BEECN Caches: Difference between revisions

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{| class="wikitable" border="1" style="float:right; width:25%; margin-left:10px; border-collapse:collapse;"
| style="background:#72452d; color:white; text-align: center; border:2px solid white;"| '''<big>BEECN Guidelines [[Main_Page#SECTION 800: Basic Earthquake Emergency Communication_Nodes (BEECN)|↱]]</big>'''
| style="background:#72452d; color:white; text-align: center; border:2px solid white;"| '''<big>BEECN Guidelines</big>'''
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| style="background:#ddd2cd; text-align:left; padding-left:20px; border:4px solid white;"| [[Basic Earthquake Emergency Communications Nodes (BEECN)|Introduction]]
| style="background:#ddd2cd; text-align:left; padding-left:20px; border:4px solid white;"| [[Basic Earthquake Emergency Communications Nodes (BEECN)|Introduction]]
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| style="background:#ddd2cd; text-align:left; padding-left:20px; border:4px solid white;"| [[Operations at Fire Stations]]
| style="background:#ddd2cd; text-align:left; padding-left:20px; border:4px solid white;"| [[Operations at Fire Stations]]
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| style="background:#e9ae97; text-align: center; border:2px solid white;"|'''<big>[[Main_Page#SECTION 800: Basic Earthquake Emergency Communication_Nodes (BEECN)|Back to Main Guidelines ↱]]</big>'''
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This section covers the BEECN equipment cache specifications, information about the equipment found in the cache and how to use it.
This section covers the BEECN equipment cache specifications, information about the equipment found in the cache and how to use it.
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== Equipment Caches - General ==
== Equipment Caches - General ==
PBEM is ultimately responsible for, and has complete discretion over, the design, purchase, placement, content, and security of BEECN caches.
PBEM is ultimately responsible for, and has complete discretion over, the design, purchase, placement, content, and security of BEECN caches.
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== Equipment Caches - Placement ==
== Equipment Caches - Placement ==
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# Optimally, a BEECN cache is secured in an indoor location that volunteers have access to in the event of a deployment. An indoor location’s structure should be reasonably expected to endure a major earthquake sufficiently that volunteers can recover the cache safely.
# Optimally, a BEECN cache is secured in an indoor location that volunteers have access to in the event of a deployment. An indoor location’s structure should be reasonably expected to endure a major earthquake sufficiently that volunteers can recover the cache safely.
# The property on which a BEECN cache is stowed may be a school, a business, a place of worship, or a private residence. In any situation for deployments and exercises, volunteers should act as guests and take care not to damage the premises or (during drills and exercises) interrupt other activities on the site. Volunteers will defer to the authority of a property owner, or the owner’s representative.
# The property on which a BEECN cache is stowed may be a school, a business, a place of worship, or a private residence. In any situation for deployments and exercises, volunteers should act as guests and take care not to damage the premises or (during drills and exercises) interrupt other activities on the site. Volunteers will defer to the authority of a property owner, or the owner’s representative.
# The agreement between a property owner who hosts a cache and PBEM is written into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
# When a BEECN cache is located on private property, PBEM will enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the property owner. While MOUs are negotiated between PBEM and the property owner, a sample MOU can be downloaded [[Media:Sample BEECN MOU.pdf|'''HERE''']] for review.
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== Supplementary Equipment in BEECN Caches ==
== Supplementary Equipment in BEECN Caches ==
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# PBEM is not responsible for the loss, theft, recovery, or replacement of supplementary equipment placed in a BEECN cache.
# PBEM is not responsible for the loss, theft, recovery, or replacement of supplementary equipment placed in a BEECN cache.
# Supplementary equipment must '''''not''''' include food, prescription medications, or drugs.
# Supplementary equipment must '''''not''''' include food, prescription medications, or drugs.
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== BEECN Cache Inventory ==
== BEECN Cache Inventory ==
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* Bicycle air pump
* Bicycle air pump
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== BEECN Cache Boxes ==
== BEECN Cache Boxes ==
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=== BEECN Mark I ===
=== BEECN Mark I ===
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin:0px 20px 0px 0px;"
{| class="wikitable" style="float:left; margin:0px 20px 0px 0px;"
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! colspan="2" style="background-color: #ecbf33"|Mark I Cache Box Specifications
! colspan="2" style="background-color: #ecbf33"|Mark I Cache Box Specifications
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The most common is the "BEECN Mark I" diamond-plated aluminum toolbox (the kind you may see mounted to a pickup truck). It is bolted to a steel cart with wheels. All wheels are affixed with a castor to enable better maneuverability. These boxes were manufactured by [https://www.madfab.com/ Madden Fabrication] and are being slowly phased out, replaced with Mark II caches as PBEM resources permit.<gallery widths="300" heights="300" caption="''Click an image to enlarge''">
The most common is the "BEECN Mark I" diamond-plated aluminum toolbox (specifically, a UWS #TBC-60; [[Media:BEECN Box Specs.pdf|spec sheet]]). It is bolted to a steel cart with wheels. All wheels are affixed with a castor to enable better maneuverability. These boxes were manufactured by [https://www.madfab.com/ Madden Fabrication] and are being slowly phased out, replaced with Mark II caches as PBEM resources permit.<gallery widths="300" heights="300" caption="''Click an image to enlarge''">
File:BEECN Box from end.png|''Figure 2: Appearance of a Mark I cache from the front.''
File:BEECN Box from end.png|''Figure 2: Appearance of a Mark I cache from the front.''
File:BEECN Cache Box from Front.png|''Figure 3: BEECN cache locking mechanism.''  
File:BEECN Cache Box from Front.png|''Figure 3: BEECN cache locking mechanism.''  
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'''Tools and materials needed:'''
'''Tools and materials needed:'''


