An Overview Of Amateur Radio Public Service Operations In Cherokee County. KJ4PQX Ken McIntire, AEC - Training KK4LAC Bob Johnston, EC

Transcription

1 An Overview Of Amateur Radio Public Service Operations In Cherokee County KJ4PQX Ken McIntire, AEC - Training KK4LAC Bob Johnston, EC Revision 1.2.1, February 9, 2015

2 Acknowledgements The training materials in the presentation are a collection of best practices, procedures, instructions, and methods from multiple sources including: ARRL ARES Field Resource Manual US DHS Auxiliary Communications Field Guide (AuxFOG) Cherokee County ARES Operations Manual The experiences of those who have done this before! It is being presented to you as a way to establish a common understanding and set expectations for the activities and practices of the Cherokee County ARES organization and its team members.

3 Service To Our Community From the beginning, one of the primary responsibilities of the Amateur Radio Service is the performance of public service communications for the general public, particularly in times of emergency when normal communications are not available. Amateur radio is a hobby. No operator is required to participate in emergency communications. Many of us enjoy giving back to our communities, and amateur radio provides an excellent opportunity for us to do so during times of extreme need.

4 Cherokee County ARES: Our Mission As volunteers in the Cherokee County Georgia ARES and RACES organizations, under the oversight of the ARRL (Georgia Section ARES) and Cherokee County Emergency Management Director, we will equip ourselves and train to provide communications as a direct service to the general public through government and relief agencies of Cherokee County, the State of Georgia, and Federal Agencies when requested.

5 The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) is a volunteer group organized through the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL). You do not need to be a member of the ARRL to be part of ARES. The only requirements are to possess an Amateur Radio license, a radio, and a have desire to serve. ARES is activated before, during and after an emergency. ARES handles all emergency messages, including those between government emergency management officials. ARES cannot operate if the President of The United States limits access to the Radio Spectrum under the War Powers Act or other declaration.

6 The Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) is a volunteer group organized by the government. Members must register with Cherokee County. RACES activates only during an emergency and during the immediate aftermath, and only if government agencies need communications support. RACES can operate if the President restricts access to the Radio Spectrum, so there are special regulations in FCC Part 97 that govern this service ( ). Other than limited drills, RACES can only operate during an officially declared emergency.

7 What We Do: When asked to do so, we supplement emergency communications during times of need for both government agencies and service organizations. We provide critical information during severe weather events (SKYWARN), including providing reports of damage through local nets. We conduct ourselves in a professional and courteous manner at all times.

8 What We NEVER Do: Self deploy during an emergency Chase tornados Chase ambulances, fire trucks, or any emergency response vehicle Hinder those we are expected to serve Provide information directly to the media Perform any task for which we are not trained Perform any task we feel is dangerous Deploy when our own family or property is still at risk

9 Organization ARES is divided into four levels: national, section, district and local. There are 71 sections in the USA. The Georgia section is broken into 8 districts. Cherokee County ARES is part of the Georgia Section, District 3 (Metro Atlanta). 1 Northwest 4 West Central 3 Metro Atlanta 7 Southwest 2 Northeast 5 Central 6 East Central 8 Southeast Georgia Section District 3 (Metro Atlanta) 1. Butts 2. Cherokee 3. Clayton 4. Cobb 5. Coweta 6. DeKalb 7. Fayette 8. Fulton 9. Gwinnett 10. Henry 11. Newton 12. Paulding 13. Rockdale 14. Spaulding

10 Organization The Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director The Cherokee County EMA Director is the county official who is in charge of overseeing all emergency operations during a crisis. During an EVENT, the EMA Director determines if ESF #2 Communications (including amateur radio) support is required and Activates us as needed. Support from the county EMA Director is critical to the success of any ARES / RACES organization. Without their support, we cannot perform our mission. We must therefore be very diligent in protecting our reputation, building credibility, and growing our relationship with the EMA Director and the other agencies we serve. Our EMA Director is Renee Cornelison, and she is truly a big supporter of amateur radio.

