may designate the call signs to be used on a net.

Always continuously monitor the net frequency. At a location where several operators are present, one operator shall be assigned to continuously monitor the net frequency for any calls to that location. Always keep your volume turned up but not at the expense of others nearby. Use your earphones. If you must leave the net frequency or your location, inform net control. When you return, check back in.

If the traffic load is very light, then net control might announce that stations no longer need to ask for permission to contact other stations. In this case, simply call the other station. If traffic picks up again, the net control will step back in and start controlling the flow of traffic.

Plan all of your transmissions. Know what you are going to say before pressing the mike button. Keep all transmission brief. Transmit ONLY facts. If there is a need to make an educated guess or deduction about a situation, then make this very clear. Scanners are everywhere and we do not want to start rumors with the general public.

Make accuracy of communication a priority and communicate information you are TOLD to communicate. You are not there to make decisions about what to communicate. Do not allow yourself to become the spokesperson for the agency you are assisting. Some news media people might attempt to put you in that position. Resist. Don't complain or criticize on the air. Keep a good sense of humor; it makes it easier for everyone around you.

There is no such thing as "common spelling". Send all groups of numbers as individual numbers. "104" would be "one, zero, four" NOT as "one-hundred and four". "Q" signals are for CW use only and not for voice transmissions.

When necessary to spell out a word or names, use a standard phonetic alphabet, however if you were talking to "public agency" listeners, they would prefer you use the "Law\SAR" phonetic alphabet. Both types are listed in the appendix of this handbook. If you need to have the message repeated use "SAY AGAIN" or "CONFIRM". Acknowledge receipt of all information or formal traffic by saying, "received". Do NOT say "QSL". Keep a log of all incoming and outgoing traffic. Make copies of the log found in the appendix of this handbook or on a blank sheet. Please be neat. You may have to refer back to your logs at a later time or in a rare instance, may be used in court. Return all logs to a Communications Coordinator.

During an emergency, we must keep the use of IDing to an absolute minimum as it consumes valuable airtime. Do NOT use the typical HF Ham exchange of both "parties" call sign after every transmission.

Whatever type of NET you are using, your are not required to check-in every ten minutes for the duration of the incident. The NET is a series of individual contacts, coordinated by a net control station. Only those in active contact must ID. The ID rule applies to each individual contact. Stations need to ID only as a result of their own actual transmission; at the end of each contact, or each ten minutes of continuous contact. As an example: at the end of a contact using tactical calls with the Amateur call you might say...."EOC, this is Aberdeen EOC, N7AAA, out" or "Aberdeen EOC, N7AAA, out" or even shorter, "N7AAA, out".

Now, let’s say you have a longer formal message to be passed on. Contact with the EOC is made at 2003 hours and you finish at 2025 hours. In this example you would have needed to have ID'ed three times. At 2013 and 2023, under the ten minute rules. And 2025 under the end-of-contact rule. Those listening do not ID at all nor does the NET control ID on their behalf.

