Thames Valley ARES Training Session

1
Thames Valley ARESTraining Session
June 7, 2008
Prepared and presented by Doug Elliott  VA3DAE,
London EC Brett Gilbank  VE3ZBG, Tecumseh
DEC Scott Carter  VE3CGN,  St. Thomas,
Tillsonburg, Elgin DEC/EC Steve Struthers VA3TDZ,
Middlesex North and Central EC Dave Young VE3EAY,
Woodstock and Oxford South EC
2
Course Logistics
Course timing 0830 1230 give or
take Introduction of ECs Several Breaks planned
Feel free to get up walk around Coffee
available Informal questions welcome
anytime Bathroom location Please turn off cell
phones and radios Please help us with course
evaluation form
3
Agenda

• 830
• 850
• 935
• 950
• 1010
• 1040
• 1120
• 1200

ARES Structure, Naming, Leaders Incident Command
System Overview 15 minute Break Callout Logistics
Variations ARES Net Procedures Mini -
Exercise NTS Message Handling Misc. Topics, Q
A, ARES ID Cards
4
Ontario ARES Top Officials

• Vice-President Field Services
• Robert Cooke, VE3BDB
• Ontario Section Manager
• Allan Boyd, VE3AJB
• Ontario Section Emergency Coordinator
• Bob Gammon, VA3RX

5
ARES Structure

• Ontario is divided into Districts or Sectors,
  each with a District Emergency Coordinator (DEC).
• Districts have Emergency Coordinators (ECs) at
  the county or municipal level.
• There can also be Assistant ECs.

6
(No Transcript)
7
Tecumseh District

• Tecumseh District covers London, Huron,
  Middlesex, Oxford and Perth Counties.
• District Emergency Coordinator (DEC) isBrett
  Gilbank, VE3ZBG
• The DEC works with the Emergency Coordinators in
  their District and assists with coordination when
  multiple ARES groups are responding to an
  incident.

8
St. Clair District

• St. Clair District covers the south-west corner
  of Ontario, plus the Elgin County panhandle.
• This arrangement is due to the alignment of ARES
  Sectors with EMO districts.
• Scott Carter, VE3CGN, is DEC for the Elgin County
  portion of St. Clair district.
• Mike Ciacelli, VE3UCY is DEC for the remaining
  parts of St. Clair district.

9
ARES Group Name

• Originally ARES members identified our ARES group
  with Geographical Names London, London and Area,
  Middlesex, Oxford-Middlesex-Elgin or Tecumseh
  District.
• Reporting on Provincial nets such as the yearly
  Simulated Emergency Test (SET) was confusing.
• London was frequently used to describe the ARES
  group during nets.

10
New ARES Group Name

• To simplify reporting, and to prevent isolating
  smaller communities and radio clubs, the name
  Thames Valley ARES Group was selected by ARES
  leadership.
• TVAG currently provides service to Oxford,
  Middlesex and Elgin counties.
• One Group of Leaders working together to provide
  encouragement, support and prevent duplication of
  efforts.

11
District Emergency Coordinators

• DECs provide all of the tasks and duties of the
  EC in areas that do not have a dedicated EC.
• DECs provide support to the EC and ARES Groups
  and lead by example.
• DECs work with the ECs to assist with
  coordination when two or more ARES areas are
  affected by an incident.

12
Emergency Coordinators

• ECs create Emergency Communications Plans for
  their area.
• They create training materials, hold training
  sessions and organize radio nets.
• They provide leadership for the ARES group by way
  of example.
• They attend municipal and agency meetings and
  bring updates to the team.

13
Local ARES Leaders

• Thames Valley ARES Group

14
Assistant Emergency Coordinators

• AECs are appointed by the Emergency Coordinator.
• There is no limit to the number of AECs an EC can
  assign in their area.
• AECs are active in their local community, and are
  key responders during a disaster.
• AECs work with the DEC to assist with EC duties
  if the EC is unavailable.
• AECs are often assigned special roles.