11 EMA ESF Functions ESF #1 Transportation ESF #2 Communications ESF #3 Public Works and Engineering ESF #4 Firefighting ESF #5 Information and Planning ESF #6 Mass Care ESF #7 Resource Support ESF #8 Health and Medical Services ESF #9 Urban Search and Rescue ESF #10 Hazardous Materials ESF #11 Food ESF #12 Energy ESF #13 Public Safety and Security ESF #14 Long-Term Community Recovery ESF #15 External Affairs

12 Organization The Section Manager, Section Emergency Coordinator, Deputies and Assistants These individuals oversee the ARES / RACES organization for the Georgia Section: Section Manager Eugene Clark, W4AYK Section Emergency Coordinator David Benoist, AG4ZR Net Manager Charles Pennington, K4GK Deputy Section Emergency Coordinator Lynn Bianco, KN4YZ Deputy Section Emergency Coordinator James Cote, N4PJR Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator Tom Fuller, KE4QCM

13 Organization The District Emergency Coordinator (DEC) The District Emergency Coordinator coordinates the efforts of a collection of ARES / RACES organizations. These collections can be geographic (a collection of counties), or they can be specific to a particular organization or served agency (NWS, Salvation Army, Red Cross, etc.). Cherokee County is part of Georgia s Metro Atlanta District. The Metro Atlanta District Emergency Coordinator is Cherokee County s own Jim Millsap, WB4NWS

14 Organization The Emergency Coordinator (EC) The EC is the top-level officer for each local ARES / RACES organization. The EC is in charge of all aspects of the organization, and is the main liaison between the organization and the served county, agency or organization. The Cherokee County EC is Bob Johnston, KK4LAC

15 Organization Assistant Emergency Coordinator (AEC) Running an ARES / RACES organization is a huge job no one person can do it alone. As the name implies, the AECs assist the EC to ensure the organization runs smoothly. Each AEC is assigned a specific area of responsibility, but each must be ready and trained to take over any role (including the EC role) during a crisis. Ken Dean K4RWG MARS Liaison Mark Harris KG4WIV Training, EOC Randy Kerr KD4KHO Training, AuxComm, GEMA Liaison Ken McIntire KJ4PQX Training, Skywarn Jim Millsap WB4NWS PIO, DEC, Repeaters Tom Olley KG4VUB IT/WEB, ASEC Digital, Repeaters Earl Simmons N4LES EOC, NGDF Liaison

16 Organization YOU! The ARES / RACES Member As a member of the ARES and / or RACES organization, you are the most important member of the team. You are the soldiers on the ground, providing vital communications support when your community needs it most! To join, you need the following: An amateur radio license, any level A two meter transceiver a dual band transceiver that covers 2M and 70 cm (440) is preferred A reliable power source with backup power capability. A good antenna (Mobile or Mag Mount GAIN Antenna) A willingness to participate, train, and serve

17 Served Agencies ARES serves agencies at the national, state and local level. ARRL has Memorandums Of Understanding with many organizations. However, not all of these organizations will be participating during a disaster. During a crisis, our first priority is to Cherokee County and the needs of the EMA Director, however we will handle communications for any organization that we are asked to serve.

18 National Agencies ARRL and the Red Cross have had cooperative agreements since The current statement was signed in Chartered by Congress in 1905, the Red Cross provides relief to victims displaced by disaster, from the onset of disaster conditions to the recovery phase. For decades, The Salvation Army has provided services to victims of disasters. This organization is particularly active in the recovery stage of disasters, and has communications needs which are often filled by ARRL volunteers. The National Weather Service Skywarn program is the "eyes and ears" of the National Weather Service during severe weather emergencies. ARES volunteers comprise the majority of Skywarn volunteers, who report "ground truths" to local NWS offices, supplementing their sophisticated weather monitoring equipment.

19 National Agencies In June 2003, ARRL became an official affiliate program of Citizen Corps, an initiative within the Department of Homeland Security to enhance public preparedness and safety. The Statement of Affiliation makes ARRL an affiliate under the four charter Citizen Corps programs: Neighborhood Watch, Volunteers in Police Service, Community Emergency Response Teams and Medical Reserve Corps. The relationship between ARRL and FEMA goes back to 1984 when an MOU was inked that helped ARRL volunteers coordinate their services with emergency management at all levels of government. Military Auxiliary Radio System The Georgia Section ARES has District Emergency Coordinators assigned to all three MARS groups, with the specific responsibility to establish liaisons with MARS in the event of a disaster. Although any necessary traffic will be passed, health and welfare traffic is expected to be the predominate type of message flow.

20 State And Local Agencies The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), a part of the Office of the Governor, has primary responsibility in the State of Georgia to provide overall direction and coordination of emergency and disaster planning and operations, as stated in the Georgia Emergency Management Act of GEMA has responsibility for maintaining the Georgia Emergency Operations Plan (GEOP), which is organized, based on the authority of the state government for emergency management and contains specific Emergency Support Functions (ESFs). Standard Operating Procedures are the responsibility of the primary state agency or organization for each ESF in coordination with other supporting agencies and organizations. The Cherokee County Office of Homeland Security Emergency Management is tasked with overseeing all emergency responses during a severe weather or disaster situation effecting Cherokee County, GA.

