Parade Guides at Barricades: Difference between revisions

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[[File:ParadeGuides3.jpg|alt=Parade Guides at the Portland Rose Festival|thumb|430x430px|''Parade Guides at the Portland Rose Festival'']]
[[File:ParadeGuides3.jpg|alt=Parade Guides at the Portland Rose Festival|thumb|430x430px|''Parade Guides at the Portland Rose Festival'']]
{{#ev:vimeo|832330941|430|right|''Video: Presentation on Parade Guide responsibilities. May 31, 2023.''|frame}}
{{#ev:vimeo|951352136|430|right|''Video: Presentation on Parade Guide responsibilities. May 20, 2024.''|frame}}
Beginning with the 2023 Rose Festival, Portland NET and the [https://www.rosefestival.org/ Portland Rose Festival] are working together to keep Portland's most prominent celebration safe by recruiting volunteers as Parade Guides. Parade Guides monitor vehicular traffic at barricades and serve as a general information source for paradegoers. This is a planned event deployment NET/PBEM reserves for the Rose Festival; NET does not generally deploy for Parade Guide responsibilities for any other event.
Beginning with the 2023 Rose Festival, Portland NET and the [https://www.rosefestival.org/ Portland Rose Festival] are working together to keep Portland's most prominent celebration safe by recruiting volunteers as Parade Guides. Parade Guides monitor vehicular traffic at barricades and serve as a general information source for paradegoers. This is a planned event deployment NET/PBEM reserves for the Rose Festival; NET does not generally deploy for Parade Guide responsibilities for any other event.


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Roles at a Coordination Center may include:
Roles at a Coordination Center may include:


* '''Parade Guide Lead:''' This person (a PBEM staffer) effectively serves as the Incident Commander for Parade Guides. They will have an 800 MHz radio to communicate with the Portland Emergency Coordination Center (ECC).
* '''Parade Guide Lead:''' This person (a PBEM staffer) effectively serves as the Incident Commander for Parade Guides. They will have an 800 MHz radio to communicate with the Portland Emergency Coordination Center (EOC).
* '''Check-in/Check-out:''' Specializes in checking in the Parade Guides when they arrive at the post and giving them their barricade assignment. When a Parade Guide checks out, the person(s) in this role can accept the check-out either in person or by radio.
* '''Check-in/Check-out:''' Specializes in checking in the Parade Guides when they arrive at the post and giving them their barricade assignment. Check in and check out is done in person.
* '''Tactical Radio Lead:''' Monitors the FRS frequency Parade Guides are speaking on and moves the frequency if necessary.
* '''Tactical Radio Lead:''' Monitors the radio frequency Parade Guides are speaking on and moves the frequency if necessary.
* '''Runners:''' Volunteer who can run critical messages to a barricade if the Parade Guide at a location is not available by cell phone or radio. Runners will also take over for Parade Guides who need to leave post to use the restroom.
* '''Runners:''' Volunteer who can run critical messages to a barricade if the Parade Guide at a location is not available by cell phone or radio. Runners will also take over for Parade Guides who need to leave post to use the restroom. "Runner" is a bit of a misnomer, since most of them are on bikes.
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Before leaving home for your volunteer shift:
Before leaving home for your volunteer shift:
* Have your route from home planned. If you're driving, where will you park your vehicle while volunteering? (Recommended parking options for you will be provided via email before your shift) How much time will you need to get from your home to check in at the Coordination Center?
* Have your route from home planned. If you're driving, where will you park your vehicle while volunteering? (Recommended parking options for you will be provided via email before your shift) How much time will you need to get from your home to check in at the Coordination Center?
* You will find recommended parking guidance in the FAQ at the bottom of this page [https://volunteerpdx.net/index.php/Parade_Guides_at_Barricades#Q:_Where_should_I_park? HERE].
* If you're taking the bus, plan your trip with TriMet at https://trimet.org/home/planner.
* If you're taking the bus, plan your trip with TriMet at https://trimet.org/home/planner.
* Check your equipment and make sure you have everything you want. We recommend having it prepped and ready to go the night before.
* Check your equipment and make sure you have everything you want. We recommend having it prepped and ready to go the night before.
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* A reflective vest if you are not a NET volunteer and don't already have one;
* A reflective vest if you are not a NET volunteer and don't already have one;
* Bottled water if needed;
* Bottled water if needed;
* An FRS radio if we have any spare and you don't already have one;
* A radio;
* Your questions answered.
* Your questions answered.