15
Assistant Emergency Coordinators

• Thames Valley ARES Group

16
Local ARES Member Categories

• Steering Committee Composed of the five area
  Emergency Coordinators.
• Core Team Committed, Active Volunteers who are
  eager to participate as often as their schedule
  allows.
• First Wave Volunteers who are willing to assist
  the Core Team during emergencies, but who are
  unable to participate in many scheduled ARES
  activities.

17
Who is in the ARES Core Team?

• The members that will be contacted first when an
  emergencies arises.
• The members who are eager to participate in ARES
  events and volunteer frequently.
• The members willing to participate in training
  sessions to improve their skills.
• The members who will get clearance to operate in
  the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), Canadian
  Red Cross and other key locations.

18
Who is in the ARES First Wave?

• The members that will assist trained members of
  the Core Team.
• The members who are willing to help in an
  emergency but are unable to commit to training
  and events.
• The members who make an effort to attend annual
  ARES training events for Basic Training. (ARES
  Boot Camp)
• The members who will not be assigned to key
  locations during a disaster.

19
Important Notes

• Just because you are a ham does not mean that you
  are a trained ARES member.
• Security is becoming more important these days.
  Expect ID requirements and perhaps police checks
  to gain access to key areas.
• Training and Exercises teach TEAMWORK!
• Please support the Thames Valley ARES Group by
  attending Nets and Exercises.

20
Emergency Coordinators Needed

• If you are eager to assist in an ARES leadership
  role, please contact your EC or DEC!
• We need experts in Digital Modes. PSK-31,
  Winlink2000, APRS and Satellite Communications to
  help out.
• Become an Official Emergency Station (OES) and
  handle HF NTS Traffic for us!

21
End of Thames Valley ARES GroupSection

• Any Questions?

22
Agenda

• 830
• 850
• 935
• 950
• 1010
• 1040
• 1120
• 1200

ARES Structure, Naming, Leaders Incident Command
System Overview 15 minute Break Callout Logistics
Variations ARES Net Procedures Mini -
Exercise NTS Message Handling Misc. Topics, Q
A, ARES ID Cards
23
Incident Command System Overview

• ICS is
• a scalable system for managing emergencies
• a way to co-ordinate multiple agencies
• a common set of terminology
• a standardized management structure
• a framework to control personnel, equipment and
  facilities involved in an incident
• a way to ensure that all the bases are covered

24
ICS History

• developed in 1970s during massive efforts to
  fight California wildfires
• found that response problems were more due to
  communications and management issues than to lack
  of resources or good tactics
• the resulting ICS system has been used for over
  30 years, and adopted all over the world

25
ICS Siblings

• IMS Incident Management System being developed
  in Ontario to standardize and Canadianize
  ICS-like systems
• NIMS American National Incident Management
  System based on ICS, run by FEMA, stresses
  having different agencies at state and federal
  level work together efficiently
• Both are based on ICS, with some additions

26
ICS Applications

• What kind of emergency does ICS apply to?
• Fires, HAZMAT, and multicasualty incidents
• Multijurisdiction and multi-agency disasters
• Wide-area search and rescue missions
• Pest eradication programs
• Oil spill response and recovery incidents
• Single and multi-agency law enforcement incidents
• Air, rail, water, or ground transportation
  accidents
• Planned events e.g., celebrations, parades,
  concerts
• Private sector emergency management programs
• Provincial or local major natural hazards
  management

27
How does ICS fit with ARES?

• The Agencies who call us out are likely to use
  ICS we need to work effectively with it
• ICS is a very good way for us to organize the
  ARES response a small version of the ICS
  structure

28
The ICS Skeleton

• ICS is designed around 5 basic management
  activities that must be done to some degree at
  every incident
• Command
• Operations
• Planning
• Logistics
• Finance/Admin

29
The ICS Big Picture
In a small incident, this might all be handled by
1 or 2 people In a major disaster, there could be
hundreds or even thousands of people taking care
of these roles in carefully managed subdivided
responsibilities.
30
The Incident Commander

• The person in charge, most qualifed to manage the
  incident overall
• -may be replaced by a more qualified commander as
  incident progresses
• -responsible for coordination and decision making
• -may delegate responsibilities
• -may be supported by Command Staff

