LACDCS/TSB/METRO Emergency Communications Exercise

LACDCS/TSB/METRO Emergency Communications Exercise June 11, 2011 Prepared by: Chris Storey, Staff 66, LACDCS Approved by: Debby Miles, Staff 10, LACDCS Daniel S. Cruz, Captain, LASD Transit Services Bureau Ruth Nelson, Captain, LASD Emergency Operations Bureau

Table of Contents MISSION... 3 EXECUTION... 3 UNIFORM... 4 TRAVEL TO/FROM UNION STATION... 4 BRIEFING/DEBRIEFING... 4 Command Post/Net Control Staff (EOB)... 4 Field Command Post & All Field Personnel... 5 SAFETY... 5 RULES... 6 COMMUNICATIONS PLAN... 7 Net A... 7 Net B... 7 Net C... 7 RADIO CHECKS... 7 Circuit Merit Signal Report Guidelines... 8 APPENDIX A - REFERENCES... 9 EMERGENCY TELEPHONE LIST... 9 LOCATIONS... 9 Command Post... 9 Field Command Post/Check-In... 9 Revised 8 Jun 2011 Page 2 of 9

MISSION The primary mission of this exercise is to evaluate radio coverage of the existing LA County Disaster Communications Service (LACDCS) Amateur Radio 2-meter and 1.25-meter (222 Mhz.) repeater network between the Los Angeles County Sheriff s Department (LASD) Emergency Operations Bureau (EOB) located in the East Los Angeles area, and multiple field locations throughout the LA County basin by using the 93 Metropolitan Transportation Authority (METRO) Light Rail passenger stations (PAX s) as known geographic reference points. This exercise will utilize and test four separate Amateur Radio repeater systems operated and maintained by LASD for use by LACDCS, as well as two simplex (direct) radio channels. This exercise will identify primary and secondary emergency communications radio channels and their expected radio coverage areas that can be used to augment the communications resources of the LASD, the LASD Transit Services Bureau (TSB), or the METRO in the event normal communications systems become overloaded or fail during a natural or man-made disaster. Radio coverage information for the LACDCS repeater systems has never been collected to this level of detail in the past, making this exercise an important test of the communications abilities of LACDCS. This exercise will also evaluate the use of a computer mapping software package (Depiction Mapping) as a situational awareness aid for planning and management of future LACDCS events. An additional purpose of this exercise is to provide opportunities for LACDCS members to practice real-world emergency communications skills in a field environment simulating the type and volume of emergency radio traffic encountered during real-world disaster relief operations in an urban environment. The volume of radio traffic that will be handled during this drill effectively simulates widespread reporting of evacuation routes (roads) or critical infrastructure/facility reports that the members of LACDCS may be tasked to handle after a widespread disaster in the Los Angeles County basin area and requiring multiple field teams operating on multiple radio nets. EXECUTION This exercise will occur on Saturday, June 11, 2011, from 0800-1300 hours. Exercise participants will form into teams of two to four LACDCS members with a senior LACDCS member, or Rapid Response Team member, designated as Team leader. Teams will be assigned to each of the five METRO light rail lines (Red, Gold, Orange, Blue, and Green) and will ride the METRO light rail trains for the duration of the exercise. Teams will conduct radio checks on multiple frequencies at each PAX after exiting the train at each stop. During this exercise, teams may also diverted to other METRO light rail lines for additional radio checks if needed or to simulate real-world operational mission tasking reassignments. The Command Post and Net Control for this exercise will be located at EOB. The Command Post will identify with the tactical call sign COMMAND POST during this exercise. Three separate radio nets will be operational to check radio coverage and track member status before, during, and after the exercise. Revised 8 Jun 2011 Page 3 of 9