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#'''Be aware of your surroundings:''' Always be aware of your surroundings and the parade route. Pay attention to where the parade is coming from and where it's going. Always stay alert and keep an eye out for potential hazards. If you notice something that could be dangerous, notify the Volunteer Coordination Center immediately.
#'''Be aware of your surroundings:''' Always be aware of your surroundings and the parade route. Pay attention to where the parade is coming from and where it's going. Always stay alert and keep an eye out for potential hazards. If you notice something that could be dangerous, notify the Volunteer Coordination Center immediately.
#'''Know emergency procedures:''' Be familiar with the emergency procedures in case of an accident or an emergency situation. Know who to contact and what to do in such situations.
#'''Know emergency procedures:''' Be familiar with the emergency procedures in case of an accident or an emergency situation. Know who to contact and what to do in such situations.
#'''Communicate with the public:''' If someone is trying to cross the barricade, communicate with them and explain the reason for the barricade. Be firm but polite, and ensure that people understand the importance of not driving through the barricade. Remember that you should not physically try to stop anyone from going through a barricade.
#'''Communicate with the public:''' If a vehicle is trying to cross the barricade, communicate with the driver and explain the reason for the barricade. Be firm but polite, and ensure that people understand the importance of not driving through the barricade. Remember that you should not physically try to stop anyone from going through a barricade.
#'''Be aware of your stuff:''' If you bring personal belongings, be thoughtful about where you place them and that you're in a distracting environment. If you've never seen [https://youtu.be/-BtRMxBYaqs?t=65 "Oliver!"] you might not know that streets abound with scruffy but charming musical urchins who will relieve you of your stuff if you look like an easy mark. Do not bring any valuable items with you.
#'''Be aware of your stuff:''' If you bring personal belongings, be thoughtful about where you place them and that you're in a distracting environment. If you've never seen [https://youtu.be/-BtRMxBYaqs?t=65 "Oliver!"] you might not know that streets abound with scruffy but charming musical urchins who will relieve you of your stuff if you look like an easy mark. Do not bring any valuable items with you.
#'''If you need to use the restroom (or just need a break):''' If you are at a post alone, contact the VCC and request a runner to fill in at post while you're gone. If you have a partner, it's OK to leave post as long as your partner is remaining.
#'''If you need to use the restroom (or just need a break):''' If you are at a post alone, contact the VCC and request a runner to fill in at post while you're gone. If you have a partner, it's OK to leave post as long as your partner is remaining.  
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=== Common questions from paradegoers ===
 
* '''Where are the restrooms?''' Probably the most common question Parade Guides get. Restrooms will be marked on parade maps.
 