31
Command Staff

• All provide support to incident commander
• -Information Officer-contact for media other
  external organizations
• -Safety Officer-responsible for overall staff
  safety
• -Liaison Officer-contact for multiple incident
  agencies

32
General Staff

• All report to incident commander
• There is a Chief for each of the 4 basic
  Sections
• Operations
• Planning
• Logistics
• Finance/Admin

33
General Staff
Information Officer
Command Staff
Safety Officer
Liaison Officer
General Staff
Chief
Chief
Chief
Chief
34
Operations Section

• Role Carry out the needed activities
• Can be subdivided into
• -Divisions, based on geography
• -Groups, based on functional areas
• -Branches, based on agencies andother
  considerations

35
Planning Section

• Role gather and document incident info, maintain
  Incident Action Plan
• May be subdivided into
• -Resources Unit
• -Situation Unit
• -Documentation Unit
• -Technical Specialists

36
Logistics Section

• Role take care of all services and support needs
  for the incident

May be subdivided into Service
BranchCommunications UnitMedical UnitFood
Unit Support BranchSupply UnitFacilities
UnitGround Support Unit
37
Financial/Administration Section

• Role cost tracking, estimating, procurement,
  vendor contracts
• May be subdivided into
• -Time Unit
• -Procurement Unit
• -Compensation/Claims Unit
• -Cost Unit

38
Organizational Terminology
39
Incident Action Plan (IAP)

• -every incident needs an oral or written action
  plan, communicated to all supervisory staff
• -plan timeframe is an operational period, no
  longer that 24 hours
• -containsStatement of ObjectivesOrganization
  parts of ICS involvedAssignments to accomplish
  objectivesSupporting Materials maps, comm
  plans

40
Span Of Control

• Refers to the number of organizational elements
  that can be managed by one person
• -3 to 7 is workable, 5 is ideal
• -if this gets out of range, theres a need to
  expand or consolidate
• -expand by creating divisions, groups, branches,
  etc.

41
ICS Roles on the ARES Team

• Incident Command the EC or DEC managing the
  callout. Initially, this is the person contacted
  by the calling Agency.
• Logistics Section Chief the net controller for
  the resource (checkin) net
• Operations Section Chief the net controller for
  the tactical net
• Planning Section Chief person assigned to log
  activity on the tactical net.

42
What Agency ICS Roles Does ARES Talk To?

• Liaison Officer since we may be considered one
  of the responding agencies
• Logistics Section, Communications Unit since
  they may decide how amateur resources can be best
  utilized.

43
ARES ICS Net Types

• An ARES Resource net is an ICS LOGISTICS net.
• An ARES Tactical net is an ICS OPERATIONS net

44
Responsibilities For All ICS Staff

• follow the instructions for your assignment
• bring all the gear and supplies youll need
• check in as soon as youre aware of callout
• Use clear text - no Q codes, 10 codes, etc
• get a briefing if you take over for someone

• get whatever you need to set up work location
• keep people youre working with updated
• if someone takes over for you, brief them
• keep all required logs with timestamps
• check out formally when your shift is done

45
A Full Blown ICS Structure
46
End of Incident Command SystemSummary

• Questions?

47
Agenda

• 830
• 850
• 935
• 950
• 1010
• 1040
• 1120
• 1200

ARES Structure, Naming, Leaders Incident Command
System Overview 15 minute Break Callout Logistics
Variations ARES Net Procedures Mini -
Exercise NTS Message Handling Misc. Topics, Q
A, ARES ID Cards
48
15 minute Break

• Stretch your legs
• Have a coffee
• Please be back and ready to go at

950
49
Agenda

• 830
• 850
• 935
• 950
• 1010
• 1040
• 1120
• 1200

ARES Structure, Naming, Leaders Incident Command
System Overview 15 minute Break Callout Logistics
Variations ARES Net Procedures Mini -
Exercise NTS Message Handling Misc. Topics, Q
A, ARES ID Cards
50
Callout Logistics Variations