* 2x 6" or 8" adjustable wrenches;
* 2 x 6" or 8" adjustable wrenches;
* Socket set with 3/4" socket;
* Car jack and jack arm (this is helpful since otherwise you would need to empty the cache and flip it over);
* Car jack and jack arm (this is helpful since otherwise you would need to empty the cache and flip it over);
* A bike tire patch kit and/or a replacement tube;
* A bike tire patch kit and/or a replacement tube;
* Exam gloves (this is a messy job).
* Exam gloves (this is a messy job).


Use the two wrench to take the wheel off entirely and pull out the tube. Run your fingers inside the tire after the tube is out to make sure there's nothing poking through to puncture the tube you put in. If you buy patching material at a bike shop the easiest to use are the self-adhering patches that come with a bit of sand paper to scrape the area around the hole.
Use the two wrenches to take the wheel off entirely (best practice is to loosen the nuts while the cache is still on the ground to prevent the wheels from pivoting while you monkey with them). and pull out the tube. Run your fingers inside the tire after the tube is out to make sure there's nothing poking through to puncture the tube you put in. If you buy patching material at a bike shop the easiest to use are the self-adhering patches that come with a bit of sand paper to scrape the area around the hole.


If the tube is replaced, do not throw away the old tube. PBEM will pick it up from you and use it to order a new one from Les Schwab.
If the tube is replaced, do not throw away the old tube. PBEM will pick it up from you and use it to order a new one from Les Schwab.


=== BEECN Mark II ===
=== BEECN Mark II ===
The Mark II is the newest model of BEECN cache, and PBEM purchases and installs them as resources permit. The locations and appearance of these caches are shared only with volunteers assigned to them. The Mark IIs are also manufactured by [https://www.madfab.com/ Madden Fabrication].
Designed by Ernie Jones and Greg Madden, the Mark II is the newest model of BEECN cache, and PBEM purchases and installs them as resources permit. The locations and appearance of these caches are shared only with volunteers assigned to them. The Mark IIs are also manufactured by [https://www.madfab.com/ Madden Fabrication].
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|Four watts transmit power
|Four watts transmit power
|-
|-
|[[Media:IC-F3011 F4011 brochure.pdf|Spec Sheet]]
|[[Media:IC-F3001 F4001 Instruction Manual.pdf|Instruction Manual]]<nowiki> | </nowiki>[[Media:IC-F3011 F4011 brochure.pdf|Spec Sheet]]
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! style="background-color: orange; color: white; text-align: center; font-weight: bold; border-bottom: 1px solid black;" | O
! style="background-color: orange; color: white; text-align: center; font-weight: bold; border-bottom: 1px solid black;" | O
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[[File:CXL BEECN Antenna.jpg|thumb|CXL antenna included in the cache of some BEECNs.|175x175px]]
 