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* While addressing the driver, maintain your situational awareness.
* While addressing the driver, maintain your situational awareness.
* Have a script ready for initiating conversation (e.g. '''''"Hello! I'm sorry, but this road is closed. Can I help you find an alternate route?"''')''
* Have a script ready for initiating conversation (e.g. '''''"Hello! I'm sorry, but this road is closed. Can I help you find an alternate route?"''')''
* Drivers getting frustrated and argumentative is not uncommon. If a driver says they should be able to drive through because there is not apparent traffic, explain that pedestrians and service vehicles are not expecting traffic on the route and they could easily end up in a collision.
* Drivers getting frustrated and argumentative is not uncommon. If a driver says they should be able to drive through because there is not apparent traffic, explain that pedestrians and service vehicles are not expecting traffic on the route and they could easily end up in a collision. If they need to vent, let them; that will often de-escalate a situation.
* At all times possible, try not to simply tell the driver they're in the wrong place and need to turn around...that could spark a confrontation. Instead, talk with the driver about where they need to go and help them with directions to get there. Your Operations Plan will come with a QR code that the driver can scan and will bring up a map on a smartphone of the parade routes.
* At all times possible, try not to simply tell the driver they're in the wrong place and need to turn around...that could spark a confrontation. Instead, talk with the driver about where they need to go and help them with directions to get there. Your Operations Plan will come with a QR code that the driver can scan and will bring up a map on a smartphone of the parade routes.
* You do not need to note and report details on the vehicle, or take photos, unless they go through the barricade.
* You do not need to note and report details on the vehicle, or take photos, unless they go through the barricade.
* If a driver threatens you or you feel threatened, your job is done. End engagement, stand back and contact the Volunteer Coordination Center for support.
* If a driver threatens you or you feel threatened, your job is done. End engagement, stand back and contact the Volunteer Coordination Center for support.
* '''Your volunteer responsibilities also do not include accepting and absorbing verbal abuse.''' If someone is being verbally abusive, discreetly call it in even if you don't feel threatened.
* As they leave your post, stand well away from the moving vehicle and stay aware of how/where it's moving until it has left your post.
* As they leave your post, stand well away from the moving vehicle and stay aware of how/where it's moving until it has left your post.
<br/>
=== Circumstances where you can allow a vehicle through a barricade ===
There are only two situations where a Parade Guide can permit a motorist past a barricade:
# If the motorist can demonstrate they live only a block or so away and they're trying to get home; ''and'' the parade itself has not yet started.
# [[File:2024 Starlight Parade Passes.png|alt=Examples of parade passes that allow a vehicle through a barricade.|thumb|349x349px|''Examples of parade passes that allow a vehicle through a barricade.'']]If they have a parade pass that allows them through a barricade. Those passes will be different for each parade, and information on them will be provided in an email to volunteers.
<br/>
=== What if a driver goes through my barricade without permission? ===
If an officer is visible, flag the officer down. If not, put information about the incident on the radio. You want to say in this order:
# Your location (cross streets or nearest address);
# Any vehicle description details you can get (color, make, model, license plate number);
# Vehicle direction of travel;
# Any driver description details you can provide (approximate age, gender, ethnicity).
For example:
''"EOC, this is Gabe at SW Broadway and Alder. A black Ford Focus just blew through my barricade heading south on Broadway and is inside the parade area. Driver appears to be a middle aged adult male Caucasian. He was headbanging to Judas Priest's 1980 hard rock classic '[https://youtu.be/L397TWLwrUU Breaking the Law]'."''
If the motorist knocks down or moves your barricade, please return it to its position after the motorist has passed.


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* '''FIRST,''' ''very'' quickly ask others in the crowd to assist the person experiencing the emergency (if they're not already);
* '''FIRST,''' ''very'' quickly ask others in the crowd to assist the person experiencing the emergency (if they're not already);
* '''SECOND,''' contact Volunteer Coordination Center (use the Communications protocols).
* '''SECOND,''' contact Emergency Coordination Center (use the Communications protocols).
* '''THIRD,''' be prepared to answer the following questions:
* '''THIRD,''' be prepared to answer the following questions:
** '''Best location:''' cross streets / below building sign / address or name of nearest building & directional (e.g. SE corner)
** '''Best location:''' cross streets / below building sign / address or name of nearest building & directional (e.g. SE corner)
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If a vehicle drives through your barricade:
If a vehicle drives through your barricade:


* Yell a warning/blow a whistle in the same direction the vehicle is heading if people are in immediate danger and need to take cover;{{#ev:vimeo|378692147|430|right|''Video: RUN > HIDE > FIGHT''|frame}}
* Yell a warning/blow a whistle in the same direction the vehicle is heading if people are in immediate danger and need to take cover;{{#ev:vimeo|678981729|430|right|''Video: RUN > HIDE > FIGHT''|frame}}
* Remain at your post and contact the Volunteer Coordination Center;
* Remain at your post and contact the Emergency Coordination Center;
* Keep eyes on the vehicle for as long as you can, paying attention to
* Keep eyes on the vehicle for as long as you can, paying attention to
** Vehicle appearance (color, make, model, license plate)
** Vehicle appearance (color, make, model, license plate)
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== Communications Protocols ==
== Communications Protocols ==
The biggest challenge in this event will be the coordination of communications. There are three levels of communications:
[[File:SONIM XP-5.png|thumb|''A diagram of the Sonim XP5plus device issued to Parade Guides. Click to enlarge.'']]
 