• Topics
• Callout Timeline
• Overview
• Details
• What Agencies?
• Agency Ham Gear
• Variations

51
Callout Timeline

• Established Relationship with Agency
• Agency contacts one of 5 ECs
• Agency EC exchange contact event info
• EC selects resource net frequency, finds NCS
• NCS goes on air with current info, logging
• EC pages out frequency, starts phone tree
• Once ECs are on-air, ICS roles are assigned
• Do whats needed possible tactical net(s)

52
Established Relationship with Agency

• Discussions with agency long before callout
• go over possible activities, and what training,
  gear, practice goes with it
• insurance coverage and ID card needs
• callout method, info to be exchanged
• admin person for updating callout details
• technical details on any Agency ham gear

53
Agency contacts one of 5 ECs

• may use agreed text pager message
• telephone number list
• email to Blackberrys or Cell phones
• In a severe communications outage, Police vehicle
  sent to ECs home addresses
• limited Agency staff can do a callout

54
Agency EC exchange info

• ARES activated, or on standby?
• summary of nature, location of emergency
• what services ARES is asked to provide
• main and backup contacts on both sides
• time, place, contact for any initial meeting
• roles frequencies for Agency Ham gear
• frequency for status updates, if any

55
EC selects frequency, finds NCS

• usually use local repeater with big footprint
• depends on location of emergency
• avoid possible conflicts with CANWARN net
• calls list of net controllers to get net on air
• if none available, EC starts as NCS
• if phones down, EC starts as NCS

56
NCS goes on air, starts logging

• NCS was briefed by EC when contacted
• NCS starts by giving out status summary, and key
  information every 10-15 min
• may or may not call for checkins if ARES has been
  put on standby
• NCS has initial responsibility for logging all
  events on the resource net, but may delegate

57
EC sends page, starts phone tree

• after getting (or becoming) NCS, EC sends net
  frequency out as a message to ARES pagers
• EC then starts phone tree with 3 topics
• one sentence summary of emergency
• recorded check to if called persons available
• if you cant reach em, call their contacts

58
ICS roles are assigned

• once bulk of ECs are on air, assign the standard
  ICS roles
• Incident Command always needed, NCS if no one
  else
• Liaison Officer contact point for Agency
• Operations Chief NCS for tactical net
• Resource NCS is likely Logistics Chief

59
Possible tactical net(s)

• Incident Commander decides if one (or more)
  tactical nets is needed
• NCS for tactical net selected by resource net NCS
  and Incident Commander
• operators for tactical net assigned by resource
  net NCS
• may need monitors to pass traffic between nets
  when needed.

60
End of Callout Timeline

• Any Questions ?
• Comments ?
• Suggestions ?

61
Callout Logistics Variations

• Topics
• Callout Timeline
• Overview
• Details
• What Agencies?
• Agency Ham Gear
• Variations

62
What Agencies?

• The Canadian Red Cross MOA
• London Police Services
• City of London Emergency Plan
• Community Emergency Management Coordinators
  (CEMCs) in Middlesex, Oxford, Elgin and Perth
  counties.

63
Agency Ham Gear We Use

• Varies from area to area..
• -Amateur Gear in Agency buildings(St Thomas Red
  Cross, London EOC)
• -provide operators for EMOs Mobile Emergency
  Operations Center

64
Agency Ham Gear We Hear

• ( or might work with in an emergency)
• -all the equipment in the previous slide
• -London Police Community Oriented Response (COR)
  vehicle
• -OPP mobile command post

65
Variations

• Do we come forward and volunteer our services
  when an emergency occurs?-never at the disaster
  scene-our preference pre-existing
  relationship-we might come forward in unusual
  cases
• What if I hear about a disaster via media?-best
  thing to do is to monitor repeaters-if youre
  really anxious, contact an EC, start charging
  batteries, grab go kit

66
Agenda

• 830
• 850
• 935
• 950
• 1010
• 1040
• 1120
• 1200

ARES Structure, Naming, Leaders Incident Command
System Overview 15 minute Break Callout Logistics
Variations ARES Net Procedures Mini -
Exercise NTS Message Handling Misc. Topics, Q
A, ARES ID Cards
67
ARES Net Procedures

