GMRS Emergency Communications South County Emergency Volunteer Corps

GMRS Emergency Communications South County Emergency Volunteer Corps Building a climate of Resiliency in South County Tillamook Oregon Gary Dunn, KI 7 BDW (With Support from the Emergency Volunteer Corp of Nehalem Bay) 4/24/2019 1

There’s an emergency! What happened? Will I be impacted? Whom do I communicate with? How do you receive information about emergencies?

And then!! No Phone! No Electricity! No Texting! No Internet! No Television! When other methods fail, You can use your GMRS RADIO for communications

Why have a GMRS Emergency Radio? • Call for help when other communications fail • Stay in touch with neighbors during an emergency • Health and welfare out of area notifications • Provide situation reports and request resources • Monitor the Counties Emergency Services • FM Radio Broadcast and Weather Monitoring

Class Objectives • The BTech GMRS Radio Basics • Talk on the Radio • Radio NETS • South County EVC Communications Approach • Zone NETS • A few remaining details 4

The Basics: • Turning On • Navigating the Display • Entering and Changing Channels • Push to Talk (PTT) 5

Turning On On/Off/Volume Knob You should hear “Channel Mode” and see channel names If you hear “Frequency Mode” and see numbers, turn your radio off, then Press and Hold the menu button while turning the radio on to get back to “Channel Mode” 6

Navigating the Display Two line display Each line shows: • channel name • channel number Arrowhead shows active channel Exit/AB button switches between lines on display and changes active channel 7

Entering and Changing Channels Channel Numbers are 3 DIGITS! 1. Select Channel: • Exit/AB button selects top or bottom line • Arrowhead shows selected channel 2. Enter New Channel: • Enter 3 digit channel number using keypad Try It: • Enter 104 on top line • Enter 119 on bottom line 8

Push To Talk (PTT) Dual PTT Rocker Switch: Large black buttons on left side of radio Press PTT upwards to transmit on Channel A Press PTT downwards to transmit on Channel B When finished talking, RELEASE the PTT button and LISTEN 9

Green Light = Stop Indicator light above A/B button ● OFF: OK to press PTT and talk, channel is open ● RED: You are pressing PTT, no one else should talk ● GREEN: Someone else has pressed PTT, you do not talk Only One Person at a Time Talks 10

Other Radio Emergency Features • FM Radio o ‘F’ Side Key o Press momentarily to start the FM broadcast o Another momentary press turns FM off o Press and hold turns alarm on and off

Other Radio Emergency Features • Pre-Programmed Scanning • Scan a range of local channels to pickup multiple broadcasts • To enable the scanner, press and hold the key for about two seconds. • Press any key to exit scanning mode

Call. Signs • What is a Call. Sign? • They identify the radio user while maintaining an acceptable level of anonymity • Different Call. Signs used by sc. EVC members • sc. EVC GMRS Communications Net Call. Sign • First. Name, First initial of Last. Name • CERT Call. Sign: • Tactical call sign used at the time of an incident • HAM Call Signs • FCC required Callsign used by our licensed HAMS 11

Starting to Talk • Listen (wait for a break in talking, light is off) • Press PTT • Take a Breath (allow radio link to complete) • Talk ACROSS the front of radio (not directly into it) • “Hey Callsign, It’s Callsign” – Say Callsign of the person you‘re calling (Hey Callsign) – say your Callsign (It’s Callsign) • Say “OVER” when done • Release PTT & Listen 11

EXERCISE 1 : Call-In Set channel to GMRS 06, Channel 006 Instructor will lead a Radio NET: Call. Sign, are you listening, OVER. Student: Instructor, this is Call. Sign, Yes I am listening, Over. Instructor: I hear you Call. Sign. Thank you for checking in, Over & Out. 12

EXERCISE 1. 5 : Serial No. Set channel to GMRS 06, Channel 006 Instructor will lead the Radio NET: Call. Sign, What is your Radio’s Number, OVER. Student: Instructor, this is Call. Sign, My Radio Number is XXXX, Over. Instructor: I Copy your Radio Number. Thank you for the information, Over & Out. 12

Tips, Tricks and Troubleshooting 13

Keypad Not Working? It Might be Locked. • Press & Hold # KEY (on keypad) for 2 Seconds to Lock or Unlock • Key symbol shows that keypad is locked Key (Locked) Symbol) • Lock the keypad to stay on same channel. 14

Display Showing All Numbers? You are in Frequency Mode. Turn your radio off, then Press and Hold the menu button while turning on to get back to “Channel Mode” Not Hearing What You Expected? Are You On the Right Channel? • Check display to make sure that you are on the Active Channel you want to be on. • Use Exit/AB button to switch between the two channels on your display. 15

Lost or Confused? Turn the radio off and back on again if you get lost or confused, the display isn’t showing what you expect, or you think you’ve missed a step. This will get you back to “Square One” and you can start over. 16