{{#ev:vimeo|951334581|430|right|''Video: The stark basics of using the XP-5 device (about five minutes)''|frame}}
# '''The Portland Emergency Coordination Center (ECC):''' The ECC is connected to, and coordinating, all elements of the parade. It is staffed with public safety and emergency management professionals overseeing the "big picture". The VCC is in direct communication with the ECC.  
{{#ev:youtube|TCELT7b95xU|430|right|''Video: Advanced training using the XP-5 device (about ten minutes)''|frame}}
# '''The Volunteer Coordination Center (VCC):''' The VCC is receiving communications from both the ECC and all of the Parade Guides. It is led by a PBEM volunteer manager.
At the VCC, Parade Guides will issue each volunteer an individually numbered Sonim XP5plus device (sometimes colloquially referred to as a "radio"). The XP5plus runs on AT&T's [https://www.firstnet.com/ FirstNet] network and can be thought of as a cell phone/walkie talkie hybrid operating on an exclusive network. Volunteers can review a user manual for this device by clicking [https://www.att.com/idpassets/images/support/device-support/Sonim-XP5plus-UG-ATT-062122-Final.pdf HERE] (note that reviewing the manual '''''is <u>not</u>''''' required). Two short training videos appear on the right side of the page. The first one (about five minutes) goes over the basic basics: how to turn the device on, switch channels, talk on it, and power it down. The second video (about ten minutes) is a deeper dive into how the device works.
# '''The Parade Guides:''' The Parade Guides will receive communications only from the VCC.
'''Communications will be challenging because with varying levels of volunteer skill/experience, we have to mix different means of communications and the VCC has to coordinate all of them.''' The VCC has to exchange messages via FRS radio, SMS (texting), and cell phone from up to 90 Parade Guides. Please be patient when communicating with the VCC since the personnel there are listening for emergencies on multiple channels while communicating with you.
 
'''IMPORTANT:''' If you are a volunteer with multiple means of communicating with the VCC (for example, you have both an FRS radio and a cell phone), use them in this order:
 
# FIRST try to reach the VCC by <span style="background:#FFFF00">'''RADIO'''</span>;
# If that doesn't work or you don't have a radio, try by <span style="background:#FFFF00">'''TEXTING'''</span> your contact at the VCC.
# Finally, if all else fails, <span style="background:#FFFF00">'''CALL'''</span> your VCC contact via cell phone. This should be used as a last resort.
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=== WHEN should you contact the VCC? ===
In order to keep channels clear for emergency radio traffic, you should contact the VCC only to:


* Report an emergency.
<span style="background:#FFFF00">'''Parade Guides should review information about the XP5plus BEFORE their shift! There will be no time to train Parade Guides on how to use the device at the VCC.'''</span>
* Request support for managing a vehicle at your barricade.
* Request non-emergency medical response.
* Report something suspicious.
* Request a runner so you can take a bathroom break or to get needed supplies, such as water.
* To get an answer for a paradegoer on a question.
* To request your check out so you can go home.
When in doubt, contact us. But, you '''''should not''''' report routine interactions with paradegoers or drivers.


