ARES District 3 Bulletins 2017

TO:    ALL WOOD COUNTY ARES MEMBERS  (OFFICIAL)
       ALL ARES AND NON-ARES AMATEURS ANYWHERE  (INFORMATION)
FROM:  KEN HARRIS WA8LLM ARRL DISTRICT 3 EMERGENCY COORDINATOR
WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INC.

WOOD COUNTY BULLETIN NR 17.10          DATE: March 5, 2017
SUBJECT: GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS (part 1 of 2)

Here are some general considerations which should be observed during emergencies or disasters.

1. Use of the ARRL precedence designations of (EMERGENCY), (P)priority, (W)welfare and (R)routine are recommended for handling traffic during emergencies and disasters.
2. Use your receiver more, your transmitter less.  The tendency to transmit rather than listen causes excessive noise and interference.
3. Monitor your local call channel or emergency net frequency.
4. Monitor HF State-wide and national emergency frequencies.
5. Make contact with your RACES Radio Officer, ARES Emergency Coordinator, and the Command Post or Emergency Operations Center.
6. Take immediate steps to follow any prearranged emergency disaster plans.

Amateur Radio communications is point-to-point communication, not broadcast.  The purpose of Amateur Radio is to supply communications with as much secrecy, and as little public excitement as possible.  Be sure that all official messages are properly authenticated.  Do not originate messages yourself.  Let emergency officials originate, and sign them.

Amateur Radio's part in an emergency or disaster is to supply the communications, it's up to the agencies we assist to supply its content. (to be continued)

Ken Harris WA8LLM
WCEC
Wood County WV