Popular Questions • Should I leave my radio on the Charger? • Once the radio is charged, the radio should be removed from the charger to avoid over-charging the battery • Should my radio be turned off when I change Antennas or add an external microphone? • Yes, turn your radio off first 11

Talking on the Radio 17

IMPORTANT! THIS IS A RADIO, NOT A CELL PHONE! • Conversations are BROADCAST to anyone listening on the channel • Do not transmit private or sensitive info! • Use your Call. Sign to minimize privacy risks when using the GMRS Radio 18

Privacy Examples • Net Control, this is Gary. D. Jim. S will not be able to check in because he is on vacation. • Net Control, this is Gary. D. Sally. K will not be able to check in because she is in the hospital having knee surgery Caution: Both of these statements tell the world that a community’s members home may be vacant 4

Be Courteous & Concise • Be brief and to the point Plan what you want to say • Only one person can talk at a time If the light is Green, someone else is talking. Green = Stop • Leave a few seconds between transmissions Someone may need to “Break In” 19

Key Words Over I’m done with this piece of the transmission. It’s your turn to talk. Say again I didn’t quite get that, please say it again. Out I’m done with this entire conversation – “Goodbye” Monitoring I’m done talking, but will continue listening on this channel. 20

More Key Words Will do I will do what you asked. Repeat the instruction. Remember: Hey you, it’s me! Affirmative, Negative Yes Copy that I understand. Repeat the message. No Interrupt the net for urgent communication EMERGENCY!

Radio NETS

What Is a NET? • A group of radio users on the same channel exchanging information • A system for managing radio communication to avoid chaos

Challenges • Only one person at a time may talk • There may be as many as 50 (or more) individuals participating in a net • Strict adherence to rules and protocols is required to avoid chaos • Training & practice is critical

What is Net Control? • An individual on a Net who controls/ facilitates all communication on the Net • A Gatekeeper - All communication on a Net must be directed through Net Control • Is set up when there are more than two people on a channel to avoid chaos 25

Checking into a Net 1. Listen Wait for a break, light should be off 2. Identify Yourself to Net Control “Net Control, this is (Call. Sign), over” or “Net Control this is (Call. Sign) checking in, over” 3. Net Control Acknowledges You “I hear you (callsign)” If Net Control doesn’t acknowledge you, you weren’t heard. Try again! 26

Exercise 2: Checking Into a Net Control (Instructor): “GMRS students this is a practice net, please check-in now. Over. ” Wait until the indicator light on your radio is OFF You: “Net Control, this is Call. Sign. Over. ” Net Control: “Call. Sign. I hear you, will the next person please check-in. Over. ” If Net Control does not acknowledge you, you were not heard. Try again. 27

Doubling ● Doubling: two or more people try to talk at the same time - one or both are not clearly heard ● Net Control must acknowledge each person who calls in. If Net Control doesn’t acknowledge you, you weren’t heard. Try again. Be patient. ● It’s YOUR responsibility to be sure you were heard. ● Practice recognizing & managing doubling now, when it’s NOT a major event or emergency! 31

Relaying ● You hear a transmission ● Net Control does not acknowledge ● You may RELAY the communication You: “Net Control, this is (Call. Sign) with a relay. Over. ” Net Control: “Go ahead (Call. Sign). Over” You: “I heard Jane B call in but did not hear you acknowledge her. Over” Net Control may ask if someone can RELAY, if a transmission is partially heard or unclear. 32

Exercise 3: Doubling Net Control (Instructor): “Have all students key up their mike at the same time, and try to check in to the training NET Net Control (Instructor): “GMRS students this is a practice net, please check-in now. Over. ” Students: “Net Control, this is Call. Sign. Over. ” Net Control: “This is NET Control. There was interference with someones checkin. Re-transmit one at a time Over. ” What is the clarity of the signal? Did you recognize Doubling? 27

Communicate Slowly and Clearly A primary purpose of an emergency NET is to transmit accurate information 28

Using the Phonetic Alphabet • It can be helpful to spell out some words to assure accurate communications • Use the standard phonetic alphabet (next slide) or • Use common words to stand for alphabet letters • Example Check-In using phonetic alphabet: Mary W could check in as “Mary Whiskey” 29

Phonetic Alphabet A. Alpha H Hotel P. Papa X Xray B. Bravo I India Q. Quebec Y Yankee J Juliet R Romeo Z Zulu K Kilo S Sierra L Lima T Tango M Mike U Uniform F Foxtrot N November V Victor G Golf O Oscar W Whiskey C Charlie D Delta E Echo 30

Tips for Having a Good Signal Radio signals are blocked by obstacles (hills/mountains, buildings) For best communication: – Use long antenna – Keep antenna vertical – Find the highest point available – Move away from metal objects – Go outside/Get out of your car – Move a few feet in different directions to find clearest signal – Difficult locations may need an external antenna

