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| | {{#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 ( | * '''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. | * '''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 | * '''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; | ||
* | * 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 | #'''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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* 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? === | === 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: | 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: | For example: | ||
''"EOC, this is Gabe at SW Broadway and Alder. A black Ford Focus just blew through my barricade heading south on Broadway. Driver appears to be a middle aged adult male Caucasian."'' | ''"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 | * '''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| | * 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 | * 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 == | ||
[[File:SONIM XP-5.png|thumb|''A diagram of the Sonim XP5plus device issued to Parade Guides. Click to enlarge.'']] | |||
<br/> | {{#ev:vimeo|951334581|430|right|''Video: The stark basics of using the XP-5 device (about five minutes)''|frame}} | ||
<br/> | {{#ev:youtube|TCELT7b95xU|430|right|''Video: Advanced training using the XP-5 device (about ten minutes)''|frame}} | ||
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. | |||
<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> | |||
What Parade Guides should expect when they check in at the VCC for their XP5plus: | |||
* 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. | |||
* 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. | |||
=== Channel Selection === | |||
Parade Guides should know how to switch between channels on the XP5. For the 2024 Rose Festival, there will be two channels: | |||
* '''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. | |||
=== Why the XP5 devices? === | |||
Why are we using these comms devices instead of cell phones or FRS radios? There are a number of reasons: | |||
# The XP5s operate on a dedicated and secure communications network. FRS radios can be interrupted by literally anyone who has an FRS radio. | |||
# 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. | |||
# Like radios, the XP5s can handle multiple people talking. A cell phone can process only one conversation at a time. | |||
# 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 /> | |||
== 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! | ||
# ''' | # '''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. | ||
* '''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 | ''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.'' | ||