=== UHF radio case ===
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<gallery>
File:Pelican 1150.jpg|''Each handheld UHF BEECN radio should be stored in a small Pelican 1150 case.''
File:CXL BEECN Antenna.jpg|''CXL antenna included in the cache of some (but not all) BEECNs.''
</gallery>
</div>
In order to keep it safe, weatherproof, and organized, each BEECN radio should be kept in an orange Pelican 1150 case. If a BEECN volunteer finds that their radio is still in a cardboard box, they should contact PBEM and ask for the Pelican case.


=== Accessory antenna ===
=== Accessory antenna ===
A very limited number of BEECNs whose Primary Relays are difficult to reach have included in their cache an accessory antenna that plugs directly into the handheld radio. The antenna is a CXL 70-3; a 3 dBd gain base station UHF Antenna.   
A very limited number of BEECNs whose Primary Relays are difficult to reach have included in their cache an accessory antenna that plugs directly into the handheld radio. The antenna is a CXL 70-3; a 3 dBd gain base station UHF Antenna.   


To use the antenna, unscrew the "rubber ducky" antenna from the handheld radio. In it's place, screw on the coupling at the end of the cable connected to the radio. The setup works best with two people: one to operate the radio, and another to point the antenna skyward. With the antenna connected and working, the signal coming in from the Relay should sound stronger and clearer.
To use the antenna, unscrew the "rubber ducky" antenna from the handheld radio. In its place, screw on the coupling at the end of the cable connected to the radio. The setup works best with two people: one to operate the radio, and another to point the antenna skyward. With the antenna connected and working, the signal coming in from the Relay should sound stronger and clearer.
 
The cable that connects the antenna to the radio is a [https://a.co/d/aL9mev7 10-feet RG142 BNC Male to N Male RF coaxial cable]. It is not a good idea to go longer than 10 feet in length because, as the radio is UHF, the operator may experience signal loss. The larger "N" connector connects to the CXL antenna.  The other end with the smaller BNC connector cannot be connected directly to the handheld radio as the radio uses a proprietary "J" connector.  To complete the connection use a [https://www.gigaparts.com/icom-ad-98fsc.html?utm_term=sku-zic-ad98fsc&P_Max_Other_Products&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-e6-BhDmARIsAOxxlxVxLIqMSGSM03q7lW8czoipOCzcKGmvoglnz9WhKeyyzmuuGgJYfwQaAiNdEALw_wcB J Male to BNC Female Adapter], which allows the BNC end of the cable to connect to the Icom handheld radio with a J connector.


{| class="wikitable" margin:0px 20px 0px 0px;"
{| class="wikitable" margin:0px 20px 0px 0px;"
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! colspan="2" style="background-color: #ecbf33;|CXL Antenna Information
! colspan="2" style="background-color: #ecbf33;" |CXL Antenna Information
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! style="text-align:left;" | Manufacturer
! style="text-align:left;" | Manufacturer
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| [[Media:CXL 70-3 Specs.pdf|Spec Sheet]]
| [[Media:CXL 70-3 Specs.pdf|Spec Sheet]]
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|}
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== BEECN Pop-Up Shelters ==
== BEECN Pop-Up Shelters ==
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File:2013.05.22.PACE Setter (4).jpg|''Figure 12: This canopy has one of the white sidewalls affixed.''
File:2013.05.22.PACE Setter (4).jpg|''Figure 12: This canopy has one of the white sidewalls affixed.''
</gallery>
</gallery>
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== Supportive BEECN Equipment ==
== Supportive BEECN Equipment ==
A fully stocked BEECN cache will include equipment to support BEECN volunteer objectives. Those items are:
A fully stocked BEECN cache will include equipment to support BEECN volunteer objectives. Those items are:
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 60%;"
 