1. Listen for your tactical call sign. Answer promptly.

2. Log all calls, incoming and outgoing, if at all possible.

3. Keep the frequency available for others.

4. Keep transmissions short.

5. Use simplex frequencies for personal uses if feasible. Stay off Repeaters if possible.

6. Know how to interrupt the net. (Refer to the section on "Interrupting a Net)

7. Use short, simple phrases. Try for five words per line, maximum of five lines (25 words).

8. Establish contact before sending messages, which are longer than just a few words.

9. Answer questions directly. Don't explain unless asked for a clarification.

10. Don't have items repeated unless you just didn't get them the first time. Nor repeat items unless you are asked.

11. Ask for whom the message is intended if not obvious.

12. Allow third parties to speak over your radio.

13. Shield your microphone from the wind.

14. Consider using an earphone unless someone else has to hear.

15. Bring spare batteries.

16. Bring a high gain antenna for your HT (mag mount)

17. Should the repeater be down, know how to use its output frequency in simplex.

18. Use special handling for sensitive messages

19. Don't use VOX or a locking PTT switch.

20. Don't try to wear a HT on your belt and try to transmit.

21. Don't leave a net without permission and checking out.

22. Don't make unnecessary transmissions.

23. Don't use CW shorthand jargon. Instead say: "I copy" or "yes".

22. Don't talk louder in a noisy environment.

23. Under no conditions panic!

1. Emergency Workers ID Card. should be worn at all times.

2. FCC License

3. Radio Gear

A. 2-meter HT or 2-meter Mobile. It is best to have both.

B. Extra Battery Packs for HT.

C. Antennas and mounts. A Mag. mount is almost a must. Your 4" "stubby" will not work very well inside a metal building and on simplex.

D. Microphone (Speaker/mike) Leave the VOX equipment at home please.

E. Headphones

F. Patch Cords/Adapters (PL259, Barrels, SO239 to RCA, SO239 to BNC, etc.

G. Extra Coax

H. AC extension cord

I. Scanner

J. Flashlight/extra batteries

1. Pen/Pencil/Eraser

2. Clipboard

3. Message forms & other county forms

4. Logging material

5. Note Paper

6. This Communications Handbook

CLOTHING: (extended emergency)

1. Sturdy shoes or boots depending on where you are being placed.

2. Jacket: The WX changes quickly in the NORTHWEST. Bright Colors are best if you are stationed outdoors.

3. Extra underwear

4. Extra socks

5. Extra pants, no shorts please

6. Hat

7. Raingear-Poncho

1. Deodorant - A high priority

2. First Aid Kit

3. Aspirin/Antacids

4. Extra Glasses

5. Water - Liquid Refreshments

6. Food - It may be a long time before you get a regular meal.

7. Credit Card/Money

8. Personal Medicine

9. Sunscreen (Are you kidding?)

10. Camera/Film

11. Towel

12. Toilet Paper

Note: 1 Having as many items already to go or close at hand will save you considerable time when the "call-out" comes in.

1. 3.987 Primary State Emergency Net (For initial Check-in and IMMEDIATE traffic.

2. 3.994 Secondary State Emergency Net (For Priority and Routine traffic)

3. 3.624 HF Packet (Pactor)

4. 7.245 Alternate State Emergency Net

5. 45.360 Grays Harbor/State CEMNET

6. 45.480 State CEMNET (KOM-575)

7. 47.420 Local Red Cross

8. 121.500 ELT - Emergency Locator Transmitter; Air/Marine Beacon

9. 122.200 Bowerman field Unicom

10. 144.910 Local Packet (Aber)

11. 144.960 Local Packet (Saddle)

12. 145.010 Packet to Grays Harbor EOC and State EOC

13. 145.170 KO Peak Repeater-PL 123.0)

14. 145.270 Amateur South Mtn. Repeater (PL-103.5)

15. 145.470 Amateur Capitol Peak

16. 145.695 Amateur Simplex

17. 146.580 Local Amateur Emergency Simplex

18. 146.900 Amateur Saddle Mtn. Repeater.

19. 147.060 Amateur Baw Faw Repeater

20. 147.160 Amateur Aberdeen Repeater

22. 147.240 Amateur Raymond Repeater (PL-103.5)

23. 441.675 KO Peak link to State EOC (PL-118.8)

24. 443.825 Amateur Raymond Repeater (PL-100.0)

25. 444.600 Amateur Aberdeen Repeater (PL-103.5)

26. 444.950 Amateur Minot PK Repeater (PL-114.8)

27. 153.830 Fire Red Net

28. 154.145 Hoquiam Fire

29. 154.310 Aberdeen Fire

30. 155.010 Westport & Ocean Shores

31. 155.160 State Search & Rescue (KRG-779)

