1. Emergency Communication
For
Saratoga
Don Steinbach
AE6PM
Saratoga Amateur Radio Association
EmComm for Saratoga

2. Topics ARES & RACES MOU with City of Saratoga SARA & CERT
EOC Comm Capability
Activation
Go Kit
Frequencies
Operating Tips
Training Opportunities
MAC Program
NIMS & ICS
Issues & Concerns
Links
EmComm for Saratoga

3. ARES ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service)
The emergency communications arm of the ARRL (American Radio Relay League).
Not directly connected with any government entity.
Organized on a section-by-section basis within the ARRL field organization and responds on a local or regional level.
We are the Santa Clara Valley Section in the Pacific Division
Monterey, San Benito, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties.
ARES operators provide their own insurance.
You become an ARES amateur radio operator by joining ARRL, but you do not need to be a member of ARRL to participate in ARES.
EmComm for Saratoga

4. RACES RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service)
A civilian entity established by the federal government after World War II
A radio service using amateur radio stations for civil defense communications during periods of local, regional or national civil emergencies.
Now the communications branch of FEMA.
When a governmental entity (City, County, State or Federal) requests amateur radio assistance, the response is through RACES.
Defined under Part 97 of the FCC Rules (47 C.F.R )
RACES operators are covered by government insurance.
You become a RACES amateur radio operator by signing up for DSW and registering with your local ARES/RACES organization.
EmComm for Saratoga

5. ARES vs. RACES
Think of ARES as “civilian” and RACES as “government; ARES as “no insurance” and RACES as “insured.”
During a “non-declared emergency”, ARES can operate under ARES, but when the emergency or disaster is officially declared by a governmental authority, the operation can become RACES with no change in personnel or frequencies.
Each city in Santa Clara County has an ARES Emergency Coordinator position, and the person in that position is also that city's RACES Radio Officer.
At the county level is the ARES District Emergency Coordinator who is also the RACES Chief Radio Operator.
An exception is Gilroy, which has as of 1996 put a new aspect of radio communication, the Auxiliary Communications System (ACS), in place.
EmComm for Saratoga

6. Saratoga ARES/RACES A current amateur radio license is required.
Saratoga residency is not required.
No formal training is required.
Members should participate in the weekly net and the quarterly drills to maintain operating proficiency.
Should be able to program/reprogram radio, or follow instructions to do so.
Net Control experience is a plus.
CERT training is a plus.
Familiarity with ICS is desireable.
Registration as a DSW for Saratoga is required for RACES participation.
See Jim Yoke to register.
EmComm for Saratoga

7. MOU with the City of Saratoga
SARA agrees to:
Establish and maintain fixed, mobile and portable station emergency communication capabilities for local amateur radio coverage and point-to-point contact between City officials and remote locations.
Assist in operating, maintaining, and programming the Traveler’s Information System (TIS) AM broadcast station.
Conduct the monthly EOC radio test with County Communications.
EmComm for Saratoga

8. MOU with the City of Saratoga
The City of Saratoga agrees to:
Make space available for a ARES/RACES two-way radio system and placement of an antenna on the City’s antenna tower.
Make reasonable accommodation to store a 8’ x 24’ tower-trailer in the City Yard.
EmComm for Saratoga

9. SARA and CERT
SARA supports Saratoga CERT with radio communication resources.
SARA ARES/RACES operates the EOC to communicate with CERT divisions and the County.
Each CERT division has one or more hams to communicate with the EOC and between divisions.
CERT uses FRS within the divisions.
SARA conducts classes for Technician Class license exams.
SARA provides orientation and training classes for new licensees.
HT Orientation
Two-Way Radio Basics
HT Selection Seminar
Radio cheat sheets
EmComm for Saratoga

10. EOC Comm Capability The EOC is equipped to communicate with:
Local amateurs on 2-meter and 70 cm fm voice
The County EOC on 2-meter fm voice
The County EOC on 220 MHz packet
The County EOC via the EOC radio net on 39 MHz
Amateur radio stations and the OES on HF
Requires installation of a temporary antenna.
EmComm for Saratoga

11. Activation
ARES/RACES activation will probably be coincident with CERT activation if the incident involves Saratoga.
Monitor the SARA 2-meter repeater (K6SA) output frequency on MHz if you suspect something is going on.
This is your best source of local information.
Has backup power system.
Others with high-power base or mobile stations will fill in if the repeater is down.
Instructions will be given on this frequency.
“Alert SCC” might provide telephone notification.
Performance to date has been iffy.
Telephones may be out of service.
EmComm for Saratoga

12. Activation Issues Spontaneous Untrained Volunteers
There are about 300 licensed amateurs with a Saratoga zip code in the FCC database.
Many of them will want to help – this is good.
May show up on the repeater.
May show up at EOC.
Ok to use for status reports from home, but must be DSW to be deployed in any RACES activation.
Will be referred to volunteer registration area, same as any other volunteer.
We need (and don’t have) a handout for all communicators.
Telephone notification tree with City and within ARES/RACES is TBD.
EmComm for Saratoga

13. Go Kit (12-Hour) Amateur Radio license. Driver’s license.
DSW badge for requesting agency.
Personal supplies/snacks/water.
CERT graduates already have this.
Remember prescription medication.
Radio programmed with local frequencies
Spare battery pack for radio
Cheat sheet for radio
Pad and pencil or pen
Flashlight
Safety vest & hard hat
EmComm for Saratoga

