quote:

+ NEW EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS BILL INCLUDES ROLE FOR HAMS

A bill to enhance emergency communication at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) includes Amateur Radio operators as part of an overall effort to provide interoperability among responders. The 21st Century Emergency Communications Act of 2006 (HR 5852), an amendment to the Homeland Security Act of 2002, passed the US House and has gone to the Senate. Its sponsor, Rep David G. Reichert (R-WA) -- who chairs the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Science and Technology -- says his legislation is designed "to improve the ability of emergency responders to communicate with each other" interoperability.

His measure also would require the DHS to improve emergency communications. HR 5852 calls for Amateur Radio operators to be part of a "Regional Emergency Communications Coordination Working Group" (RECC Working Group) that would be attached to each regional Department of Homeland Security office. The RECC Working Groups would advise federal and state homeland security officials.

According to the bill, the RECC Working Groups would assess the survivability, sustainability, and interoperability of local emergency communications systems to meet the goals of the National Emergency Communications Report. That report would recommend how the US could "accelerate the deployment of interoperable emergency communications nationwide." HR 5852 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. -- ARRL
Letter

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+ 2006 SIMULATED EMERGENCY TEST: GAME ON FOR OCTOBER 7-8

The 2006 ARRL Simulated Emergency Test is scheduled for October 7-8. ECs are planning an event to include all radio amateurs, especially ARES, RACES and NTS members. Served agencies will also participate, of course. Whether you're a new licensee or a veteran, the SET is a good opportunity to learn or practice skills in traffic handling, net operation and emergency communications. The SET is a demonstration of Amateur Radio's capabilities and readiness.

Background is presented in the article, "2005 Simulated Emergency Test Results," July 2006, QST, pp. 97-99. Guidelines and specific SET reporting forms will be posted on the ARRL Web page at http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/forms. Although October 7-8 is the SET weekend, the exercise may be conducted any time between September 1 and November 30. Check with your local EC for the exact date in your area.

** snip a PA paragraph

ARRL's longstanding relationships with several served agencies will be tested, including the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the National Weather Service, the National Communications System, the Association of Public Safety Officers - International as well as Radio Emergency Associated Communications Teams (REACT), and the Civil Air Patrol. Related MOUs may be found at http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/mou/ . -- Steve Ewald, WV1X, ARRL
HQ

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+ SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH

National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort held each September to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. This year, ARRL is once again a coalition member. National Preparedness Month 2006 is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The agency will work with a wide variety of organizations, including local, state and federal government agencies and the private sector, to highlight the importance of family emergency preparedness and promote individual involvement through events and activities across the nation. More information is available at http://www.ready.gov .

The August issue of ARRL's "CONTACT!" features a wealth of information on September's National Preparedness Month and how to promote ARES in local media outlets. See http://www.arrl.org/pio/contact/#current and click on the August 2006 issue.

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+ MARS TO SUPPORT US TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION IN EMERGENCIES

Amateur Radio operators who are members of the Military Affiliate Radio System (MARS) will provide back-up communication for the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) under a formal agreement announced in July by Army MARS Chief Kathy Harrison, AAA9A. Protecting airports during the hurricane season will be the immediate focus, she said, adding that the new MARS-TSA collaboration "is likely to expand to other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) areas" in the future.

The MOU, which is already in place, calls for using MARS networks, personnel and equipment to maintain communication during the first 72 hours of incidents involving aircraft, mass transit and pipelines. Seventy-two hours is considered the maximum time needed for federal response organizations to deploy internal emergency communication systems. A particular MARS responsibility will be to provide communication interoperability with local, state and national networks. -- Bill Sexton, N1IN

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+ DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY NATIONAL CREDENTIALING INITIATIVE

DHS is reportedly bringing a wider range of first responders into "smart ID card" programs. This may involve private sector responders, ostensibly including radio amateurs. DHS is trying to categorize emergency responders, and then develop a national ID card system that can verify their categories and identities at incident scenes. This is being done at FEMA and its NIMS Integration Center. Part of the categorization efforts is expanding the definition of emergency responder to include private sector workers who can quickly restore power, communications, banking and other critical services. -- Ed
Bruette, N7NVP, ARRL Western Washington Section Manager; Washington State RACES Officer

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+ FIRST RESPONDER'S GUIDE TO SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS

The Satellite Industry Association (SIA) has posted The First Responder's Guide to Satellite Communications, which it describes as, "a comprehensive overview and tutorial of satellite technology and its role in response to natural or man-made disasters." The Guide includes an overview of satellite communications capabilities, equipment requirements and easy to follow steps for connecting with satellites through various types of terminals, and a glossary of terms, definitions and frequencies. Download (pdf) the Guide at: http://www.sia.org/frg_files/FirstResponder%27sGuidetoS...teCommunications.pdf -- Les Rayburn, N1LF, National Communications System; ARES-SHARES-Skywarn, ARRL EmComm Level 3 Certified Official Emergency Station

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==>NEW LAW FORMALLY MAKES AMATEUR RADIO PART OF EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS COMMUNITY

A section of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) 2007 Appropriations Act, HR 5441 http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109:h.r.05441: , formally includes Amateur Radio operators as a part of the emergency communications community. Congress approved the measure before adjourning for its pre-election break. President George W. Bush signed the bill into law October 4.

Amateur Radio is included within the legislation's Subtitle D, Section 671, known as the "21st Century Emergency Communications Act." Radio amateurs are among the entities with which a Regional Emergency Communications Coordination Working Group (RECC Working Group) must coordinate its activities. Included within the DHS's Office of Emergency Communications -- which the measure also creates -- RECC Working Groups attached to each regional DHS office will advise federal and state homeland security officials. The final version of the legislation incorporated language from both House and Senate bills and was hammered out in a conference committee. An earlier version of the 21st Century Emergency Communications Act, HR 5852, included Amateur Radio operators as members of the RECC Working Groups.

In addition to Amateur Radio operators, RECC Working Groups also will coordinate with communications equipment manufacturers and vendors -- including broadband data service providers, local exchange carriers, local broadcast media, wireless carriers, satellite communications services, cable operators, hospitals, public utility services, emergency evacuation transit services, ambulance services, and representatives from other private sector entities and nongovernmental organizations.

The RECC Working Groups will assess the survivability, sustainability and interoperability of local emergency communication systems to meet the goals of the National Emergency Communications Report. That report would recommend how the US could "accelerate the deployment of interoperable emergency communications nationwide." They also will coordinate the establishment of "effective multi-jurisdictional, multi-agency emergency communications networks" that could be brought into play in an emergency or disaster.

In light of the new legislation, the ARRL plans to follow up to determine how it can interact with the DHS and its Office of Emergency Communications.

quote:

Originally posted by FL51D7:

NEW EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS BILL INCLUDES ROLE FOR HAMS

A bill to enhance emergency communication at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) includes Amateur Radio operators as part of an overall effort to provide interoperability among responders. The 21st Century Emergency Communications Act of 2006 (HR 5852), an amendment to the Homeland Security Act of 2002, passed the US House and has gone to the Senate. Its sponsor, Rep David G. Reichert (R-WA) -- who chairs the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Science and Technology -- says his legislation is designed "to improve the ability of emergency responders to communicate with each other" interoperability.

quote:

The R&O the FCC released this week does not include action on the Commission's proposal to eliminate the Morse code requirement for all license classes. A Report and Order in that proceeding, WT Docket 05-235, is pending.

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expanded the phone subbands in the 75 and 40 meter bands;

agreed to allow Novice and Tech Plus (Technician with Element 1 credit) licensees to operate in the General class CW subbands on 80, 40, 15 and 10 meters;

permitted auxiliary stations to transmit on portions of the 2 meter band;

permitted the use of spread spectrum on 222-225 MHz;

eliminated certain restrictions governing the manufacture, marketing and sale of external RF power amplifiers intended for Amateur Radio use;

clarified that "amateur stations may, at all times and on all frequencies authorized to the control operator, make transmissions necessary to meet essential communication needs and to facilitate relief actions";

deleted the frequency bands and segments specified for Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) stations;

permitted Amateur Radio stations in Alaska and surrounding waters more flexibility in providing emergency communications.

quote:

The following comments are clarification from John Fleming at the state EOC regarding training for ARES members and ARES leadership:

Here are the requirements for amateur radio operators to belong to the Florida State Emergency Response Team (FLSERT). These requirements are in compliance with the requirements of the Department of Homeland Security and of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and apply to all potential disaster responders, volunteer and professional. The listing below identifies the various categories of potential responders as they apply to amateur radio. ARES membership is preferred and recommended but is not an absolute requirement. We also have added the EMCOMM training of the American Radio Relay League. This is not in the DHS/FEMA guidelines but is a League recommendation and one that is being applied in nearly all states in the Country. Any person not meeting these requirements will not be eligible for deployment, participation, reimbursement, liability protection, etc.

