1. INTRODUCTION

            During the early phases of any county-wide emergency, it can be assumed that the existing communication systems used daily by most agencies, particularly public safety, may fail or become severely overloaded.

            Volunteer radio communicators may be called upon to supply communication services where no established links exist or to supplement existing systems when they become disabled or overloaded. Public safety communications systems are designed to routinely handle emergency situations. It is not feasible for them to also maintain resources which can meet the demands of all major disasters. In those instances, volunteer radio communicators serve to complement existing governmental and disaster agency communications resources.

        This plan addresses volunteer radio services augmenting existing systems, substituting for damaged or inoperable systems, and establishing communication links with otherwise inaccessible areas. The magnitude of a particular emergency situation will determine the degree to which volunteer communications systems are utilized. Volunteer communication support is generally needed at EOC's, emergency shelters, police departments, hospitals and at major emergency scenes.

        There are many volunteer radio organizations including the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency System (RACES) who provide back-up communications in time of disaster for government agencies in the Mason County Area.

        Services provided by volunteers may include:

* Communication between Mason County and other governmental agencies.

* Communications support to government.

* Supplemental communication services to disaster relief organizations, including the American Red Cross and Salvation Army.

* Supplemental communication services to hospitals and other medical resources.

* Health and Welfare communications for the general public.

* Additional public service communications as required.

1.1 The Operational Area Concept

        In Mason County, the command structure during a disaster is headed by the Mason County Department of Emergency Services (DES). When a disaster occurs, all county resources report to the Director of DES or to his/her alternate.

        Mason County DES considers all duly registered volunteer communications personnel operating during any emergency or disaster to be ARES/RACES operators. Amateur Radio operators and others enrolled under the provisions of this plan are registered Emergency Workers in the COMMUNICATIONS class in Mason County. These personnel are issued identification cards by Mason County DES. They may be activated upon the request of the County DES or Sheriff's Department when an earthquake or other emergency occurs.

1.2 Volunteer Radio Operators Support to Government

1.2.1 Shadow Key Leaders

        Support to government is the most important role that volunteer radio operators play during emergencies. An Amateur radio operator (Ham) can follow key leaders wherever they go and maintain communications with battery-powered, portable radios. This lets key leaders communicate with anyone else who is also being shadowed by a Ham.

1.2.2 Backup Downed/Jammed Communications

        Hams provide a backup to downed or jammed communications by shadowing each individual and facility affected. For example, if all regular emergency channels are jammed up, Hams can be put at each field command post to provide a clear tactical channel. When a disaster happens, THIS IS THE ALTERNATE COMMUNICATIONS FUNCTION THAT IS ADDRESSED FIRST. This puts amateur radio operators in the right locations to perform any of the other functions listed here.

1.2.3 Liaison

        Most government agencies have their own communications, but sometimes not the ability to communicate with other agencies. Hams bridge this gap by placing radio operators with each agency.

1.2.4 Spotters/Runners

        Hams are mobile, and can act as runners to keep people in touch (e.g., where a dispatch center and EOC are far apart). Sometimes a communications problem is as simple as not being able to find someone. Hams can be extended eyes and ears for agencies.

1.2.5 Health and Welfare Traffic

        Amateur radio operators pass messages about family and friends following a disaster. This radio traffic can cover long distances (world-wide) on HF frequencies and shorter distances (less than 100 mi) on VHF/UHF frequencies. Since passing these messages is MUCH LOWER PRIORITY than helping government agencies address immediate threats to life and property, there is a 72 hour moratorium on inbound health and welfare traffic.

1.3 Purpose of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)

        The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) is part of the field organization of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) which provides organization and national leadership to emergency and public service communications in accordance with Part 97 of FCC Rules and Regulations which state that the Amateur Radio Service is a "voluntary non-commercial communications service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications."

        The Amateur Radio Service is composed of radio operators who are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). These operators must pass a written examination on their knowledge of telecommunications and technical skills in the operation of radio equipment.

1.4 Purpose of the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES)

        The Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) is a part of the Amateur Radio Service which provides radio communications during periods of local, regional or national civil emergencies. RACES operations are not limited to war related activities but can include natural disasters such as fires, floods or earthquakes and approved training activities.

        RACES was originally created in 1952 to serve in a civil defense emergency, but has since been expanded to enable amateur radio operators to perform emergency communications for state and local governments. Upon RACES activation, ARES members who are registered with the Mason County DES are also RACES affiliated. All licensed radio volunteers belonging to an organized city ARES or RACES group are eligible to apply for an DES volunteer ID card and coverage under Worker's Compensation Insurance during emergency operations. All applications to DES for volunteer ID cards are submitted to the county ARES Emergency Coordinator (EC) for approval and to verify the volunteers membership in a recognized ARES or RACES organization.

1.5 Communications Support Van

(Under review, for later use)

1.5.1 Applications/Tasks/Disaster Operations

* Law Enforcement Communications Support

* Fire Prevention/Suppression Communications Support

* EOC Operations Support

* Mobile Command Post Support 1.5.2 Communications Van Activation Procedures

(Under review)

1.5.3 Communications Trailer Activation Procedures

(Under review)

1.6 Registration and Identification

        Amateur Radio operators and others enrolled under the provisions of this plan are registered Emergency Workers in the COMMUNICATIONS class in Mason County. They have completed Emergency Worker applications and are issued identification cards by the Mason County Department of Emergency Services.

        In Mason County, ARES members, when duly registered with the Department of Emergency Services, are RACES members and upon activation, perform the RACES function.

1.7 Approval and Review

This plan, and its appendices, shall be reviewed for completeness, currency, and accuracy not later than three (3) years after the latest approval date. Revisions and corrections will be issued to all plan holders when approved.