<span style="color:#ffffff">...</span>
What Parade Guides should expect when they check in at the VCC for their XP5plus:


=== Communications basics ===
* After the VCC assigns your post, they will assign an XP5 to that post and attach the XP5's number to that Parade Guide and volunteer.
For message clarity and speed, please use these talking protocols when communicating with the VCC (whether by radio or by cell phone; not applicable for text).  
* When the Parade Guide receives the XP5 but ''before'' leaving the VCC, they should turn it on and test the talk function to make sure it works properly. They should report problems to the VCC personnel and receive a different device if necessary.
* Next, ensure the channel is switched to the channel for emergency talk.
* The talk protocol will call you by your post number, NOT the number on the XP5 device. '''For example:''' let's say a Parade Guide is sent to post #P-14 and issued radio #20. If the EOC wants to reach that Parade Guide, they should expect to hear ''"P-14, this is the EOC".''
* If a Parade Guide cannot communicate using the XP5, they should attempt to reach the VCC by texting or calling from a cell phone.
* When the VCC announces rolling check outs, they will be announced on the non-emergency channel. There will be more information about this in your Operations Plan.
* At the end of a Parade Guide's shift, they return the XP5 to the VCC for sign out.


# Begin with naming who you are trying to reach, followed by identifying your barricade number; this is the "Hey you, it's me" approach to comms. For example, let's say Barricade 12 was calling the VCC. The conversation would go like this:
=== Channel Selection ===
#*'''''"VCC this is Barricade P25"'''''
Parade Guides should know how to switch between channels on the XP5. For the 2024 Rose Festival, there will be two channels:
#*'''''"Barricade P25, VCC, go ahead"''''' (or, VCC may say '''''"Standby"''''', asking you to hold your message...in that case, wait until the VCC says '''''"Barricade P25 go ahead"''''')
#* Proceed with your message.
# Next, depending on your message, use one of the following radio scripts:
#*'''"A car ran my post at Barricade [NUMBER]":''' Used to to communicate a vehicle that crossed a barricade at speed, and/or appears to present a threat.
#* "'''I have an emergency at Barricade [NUMBER] and I need [police/medical]":''' Used to communicate an emergency at a post that needs a response.
#*'''"A vehicle has bypassed my post at Barricade [NUMBER]":''' Used to communicate that a vehicle has driven around the barriers, as in the case of a frustrated or disoriented driver, but does not appear to be overtly threatening.
# After using the radio script, stand by to receive a reply form the Coordination Post to acknowledge and receive clarifying questions.
'''Eight tips for radio communications:'''[[File:Radiobrevityc.jpg|alt=Please keep radio conversations brief.|thumb|430x430px|''Please keep radio conversations brief.'']]
#'''Think''' about what you need to say BEFORE you say it.
#'''Listen first:''' Don't talk over others, wait until others finish and the frequency is clear.
# Press button *beeps/'''pause'''/speak/'''pause'''/release button
# Keep it short and sweet '''(KISS)'''
# Use '''plain, simple language.''' No radio jargon.
#'''Answer questions directly;''' do not explain or elaborate unless instructed to.
#'''Acknowledge''' all transmissions to you to avoid repetition and wasting time.
# Speak '''across''' the microphone, not into it. Use a normal speaking voice and shield the microphone from the wind even if your surroundings are loud.


<span style="color:#ffffff">...</span>
* '''Channel 1:''' this channel is reserved for emergency traffic (equivalent to making a 911 call). This channel is monitored by police/fire at the EOC. Keep your radio on this channel and switch to non-emergency when necessary.
* '''Channel 2:''' this channel is reserved for all non-emergency talk (e.g. requesting a bathroom break, asking a question, etc). This channel is monitored by the VCC.


=== Radio Use ===
=== Why the XP5 devices? ===
If you are using an FRS/GMRS radio, please be sure to:
Why are we using these comms devices instead of cell phones or FRS radios? There are a number of reasons:


*'''Check the Operations Plan for which frequencies the Coordination Post will be using.''' There will be two: an emergency frequency, and a non-emergency frequency (to request coverage during a bathroom break, for example, and for routine check-ins). Have your radio set to the emergency frequency.
# The XP5s operate on a dedicated and secure communications network. FRS radios can be interrupted by literally anyone who has an FRS radio.
*'''Be prepared to change frequencies at the direction of the Coordination Post.''' FRS/GMRS frequencies are public and it's not impossible for our chosen frequency getting hijacked by 12-year-olds making fart jokes (this has actually happened). Listen for the Coordination Post requesting you to move frequencies. If all frequencies are crowded, the Coordination Post may ask for communications to be moved to cell phones.
# The XP5s are push to talk, like a walkie talkie (or FRS radio). Cell phones take too much time to use in the event of an emergency.
* When talking, press the push-to-talk button, '''wait two seconds,''' and then speak.
# Like radios, the XP5s can handle multiple people talking. A cell phone can process only one conversation at a time.
* If the FRS frequencies get hijacked, the VCC will direct all Parade Guides to move to the backup frequencies by saying '''"All Parade Guides, VCC, move to backup".''' The backup frequencies themselves will not be announced on air; they will be in the Ops Plan.
# Like radios, the XP5 has multiple channels. That means we can dedicate one channel solely to emergency comms traffic, and another channel to everything else.<br /> <br />
<span style="color:#ffffff">...</span>
 
=== Checking Out ===
Parade Guides follow "rolling check-outs". When a Parade Guide sees the police vehicles at the tail of the parade, they will generally wait five minutes and then:
 
* Move the barricade to the side of the road;
* Contact the VCC to check out.  
 
If you do not have anything to return to the VCC, such as a reflective vest, you can check out by radio/SMS/cell. Wait to receive acknowledgement; please do not leave post until your check-out is acknowledged. Otherwise, the VCC has to waste time trying to contact you to make sure you're safe and on your way home.
 
If you have materials to return to the Volunteer Coordination Center, please check out in person. '''''Or,''''' check out by radio/SMS/cell and then return the materials to the [https://goo.gl/maps/YgpwcCZG7zEhauHf9 Rose Festival Office] during business hours inside week after your shift (we may need what you're returning for the next parade).
 
Inside the week after your shift, expect a brief feedback survey. Please complete it! Your feedback helps us shape procedures for future events.
 
