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The ARES E-Letter

June 21, 2017
Editor: Rick Palm, K1CE


Special ARRL Field Day 2017 Issue!

In This Issue:

 *  This Weekend : Valuable Lessons, Experience for ARES(R) Operators, to be
    Gained from Field Day 2017
 *  ARES Booth, Trailer, Features of Texas Emergency Management Conference
 *  Opinion: ARES in the Coming Age of FirstNet
 *  After 35 Years, ARES Puerto Rico is Reborn, and Still in Development
 *  Letters: ARES Marketing to ESF Managers?
 *  K1CE For a Final: An Opportunity Knocks for ARES



ARES Briefs, Links

Bear is Unwanted Volunteer, as ARES Team Supports Colorado Road Race (6/14/17);
Amateur Radio Net Activated in Wake of Magnitude 6.9 Earthquake in Guatemala
(6/14/17); Amateur Radio Mesh Network Brought into Mix as Volunteers Assist in
South African Fire Disaster (6/13/17); Amateur Radio Volunteers Needed for Air
Force Marathon (6/12/17); Atlantic Hurricane Season Starts Today (6/1/17);
Amateur Radio Provides Communication Link Following Sri Lanka Flooding
(5/31/17)

Monthly ARES Reports can be found here.

Check the report summaries to ensure that your ARRL Section activity is
represented. These reports are critically important to ARRL in its efforts to
defend our spectrum against other interests, among other things. We justify our
access to extremely valuable frequencies by the service we return to partner
agencies and ultimately the public interest.

The May 2017 report summary revealed that a third of the sections in the
country did not report. We can and must do better.



Trending Now: FirstNet and Implications for ARES

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) -- a nationwide wireless
broadband network for first responders -- could change the complexion of how
ARES(R) functions to support communication for responders during disasters and
emergencies. As an independent authority within the US Department of Commerce's
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), FirstNet's
mission is to build out, deploy, and operate an interoperable nationwide
broadband network dedicated to first responders. Ralph Haller, N4RH, the
chairman of the National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC), told
ARRL that the advent of FirstNet "will likely be as significant as when public
safety first began using radio." -- ARRL Emergency Preparedness Manager Mike
Corey, KI1U

For more on FirstNet and possible implications for the amateur service now and
down the road, click here: Buildout of Nationwide First Responder Broadband
Network Could Drive ARES Changes (6/1/17); see also the opinion piece below in
this issue from Colorado's John Bloodgood, KD0SFY, Emergency Coordinator and
Public Information Officer, Region 2 District 2, Colorado ARES (Pikes Peak
ARES); and the June 2017 QST editorial by ARRL CEO Tom Gallagher, NY2RF,
entitled "Fighting the Last War, or the Next?"



This Weekend: Valuable Lessons, Experience for ARES(R) Operators, to be Gained
from Field Day 2017

ARRL Field Day is this weekend! Field Day is one of two (the other is the Fall
classic Simulated Emergency Test) major ARRL events that is tailor-made for
ARES and other groups and operators who provide emergency, disaster response
and public event communications. It's not too late to get involved with this
year's running this week. Check the Field Day Locator utility on the ARRL
website for a Field Day operation/site near you. The purpose of Field Day is
for participants to work as many stations as possible on the amateur bands to
learn to operate in abnormal situations in less than optimal conditions.
Classes, scoring and bonuses are offered for meeting certain requirements that
support the enhancement of operator preparedness and efficacy in disaster
response in the sometimes extreme environment of a disaster area. We'll review
a few of them here, along with valuable lessons to be gained from this coming
weekend. [Note: This article is limited to a summary of FD aspects especially
appealing to ARES operators; for a complete and official set of the 2017 Field
Day rules, click here.]


Appoint a Safety Officer

One of the major takeaways from Field Day that directly transfers over to the
interest of any ARES group is the appointment of a Safety Officer - every Field
Day operation should have one, and so should every ARES organization. For Field
Day, a 100-point Safety Officer bonus is available.