Operators that will be deployed locally only or operating at home stations: ARRL EC-001 Level 1, NIMS IS 100 and NIMS IS 700.

Operators likely to be deployed away from their County, ARRL or ARES Officials at the local level (AEC, EC, RACES Officer), Gateway Station Operators, Local EOC Station Operators or Liaisions: The above plus: ARRL EC-002 Level 2 and NIMS IS 200.

ARRL or ARES Leadership at the District Level, Deployed Operators with Management or Supervisory Assignments, State or Federal EOC Liaisions: The above plus: ARRL EC-003 Level 3 , Revision 2, Plus, in FY 07, ICS 300.

ARRL or ARES Leadership at the Section, Division or National Level, State or National ESF-2 Representatives: As above, plus: FEMA IS 800.A National Response Plan, plus, in FY 07, ICS 400.

In addition to the listed NIMS courses, there are a number of other programs that would benefit the amateur radio response to disasters on the FEMA websites. County agencies can do what they want for local volunteers but they are facing the same requirements as the state and if a local agency is not compliant, it will detrimentally affect their funding so I suspect that all Florida Counties will soon be in compliance.

Of particular interest is the NIMS FAQ's page at:
http://www.fema.gov/txt/emergency/nims/5_common_faqs.txt.

Note especially the first question, repeated here:

Who has to take NIMS and ICS training? All federal, state, local, tribal, private sector and non-governmental personnel with a direct role in emergency management and response must be NIMS and ICS trained. This includes all emergency services related disciplines such as EMS, hospitals, public health, fire service, law enforcement, public works/utilities, skilled support personnel, and other emergency management response, support and volunteer personnel, as follows:

Entry Level - FEMA IS-700 and ICS-100.

First Line, Single Resource, Field Supervisors - IS-700, ICS-100 and ICS-200.

Middle Management: Strike Team Leaders, Division Supervisors, EOC Staff, etc. - IS-700, IS-800 NRP, ICS-100, ICS-200 and in FY07, ICS-300.

Command and General Staff; Area, Emergency and EOC Managers - IS-700, IS-800, ICS-100, ICS-200 and in FY07, ICS-300 and ICS-400.

In a letter describing the NIMS system written by DHS to the Governor's of the 50 States: In order to receive FY 2006 preparedness funding, the minimum FY 2005 compliance requirements described above must be met. Applicants will be required to certify as part of their FY 2006 grant applications that they have met the FY 2005 NIMS requirements. To the extent that full implementation is not possible during FY 2005, Federal preparedness assistance must be leveraged to complete NIMS implementation by FY 2006. By FY 2007, Federal preparedness assistance will be conditioned by full compliance with the NIMS.

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Emergency Communications System
The Auxiliary is investigating a strategy to communicate and manage our geographically
dispersed human assets and facilities through the use of a sophisticated platform to alert
and manage emergency response. Global Security Systems (GSS), a commercial enterprise, has approached the Auxiliary with a first responder alert system which would replace our current ‘calling tree’ method
of communications in times of disasters. The system would be free of charge to the Auxiliary, only requiring the Auxiliary to manage the system and use one of our servers
to house the software. The Auxiliary Association is looking into an agreement wherein DisasterLan (DLan), 3n, and GSSNet would gift their respective systems to the Auxiliary at no charge.
This 3 part system, from 3 different manufacturers consists of:
o DisasterLan – a core set of tools with functions that include a call center, an incident status board, chat with integrated broadcasting, asset management, financial tracking, resource database, video streaming and security management.
o 3n mass notification system enables one person to communicate with hundreds or thousands of people, anywhere, anytime on any device.
o GSSNet is an FM based alerting, early warning and communication system. The FM system in the United States is highly survivable during any type of disaster and has many other advantages phone services do not have.

Such a system would enable the Auxiliary to communicate with any or all of our members, alerting them by text message, of the event and what they should do in response. It is GPS capable, thus can easily be targeted to specific areas. With our increasing role in contingency planning, support for the Coast Guard and future interaction in catastrophic events, it is mission critical to implement a formal strategy for communication. Currently the Auxiliary is investigating this offer and, if it is compatible with our needs and contractually agreeable, the system could be implemented this year.

quote:

Coast Guard Auxiliary Communications played a major part in the Joint Okeechobee Communications Drill held on 16 May 1954.