21 Served Agencies Section Level Community Emergency Response Teams Local government prepares for everyday emergencies. However, during a disaster, the number and scope of incidents can overwhelm conventional emergency services. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is all-hazard training. This valuable course is designed to help citizens protect themselves, their family, and their neighbors in an emergency situation. CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens may initially be on their own and their actions can make a difference. While people will respond to help others in need without the training, one goal of the CERT program is to prepare them to do so effectively and efficiently without placing themselves in unnecessary danger.

22 State And Local Agencies Cherokee County and City Agencies County Marshal, Sheriff, Police and Fire City Police and Fire (Canton, Waleska, Nelson, Ball Ground, Holly Springs, Woodstock) Georgia State Patrol Georgia Forestry Service Georgia National Guard Northside Hospital North Georgia Health District

23 Training we will equip ourselves and train to provide communications In the past, ARES membership was simple. All you needed was a license, a radio, and a willingness to serve during a crisis. The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment, with their local ARES leadership, for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes The world has changed a lot in the last couple of decades, and the emergency community has recognized the need to standardize their organization to a crisis. The agencies we serve no longer want a bunch of helpful hams off the street. They want only operators who have been trained to function within the National Incident Management System. In the spirit of ARRL s original vision of ARES, Cherokee ARES welcomes all volunteers. As you ll see later, we have devised a number of participation levels to ensure that all are welcome and can participate.

24 Local Training Cherokee ARES / RACES conducts hands-on training all through the year, including: Weekly Monday night ARES nets on the repeater Periodic Training at Monthly ARES Meetings or Workshops Metro Atlanta ARES nets each month on the repeater Weekly State level nets using SSB, Winlink, Digital modes Periodic State, District, and County Training Opportunities County drills during the year Statewide Simulated Emergency Drill each October In addition, we provide communication support for public events such as The Georgia Jewel, The Georgia Death Race, The American Heroes Helicopter Airshow, and others as the opportunity arises. While these events are not emergencies, they provide opportunities to test our deployment readiness, practice our skills, and provide a service to our community. Participation in these opportunities is essential for all ARES Members in order to refine our preparedness and skills.

25 FEMA Training Our operations must comply with the National Incident Management System (NIMS). We operate under the Incident Command System (ICS) when activated. In order to participate fully in all ARES activities, volunteers must complete the ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800 courses available for free through the FEMA website. Each takes only a couple of hours or less to complete, and the final exam for each is open-book. Additional FEMA training is encouraged, but is not required.

26 Participation Levels Level 1 The Basic Communicator Level 1 participants communicate from their home, work or vehicle, passing information to local net controllers concerning their immediate area. They are not deployed to directly served agencies. Amateur Radio License holder Completed Cherokee ARES/RACES Orientation (This Course) Maintains current and updated ARES FSD-98 form on file (Annually) Approval of Cherokee County ARES Emergency Coordinator (EC) Maintain active membership in good standing with Cherokee County ARES/RACES organization Has at least the minimum required radio equipment to communicate: Portable Hand Held or Mobile Radio, preferably dual band (2m, 70cm) programmed with current Cherokee County tactical frequencies Auxiliary gain type Mag mount or small base station type antenna A mechanism to elevate the antenna if needed. Backup or supplemental power source (i.e. battery packs, chargers, etc.) It is recommended (but not required) that all ARES members complete and maintain Skywarn Spotter certification.

27 Participation Levels Level 2 The Deployable Communicator Completed ALL ARES Communicator, Level 1 requirements Is prepared and willing to deploy during an emergency Completed Cherokee County RACES Registration Form on file Completed ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-700, AND ICS-800 FEMA Courses Completes requirements for and holds current Cherokee County EMA-Amateur Radio ID Badge Completed and Maintains current Skywarn Spotter certificate Maintains minimum radio equipment to communicate: Mobile, Base station (portable) or Radio Go-Kit for deployment to include HF capabilities (if so licensed), with necessary coax, connectors and equipment to setup adequate antenna for resources. Highly recommended to have Digital Communications capabilities and training Maintains minimum Go-Kit personal sustainment resources: Supplies ready to deploy for a minimum of 72 hours, to include food, water, meds, battery backup for radios, etc.