• Topics
• Directed Nets
• Tactical Calls
• Station Identification
• Prowords
• Voice Procedure Tips

68
Directed Nets

• What is a Directed Net?
• A directed net is one where a Net Control Station
  (NCS) controls and directs the flow of traffic
• NCS plays a central role in keeping the net
  organized, and may also be logging activity
• ARES directed nets are formal, concise, efficient
  and accurate, and depend on participants being
  disciplined and patient

69
Directed Nets

• The NCS has absolute control of the net frequency
  (repeater or simplex) until the net is closed.
• All communications must pass through NCS. You
  must ask the NCS for permission before making a
  direct contact.
• All communication in an ARES net must relevant to
  the net no socializing

70
Directed Nets

• NCS will give check-in instructions. As well as
  callsign, you may be asked to provide info to
  assist in assigning you to a task, such
  as-radio type (base, mobile portable)-bands
  usable / antenna types-radio condition and
  range-your current location-your training /
  qualifications-duration of availability-maximum
  transmitting power-power source (battery / AC )
• Try to have this information available before
  checkin

71
Directed Nets

• If you are asked to check into a different
  sub-net, the NCS will provide you with the info
  needed to check in e.g. frequency, net purpose,
  and other important details
• LISTEN carefully. The Sub-net NCS has control of
  a sub-net until it is formally closed.

72
Directed Nets

• Tactical call-signs may be issued by NCS to
  simplify emergency nets. Use them for yourself,
  and to refer to other stations
• In Canada, call-sign ID is required only once
  every 30 minutes. Do not interrupt emergency
  traffic to do a call-sign ID.
• The NCS may ask for call-sign ID's from all
  stations, or do tactical callsign ID, which well
  discuss later

73
Directed Nets

• Unless you are in immediate danger, or directed
  to by on-scene authorities, NEVER LEAVE YOUR
  POST, YOUR RADIO OR THE PERSON TO WHOM YOU ARE
  ASSIGNED
• Do not switch back and forth between net and
  sub-nets
• If assigned to a sub-net, contact the sub-net NCS
  first

74
Directed Nets

• If youre operating from batteries, use the
  lowest workable power to save battery time
• PAY ATTENTION to your power source and be
  prepared with back-up power at hand
• If youre going to run out of power, notify NCS
  well in advance so you can be assisted or
  replaced
• never miss a chance to recharge batteries that
  arent fully charged

75
Directed Nets

• If authorities ask you to leave your post or your
  assigned person, comply immediately and without
  comment .
• If asked to turn off your radio or cease
  transmission, comply immediately.
• Notify the NCS of your change in status as soon
  as possible.

76
Directed Nets

• During Directed nets, keep all transmissions
  brief and to the point.
• Always be ready to record messages you receive
  from or must transmit to NCS.
• THINK IT, WRITE IT DOWN, SAY IT, GET OFF THE KEY
• Listen, listen, listen. Your performance and
  safety depend on knowing whats up.

77
Directed Nets

• In Formal Directed Nets, everything STOPS when
  'Emergency' or 'Priority' are heard
• EMERGENCY is the highest state, reserved for only
  danger-of-death or serious-injury-if-message-is-no
  t-heard-immediately messages.
• PRIORITY refers to an immediate safety issue
  regarding human life, potential injury or
  impending property damage.

78
Directed Nets

• If an emergency or priority call is made by any
  station, all stations stop transmitting, and the
  NCS will answer immediately.
• In such cases, always rely on the NCS to dispatch
  assistance.

79
Directed Nets

• VERY IMPORTANT
• NEVER transmit
  - the name of an injured, trapped or
  deceased subject -the name of a minor lost or
  separated from responsible adults
  
• Instead, request only that the NCS send the
  appropriate authorities and help to your location
  on a priority basis.

80
Directed Nets

• BE PREPARED to respond to the NCS with
  descriptions or identifying information
  established ahead of time.
• If this is not sufficient, have authorities
  authorize transmission of names.