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<div style="flex: 1; margin-right: 5px;">
{| class="wikitable"
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|+
!
!
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! Order
! Order
|-
|-
| style="background-color: white;" |[[File:BEECN TBA.jpg|center|100x100px]]
| style="background-color: white;" |[[File:BEECN TBA.jpg|center|75x75px]]
| Hard hats
| Hard hats
| 2
| style="text-align: center;"| 2
| To protect BEECN volunteers from overhead hazards, and to make them more visible.
| To protect BEECN volunteers from overhead hazards, and to make them more visible.
|  
|  
|-
|-
| style="background-color: white;" |[[File:BEECN TBA.jpg|center|100x100px]]
| style="background-color: white;" |[[File:BEECN TBA.jpg|center|75x75px]]
| Vests
| Vests
| 2
| style="text-align: center;"| 2
| To make BEECN volunteers more visible.
| To make BEECN volunteers more visible.
|  
|  
|-
|-
| style="background-color: white;" |[[File:BEECN TBA.jpg|center|100x100px]]
| style="background-color: white;" |[[File:BEECN TBA.jpg|center|75x75px]]
| Folding camp table
| Folding camp table
| 1
| style="text-align: center;"| 1
| To provide BEECN volunteers with a writing surface as they log radio traffic.
| To provide BEECN volunteers with a writing surface as they log radio traffic.
|  
|  
|-
|-
| style="background-color: white;" |[[File:Binder.jpg|center|100x100px]]
| style="background-color: white;" |[[File:Binder.jpg|center|75x75px]]
| Binder
| Binder
| 1
| style="text-align: center;"| 1
| The binder contains all the logs and instructions that volunteers should need in order to operate the BEECN.
| The binder contains all the logs and instructions that volunteers should need in order to operate the BEECN.
|  
|  
|-
|-
| style="background-color: white;" |[[File:RollupSign.jpg|center|100x100px]]
| style="background-color: white;" |[[File:RollupSign.jpg|center|75x75px]]
| Rollup whiteboard
| 3' x 3' Rollup whiteboard
| 1
| style="text-align: center;"| 1
| For posting public messages at the BEECN site. Requires zip ties or other means of securing to the BEECN pop-up frame.
| For posting public messages at the BEECN site. Requires zip ties or other means of securing to the BEECN pop-up frame.
|  
| Portland Printing and Distribution; copy [[Media:20150323PD.pdf|order #1151955]]
|-
|-
| style="background-color: white;" |[[File:BEECN TBA.jpg|center|100x100px]]
| style="background-color: white;" |[[File:BEECN TBA.jpg|center|75x75px]]
| Rite in the Rain 5” x 7” ICS notebook
| Rite in the Rain 5” x 7” ICS notebook
| 1
| style="text-align: center;"| 1
|  
|  
|  
|  
|}
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<div style="flex: 1; margin-left: 10px;">
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!
! Item
! Quantity
! Intended Use
! Order
|-
|-
| style="background-color: white;" |[[File:BEECN TBA.jpg|center|100x100px]]
| style="background-color: white;" |[[File:BEECN TBA.jpg|center|75x75px]]
| Rite in the Rain 8” x 11” notebook
| Rite in the Rain 8” x 11” notebook
| 1
| style="text-align: center;"| 1
|  
|  
|  
|  
|-
|-
| style="background-color: white;" |[[File:Translator.jpg|center|100x100px]]
| style="background-color: white;" |[[File:Translator.jpg|center|75x75px]]
| Visual translator
| Visual translator
| 1
| style="text-align: center;"| 1
| This is a pictogram-based communication aid for use in case someone needs help but does not speak English.
| This is a pictogram-based communication aid for use in case someone needs help but does not speak English.
| [https://www.kwikpoint.com/products-page/cert/disaster-assistance-visual-language-translator/ Kwikpoint Disaster Assistance Visual Language Translator]