28 Participation Levels Level 3 Leadership (EC, AEC, and EMA Staff) Completed ALL ARES/RACES Communicator, Level 2, Deployable requirements Completed GEMA G-775 EOC Management and Operations Classroom course Completed Cherokee EMA WebEOC training Completed AUXComm course from DHS-Office of Emergency Communications (not a requirement if the course has not been offered yet) Completed requirements for (including criminal background checks)and holds current Cherokee EMA-Amateur Radio ID Badge w/ Public Safety building door access privileges All Level 2 members are encouraged to train and aspire to move to a Level 3 position. However, Level 3 status is granted to a member only when there is a need to fill an open AEC or EMA Staff position, and with approval of Emergency Coordinator.

29 Net Communications Taking part in an ARES/RACES net and learning how to handle traffic are the major qualifications required of an ARES/RACES team member. There are four main types of nets: Tactical Logistics Traffic The principle net during an incident, typically used by a single agency to manage operations within their operational area Used to recruit resources (both operators and equipment) Used when the amount of traffic that needs to be passed goes beyond what can be handled on the tactical net Command During large-scale events, this net allows leadership to communicate with each other to resolve amateur radio operations-related problems Net Control All ARES Members are strongly encouraged to learn the skills and take a turn as a Net Control Station on the local training nets so they are prepared to fill the NCS role as needed.

30 Net Communications To successfully participate in an ARES / RACES net requires exercising some discipline, and observing a few basic rules: LISTEN. The Net Control Station (NCS) will provide instructions on how to check into the net and what is expected during net activities. Follow the net protocol established by the NCS. Emergency traffic always has top priority. Report in to the NCS promptly when you arrive at your station. If you need to talk to someone directly, ask the NCS for permission before you use the frequency. Only use the frequency for traffic, not for chit-chat. Answer promptly when called by the NCS. Use tactical call signs whenever required and possible - along with your HAM Callsign.

31 Passing Formal Traffic During an emergency, precise message handling is critical. It is important to record and pass on messages quickly and accurately. Keep Transmissions to a minimum. Avoid chatter on TAC frequencies. Avoid Spreading Rumors Don t expand or speculate on what you may hear on the air or while in the presence of officials. We provide communications, not content. We are not broadcasters. All official messages should be written and signed by the originator. Send formal traffic EXACTLY as you received it. Don t correct it, change it, elaborate, or try to interpret it. Ask for clarification. Copy it as you received it. Send it as you were requested. Use the right mode and band to suit the need. Strive for efficiency, accuracy, and reliability.

32 Passing Formal Traffic To facilitate accuracy, organization, and effectiveness, we have several standard ICS forms: ICS Form 205-AR Used to document all of the frequencies IN USE during an incident and their assigned function. (Similar to ICS-217 which shows frequencies and resources available but may not be designated for use during the incident.) ICS Form 213-AR Used to record formal general message traffic. ICS Form 309-AR Used to document all formal traffic in and out of a station.

33 Sample ICS Form 205-AR

34 Sample ICS Form 213-AR

35 Sample ICS Form 309-AR

36 Communication Modes We employ just about every trick in the amateur radio book when it comes to emergency communications. ARES / RACES members should be proficient in as many modes as their budget allows. Just some of the methods we use: VHF / UHF / HF voice Digital Modes (PSK and packet) EchoLink WinLink D-STAR / MotoTurbo APRS Use the mode that best fits the communications needed. The more tools you have in the toolkit, the better!

37 VHF / UHF / HF Voice Local Cherokee ARES/Skywarn Training Net Monday night on the WB4NWS 2M repeater Net check-in begins at 8:00 PM Net concludes with a short training topic or exercise Nets in surrounding counties Important to occasionally check in on the ARES nets in our surrounding counties to help maintain relationships with neighboring ARES Groups. Nets are listed on cherokee-ares.org Southeastern Linked Repeater Net A network of repeaters covering Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and the Carolinas, called each Wednesday at 9:00 PM The Georgia portion is activated during severe weather Statewide ARES Net Sundays at 22:00 UTC (5:00 PM Local EST, 6:00 PM during EDT) Primary frequency is MHz (LSB); backup is MHz (LSB)

38 Digital Messaging Modes PSK31 A low-speed digital mode for sending text Easy to use requires no special equipment, just a computer with an external microphone and speakers (acoustic coupling) For more reliable communications, use an external sound card interface to connect the radio directly to your computer (SignalLink, RIGblaster, etc.) Statewide ARES PSK Net Sundays at 21:00 (UTC) Packet Sends messages in small chunks called packets Requires a Terminal Node Controller (TNC), a small piece of hardware that is responsible for breaking transmitted messages into packets and assembling received packets into a complete message There are software versions of the TNC hardware available for free on the internet Statewide Winlink Net Sundays 20:00 to 21:30 Send Check-in Message to WX4GMA.