14. Go Kit (12-Hour) Nice to have: Lapel speaker-mic or earpiece
Improved HT antenna/rat tail
Thomas Guide or local map
See the SCC ARES/RACES website for more comprehensive go-kit recommendations.
EmComm for Saratoga

15. Primary SARA Frequencies
Normal operation (duplex):
MHz, negative offset, Hz PL tone
Repeater failure – stay on repeater output:
MHz, simplex, Hz PL tone
Contingency (simplex)
MHz, simplex, no PL tone
MHz, simplex, no PL tone
EmComm for Saratoga

16. Alternate SARA Frequencies
Normal operation (duplex):
MHz, positive offset, 100 Hz PL tone
Repeater failure – stay on repeater output:
MHz, simplex, 100 Hz PL tone HF
MHz (Upper Sideband).
EmComm for Saratoga

17. Other Frequencies County Message Net (W6TI)*
(+) MHz, PL Hz
County Command Net (WB6ZVW)*
(+) MHz, PL Hz
County Resource Net (AA6BT)*
(+) MHz, PL Hz
Santa Clara County ARA (W6UU)
(–) MHz, PL Hz
West Valley ARA (W6PIY)
147.39(+) MHz, PL Hz
*These assignments can change!
See the SCC ARES/RACES website for complete County frequency list.
EmComm for Saratoga

18. Operating Tips Keep the keypad locked when not in use.
Prevents unintentional configuration changes.
Disable everything except the memory channel selection knob (maybe that, too!).
Know how to program/reprogram your radio.
Make, buy or steal a cheat sheet.
YAESU users - be sure WIRES is turned off.
Keep your batteries charged.
Keep the HT antenna vertical when communicating.
EmComm for Saratoga

19. Training Opportunities
Self Study
Program your radio and make a cheat sheet to carry with you.
Test signal strength to the repeater from various locations.
Press PTT, identify yourself, press”8”, release PTT
Make a rat tail for your HT.
CERT
Available through County FD (contact Jim Yoke)
Quarterly Drills & Communications Exercises
SARA Classes
HT Orientation, Two-Way Radio Basics
Weekly Saratoga Net
Sunday 2100 hrs
EmComm for Saratoga

20. Training Opportunities
ARRL On-Line Courses
EC-001 Introduction to Emergency Communication
ICS & NIMS On-Line Classes
IS-100 – Introduction to the Incident Command System
IS-200 – ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
IS-700 – National Incident Management System, An Introduction
These classes may become a requirment for “first responders”.
MAC Classes
Available through County ARES/RACES
EmComm for Saratoga

21. Changing Times
It used to be that if you had a two-way radio and showed up at an incident, you were welcomed.
Now you’re likely to be viewed as a pest or a terrorist.
So …..
Be professional.
Follow instructions/orders/requests.
Resist the temptation to voice “a better way.”
Stay alert.
Avoid talking to the news media.
EmComm for Saratoga

22. MAC Program
Mutual Aid Communicators (MACs) are amateur radio operators who have volunteered their time, their expertise and their equipment to provide communications services during times of need. 
These individuals are trained and prepared to provide a variety of communications services and are available for deployment throughout the county, according to the county mutual aid mechanisms.
 The MAC Program defines standards of performance and includes several types and levels of qualifications.
These qualifications are the basis for resource typing and effective and efficient resource assignment.
EmComm for Saratoga

23. NIMS and ICS
NIMS (National Incident Management System) was developed so responders from different jurisdictions and disciplines can work together better to respond to natural disasters and emergencies, including acts of terrorism.
ICS (Incident Command System) is a part of NIMS. It is a widely applicable management system designed to enable effective, efficient incident management by integrating a combination of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures and communications operating within a common organizational structure.
You’ll see ICS being used in the EOC during exercises and emergencies.
Not much different than Field Day.
EmComm for Saratoga

24. NIMS and ICS
The following three ICS courses are web-based and take an hour or two each to complete.
They are required for all MACs and recommended for RACES participants:
IS-100 – Introduction to the Incident Command System
IS-200 – ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
IS-700 – National Incident Management System, An Introduction
EmComm for Saratoga

25. Issues and Concerns EOC emergency power
Unknown if Fire Department emergency generator actually powers the building/EOC.
County Command Net (WB6ZVW) signal is marginal
MAC course availability
Almost always on the first Saturday of a month.
Saratoga activation procedure
Never successfully exercised from top down?
EmComm for Saratoga

26. Useful Links Santa Clara County ARES/RACES www.scc-ares-races.org
Silicon Valley Emergency Communication System
American Radio Relay League
County frequency list
EmComm for Saratoga

27. Alphabet Soup SARA – Saratoga Amateur Radio Association
CERT – Community Emergency Response Team
MOU – Memorandum of Understanding
ARRL – American Radio Relay League
ARES – Amateur Radio Emergency Service
RACES – Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service
EOC – Emergency Operations Center
DSW – Disaster Service Worker
MAC – Mutual Aid Communicator
SUV – Spontaneous Untrained Volunteer
FEMA – Federal Emergency Management Agency
NIMS – National Incident Management System
ICS – Incident Command System
ACS – Auxiliary Communications Service
SEMS – Standardized Emergency Management System
EmComm for Saratoga