81
Directed Nets

• NEVER make any comment to any member of the media
  about -
  injuries or deaths
  - addresses/locations where damage is
  most severe
  - vehicle licence numbers
  - possible reported causes of the incident
• Doing otherwise may expose you and authorities to
  legal liability.

82
Directed Nets

• The best response to media enquiries is, I
  can't answer that question.
• Refer media contacts to the authorities or the
  Public Information Officer.
• SECURITY TIP
  - if you see anyone you do not recognize
  as part of the authorized site operations
  team, DO NOT discuss the situation with them.

83
Directed Nets

• You are NOT authorized to speak on behalf of the
  Agency that called out ARES
• You are NOT authorized to speak on behalf of ARES
• Discussing the situation may cause your name to
  surface in the local news and possibly create
  legal liability for yourself and others.

84
Directed Nets

• Relays often get mistranslated in transit
• It is OK to allow authorities to communicate over
  radio as third-party traffic.
• Hand the microphone to the party who wishes to
  pass third party traffic.
• Remind the party not to use foul language or
  conduct commercial business while transmitting,
  and stay with them.

85
Directed Nets

• When youre in an ARES net, REMEMBER- be
  objective- do not criticize- be patient with
  Net Control Stations- DO NOT be an 'ambulance
  chaser- checkin to a net properly, follow
  orders- respect and fully co-operate with all
  authorities and served agencies

86
Directed Nets

• In order to provide public service, be a servant
• Amateur radio operators are communicators.
• Our role is to communicate what the authorities
  wish communicated only when we are asked.
• Identify yourself and let authorities know you
  are available for service when needed.

87
Tactical Call-signs

• Tactical call signs are symbolic station names
• They refer to a location, organizational unit, or
  function.
• They are designed to help make communications
  clear, efficient and timely.
• Tactical call-signs remain consistent even when
  operators go on breaks, end their shift or are
  assigned to other tasks, and require less
  tracking.

88
Tactical Call-signs

• Tactical call-signs are brief usually one to
  two syllables long.
• Examples- NET for the network controller-
  SHELTER TWO for an evacuation shelter- STAGING
  for a staging area- RED CROSS for a station
  at Red Cross HQ- PS for a station
  communicating with Police

89
Station Identification

• This is done for two main reasons1. To confirm
  all stations are present, monitoring the
  frequency, and able to transmit.2. To meet
  identification requirements for licenced
  amateur radio operators.

90
Station Identification

• Station Identification by tactical callsign is
  usually handled in the following manner
• NCS says, Identify by tactical callsign
• Net controller identifies himself
• NCS names each tactical callsign in turn
• Named station repeats tactical callsign, then
  personal callsign of operator(s)

91
Station Identification

• Example Scenario
• (NET) Identify by call-sign
• (NET) Net, VA3DAE
• (NET) SHELTER TWO
• (SHELTER TWO) Shelter Two, VE3AAA
• (NET) STAGING
• (STAGING) STAGING, VE3ABC, VE3DEF
• and so on

92
Prowords

• The following material has been adapted from the
  'training and tools' portion of the EMO ARES
  website.
• Pro words are concise, standardized short forms
  used to make communications in emergency nets
  clear and efficient.
• For the purposes of this course, we will
  introduce a few slight variations.

93
Prowords, con't

• There are quite a few pro words, so we'll focus
  on the most commonly used ones

Full list on page 26 in Training Manual
94
Voice Procedure Tips

• Be clear, be brief, be concise
• Avoid use of slang
• Use tactical call-signs, phonetic alphabet
• Use prowords
• Use 'Pause' when stopping to let repeater
  re-cycle or let other stations interrupt
• Do not use 'Q' codes or 10 codes
• Dont worry if theres silence its OK.