| [https://www.kwikpoint.com/products-page/cert/disaster-assistance-visual-language-translator/ Kwikpoint Disaster Assistance Visual Language Translator]
|-
|-
| style="background-color: white;" |[[File:Survival Radio.jpg|center|100x100px]]
| style="background-color: white;" |[[File:Survival Radio.jpg|center|75x75px]]
| Survival radio
| Survival radio
| 1
| style="text-align: center;"| 1
| A weather-rugged, crank-powered radio to tune into public information about the earthquake response.
| A weather-rugged, crank-powered radio to tune into public information about the earthquake response.
|  
|  
|-
|-
| style="background-color: white;" |[[File:Lantern.jpg|center|100x100px]]
| style="background-color: white;" |[[File:Lantern.jpg|center|75x75px]]
| Lantern, LED
| Lantern, LED
''UCO Lumora LED Lantern''
''UCO Lumora LED Lantern''
| 1
| style="text-align: center;"| 1
| Illumination at the BEECN site. Functions as both a lantern and a flashlight.
| Illumination at the BEECN site. Functions as both a lantern and a flashlight.
|
|
|-
|-
| style="background-color: white;" |[[File:Bike Pump.jpg|center|100x100px]]
| style="background-color: white;" |[[File:Bike Pump.jpg|center|75x75px]]
| Bicycle pump
| Bicycle pump
| 1
| style="text-align: center;"| 1
| Included only in Mark I (rolling cart) BEECN caches. Used for re-inflating the cart tires as needed.
| Included only in Mark I (rolling cart) BEECN caches. Used for re-inflating the cart tires as needed.
|  
|  
|-
|-
| style="background-color: white;" |[[File:Battery Tester.jpg|center|100x100px]]
| style="background-color: white;" |[[File:Battery Tester.jpg|center|75x75px]]
| Battery tester
| Battery tester
| 1
| style="text-align: center;"| 1
| Used to make sure all radio batteries in the cache have a full charge.
| Used to make sure all radio batteries in the cache have a full charge.
|  
|  
|-
|-
| rowspan="4" style="background-color: white;" |[[File:Splinting Cardboard.jpg|center|100x100px]]
| rowspan="4" style="background-color: white;" |[[File:Splinting Cardboard.jpg|center|75x75px]]
|Splinting cardboard, 12"
|Splinting cardboard, 12"
|6
| style="text-align: center;"|6
|For splinting limbs.
|For splinting limbs.
|[https://www.life-assist.com/products/details/266/cardboard-splints/ Life-Assist item #SS120WF]
|[https://www.life-assist.com/products/details/266/cardboard-splints/ Life-Assist item #SS120WF]
|-
|-
|Splinting cardboard, 18"
|Splinting cardboard, 18"
|6
| style="text-align: center;"|6
|For splinting limbs.
|For splinting limbs.
|[https://www.life-assist.com/products/details/266/cardboard-splints/ Life-Assist item #SS180WF]
|[https://www.life-assist.com/products/details/266/cardboard-splints/ Life-Assist item #SS180WF]
|-
|-
|Splinting cardboard, 24"
|Splinting cardboard, 24"
|3
| style="text-align: center;"|3
|For splinting limbs.
|For splinting limbs.
|[https://www.life-assist.com/products/details/266/cardboard-splints/ Life-Assist item #SS240WF]
|[https://www.life-assist.com/products/details/266/cardboard-splints/ Life-Assist item #SS240WF]
|-
|-
|Splinting cardboard, 36"
|Splinting cardboard, 36"
|3
| style="text-align: center;"|3
|For splinting limbs.
|For splinting limbs.
|[https://www.life-assist.com/products/details/266/cardboard-splints/ Life-Assist item #SS360WF]
|[https://www.life-assist.com/products/details/266/cardboard-splints/ Life-Assist item #SS360WF]
|}
|}
</div>
</div>
=== SKEDs and MegaMovers ===
{| class="wikitable"
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! scope="col" width="300px" style="background-color: darkkhaki;color:white;"|Relevant Documents
! scope="col" width="100px" style="background-color: darkkhaki;color:white;"|Updated