<span style="color:#ffffff">...</span>


== Parade Guide Equipment ==
== Parade Guide Equipment ==
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=== Required equipment ===
=== Required equipment ===
The following items are <span style="background:#FFFF00">'''REQUIRED'''</span> so that Parade Guides can complete their volunteer shifts safely and effectively.  
The following items are <span style="background:#FFFF00">'''REQUIRED'''</span> so that Parade Guides can complete their volunteer shifts safely and effectively.  
# '''Your personal cell phone:''' Your cell phone is your communications lifeline and you will use it to call 911 if needed. The Parade Guide Coordination Center should have your cell phone number so they can call you from the post.
# '''Your personal cell phone:''' Your cell phone is your communications lifeline and you will use it to call 911 if needed. The Parade Guide Coordination Center should have your cell phone number so they can call you from the post. However, we will only use cell communications if your radio is not functioning.
# '''Weather-appropriate and proper attire:''' You should wear comfortable clothes and shoes that allow you to stand for long periods. Considerations:  
# '''Weather-appropriate and proper attire:''' You should wear comfortable clothes and shoes that allow you to stand for long periods. Considerations:  
#* Barricade positions are unsheltered and directly in the weather! Please be sure to stay informed of the weather forecast for the day of your posting and dress appropriately. If you are staffing the barricade in hot weather, wear light-colored clothing and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. In cold and wet weather, layer up.
#* Barricade positions are unsheltered and directly in the weather! Please be sure to stay informed of the weather forecast for the day of your posting and dress appropriately. If you are staffing the barricade in hot weather, wear light-colored clothing and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. In cold and wet weather, layer up.
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# '''Folding camp chair:''' We ask that Volunteer Guides remain standing as their physical capabilities permit in the time leading up to the parade. But after the parade begins, we recommend sitting at post and having a folding camp chair available. This is the number one item parade volunteers say they'd ''wish'' they brought when they don't!
# '''Folding camp chair:''' We ask that Volunteer Guides remain standing as their physical capabilities permit in the time leading up to the parade. But after the parade begins, we recommend sitting at post and having a folding camp chair available. This is the number one item parade volunteers say they'd ''wish'' they brought when they don't!
# '''FRS/GMRS radio:''' We'll plan to be on an FRS frequency for tactical communications, but the VCC will use cell phone voice/SMS for volunteers who don't have a radio.
# '''A bike:''' It's not a bad idea to bring your bike and keep it at post so you can travel inside the parade area quickly.
# '''Umbrella:''' Is it raining? You'll wish you had one. Is the sun out? You'll wish you had one. Best to hedge your bets and bring an umbrella.
# '''Umbrella:''' Is it raining? You'll wish you had one. Is the sun out? You'll wish you had one. Best to hedge your bets and bring an umbrella.
# '''Sunglasses!''' They look cool, keep you safe from the glare.
# '''Sunglasses!''' They look cool, keep you safe from the glare.
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* '''Demobilization or "demob":''' Wrapping up operations for an event.  
* '''Demobilization or "demob":''' Wrapping up operations for an event.  
* '''ECC:''' Emergency Coordination Center. Click [https://youtu.be/r1X0vGQNFME HERE] to learn what an ECC is.
* '''ECC:''' Emergency Coordination Center. Click [https://youtu.be/r1X0vGQNFME HERE] to learn what an ECC is.
* '''FRS:''' Family Radio Service. FRS radios are, essentially, walkie-talkies. They are low powered enough that a license is not required to use them. Most FRS radios also have GMRS capabilities. FRS channels are unencrypted and open to the public.
* '''GMRS:''' General Mobile Radio Service. Most GMRS radios are also FRS radios. A license from the Federal Communications Commission is required to talk on GMRS channels.
* '''NET:''' Neighborhood Emergency Teams. Volunteer disaster responder program managed by PBEM.
* '''NET:''' Neighborhood Emergency Teams. Volunteer disaster responder program managed by PBEM.
* '''Operations Plan''' or '''"Ops Plan":''' A distillation of this job aid with critical assignment information.
* '''Operations Plan''' or '''"Ops Plan":''' A distillation of this job aid with critical assignment information.
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== Parade Guide Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ==
== Parade Guide Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ==
===== Q: Where should I park? =====
''A: Depends on the parade:''
# ''For the '''Starlight Parade''', best bets are downtown parking structures. We recommend:''
#* Smart Park, SW 1st & SW Jefferson St
#* City Center Parking, SW 10th & SW Taylor
#* Parking NW, NW 1st & NW Davis
# ''For the '''Junior Parade''', neighborhood street parking only outside the closed areas.''
# ''For the '''Grand Floral Parade''', we recommend taking public transportation to the Coliseum via the MAX. If unable to take public transportation, there is street parking outside of the Road Closure area or paid parking at the Moda Center Garden Garage before 7:45am. There is also a paid parking garage on NE Oregon St. just east of Grand Avenue.''


===== Q: When/where should I arrive for my shift? =====
===== Q: When/where should I arrive for my shift? =====
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===== Q: Why are we not using a product like [https://zello.com/ Zello] for communications? =====
===== Q: Why are we not using a product like [https://zello.com/ Zello] for communications? =====
''A: We considered Zello early on but decided that it may require too high a training threshhold for casual volunteers. However, PBEM and the Rose Festival will revisit that decision after the 2023 Rose Festival.''
''A: We considered Zello early on but decided that it may require too high a training threshold for casual volunteers.''  


===== Q: Can I carry a firearm if I am legally permitted to do so? =====
===== Q: Can I carry a firearm if I am legally permitted to do so? =====
''A: No, please do not. Remember, response to a threat is not your responsibility. Bringing a firearm does nothing but add risk, diminishes feelings of safety at a family-oriented event, and unnecessarily adds a variable that responders have to contend with if a confrontation emerges. If a firearm is observed on your person, you will be asked to go home.''
''A: No, please do not. Remember, response to a threat is not your responsibility. Bringing a firearm does nothing but add risk, diminishes feelings of safety at a family-oriented event, and unnecessarily adds a variable that responders have to contend with if a confrontation emerges. If a firearm is observed on your person, you will be asked to go home.''
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