32. 155.235 Grays Harbor SAR Secondary

33 155.370 LERN

34. 155.430 Hoquiam Police

35. 155.730 Aberdeen Police

36. 155.565 Sheriff Primary

37. 155.910 Sheriff Secondary

38. 156.135 OSCCR

39. 156.800 Coast Guard - CH 16 (emergencies)

40. 157.050 Coast Guard - CH-21

41. 157.100 Coast Guard - CH-22

42. 168.525 National Parks

PHONETIC ALPHABET (Either is acceptable in this county)

SAR/LAW AMATEUR

A ADAM A ALPHA

B BOY B BRAVO 

C CHARLES C CHARLEY

D DAVID D DELTA

E EDWARD E ECHO

F FRANK F FOX-TROT

G GEORGE G GOLF

H HENRY H HOTEL

I IDA I INDIA

J JOHN J JULIET

K KING K KILO

L LINCOLN L LIMA

M MARY M MIKE

N NORA N NOVEMBER

O OCEAN O OSCAR

P PAUL P PAPA

Q QUEEN Q QUEBEC

R ROBERT R ROMEO

S SAM S SIERRA

T TOM T TANGO

U UNION U UNIFORM

V VICTOR V VICTOR

W WILLIAM W WHISKEY

X X-RAY X X-RAY

Y YOUNG Y YANKEE

Z ZEBRA Z ZULU

2 meters

A FCC assigned Amateur Radio band covering 144-148 MHz.

911

A countywide system, which provides fast, easy access via telephone for citizens in need of emergency helps.

AEC

Assistant Emergency Coordinator. Working under the ARES Emergency Coordinator, they are responsible for specific areas of emergency communication preparedness and operations.

AMATEUR RADIO OPERATOR

A person holding a license issued by the Federal Communications Commission.

APCO

Associated Public Safety Communication Officers Inc. A professional Association.

ARC

American Red Cross or Amateur Radio Club

ARES

Amateur Radio Emergency Services. The emergency communications organization sponsored by the ARRL. Dedicated to providing public service communications on a voluntary basis during times of disaster.

ARRL

American Radio Relay League. The national organization for Amateur Radio Operators.

ATV

Amateur Television.

AUTOPATCH

Equipment, which allows a two way, radio station to communicate via the telephone system.

BACK UP EOC COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

An Amateur radio operator appointed by the Sheriff who supervises the reserve communication activities within the EOC.

BASE CAMP OPERATIONS

For this paper means specialists in Communications, Plotting and/or Administrative paperwork who work directly under the control of Incident Command with the assistance as needed from Base Camp Support personnel.

BASIC EMERGENCY WORKER

An individual who will assist the Department of Emergency Management in the event of an emergency or disaster within Grays Harbor County. Duties may include working within the Emergency Management Office or the Emergency Operations Center.

BASE STATION

A two way radio station installed at a fixed location.

BREAKER

Anyone who interrupts a conversation between two other stations. Normally should involve use only for priority or emergency communications.

CANINE

A qualified dog and full field qualified handler who performs search functions as required. These duties can include any combination of wilderness, urban water, and cadaver and evidence incidents.

CHANNEL

The transmit and receive frequencies which are used together.

COMMUNICATIONS RELAY

An individual who provides radio relay between any and all involved personnel as necessary during a mission or incident.

COVERAGE

The area over which a radio station can conduct a two-way communication.

DEC

District Emergency Coordinator. Coordinates and supervises several emergency communication groups within an ARRL district. Currently Grays Harbor is in District 4, which also includes Pacific, Lewis, Cowlitz, and Thurston counties.

DEM

Department of Emergency Management. An organization at the state, county or local government levels charged with emergency planning, emergency preparedness and mitigation activities and disaster operations responsibilities. In Grays Harbor County is also responsible for SAR operations.

Desense

An interfering signal which causes a radio receiver to become less capable of receiving weaker signals.

DISTRESS CALLS

Normally applies to requests for emergency assistance from ships or aircraft.