South County EVC Communications Approach Hub and Spoke Design 34

sc. EVC Approach • sc. EVC Communications supports residents within the Nestucca Rural Fire District • Because of the size of the coverage area, the District has been broken into Geographic areas called ZONES • EACH ZONE is anchored by a HUB of HAM Operators • EACH ZONE is connected by SPOKES, our GMRS Community of Radio users

Zones • Zones are Geographic areas where direct GMRS radio communication is possible • Radio signals are blocked by obstacles like hills • Each Zone has its own GMRS Channel • All GMRS radios in a Zone, communicate with each other on their Zone channel • sc. EVC Zones

Zones and Repeater Communications • HAM Operators utilize Mount Hebo Repeaters or a Point to Point signal to link the South County Zones • Repeater are used by Zone Net Controls to • Coordinate activities across Zones • Communicate with the Counties Emergency Operations Center You cannot talk on the Emergency Repeater, but you can listen

What’s a Repeater? 47

sc. EVC Zones and Channels Zones Primary GMRS Secondary GMRS Radio Channel 1 (Slab Creek) 001 011 2 (Neskowin) 002 012 3 (Pacific City) 003 013 4 (Cloverdale) 004 014 5 (Tierra Del Mar) 005 015 6 (Hebo) 006 016 7 (Beaver) 007 017 Remaining Zones TBD 37

Zone Communication Rollup Emergency Manager Repeater sc. EVC Repeater Net Control Zone 1 Net Control Zone 2 Net Control Zone 1 Neighbors Zone 2 Neighbors Zone 3 Net Control Zone 3 Neighbors 49

PARTICIPATING IN A ZONE NET

Emergency Communications First Steps Communication in your Zone is the most important part of responding to the emergency ● Tune to your Zone Channel & listen. ● Attempt contact to see if anyone in your zone responds: “Zone One, this is John Q. Does anyone copy? Over. ” (Note: “Hey you, it’s me”) ● If no reply at first, keep trying!

Next Steps Set up Zone Net & begin collecting information ● If a HAM Operator is not on the Net, someone needs to step up to be Zone Net Control ● Someone also needs to step up to be scribe and record information ● Track who’s on the Net (check-ins) ● Collect & document info on Zone status

Examples of Zone Status Information • Number of people accounted for • Number and location of injured, type of injury, fatalities • Damage assessment (buildings, roads, water mains; any fires or sewage leaks) • Assistance needed • Resources available or needed Remember, radio communications are Broadcast!

If You Have Information for the Net: 1. Listen for a Pause Wait until no one is talking (no light) 2. Identify Yourself to Net Control “Net Control, this is (Call. Sign) with traffic, over” 3. Net Control Acknowledges You “Go ahead (Call. Sign), over” If Net Control doesn’t acknowledge you, you weren’t heard. Try again! 4. Give Your Information 42

If You Have Urgent Information 1. Listen for a Pause Wait until no one is talking & light is off 2. Say “EMERGENCY!” 3. Net Control Acknowledges You “Go Ahead Emergency” (or “Stand by”) 4. Give Your Call. Sign and Your Message 43

SIGN-OUT WHEN YOU LEAVE THE NET 1. Listen for a Pause 2. Identify Yourself to Net Control “Net Control, this is (name), over” 1. Net Control Acknowledges You “Go ahead (Call. Sign), over” If Net Control doesn’t acknowledge you, you weren’t heard. Try again! 1. Give Your Information (Sign Off) “Net Control, I am signing off the Net, over” 44

Note: On the Monthly Practice Net, you don’t have to sign out from your Zone Net. However, you should stay on your Zone Net until Zone Net Control closes the net. Remember, In an emergency you would sign out when leaving the Net. 45

Exercise 3: Reporting Information in a Zone Net Exercise set up: You have already checked into your zone net and are monitoring your zone channel (use channel 006 for this drill. ) Zone Net Control will begin by asking you to call in and report the following: - Neighborhood you are reporting for - Number of Houses in your neighborhood

Next Steps • Participate in the monthly GMRS Radio Net o o • 1’st Wednesday of each month at 6 PM Tune to your zone channel Contact the communications team through the ‘Contact Us’ page on sc. EVC Website • Ham radio operators are VERY important in our emergency communication plans. We encourage you to get your Ham Technician License • Join the South County Communications sub Team

GMRS Licensing The FCC has recently clarified that a license is required to use radios on the GMRS frequencies. sc. EVC recommends that all GMRS Radio users obtain a License and call sign A GMRS license • is good for ten years • is valid for the licensee’s immediate family (even if they do not live in the same household) • costs $70. No exam is required.

Accessories • Nagoya NA-701 C 8” Whip Antenna • External Mike/Speaker • Radio Batteries • Radio Holster • Generator, Solar Panels

Before you leave: ● Set the top line of your display to your Primary Zone channel ● Set the bottom line to your Secondary Zone Channel If you have questions or suggestions, please contact us through the contact page of our website 57