The drill, which proved most successful, was a test of communications and of coordination of the following organizations during a simulated emergency involving the Lake Okeechobee region:

American Radio Relay League
American Red Cross
Civil Air Patrol
Civil Defense Council
Florida Highway Patrol
Sheriff's Department
U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
US. Weather Bureau

A communications truck under the command of RMC Howard V. Harrell was provided by the USCG and manned by Auxiliarists...

quote:

In an historic move, the FCC has acted to drop the Morse code
requirement for all Amateur Radio license classes. The Commission
today adopted a Report and Order (R&O) in WT Docket 05-235. In a
break from typical practice, the FCC only issued a public notice at
or about the close of business and not the actual Report and Order,
so some details -- including the effective date of the R&O -- remain
uncertain. The public notice is located at,
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-269012A1.pdf .

quote:

Perhaps more important, the FCC's action in WT Docket 05-235 appears to put all Technician licensees on an equal footing: Once the R&O goes into effect, holders of Technician class licenses will have equivalent HF privileges, whether or not they've passed the 5 WPM Element 1 Morse examination. The FCC said the R&O in the Morse code docket would eliminate a disparity in the operating privileges for the Technician and Technician Plus class licensees. Technician licensees without Element 1 credit (ie, Tech Plus licensees) currently have operating privileges on all amateur frequencies above 30 MHz.

"With today's elimination of the Morse code exam requirements, the FCC concluded that the disparity between the operating privileges of Technician Class licensees and Technician Plus Class licensees should not be retained," the FCC said in its public notice. "Therefore, the FCC, in today's action, afforded Technician and Technician Plus licensees identical operating privileges."

quote:

Typically, the effective date of an FCC Order is 30 days after it appears in the Federal Register. That would mean the Morse requirement and the revised 80-meter segment for automatically controlled digital stations would likely not go into effect until late January 2007.

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The tactical interoperable communications scorecard assesses the maturity of tactical interoperable communications capabilities in 75 urban/metropolitan areas. These scorecards were developed by subject matter expert panels that reviewed documentation on current communications plans, exercises, and a self-assessment to arrive at consensus findings and recommendations for each region on how to best improve that region’s communications capabilities.

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+ COMMUNICATIONS ACADEMY 2007 IN PLANNING STAGE; LOOKING FOR KATRINA/RITA DISPATCHERS

In preparation for Communications Academy 2007, the host is searching for anyone who has knowledge of hams who were pressed into service as public safety communicators (dispatchers) in the Hurricane Katrina and Rita events. A presentation on the agenda will address this subject and the host would like to contact anyone who had first hand experience. Please contact Ed Bruette, N7NVP <n7nvp@arrl.org>.

The Communications Academy is open to anyone with an interest in emergency communications, volunteer or professional. The presentations are designed to promote the development of knowledgeable, skilled emergency communicators who will support their local communities during a disaster or emergency response. <http://www.commacademy.org/>

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+ DHS REPORTS ON COMMUNICATIONS INTEROPERABILITY STATUS

Also of note is a recommendation that DHS/FEMA establish a training course for the "Communications Unit Leader" position, and that this position be made a standard part of an Incident Command System (ICS) response. Chances are that volunteers such as ARES would work under this unit, so it might be wise for amateurs to take the course as soon as it is developed.

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NEW WEB FORUM FOR EMCOMM

A new Web forum has been formed at <http://www.emcommforum.org>. This forum is for members of all EMCOMM groups who use any communication system. The idea is to provide a new place to foster the sharing of ideas and cooperation among the many different volunteer groups.

Any group who would like their own private section of the forum, free of charge, simply needs to have their EC or other leader make a request; the section would be viewable by members of that group only (unless otherwise requested). This is a great communication tool for groups that would like to increase their Web presence and communication without the trouble of building and hosting their own
forum.

quote:

Originally posted by FL51D7:
The following is from The ARES E-Letter January 17, 2007. Since some of our Auxies WSs are also Hams, I thought there might be some interest in the first item.

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+ COMMUNICATIONS ACADEMY 2007 IN PLANNING STAGE; LOOKING FOR KATRINA/RITA DISPATCHERS

In preparation for Communications Academy 2007, the host is searching for anyone who has knowledge of hams who were pressed into service as public safety communicators (dispatchers) in the Hurricane Katrina and Rita events. A presentation on the agenda will address this subject and the host would like to contact anyone who had first hand experience. Please contact Ed Bruette, N7NVP.

The Communications Academy is open to anyone with an interest in emergency communications, volunteer or professional. The presentations are designed to promote the development of knowledgeable, skilled emergency communicators who will suppor