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GUIDELINES AND A “GENERIC” PLAN FOR ARES TEAMS DURING WIDESPREAD
GUIDELINES AND A “GENERIC” PLAN FOR ARES TEAMS DURING WIDESPREAD
AND/OR EXTENDED POWER OUTAGES AND TELEPHONE SYSTEM FAILURES.
BEFORE THE POWER OUTAGE:
1 - MAINTAIN your radios, accessories, lighting, and other gear in a “state
of readiness”. Keep your batteries charged, your generator serviced, and a
enough fresh fuel (safely stored) to keep it running at least 24 hours.
Always keep the fuel tank in your vehicle(s) at least 1/2 full. (When the
power is out...service stations cannot pump fuel.)
2 - PARTICIPATE in daily and weekly nets, drills, and training. Get to
know your EC, AEC, and other members on your ARES team. Remain familiar
with your local and regional emergency plan.
3 - CULTIVATE good public relations on a daily basis. Let your friends,
neighbors, and local community leaders know what amateur radio is and what
it is capable (and not capable) of doing.
DURING A POWER OUTAGE AND/OR TELEPHONE SYSTEM FAILURE:
1 - CHECK ON your family and neighbors. Especially any elderly, disabled,
or infirm persons you know. If assistance is needed summon help as
appropriate.
2 - ACTIVATE your station by connecting to your auxiliary power source.
Monitor designated local and section EMCOMM frequencies. Keep an accurate
log of pertinent information and traffic.
3 - CONSERVE power, and help keep the frequencies clear by not
transmitting unless you have traffic or useful information.
4 - AS SOON AS a net has been activated, check in when your area is called.
Advise the NCS of your availability for assignment(s).
5 - YOU MAY BE asked to stay at home and serve as a relief NCS or a relay
station. ARES stations (fixed or mobile) with both VHF and HF are of
especially valuable..
6 - IF YOU GO MOBILE, travel self-contained. Appropriate clothing, food
and drink. First Aid Kit. Tool Kit. A good flashlight or two plus extra
batteries is essential...as is a clipboard, notepad, pens and pencils, and
local maps. Carry an adequate supply of blank RADIOGRAMS.
7 - RESPOND as directed by your NCS or go to the nearest location where
people congregate during an emergency. This may be a local fire station,
community hall, school, church, general store, or even an intersection.
When surveying an affected area, be alert for people who may have an
immediate need for communications or other special needs. Obey all laws,
stay out of the way of emergency vehicles, and periodically keep the NCS
station informed of your location.
8 - IDENTIFY yourself as an emergency communications unit. Wear your ARES
cap, jacket, or other ID materials. On vehicles, the magnetic ARES signs
are nice or you can make placards and place them on your dashboard or
sun visor.
9 - INTRODUCE yourself to local officials. Briefly tell them who you are,
what you can do, where you will be located, and that they may refer persons
with emergency, priority, or health and welfare messages to you. Remain
polite. DO NOT initiate or accept ROUTINE traffic until the NCS gives
the “OK”.
10 - KEEP IN CONTACT with the NCS. The EC or acting EC may need you to move
to another location (such as a hospital, utility office or city hall).
11 - IF YOU MUST leave your post or assignment notify the NCS. Allow
enough time for him/her to find a replacement.
12 - KNOW your own limitations. Do not try to be a “marathon operator”.
When your relief arrives, give him/her a brief report, turn over your log
and/or notes, and go get some rest. You may be needed tomorrow!
1/4/2004
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