95
Agenda

• 830
• 850
• 935
• 950
• 1010
• 1040
• 1120
• 1200

ARES Structure, Naming, Leaders Incident Command
System Overview 15 minute Break Callout Logistics
Variations ARES Net Procedures Mini -
Exercise NTS Message Handling Misc. Topics, Q
A, ARES ID Cards
96
Mini - Exercise

• Simulated in course starting from initial Agency
  phone call

97
Agenda

• 830
• 850
• 935
• 950
• 1010
• 1040
• 1120
• 1200

ARES Structure, Naming, Leaders Incident Command
System Overview 15 minute Break Callout Logistics
Variations ARES Net Procedures Mini -
Exercise NTS Message Handling Misc. Topics, Q
A, ARES ID Cards
98
NTS Message Handling

• The National Traffic System (NTS) isan
  internationally standardized formal message
  handling system based on a common written format
  that is designed to be highly reliable,
  prioritized, trackable, and accurate despite
  unfamiliar content and recipients.

99
The Radiogram

• has standardized pieces of information and
  associated procedures
• lots of different form layouts exist, but basic
  information is always the same
• NTS radiogram is used all over the world
• Were going to go over the form, and the basic
  procedures there are additional procedures that
  we wont cover today

100
Sample Radiogram (manual p.33)
101
Preamble
102
Address
103
Text
104
Signature
105
Rx From / Tx To
106
Preamble

• The most complicated part. Includes
• - message number
• - precedence (i.e. priority)
• - handling instructions HX
• - station of origin originators callsign
• - check a count of words in the message
• - place of origin location of 3rd party sender
• - time filed when the 3rd party sent message
• - date when the 3rd party sent message

107
Preamble fields

• (Details on p. 28 in the training manual.)
• Summarizing each one briefly
• - message numberYour sequential sent message
  number
• - precedence (i.e. priority)Regular, Welfare,
  Priority or Emergency
• - handling instructions HXdetailed delivery
  instructions. can be omitted

108
Preamble Fields

• - station of origin originators callsigncall
  sign of first transmitter of message
• - check a count of words in the messagesimple
  count, includes Xs, but not signature
• - place of origin location of 3rd party
  sendernot necessarily location of station of
  origin
• - time filed when the 3rd party gave
  messagelikely before it was first transmitted,
  zulu?
• - date when the 3rd party sent messagemonth,
  day, year

109
Address
Address should contain -full name-complete
address with postal code-telephone number with
area codeMessages from one ham to another need
only a callsign and a telephone number
110
Text

• Most forms have 5 lines each with spaces for 5
  words, which makes it easy to count for the check
  field in the preamble.
• The X that takes the place of a period at the end
  of a sentence counts as a word by itself

111
Signature

• Form of the signature is up to 3rd party
  originator of traffic, but must be sendable, not
  a scribble.
• May be a name, and/or callsign and/or a title or
  rank.
• Words in the signature are not counted in the
  check count

112
Received from / Sent To

• These parts are filled out by the radio operator
  sending the message
• These are different for every transmission hop
  that the message takes towards its destination.

113
ARRL Numbered Messages

• -A numeric short form for frequent messages
• -may fill in the blanks with specific info.
• -ARRL message numbers are always spelled
• -message number is prefixed with ARL
• -check field is prefixed with ARL, as well
• -list of messages on manual pages 30 43
• -examples on manual pages 35

114
NTS Prowords

• There are some extra NTS prowords shown on manual
  page 32
• Missing group, initial, call
• Use of Break is not well standardized, and may
  mean end of line
• EMO prefers to avoid the ambiguous Break.
• IMS may be different again

115
NTS Punctuation

• Table on manual page 32
• Single X for end of sentence period, but never at
  end of text
• Note R to replace a decimal point, not X
• dot used within website email addresses

116
The Audio for Page 33 Example

• This is what is would sound likeVE7UBC THIS IS
  VE7OOO I HAVE 1 READY TO COPY OVERVE7OOO THIS IS
  VE7UBC GO AHEAD OVERCOPY NUMBER ONE INITIAL
  ROMEO CALL VICTOR ECHO SEVEN OSCAR OSCAR OSCAR
  SOMEWHERE I SPELL SIERRA OSCAR MIKE ECHO WHISKY
  HOTEL ECHO ROMEO ECHO SOMEWHERE GROUP ZERO FOUR
  THREE ZERO ZULU MARCH FIGURES TWO ONE PAUSE FOR
  ADDRESSGO AHEAD OVERJOE I SPELL JULIA OSCAR
  ECHO JOE BLOGG I SPELL BRAVO LIMA OSCAR GOLF GOLF
  BLOGG FIGURES FIVE SIX SEVEN