During the field deployment portion of this exercise (while on the trains), all members of each team will use the same assigned team tactical call sign for all radio traffic. Team call signs will consist of the COLOR of the specific rail line followed by the words NORTH, SOUTH, WEST, EAST, or CENTRAL to designate which section of the specific rail line a team is assigned (i.e., GREEN WEST, BLUE NORTH, or BLUE CENTRAL). The LACDCS Incident Commander will assign team tactical call signs at morning briefing. Exercise participants shall identify with their assigned FCC Amateur Radio call sign once during each round of radio checks with net control. All LACDCS members shall use their assigned LACDCS tactical call sign and FCC Amateur Radio call signs for all other radio traffic before and after the field deployment portion of this exercise (i.e., when checking in/out with the Command Post upon their return home). LACDCS members have authorization from METRO and LASD TSB to ride the METRO light rail trains free during this exercise. A METRO train ticket is not required. TSB field and desk operations personnel know about this exercise and that LACDCS members are riding free. Only LACDCS members on the in-service for this exercise will be allowed to participate or ride the METRO light rail trains free on June 11, 2011. UNIFORM All LACDCS personnel shall be in the standard authorized LACDCS uniform, consisting of a green polo shirt with DISASTER COMMUNICATIONS printed on the back, and green pants. The lightweight green LACDCS uniform windbreaker jacket and green LACDCS ball cap with LACDCS logo are authorized for wear during this exercise. Anyone not in proper uniform will not be permitted to participate in the exercise. TRAVEL TO/FROM UNION STATION Exercise participants driving to Union Station may park in Underground Parking Level P-4, Section F, or G, at Union Station Gateway Building, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Exercise participants must park in these sections only to avoid paying parking fees. Exercise participants may take METRO light rail trains to/from Union Station from their residences if desired. Participants riding the train to/from Union Station before/after the exercise must comply with current LACDCS uniform policy in order to ride free. METRO buses and the Metrolink trains are not part of this exercise and cannot be ridden free. Members should ensure they plan their morning departure time to arrive at Union Station Gateway Building no later than 0745 hours. Anyone who misses the morning safety briefing will not be permitted to participate in this exercise. Members will receive METRO timetable information to assist with route planning between home and Union Station. BRIEFING/DEBRIEFING Command Post/Net Control Staff (EOB) The Command Post for this exercise is located at the LASD EOB, at 1275 N. Eastern Ave., Los Angeles, in the LACDCS Radio Room. Revised 8 Jun 2011 Page 4 of 9

The Command Post at EOB will be staffed with the LACDCS Command Post Team Leader/LACDCS Safety Officer no later than 0700 hours to monitor and track movement of all LACDCS personnel responding to this exercise following standard LACDCS protocols and policy. All remaining LACDCS Command Post staff shall arrive at EOB no later than 0745 for briefing in the LACDCS Radio Room. A debriefing for all Command Post/Net Control staff will be conducted at the conclusion of the exercise. Field Command Post & All Field Personnel Briefing for field personnel will begin at 0800 at Union Station Gateway Building, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Briefing will be held at Underground Parking Level P-4, Section F, or G, or as directed by on-scene Field Command Post staff. Exercise participants will be assigned to teams and receive their rail line assignments at morning briefing. Exercise participants will receive a personnel safety briefing from the LASD TSB Field Supervisor/Liaison Officer (Sgt. Jeff Jablonsky) before deployment onto the trains. Exercise participants who miss the morning safety briefing will not be allowed to participate in this exercise. Teams will be debrief and turn in their log sheets at the conclusion of the exercise at the same location (or at a location to be determined by the LACDCS Incident Commander) prior to being released to depart home. SAFETY During the field deployment portion of the exercise team members shall remain within sight of each other at all times while at a PAX, and shall remain together in the same train car to the extent possible while riding the trains. Team members are strongly encouraged to board the first car of each train. In the event of a real-world emergency involving a LACDCS member, establish contact with Net Control or the LASD TSB Field Supervisor/Liaison on any available LACDCS repeater or via landline. Net Control and the LASD TSB field Supervisor/Liaison will have direct communication with LASD TSB desk operations and field personnel and with outside law enforcement agencies. All requests for medical assistance shall be made to the Command Post by any available radio channel or via landline, who will then make the necessary notifications for paramedics as needed. The responding paramedic unit will designate hospitals. The Command Post, upon receiving a request for medical assistance for a LACDCS member will immediately make notification to the LASD and LACDCS Incident Commanders. The LACDCS Incident Commander will advise the Command Post as individual exercise participants are released at the conclusion of the exercise, and of their method of transport (personal vehicle or train). All exercise participants must check out with the Safety Officer upon their arrival at home. Exercise participants riding METRO train s home must also report their status when they exit the train at their last stop in addition to their arrival at home. The 145.300 Revised 8 Jun 2011 Page 5 of 9