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|[[Media:NEW-SKED-INSTRUCTION-2024-SD-4.pdf|SKED Instructions and User Manual]]
|2024
|}
Each BEECN cache initially included a single SKED Basic Rescue System for patient transport. However, SKEDs are being phased out and only a few BEECNs still have them. Instead of a SKED, caches are stocked with several MegaMovers. <mark>If a BEECN Coordinator manages a cache with a SKED and they prefer to have MegaMovers,</mark> they should contact PBEM and ask for an exchange. PBEM will not replace a missing or damaged SKED with a new SKED, though PBEM will make a best effort to replenish missing parts (e.g. straps).
The reason for the change is that SKEDs are very expensive, take up a lot of space in the cache, and require training to use. MegaMovers are inexpensive, intuitive, and six MegaMovers can take the place of one SKED. The only drawback is that MegaMovers are intended as single use and disposable, though it is acceptable to use them after their first use for heavy objects (MegaMovers have an approximate weight limit of 500 lbs.)
==== Using and training with a SKED ====
{{#ev:youtube|QGna4iy88Lw|430|right|'''''Video: How to package a patient in the SKED'''''|frame}}
If a team has a SKED and they opt to keep it, they should learn how to use it. PBEM does not offer regular SKED training, though it is possible to provide on request and as resources allow. [https://skedco.com/ Skedco], the manufacturer of SKED rescue systems, has a user manual available for download at the top of this article. Skedco also has a [https://www.youtube.com/@SkedcoInc/featured YouTube channel] with many training videos.
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:0px 20px 0px 0px;"
|+
! colspan="2" style="background-color: #ecbf33"|SKED Specifications
|-
! style="text-align:left;" | Size (in pack)
| 9" diameter x 36" length
|-
! style="text-align:left;" | Size (laid out)
| 3' x 8'
|-
! style="text-align:left;" | Weight (in pack)
| 17 lbs. with all accessories
|-
! style="text-align:left;" | Max weight allowance
| Unclear; 1,350 lbs documented
|-
! style="text-align:left;" | Temperature range
| Down to -120 °F
|}
Every SKED kit should include the following:
{| style="border:1px solid white; border-collapse:collapse;"
| style="vertical-align:top; border:1px solid white;" |[[File:SKED Stretcher.png|center|259x259px]]
| style="vertical-align:top border:1px solid white;" |
* SKED stretcher
* Backpack carrying case in "International Orange"
* Horizontal lift slings
* Vertical lift sling (30 ft. 1/2" static kernmantle rope)
* Large steel locking carabiner
* Tow strap
* Four removable webbing handles
|}
==== Use of MegaMovers ====
{{#ev:youtube|qZmlS47ZkYY|430|right|'''''Video: How to use a MegaMover'''''|frame}}
MegaMovers are intuitive enough not to require a handbook. But a few notes are in order:
* MegaMovers '''''can be used''''' for dragging patients when necessary. However, a MegaMover used for dragging should not be used again for patient transport.
* Most (not all) MegaMovers stocked in BEECNs have a cross strap to help secure the patient. Use of a cross strap is particularly important for dragging.
* Don't forget how many people it takes to transport a patient safely. Best practice is four ''minimum''. A MegaMover will allow for up to ten people helping.
* A MegaMover is about 2 lbs. by itself, and folds down to 10" x 12" x 1". A deployed MegaMover is 32” x 72” and has a load limit of 500 lbs.
[[File:MegaMover 2.jpg|300x300px]]


== BEECN First Aid Kits ==
== BEECN First Aid Kits ==
Retrieved from "https://volunteerpdx.net/index.php/BEECN_Caches"