39 Digital Messaging Modes PSK31 / Packet Software FLDIGI Free waterfall program for sending and receiving digital messages FLMSG A simple forms management editor for standard message formats (ICS-213, etc.) Winlink 2000 Winlink 2000 ( is a worldwide system for sending and receiving over radio. Since the connection from the client computer to the Winlink server does not depend on the Internet, Winlink is widely used by various agencies who need to communicate when the Internet is not available. Like regular , Winlink messages are sent to a specific address, and they may contain file attachments, such as ICS forms. s can be sent between Winlink stations and normal servers (ex. gmail.com), even TEXT messages. A hardware or software TNC is required. If you don t have a TNC, you may use a software TNC called WINMOR along with an external sound card interface (such as SignalLink or RIGblaster). Winlink 2000 Software RMS Express This is the preferred Winlink client. It is free to download from

40 Digital Messaging Modes APRS Automatic Packet Reporting System APRS is used to transmit real-time data, information and reports of the exact location of a person or object via a data signal sent over amateur radio frequencies Your simple message (maximum of 67 characters) and position information are received by a network of digipeaters which post the information to the internet. Many high-end transceivers have APRS as a built-in feature

41 Digital Voice Modes EchoLink The EchoLink system is a voice-over-ip network that connects repeaters to the internet EchoLink can be accessed from your home computer or from your smart phone, and allows communications when your radio is unable to reach the repeater D-STAR This is a digital voice mode for VHF and UHF communications Also has a slow speed data capability that enables message and file transfer. D-STAR requires a special radio ICOM is the only radio manufacturer for D-STAR radios MotoTurbo This is a Motorola digital radio product marketed primarily to business/industrial users It is finding larger acceptance in the amateur radio community

42 Activation Typical activation will be by or through the emergency net on TAC 1 on the designated repeater list (IC-217). Situational awareness notices, updates, warnings, and other information is typically sent via in advance of any activation. These are sent to the CC-ARES team group list on Yahoo Groups. ARES members can join the Cherokee-ARES Yahoo group at ARES members are generally activated for duty as Skywarn Observers/Reporters at the request of the National Weather Service or by the EOC Staff, who will notify the EC or designated AECs. ARES members should monitor the TAC frequencies for any formal or informal nets during potential severe weather events, or during EOC activation at alert levels 1, 2, or 3.

43 Activation Levels Level 3 There is no activation yet. Emergency Support Functions (ESF Functions) and people who would need to take action as part of their everyday responsibilities) are notified. The EOC is staffed only with normal OHS-EM personnel and is staffed only during assigned working hours. Level 2 This is a partial agency activation. All primary Emergency Support Function (ESF) leaders are notified, and the EOC is staffed with OHS-EM personnel and necessary ESF personnel. During Level 3 and Level 2 activations, ARES members should monitor and TAC repeaters for possible activation should the situation worsen.

44 Activation Levels Level 1 This is an emergency, and results in a full-scale activation. All ESF agencies are notified. The EOC is staffed by OHS- EM personnel and by all Emergency Support Functions that are required to actively manage the emergency, as determined by the Director. During a Level 1 activation, the ARES EOC response team may be called to the EOC by the EMA Director to establish formal nets. ARES members should begin monitoring the TAC frequencies for further instructions and possible deployment.

45 Pre-Deployment Make Sure Your Family is Taken Care of This is your highest responsibility. You are useless if your mind is back at home worried about whether your family can survive the incident. Plan for them or stay at home. The better you are prepared in advance the quicker you can respond and the more effective you can be. We practice deployment so you learn what you need to be effective in a real situation. Follow the training and use the Checklists. They are based on the experiences of those who have gone before us. Be ready to follow the directions of those above you. There is a chain of command. Know what it is. You have one person you take orders from (unity of command). You are a volunteer, but if you can t receive and follow directions from an authority above you, they don t need you and you should stay home.

46 Pre-Deployment During an incident - you may be asked to do things which have nothing to do with Radio. You are part of an overall team. Operate within the scope of your training, but always do what you are asked while the situation and the resources are being sorted out. Professional Appearances are important. Know the dress code. Wear the required badges, credentials, vests, safety gear, etc. Take notes, ask questions, document. Be sure you understand the task assigned to you, what the objectives are, and who to notify when you ve completed the task. Ask questions if you need clarification. Stay in contact with the authority above you. They are responsible for your safety and well being as you are for those who report to you. Accountability during an incident is key.