Actions of the Safety Officer include, but are not limited to, having fuel for
generators properly stored; a fire extinguisher on hand, appropriately located;
a First Aid kit on hand; First Aid, CPR and AED trained participant/s on site
for the full Field Day period; access to NWS alerts to monitor for inclement
weather; tent stakes properly installed and marked; temporary antenna
structures properly secured and marked; site secured from tripping hazards;
site is set up in a neat and orderly manner to reduce hazards; stations and
equipment are properly grounded; access to a means to contact
police/fire/rescue if needed; the Safety Officer is designated point of contact
for public safety officials; minimize risks and control hazards to ensure no
injuries to public; as
necessary, monitoring participants for hydration and ensures an adequate water
supply is available; and whether a private residence, public park or farmer's
field, when putting in ground rods (or digging/anchoring), check in advance
with your local municipality (often that's by dialing 811) to confirm your
intended installation is installed safely.

All of these action items and many more apply to any ARES emergency, disaster
response or public event deployment to the field! Every ARES group should
appoint a Safety Officer.


Field Day Classes Relate to ARES Operational Aspects

A few Field Day entry classes closely emulate ARES field operations. For
example, Class A - Battery portable requires all contacts to be made using an
output power of 5 Watts or less with a power source other than commercial mains
or motor-driven generator. Batteries and solar cells are examples of
permissible power sources. Sounds like a familiar ARES deployment scenario?
Perhaps a portable station at a remote checkpoint on a mountain road rally?

The Class E Home station-Emergency power participant is limited to using
emergency power for transmitters and receivers. This is the class that Field
Day partner Eliot Mayer, W1MJ, and I will be operating, in the woods of rural
northern Florida. You can find our site on the ARRL Field Day site locator.
Type in "K1CE."

The Class F Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) entry is an amateur station at
an established EOC activated by a club or non-club group. Stations may use
equipment and antennas temporarily or permanently installed at the EOC for the
event. For Field Day purposes, an EOC is defined as a facility established by:
a) a Federal, State, County, City or other Civil Government, agency or
administrative entity; or, b) a Chapter of a national or international served
agency (such as American Red Cross or Salvation Army) with which your local
group has an established operating arrangement. Operators work in conjunction
and cooperation with the staff of the EOC being activated.


More Related Bonuses

A 100% Emergency Power bonus of 100 points is garnered when all contacts are
made with only an emergency power source. All transmitting equipment at the
site must operate from a power source completely independent of the commercial
power mains to qualify.

Originate a formal message to your Section Manager or Section Emergency
Coordinator and receive 100 bonus points. You should include the number of ARES
operators involved with your station. In a separate Message Handling bonus, 10
points are awarded for each formal message originated, relayed or received and
delivered during the Field Day period.

An Alternate Power bonus conveys 100 points for FD groups making a minimum of
five QSOs without using power from commercial mains or petroleum driven
generator; this means an "alternate" energy source of power, such as solar,
wind, methane or water. This includes batteries charged by natural means.

If you invite and can get a visit to your FD site by an elected governmental
official, you can win an additional 100-point bonus. Similarly, a visit by a
representative of an agency served by ARES locally is worth another 100-points.
Example agencies include the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, local
Emergency Management, and law enforcement.

The above is merely a quick summary of classes and bonus points that translate
to the interests and operations of any ARES group and members that could be
deployed to a public event or disaster area, and are not the official rules.
For a complete and official set of the Field Day rules, click here.

Have a great, happy and safe Field Day!



Profiles in ARES: Orange County (California) Hospital Communications ARES Group
to Operate Field Day at Huntington Beach Hospital

The Hospital Disaster Support Communication System (HDSCS), a specialized unit
of well-trained operators and part of ARES in the ARRL Orange Section,
California, will conduct its Field Day exercise at Huntington Beach Hospital
this weekend. ARRL Orange Section District Emergency Coordinator (DEC) April
Moell, WA6OPS, said "With our mission of backing up communications critical to
patient care, it is only appropriate that we train at one of our supported
hospitals." "We are grateful that Huntington Beach Hospital is willing, once
again, to host us in this exercise, testing our ability to create antennas and
stations, using existing structures and the equipment our members can bring
with them," Moell said.

HDSCS has supported Orange County hospitals since 1980. As a group dedicated to
providing emergency communications to the medical facilities of Orange County,
Field Day serves as a training exercise for operators, develops team-building,
facilitates our interface with hospital staff, and helps educate the public,
all for the common goal of patient care and safety. The group will be operating
using the call sign W6PA.