117
NTS Variations

• Its not quite standard
• Military has some differences
• BREAK sometimes means start new line
• EMO likes to avoid ambiguous BREAK
• Ontarios IMS may be different yet
• Book messages sometimes used for multiple 3rd
  party recipients

118
End of the NTS Section

• Any Questions?

119
Agenda

• 830
• 850
• 935
• 950
• 1010
• 1040
• 1120
• 1200

ARES Structure, Naming, Leaders Incident Command
System Overview 15 minute Break Callout Logistics
Variations ARES Net Procedures Mini -
Exercise NTS Message Handling Misc. Topics, Q
A, ARES ID Cards
120
Misc. Topics, Q A, ARES ID Cards

• Other Radio Organizations
• Reference Info in the Training Manual
• ARES Pagers
• Overall Questions and Answers
• Course Evaluation form
• ARES ID card pictures and paperwork
• Course Certificates

121
Other Radio Organizations

• Emergency Response

122
About SATURN

• Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network
• The purpose of the Salvation Army Team Emergency
  Radio Network (SATERN) is to train and acquire
  personnel skilled in emergency communications and
  message handling, who will support Salvation Army
  operations in local, regional and international
  disaster situations. (http//www.saturn.org)
• SATURN utilizes Amateur Radio as a means for
  transmitting and receiving messages which
  includes health and welfare traffic and other
  disaster related communications.

123
About London REACT

• Started by Amateur Radio Operators.
• Can use Commercial, Amateur, CB, FRS, GMRS radio.
  
• Can help to promote Amateur Radio and the proper
  use of radio to the public.
• Can provide additional trained resources during a
  disaster.
• Can help to coordinate non-amateur volunteers who
  just show up to help.
• Flexibility to help the public in ways that are
  outside of the scope of ARES.

124
Additional REACT Notes

• London REACT is not the same team that you
  remember from the past.
• London REACT is not trying to merge with,
  infringe upon, or in any way block ARES efforts.
• The team was created to accomplish specific goals
  that are not in the scope of RAC ARES.
• REACT stands for Radio Emergency Associated
  Communications Teams. REACT is not a CB club,
  but a group of volunteer communicators wishing to
  assist their community.

125
Reference Info in Training Manual

• Standard frequencies for London area
• ARES pager info, which well discuss
• Grab-and-Go list with some good ideas
• ARRL message numbers list and forms
• List of websites related to ARES
• Info on ARES ID cards
• Info on RAC Certified Emergency Communicator
  certification

126
ARES Pagers

• Available to any ARES volunteer
• nominal one time charge, no monthly cost
• For ARES callouts callouts, practices, or nets,
  the Frequency is sent to the pager
• They do get wrong numbers occasionally
• May be expanded to signal CANWARN nets
• strictly voluntary

127
Questions and Answers

• Were close to wrapping up, and would welcome any
  questions on any topic.
• If we cant answer your question, well note it
  and get back to you.
• PS dont leave before we do course evaluation
  form, and a group picture

128
Course Evaluation Forms

• (Not in manual will be handed out)
• Wed appreciate your help in improving the
  course. Please let us know what was good or what
  needs improvement
• Adding your name or callsign is optional.

129
ARES ID Cards

• This course qualifies for the training
  requirement for the ARES ID card, which is
  strongly recommended to all ARES volunteers
• Were set up to do the paperwork, take pictures,
  and submit applications for you
• The form is on last 2 pages of training manual.
• Well go through them step by step, filling out
  the form as we go. (Callsign on both pages)
• We need your picture 5 bucks too.

130
Thanksfor taking the ARES Training
Course (dont forget your certificate)