Indiana RACES Basic Operator Course Unit 1 Introduction

Indiana RACES Basic Operator Course – Unit 1 Introduction to the Indiana RACES Mission, Values, Structure and Organization 11 September 2009 Copied and modified with permission from Virginia RACES Incorporated. Use by anyone else in this or its original, unmodified state must be with the permission of Virginia RACES Incorporated.

Record of Revisions Unit 1 Please indicate here all revisions to the program. Item / Slide Number Revision # Release Document - Date 11 September 2009 Authority W 9 XTZ

Indiana RACES Basic Operator Course – Unit 1 - Credits – A special thanks to the following for their participation and contributions to the preparation, review and completion of this document: Mike Rollins, WA 9 NCF Greg Oberc, N 9 VKZ Don West, W 9 DEW Tony Langer, W 9 AL The IDHS RACES Team Virginia RACES Incorporated

OBJECTIVES: Upon completing this unit you will be able to define: • • • What is RACES? What is the RACES mission? Indiana RACES Organization Why registration is important Working with served agencies Amateur radio role in “EFSs”

What Is RACES • RACES = Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service • Originally set up to support Civil Defense Operations during the Cold War. • Consists of Amateur Radio operators communicating on behalf of Local, State, and Federal Government during disaster RESPONSE. • Authority is in 47 CFR Part 97 subpart E - Sponsored by FEMA, administered by local EMA - Reference Civil Preparedness Guide CPG-1 -15

Indiana RACES • Provides a State focused organizational structure for: - Training - Emergency Operations - Coordination with Indiana State and local government agencies. • RACES registration with State/Local governments (Allows IN RACES registered operators to operate on RACES Nets during a communications emergency).

MISSION The mission of Indiana RACES is to establish and maintain the leadership and organizational infrastructure necessary to provide radio communications in support of emergency management throughout the State of Indiana…

Mission (continued) • When conventional communications are inadequate to meet public safety or humanitarian needs, • When amateur radio resources may help facilitate response or recovery in any emergency situation, • When lives and property can be protected, • When human suffering can be relieved, • Whenever it becomes necessary, so no community in need goes without essential communication services.

Guiding Principals Indiana RACES strives to enhance the reliability, quality and professionalism of Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service personnel through the establishment of stringent training and performance standards, policies, procedures, supervision of amateur radio operators registered with the organization who may be activated to provide communications on behalf of the served agencies and clients requesting our voluntary assistance.

Vision Indiana RACES pledges a commitment to preparedness and service in protection of public health, safety and welfare, by encouraging innovative leadership and individual responsibility which enhances the reliability and excellence of amateur radio emergency communications. We motivate amateur radio operators to excel in all facets of emergency communications and recognize those who exemplify our RACES philosophy.

Values Indiana RACES members reflect the following qualities and personal values: • We strive to provide competent, professional quality communications services • We strive to be well-integrated members of an action team • We strive to maintain personal growth throughout all activities, and • We are focused on performing our assigned duties and responsibilities.

What does this mean to you? Disasters do not respect jurisdictional boundaries! • Ensure that no locality needing help goes without communications support • Database for alerting, statewide mobilization • Provides multi-jurisdictional co-ordination, mutual aid • Can be mobilized statewide…

Why must you register…? • Registration and Acceptance is required for RACES participation. - 47 CFR 97. 407(a) Appendix F • Federal Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 - 42 USC 139 • Indiana Law Protecting the RACES volunteer - IC 10 -14 -3 -15 when properly rostered (IC 22 -3 -2. 1) as a volunteer and authorized/mobilized by the Director of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

When you register and participate in Indiana RACES: • You get support from leaders responsible to know your abilities, skills and limitations • • Ensure that you receive a suitable assignment • Within your physical and operating capabilities • To ensure your personal safety • And enable you to do your best You get protection from liability for your REASONABLE acts under Indiana code and Federal law.

Why this is important: Actions conducted in accordance with established plans, policies, procedures and directions of Indiana RACES leadership will usually be considered “reasonable. ” RACES members must follow established policies, plans, procedures and instructions!

Agencies that we serve want competent operators, who are: • • • Well-trained, knowledgeable, active Disciplined and well prepared Who function as an organized team Who follow policies and instructions And are good at what they do!

Working with served agencies. . . The served agency is ALWAYS in charge • Our ONLY job is to communicate • Using good radio technique • Leave incident management to the professionals

Do NOT Contact a Served Agency Unless Directed by the Radio Officer • Agencies are accustomed to a single, familiar point of contact. • RO responsible to meet w/served agency “customers” • Develop local needs assessment • Develop local plan and agreements for mutual aid So…Stick With The Plan It works to get you the best assignment and keep us all out of trouble, so that you will be safe, wanted and welcome.

Why…? • An inactive, unprepared ham is a liability! • “Wannabes” “freelancers” = big headaches • Even though you are a valued volunteer, you remain an ordinary citizen with no special privileges or authority • Doing it “right” protects us all. • Proficient in directed net procedures • Proficient in ICS traffic handling

All RACES Operators Need Good Voice Communications Skills: Interpersonal / management skills • Working cooperatively with others • Working knowledge of Incident Command System

INDIANA RACES Training… • Basic Operator Course (required -6 hrs. ) • District Response Team Classroom Training and Field Operations Courses Local RACES workshops, nets, drills, exercises, other opportunities • FEMA Independent Study courses • To download a FEMA ISP

Why amateur radio works! • Independent of normal systems • Equipment used every day • Flexibility to solve problems • Technically trained operators • Amateurs bring more resources than most localities can afford to keep in reserve for emergencies on their own.

State Radio Officer Deputy State Radio Officers Operations, Planning Logistics, Administration ↓ District Radio Officers ↓ County/City ROs ↓ Assistant ROs ↓ Registered RACES Operators

The Role of RACES As Stated In: “Emergency Support Functions” (ESFs) of Federal and State Disaster Plans EFS-2, Communications “Amateur Radio networks may provide daily and emergency public service communications during emergencies and disasters. ”

ROLE OF RACES In “Emergency Support Functions…” • ESF-6, Mass Care -Shelter message centers -Health and welfare messages -Logistics support • Typically handled by NGOs. (Supported by ARES/RACES)

So…What Is The Role of Indiana RACES… To identify, recruit, train, and supervise FCC licensed amateur radio operators, who. . . Are competent in providing auxiliary emergency communications, Maintain proficiency through continuing education, drills and exercises, Serve in their community and throughout the State during emergencies and disasters.

Indiana RACES Basic Operator Course – Unit 1 END OF UNIT 1