DNR

Department of Natural Resources

DTMF

Dual Tone Multiple Frequency. The tone signaling system commonly know as Touch-Tone. Each button on the pad will cause two-tone frequencies to be simultaneously generated.

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATORS

A group of volunteers who help with communications during a disaster. Mostly made up of Amateur Radio operators.

EC

Emergency Coordinator. Appointed by the ARRL to administer and coordinated local Amateur radio emergency communications preparedness and operations for the ARES program within a county.

EC/C

An ARES Emergency Coordinator who has passed an exam concerning Emergency communication leadership.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TEAMS

Any emergency medical team with minimum First Responder current qualifications.

ELT-DF

An individual who specializes in performing Emergency Locator Transmitter-Directional Finder operations.

EOC

Emergency Operations Center.

FEMA

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Field

Qualified personnel as members of a team whose duties involve search for, rescuing and/or recovering by means of ground, marine or air activity any person who becomes lost, injured or is killed while outdoors or as a result of a natural or man-made disaster including instances involving searching for downed aircraft.

FIELD MOBILE

Persons who have the ability to utilize road search and full field functions during a SAR mission as the situation requires.

HAM

Commonly used term meaning Amateur Radio Operator.

HANDHELD

Small portable transceiver capable of held in a hand.

H&W

Health and Welfare. Messages relating to the health and welfare of private citizens.

ICS

Incident Command System. A means of controlling all the many facets of an incident.

INPUT

In a repeater station, refers to the receiver frequency.

INTERMOD

The combining of two or more radio signals to produce other frequencies. Commonly the sum or difference of those frequencies or multiples of them.

LERN

Law Enforcement Radio Net. A simplex frequency used by law enforcement to talk between different agencies.

MACHINE

Slang. Refers to the equipment of an Amateur radio repeater station.

MARS

Military Affiliate Radio System

NCO

Net Control Operator. One who manages the traffic on a specific frequency.

NCS

Net Control Station. Directs and coordinates all stations participating in any emergency or routine net operation.

MOBILE

Teams who perform road searches, containment, transport and evidence protection as needed during a SAR mission.

NTS

National Traffic System. The ARRL sponsored network for handling formal written message traffic.

NICAD OR NICKEL CADMIUM

The type of rechargeable battery most often used with portable radio equipment.

OSCCR

On-Scene Command and Coordination Radio. Used during emergencies by those who may have a decision making role at the scene.

OFFSET

The difference between the transmitting and receiving frequencies of transceiver.

OMNIDIRECTIONAL

Refers to a non-directional antenna radiation pattern.

OUTPUT

The transmitting frequency or power of a radio.

PACKET RADIO

A digital communications system using computer terminals transmitting via Amateur radio stations.

PICKET FENCING

A condition noticed in a FM receiver under poor signal conditions. Particularly noticeable with moving vehicles. Signal strength drops and the noise level increase at regular intervals.

POINT TO POINT COMMUNICATIONS

Communication between fixed locations.

POLARIZATION

Refers to the orientation of radiation from an antenna. Vertical polarization is normally used in base to mobile communications.

PTT

Push to talk on a microphone.

PUBLIC SAFETY AGENCY

Governmental agencies charged with protecting lives and property.

QUIETING

The effect of a signal upon a FM receiver. The strength of the signal determines how much the audible noise level is reduced.

RACES

Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service. A local or state government which sponsors disaster management or civil defense communications. FEMA provides guidance. Operators participate in RACES. In Grays Harbor County, ARES members who are registered with the Department of Emergency Management are considered part of RACES.

RACES OFFICER

In Grays Harbor County, a volunteer who is appointed by the Sheriff to over see the RACES activities on behalf of the county. He is also the County Volunteer Communications Coordinator.

RED NET

A simplex two-way radio frequency used by different fire departments so they can talk to each other.

RELAY STATION

A station which serves as an intermediate receiving and transmitting location. Passes messages between stations, which cannot communicate directly.