ARES Booth, Trailer, Features of Texas Emergency Management Conference

The Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM), a division of the Texas
Department of Public Safety (DPS) each year hosts a conference on emergency
management for emergency managers, law enforcement, fire suppression and
emergency medical services. It is also well attended by representatives from
hospitals, the military and numerous NGOs that have an interest in providing
support and assistance pre- and post-disaster.

As a part of the conference there is a large exhibit area for vendors who
provide products and services to these agencies. Each year TDEM gives ARES and
the ARRL an exhibit booth to promote Amateur Radio/ARES as an alternate method
of emergency and disaster relief communications for the partner and served
agencies. ARRL South Texas Assistant SEC Mike Urich, KA5CVH, said "This is my
third year to be a part of this week-long event. In addition to the booth, the
Bexar County (San Antonio) ARES communications trailer was on display. We were
privileged to have been able to discuss not only services ARES can provide to
our served agencies, but also to talk about other aspects of Amateur Radio to
interested individuals," Urich said. -- Thanks, Mike Urich, KA5CVH, ARRL South
Texas Assistant SEC - Training; Assistant PIC, Districts 1 and 14; PIO, Harris
County ARES



Opinion: ARES in the Coming Age of FirstNet

Lately I have been hearing a lot about FirstNet, the First Responder Network
Authority. [FirstNet and its possible implications for ARES and amateur service
emergency, disaster response and public event communicators was discussed in
ARRL CEO Tom Gallagher's, NY2RF, editorial Second Century on page 9 of the June
2017 issue of QST, "Fighting the Last War, or the Next?"] Some amateurs are
alarmed that it will take away from the role of ARES and RACES, and even
present the end of these long-serving organizations. I disagree. But first,
what is FirstNet?

In 2012, a law was passed to try to address some of the myriad of problems that
had been identified from specific events (9/11,Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy that
have plagued emergency and disaster response for decades -- interoperability,
coverage, inter-connection, and leveraging modern technology. FirstNet was
established as an independent authority within the NTIA (National
Telecommunication and Information Administration, the regulator of frequencies
for government use) under the Department of Commerce to provide emergency first
responders with the first nationwide,
high-speed broadband network dedicated to public safety. Since then, FirstNet
has been in development.

FirstNet's network is described at FirstNet.gov. Imagine a first responder
being able to use a device like a smartphone to send images or real time video
of an incident to include metadata like coordinates, altitude, azimuth, temps,
etc., to an incident command post or EOC on their own dedicated network.
Imagine all the EOCs in a state (city/municipal EOCs, county EOCs, and state
EOC) being linked together over their own dedicated system for real time data
sharing. Or an Incident Command being able to follow search and rescue efforts
in real time or be able to place markers/objects on shared maps for the units
in the field to see on a device. FirstNet could merge multiple, separate,
disjointed systems into one seamless platform, suite, and system. Perhaps
FirstNet can lead to widespread use of augmented reality (information overlays
on smartphone cameras or even heads up displays - HUDs).

The bottom line is that our first responders and emergency/disaster managers
who put their lives on the line really need something better than what they
have had and FirstNet is a step in the right direction. So getting upset that
our police officers, firefighters, medical personnel, and so on might get some
much needed tech refreshes of their communication systems is shortsighted. We
should be supporting this kind of game changing technology for the benefit of
all of us in this day and age of elevated natural and man-made hazards.


Implications for Amateur Radio

So, what does this all mean for us as ARES/RACES/ACS operators? Let's start
this discussion by reviewing what we traditionally bring to the table:

1) We can operate without infrastructure, away from commercial power and
vulnerable fixed antennas.

2) We can communicate with areas that may be difficult for other services to
cover and we can adapt to situations on the ground quickly.

3) We can act as "remote sensors" or observers, a great example being what we
do with the National Weather Service and the SKYWARN program.

4) We can operate independently from everyone else, so we don't tie up their
communications system resources.

5) We can disseminate critical information to our neighbors and communities,and
conversely, pass back to the EOC damage reports and requests for assistance.

6) We have a long history of experience in working with incident commands,
EOCs, and NGOs.

7) We can take away some of the burdens of communications tasks from officials,
administrators and professional radio operators who are busy with other things.

Once the FirstNet system is fully up and operational (this is going to take
some time), most of what we bring to the table remains the same as above and
continues to add value. Granted, FirstNet will be designed with more hardened,
robust support mechanisms, but they will remain vulnerable to cyberterrorism,
and other manmade and natural stressors. We will still be able to fill in the
gaps when the inevitable occurs.