or 147.270 Mt. Disappointment repeaters (or landline to the EOB Command Post) if not within radio range) shall be used for these reports. Team locations during the exercise will be tracked in real-time using a computerized situational awareness and planning software package operated by DCS personnel in the Command Post. RULES All exercise participants must adhere to the fooling rules during this exercise. These rules are from LASD TSB and METRO and must be followed without exception. LACDCS s, and your participation, in this exercise is contingent upon them. You are representing LASD and must act accordingly at all times. Be mindful of your personnel conversations at all times that may be overheard by train patrons. Exercise participants must have both a current LACDCS ID card and a state or government issued photo ID (i.e., California driver s license or other government issued identification card) in their possession. Do not sit on the train at any time during this exercise. This includes riding from home to Union Station and the return trip. If you sit, you will be asked to leave. This is a METRO and LASD TSB regulation that applies to all LASD employees and volunteers in uniform that we are unable to waive. No eating, drinking, or chewing gum while on the trains or PAX s at any time during this exercise. This includes riding to/from Union Station before/after the exercise. This is a citable offense and carries a minimum penalty of $250. This is a METRO regulation that we are unable to waive. LACDCS will not be liable for any infractions or monetary fines incurred. Eating/drinking at street level not on the PAX itself is acceptable. Stay off the tracks at all times except where street level grade crossing areas are delineated for pedestrian traffic. Do not stand in the street at any time while conducting radio checks or waiting for trains. Do not stand next to the tracks, or trains, on the yellow rumble strips (yellow mats) while waiting. Do not attempt to climb over the couplings between cars of a stopped train. The third rail line in the tunnels is electrified it will kill you on contact. Do not step off any platform in any tunnel at any time. The turnstiles at the entrances to some PAX s are not locked. You can enter freely through them. However, do not go through any gate labeled Authorized Personnel Only. Obey all posted METRO rules and regulations. Many of them are citable offenses if violated and carry monetary fines. LACDCS will not be liable for any infractions or monetary fines incurred. Do not bring any unnecessary attention to yourself. If you must wear a nylon duty belt, limit it to one single radio holder (two is acceptable if you carry a second radio). Leave all unnecessary holsters, pouches, flashlights, radio chest harnesses, etc. at home; they are not needed for this exercise. A small clipboard or a small, plain, backpack is acceptable. Revised 8 Jun 2011 Page 6 of 9