REPEATER

A two way radio station, which receives transmissions from a mobile, portable or fixed station and rebroadcasts them for extended range. Usually located at a relatively high elevation. There are also simplex repeaters.

RESOURCE NET

The network operations involving the coordination of personnel and equipment for a communication incident.

RC

The American Red Cross

SAR

Search and Rescue

SEC

Section Emergency Coordinator. Coordinates emergency activities within an ARRL section. Works with local ARES groups through the DEC.

SET

Simulated Emergency test. A drill. An ARES emergency communications drill held nationally each fall.

SIMPLEX

Refers to radio operations where both transmitter and receiver operate in a common frequency.

SKYWARN

An official arm of the National Weather Service. Official spotters and report unusual weather occurrences. The National Weather Service then disseminates advisories to local authorities and the media.

SQUELCH TAIL

The noise heard in a receiver after the received signal disappears.

TACTICAL NET

A radio net organized for the purpose of handling the operational communications associated with an emergency situation.

TEAM LEADER

An individual who directly supervises and is responsible for the welfare and performance of a field team during a mission assignment or other incident.

THIRD PARTY TRAFFIC

Messages originated by or addressed to someone other than the originating station.

VOX

Voice Operated Transmission

WSP

Washington State Patrol

PROCEDURE WORDS & SIGNS

The use of "prowords" and "prosigns" is a key to accurate and efficient communications. They provide a framework in which traffic can be passed in minimum time with a minimum of errors. They are the traffic equivalent of the phonetic alphabet. Using them during poor conditions, especially in simplex, is usually a necessity. Please do not add to this list. This will assure all are using the same terms. Even if rarely used in Grays Harbor, EC's should be familiar with the terms as several groups they may be working with use them on a regular basis.

ALL AFTER

The portion of the message to which referenced is all that follows the next word given.

ALL BEFORE

The portion of the message to which referenced is all that precedes the next word given.

BREAK

Indicating separation of the text from other parts of the message or used to separate calls between stations. Only used to break into existing traffic when you have an emergency.

CALL SIGN

The word groups that follows are a call sign.

CLOSE

This station is shutting down.

CORRECT

You are correct.

CORRECTION

A mistake has been made. Transmission will continue from the last correct word.

DRILL

Word used to indicate that the text of a message is not real and is for exercise purposes only.

EMERGENCY

The highest priority for message traffic....Life and death.

END OF MESSAGE

May be said after the name in the signature.

FIGURE GROUP

The next group begins with numbers.

FROM

Signifies the address group or call sign of the message originator.

INITIALS

The next word group begins with letters.

I SPELL

Phonics used for unusual words or proper names.

MAYDAY

International distress calls in emergencies.

MORE TO FOLLOW

There is more traffic coming following this message.

NO

It’s common definition. Never use Negative.

OUT

This is the end of my transmission to you and no response is required or necessary.

OVER

This is the end of my transmission to you and a response is necessary.

POINT

A Decimal point

PRIORITY

Second highest priority for message traffic.

READ BACK TEXT

Read the text back as you received it.

RECEIVED

will comply.

RELAY

Transmit this traffic to or for other stations.

ROGER

Message received and understood. (This does not mean, "yes" or signify agreement).

SAY AGAIN

Repeat all or the portion indicated of last message.

SIGNATURE

The sender of the message....Signed.

SPEAK SLOWER

Slow down. Cannot copy that fast.

STAND BY, MORE TO FOLLOW

There is another message for you.

TEXT

Body of the message. "The text Reads"....then "End of Text".

THIS IS

This transmission is from (call sign).

TO

Signifies the address group or call sign to which the message is going.

UNKNOWN STATION

"Unknown Station...Please identify"

WAIT

Must pause for a moment...."Wait One" is also used.

WORD AFTER

To clarify text. "Repeat word after" or "Word Before"....All before / after.

WORDS TWICE

Transmit each phrase or word twice.

WRONG

The last transmission is not correct.

YES

Common definition. Never use Affirmative