We will still be able to act as remote sensors and observers, offering ground
truth coverage unmatched by any other service, man or machine alike. Think
about it -- much of our weather spotting service dates back to long before the
modern, sophisticated radar and personal weather station coverage we have now,
yet the need for our services has not been negated - indeed, it has been
increased. And our service is not limited to weather spotting, obviously - we
remain valuable as sensors/observers at public events, emergencies, and
potential and actual disaster areas. We are eyes and ears for all environments
- even the mundane, every day need for "see something, say something."

Another largely ignored area of involvement that will remain intact after the
induction of FirstNet is our ability to get information and requests to and
from a critical central location (incident command, EOC, etc.) into and out of
our neighborhoods, where we live.

So by now you are getting the picture: FirstNet really does not sound the death
knell of ARES and RACES. But we should continue to develop our own systems,
taking advantage of the spectrum resources we have, to do more to enhance our
utility to the public safety community and the public. There are a plethora of
examples of such developments, including the exciting development of our own
"broadband" systems such as MESH networking. We will keep on keeping on. --
John Bloodgood, KD0SFY, Emergency Coordinator and Public Information Officer,
Region 2 District 2, Colorado ARES (Pikes Peak ARES)

[As ARRL CEO Gallagher stated at the end of his editorial referenced above,
"This topic is too large for a mere editorial. Over the ensuing weeks and
months, we will attempt to bring you the most informed thinking from subject
matter experts, and you can be the judge. I urge you to participate by
e-mailing us at firstnet@arrl.org with your comments on where and how radio
amateurs may have the most value in the new scheme of things. Look to ARRL's
print and digital media for a healthy debate."]



After 35 Years, ARES Puerto Rico is Reborn, and Still in Development

In a meeting on April 22 at the Ricardo Belaval Electronic Library in the city
of Fajardo, Puerto Rico ARES was revitalized for the future. The meeting was
led ARRL Puerto Rico Section Manager Oscar Resto, KP4RF, and Section Emergency
Coordinator Juan Sep£lveda, KP3CR. More than 40 island section radio amateurs
interested in emergency and disaster response communications attended, as did
representatives from radio clubs. All regions of Puerto Rico were represented,
including the island of Vieques to the east, one of the first places to be
affected during a storm or hurricane. Also present were members of the military
who are also radio amateurs. Officials from the Fajardo municipal Emergency
Management Agency were also present.

This meeting followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
between the ARRL Puerto Rico Section and the American Red Cross Puerto Rico
Chapter on March 3, and the first ARES meeting at the University of Puerto Rico
in Rio Piedras on March 11. It also followed the participation of amateurs in
the Caribe Wave Tsunami Communications Exercise on March 21 (see the April 2017
issue of the ARES E-Letter for report).

The meeting commenced with a welcome by Sep£lveda, which was followed by a
presentation and discussion on the ARRL Puerto Rico Section by Resto. Following
the SM and SEC was a presentation on the ARES program by ARRL Technical
Coordinator Carlos Roig, WP4AOH: he summarized the history of ARES in Puerto
Rico, when the last time it served the island (in the early 80's) and the
efforts over time to bring it back.

After a break, Roig discussed the National Traffic System (NTS), along with a
basic tutorial on how to draft a message form, and handling them on the Patriot
Amateur Emergency Radio Club Net to serve as a demonstration and practice for
meeting attendees.

Later, Section Manager Resto elaborated on the ARES presentations, discussing
how the ARRL Puerto Rico Section effects emergency and disaster response
coordination, and agreements established with
Caribbean island nations: In the event of an incident, amateurs turn to 7188
kHz where the daily Friendly Net is run and meets, and other assigned
frequencies on the 80-meter band for handling of local incident communications.

Then, SEC Sep£lveda displayed a map of the island while explaining how Puerto
Rico is divided and distributed by districts and the critical role that
District Emergency Coordinators (DEC) and Emergency Coordinators (EC) play in
these districts.

Also on display at the historic meeting was a "Go Box" with six radios, power
supply with distribution strip, and a small antenna to show how portable
operation can be effected.