Do not answer questions from patrons regarding train operations, train or bus schedules, routes, METRO or LASD policy, or observed activity on the trains, busses, or at any of the PAX s. COMMUNICATIONS PLAN Three separate radio nets will be operational during this exercise. Upon arrival at each PAX, radio checks should be conducted in the following order: Net A Channel 1, Net A - Channel 2, Net B - Channel 1, Net B - Chanel 2, and Net C Channel 1, Net C Channel 2 (for 222 Mhz. quipped teams). For this exercise, radio channels shall be identified over the air using only the net name and channel number. Exercise participants are encouraged to pre-program their radios with this channel plan in the same sequence prior to the exercise to simplify making rapid channel changes. Net A Channel 1 Channel 2 Net B Channel 1 Channel 2 Net C Channel 1 Channel 2 145.300 Mt. Disappointment repeater (PL 100.0 encode) 145.300 EOB repeater (PL 156.7 encode) 147.270 Mt. Disappointment repeater (PL 100.0 encode) 147.270 Simplex (no PL tone) 224.300 Disappointment repeater (PL 100.0 encode) 224.300 Simplex (no PL tone) Teams may conduct their radio checks using one team member as radio operator on all channels and one member as team scribe, or with each member operating and logging their own results. If teams choose to assign one member as team scribe, consider switching positions at each PAX to allow all team members to participate in the on-the-air operations during this exercise. RADIO CHECKS The primary purpose of this exercise is to evaluate radio coverage of the LACDCS Amateur Radio repeater network between EOB and multiple locations throughout the LA County basin by using the 93 METRO light rail PAX s as known reference points. To simulate a real-world hasty deployment to each METRO PAX, exercise participants are requested to use a handheld radio only, on its highest power setting (5 watts), with either a stock antenna or a reasonable length extended gain whip antenna. If using an extended gain whip antenna, exercise participants must be mindful of their antennas at all times. Long antennas must be kept close to the body and away from the face and body of seated train patrons at all times to avoid injury. For consistency of radio checks, exercise participants are asked to operate the radio in their hand at head level rather than with the radio worn on the belt. It is expected that some PAX s will not Revised 8 Jun 2011 Page 7 of 9

have reliable communications with the Command Post on some channels. Exercise participants are requested to note those locations on their team log sheets. Some PAX s are entirely underground (the Red and Purple Line). For those locations, teams will need to exit the train and walk up to street level for the radio checks. Teams may need to walk away from tall buildings at street level to obtain a reliable signal. Team members shall not stand in the street at any time while conducting radio checks from those locations. When assessing radio coverage at each PAX, exercise participants should attempt to answer this question: Does this radio path have sufficient signal strength and clarity to reliably support ongoing emergency communications? To answer this question in a meaningful manner, the following radio check format shall be used. Exercise participants will receive a printed reference card detailing these radio check guidelines at morning briefing. Circuit Merit Signal Report Guidelines CM5 - Completely clear; broadcast quality; 100% full quieting; always breaks squelch. Each word completely understood without objectionable interference or noise. CM4 - Clear with a slight amount of noise or interference; a slight amount of white noise may be present; always breaks squelch. Each word and phrase clearly understood. CM3 Static and/or interference is present; the majority of the transmission understood without requiring repeats; usually breaks the squelch. CM3 is considered the margin of acceptable FM voice communications. CM2 Noise level is very close to signal level; static or interference prevalent; words and phrases missed; retransmissions are necessary; does not break squelch reliably. CM2 is not considered acceptable for reliable emergency communications. CM1 A signal is barely evident; words are unintelligible; does not break squelch. You can tell someone is there, but cannot copy any intelligence. CM1 is considered unusable for FM voice communications. CM0 - Absolutely no signal is detectable, even when unsquelched. CM0 is considered unusable for FM voice communications. Revised 8 Jun 2011 Page 8 of 9

APPENDIX A - REFERENCES EMERGENCY TELEPHONE LIST Command Post (EOB): (323) 980-2246 Field Command Post/Check-In/LACDCS Incident Commander: Debby Miles (626) 240-9394 LASD TSB Supervisor/Liaison: Sgt. Jeff Jablonsky (562) 417-6526 (cell) LASD TSB Dispatch: (323) 562-5000 ** for Command Staff use only ** LASD Sheriff s Communications Center: (323) 881-8100 ** for Command Staff use only ** LA County Fire Dispatch: (323) 262-2111 ** for Command Staff use only ** Los Angeles City Police Department: (213) 928-8204 ** for Command Staff use only ** LOCATIONS Command Post Emergency Operations Bureau 1275 N. Eastern Ave., Los Angeles LACDCS Radio Room TB Map Page: 635-F3 Field Command Post/Check-In Union Station Gateway Building One Gateway Plaza Los Angeles Underground Parking Level P-4, Sections F or G TB Map Page: 634-H3 Revised 8 Jun 2011 Page 9 of 9