47 Deployment, Mobilization, & Demobilization Deployment To move strategically into a position ready for use. Also known as staging. Mobilization The process and procedures used by all organizations for activating, assembling, and transporting resources (people and stuff) that have been requested to respond to or support an incident. Demobilzation The orderly, safe, and efficient return of an incident resource to its original location and status.

48 Equipment Recommendations - Home Local communications will be typically handled on VHF and UHF repeater or simplex frequencies. The typical home station should have the following: Dual band VHF/UHF mobile or base transceiver with sufficient power for simplex work (i.e. way more power than a 5W HT) A base station dual band antenna for VHF/UHF mounted as high as possible The shortest length of low loss coax such as LMR400 (recommended) or Beldin 9913 between the antenna and radio If you are so equipped, you may be called upon to act as a liaison to state-wide nets on HF. For this your home station would need the following: A 100 watt transceiver is recommended A sloped or horizontal antenna for 40 and 80 meters (the propagation patterns of vertical antennas make them impractical) An automatic or manual antenna tuner Some type of emergency power (batteries or generator) Power supply(s) as needed for your equipment

49 Equipment Recommendations - Deployment Ideally the items listed below should be made easy to grab in an emergency. Consider some type of packaging that allows normal use of the equipment, but is very easy to transport. County issued Amateur Radio Operator ID card Copy of your current FCC licenses (Amateur, GMRS, etc.) Weather radio receiver (independent or included in one of the other radios) Two FRS/GMRS radios (Note: GMRS requires a separate Family FCC license) A dual band VHF / UHF handheld transceiver A high-watt dual band VHF / UHF mobile radio Headphones (very important for noisy or crowded locations) 30 foot mast (push up) and material to brace it (rope or other guy wire) VHF / UHF external antenna low loss RG8/8X type coax (LMR400 or Belden 9913) with connectors and adapters to fit various radios and antenna combinations D.C. power supply, 30 amps FLDIGI and FLMSG loaded on a laptop computer with soundcard and interface ARES Field Resources manual. This is available at HRO, through the ARRL A copy of this presentation and the Cherokee County ARES Operations Manual Copies of all needed paperwork and forms (ICS forms, etc.) A pad of paper and pens

50 Personal Health And Safety Items You radio equipment is only part of your overall preparedness for an emergency. Whether you are hunkering at home or deployed to a remote location, both you and your family need to be prepared to survive the worse. The items you need will depend on your situation. Common items include: Water (one gallon / person / day at a bare minimum) Food and snack items that take little or no preparation (MRE s, Dehydrated foods, etc. or foods that can be prepared by adding water.) Basic first aid kit Cash Medications you commonly take Hygiene items (Toilet tissue, toothbrush, handy wipes, etc.) Flashlight (with extra batteries) Weather appropriate clothing Large tarp and rope for temporary shelter Sharp pocket knife

51 Personal Health And Safety Items If you are deployed to a remote location, you must be prepared to fully take care of yourself. This means being able to feed yourself and provide your own accommodations (although EMA and ARES leadership will likely be planning to feed you and/or provide relief) In addition to the items mentioned on the previous slide, consider these additional recommendations: Additional water for bathing, drinking and food preparation Tent or camper Sleeping gear (cot, sleeping bag, etc.) Extra clothing Rain gear Area maps / GPS Notebook / pens / pencils / clipboard Folding chair Small folding or collapsible camp table Cooking and eating gear (will vary based on food preferences) Collapsible painting pole for use as an antenna mast, with sufficient rope and stakes to guy it securely

52 Cherokee ARES Statistics

53 Cherokee ARES Statistics year end results for Metro Atlanta ARES, which includes Cherokee County ARES contribution of 57 total operations and 2,014 hours volunteered. At the Georgia volunteer hourly rate of $22.25, Cherokee ARES provided $44, of support to our county. This figure does not include individual s time spent doing ICS courses and training submitted to the EOC.

54 Cherokee ARES Statistics

55 Cherokee ARES Statistics

56 Questions?

57 Resources All of the information contained in this presentation can be found in the Cherokee County Georgia Amateur Radio Emergency Service Operations Manual as well as from our web site, cherokee-ares.org Information on how to prepare your family for an emergency, including recommendations for supplies and equipment, is available from ready.gov