Basic Earthquake Emergency Communications Nodes (BEECN): Difference between revisions

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== BEECN Program Introduction ==
== BEECN Program Introduction ==
[[File:BEECN site locations.png|thumb|300x300px|''There are 50 BEECN sites spread throughout Portland.'']]
[[File:BEECN site locations.png|thumb|300x300px|''There are 50 BEECN sites spread throughout Portland.'']]
In the event of a major earthquake in Portland, the communications systems that Portlanders rely on are unlikely to function. Cell phones, land lines, texting, and internet service are not resilient enough to endure the damage anticipated from a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake.
In the event of a major earthquake, Portland’s communication systems—such as cell phones, landlines, and the internet—are likely to fail due to the damage caused by the Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. As a result, many neighborhoods will be cut off from emergency responders, making it difficult for residents to receive information or request help.


Therefore, a major earthquake means that residents in Portland neighborhoods will find it difficult, if not impossible, to receive information and request help from local government in the aftermath. Damaged roads and infrastructure will also cut off many Portland neighborhoods from emergency responders.
To address this, the Basic Earthquake Emergency Communication Node (BEECN) program provides 50 communication sites throughout Portland, where volunteers and city employees use durable amateur radio systems ("HAM") to relay messages between local neighborhoods and the city’s [[PBEM Emergency Operations Center (EOC)|Emergency Operations Center (EOC)]]. Within 24 to 48 hours of the quake, BEECNs enable two-way communication, allowing residents to report damage, injuries, or request assistance, while also receiving critical response and resource information. These sites are not for emergency supplies or medical services, but rely on community volunteers to ensure their success and facilitate effective communication during a disaster.
 
'''A Basic Earthquake Emergency Communications Node (BEECN) is a place to go in Portland neighborhoods after a major earthquake to ask for emergency assistance, or to report severe damage or injury.''' BEECNs rely on the amateur radio system (“HAM”), a relatively durable communications system, to help neighborhoods and local government reach each other.
 
In the aftermath of an earthquake, volunteers or city employees will proceed to [https://pdx.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=d3eaa87bf97148a78a5f358207259d72 one of 50 BEECN sites] spread throughout the city. Each BEECN has an equipment cache associated with it which the volunteers will deploy. BEECN volunteers use a handheld radio in the cache to talk with an amateur radio operator at the nearest fire station who will relay those messages to the city’s [[PBEM Emergency Operations Center (EOC)|Emergency Operations Center (EOC)]]. Message traffic is intended to be two-way. This means that the EOC can send response and resource information to neighborhoods through BEECNs, while neighborhoods can talk with local government to report damage or injuries and request help.
 
Portlanders should not think of a BEECN as a place where people will find emergency supplies or resources, nor should they consider it a staging area for medical professionals and emergency medical services. BEECNs are intended as communication points only.
 
Above all else, the BEECN program relies on the help of volunteers to succeed. Volunteers and community partners keep the BEECN caches secure, periodically test the equipment, offer program feedback to PBEM, and will be the neighbors their communities rely on to help facilitate effective communication following an earthquake.


== Key BEECN Information Resources ==
== Key BEECN Information Resources ==
Besides the program guidelines in this Wiki, Portlanders can find other important BEECN resources:
Besides the program guidelines in this Wiki, Portlanders can find other important BEECN resources:
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|BEECN volunteer training information, maps, and program information in translation.
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Revision as of 15:32, 16 December 2024

Portland's Basic Earthquake Emergency Communication Node (BEECN) program is a network of locations across the city where residents can go after a major earthquake to request emergency assistance and access critical information when phone lines are down. BEECN sites are equipped with radios to connect community members with emergency responders.

BEECN Program Introduction

There are 50 BEECN sites spread throughout Portland.

In the event of a major earthquake, Portland’s communication systems—such as cell phones, landlines, and the internet—are likely to fail due to the damage caused by the Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. As a result, many neighborhoods will be cut off from emergency responders, making it difficult for residents to receive information or request help.

To address this, the Basic Earthquake Emergency Communication Node (BEECN) program provides 50 communication sites throughout Portland, where volunteers and city employees use durable amateur radio systems ("HAM") to relay messages between local neighborhoods and the city’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Within 24 to 48 hours of the quake, BEECNs enable two-way communication, allowing residents to report damage, injuries, or request assistance, while also receiving critical response and resource information. These sites are not for emergency supplies or medical services, but rely on community volunteers to ensure their success and facilitate effective communication during a disaster.

Key BEECN Information Resources

Besides the program guidelines in this Wiki, Portlanders can find other important BEECN resources:

City of Portland Official BEECN website BEECN volunteer training information, maps, and program information in translation.
Retrieved from "https://volunteerpdx.net/index.php?title=Basic_Earthquake_Emergency_Communications_Nodes_(BEECN)&oldid=6507"