The meeting was punctuated by a visit from by the Puerto Rico Emergency
Management Agency's new Director of Communications, Felix J. Garcia; he was
presented with a draft new Memorandum of Understanding for the ARES/EMA
partnership, which could be signed soon. For his part, Garcia told the
attendees that meeting rooms will be provided for ARES in facilities in the
capital of San Juan.

The meeting concluded with Resto and Sep£lveda granting appointment
certificates to new District EC's and EC's. The next meeting will held in July
in the city of Mayagez. The ARRL Puerto Rico Section ARES program is seeing a
vital resurgence with more meetings and training opportunities scheduled, other
agreements with government served agencies to be signed, and most importantly,
an ARES community trained and ready to respond to emergency and disaster
incidents, either on the island or on neighboring island countries. -- Angel
Luis Santana-D”az, WP3GW, Public Information Coordinator and Assistant Section
Manager, ARRL Puerto Rico Section wp3gw@arrl.net



Letters: ARES Marketing to ESF Managers?

Amateur Radio has a proven and effective disaster communications product, which
should be part of the strategic disaster planning for all ESF (Emergency
Support Function) areas. Does anyone know of any 3-4 minute
professional-quality videos (one for each ESF), which would help market Amateur
Radio services to high-level decision makers in potential served agencies? --
Steve Aberle, WA7PTM, Assistant Section Manager, ARRL Western Washington
Section


K1CE For a Final: An Opportunity Knocks for ARES

I work in a hospital as an ICU Nurse, and am sharply aware of the critical need
for communications there -- between departments, the community, other
healthcare facilities, and the public safety entities such as EMS/EVAC,
emergency management, government, etc. Amateur Radio has traditionally had
roles in providing backup communications to hospitals for drills and in
disaster situations. For an example, look at the exemplary, historic work of
Orange County, California's Hospital Disaster Support Communications System
(HDSCS), a specialized ARES unit managed by District Emergency Coordinator
April Moell, WA6OPS. See above story on their Field Day operation at Huntington
Beach Hospital planned for this weekend.

I recently received an e-mail and report from another healthcare system
communications veteran, Duane Mariotti, WB9RER, also of California, who called
attention to new rules -- from the government agency that oversees Medicare and
Medicaid administration -- requiring hospitals to establish, among other
things, an Emergency Communication Plan.

It struck Mariotti that a significant opportunity has been presented to ARES
and other amateur service groups to play an enhanced role, helping hospitals
comply with the new regulations.

From a release: "The US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued
the Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Medicare and Medicaid Participating
Providers and Suppliers Final Rule to establish consistent emergency
preparedness requirements for healthcare providers participating in Medicare
and Medicaid, increase patient safety during emergencies, and establish a more
coordinated response to natural and human-caused disasters. [The regulations
must be met by November 15, 2017, and is a condition of participation for CMS.]
The providers/suppliers are required to meet four core elements . . .:

"1. Emergency plan--Develop an emergency plan based on a risk assessment and
using an "all-hazards" approach, which will provide an integrated system for
emergency planning that focuses on capacities and capabilities.

"2. Policies and procedures--Develop and implement policies and procedures
based on the emergency plan and risk assessment that are reviewed and updated
at least annually. For hospitals, Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs), and
Long-Term Care (LTC) facilities, the policies and procedures must address the
provision of subsistence needs, such as food, water and medical supplies, for
staff and residents, whether they evacuate or shelter in place.

"3. Communication plan--Develop and maintain an emergency preparedness
communication plan that complies with federal, state and local laws. Patient
care must be coordinated within the facility, across healthcare providers, and
with state and local public health departments and emergency management systems
to protect patient health and safety in the event of a disaster.

"4. A training and testing program--Develop and maintain training and testing
programs, including initial training in policies and procedures. Facility staff
will have to demonstrate knowledge of emergency procedures and provide training
at least annually. Facilities must conduct drills and exercises to test the
emergency plan or participate in an actual incident that tests the plan."

Now would be a good time to approach hospitals and other healthcare facilities
in your area, request a meeting with administrators, and put on the table your
offer of services and support as a proven alternative radio-communications
provider that will help the entity meet the requirements, and enhance Amateur
Radio's already well-established record as an asset to the public interest in
the context of hospitals and healthcare. -- Thanks to Duane Mariotti, WB9RER,
for the tip and information

___________________


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