Operations at BEECN Sites: Difference between revisions

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|[https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/24270adbbc63432693f35fa4c526520c BEECN Response Framework Form]

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== BEECN Operations Basics ==

The diagram below illustrates one part of the BEECN network.

PBEM recommends that each BEECN Coordinator (BC) lead an annual process to plan ahead for deployment and activation of their assigned BEECN. To aid in that process and to share the plan with PBEM staff, a [https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/24270adbbc63432693f35fa4c526520c form] is linked at the start of this article. The Framework should be turned in annually every March 31st ''at minimum'', though BCs can turn them in more frequently if they wish. PBEM encourages BCs to hold a planning session with all the other volunteers assigned to their BEECN in person, virtually, or over email once a year. The planning session serves several purposes:  

* Helps volunteers revisit and review their responsibilities;

* Ensures adequate staffing between Shifts A and B;

* The completed Framework confirms to PBEM that volunteers are still managing the BEECN.

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At the end of the survey is a checkbox reading "Send me a copy of my responses". The BC should check the box, input their email address, and click "Submit". An electronic copy of the Framework will arrive in the BC's email (check spam if you do not receive it inside five minutes). You can then forward it out to other cohort members via email. The BC might also consider adding information about how to access the cache at the BEECN Cache Storage Location.

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==== Shift One ====

# '''Shift One Meet Location:''' PBEM does not recommend that Shift One volunteers meet at the BEECN site. Presumably, Shift One volunteers will be the first volunteers on site. But, the earthquake may have rendered the site hazardous and/or the site may be crowded with people looking for help. In either case, it makes the most sense for BEECN volunteers to gather together at a predetermined location and then proceed to the site together for [[Operations at BEECN Sites#BEECN site assessment and set up|an initial assessment]], followed by commencement of BEECN deployment and activation. An ideal meet location may be the home of a volunteer who lives closest to the site, or the Cache Storage Location (if it is offsite).  

# '''Shift One FRS/GMRS Channel:''' If BEECN volunteers have access to FRS/GMRS radios, they could be used to speak amongst each other to check in before shift. If the cohort decides to take this route, they should choose an agreed FRS/GMRS channel to speak on.

==== Operational cadence ====

| colspan="3" |...and the cycle continues until BEECNs are de-activated by PBEM or the BEECN cohort can no longer continue.

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=== Self determination to deploy ===

=== Deployment Guiding Principles ===

==== Personal Security ====

# If confronted by a person at any time who intends to take the equipment and/or harm the volunteers, volunteers must not engage physically or verbally. Take the handheld radio if it is safe to do so, leave all other equipment and walk away, and call out for help. Do not attempt to confront any threatening person.

== BEECN On-Site Operational Flow ==

* '''Utilities:''' Note the status of all utilities. If you smell gas, leave the area. If you see downed wires, assume they are live.

PBEM recommends scoping out a place to set up the BEECN that is:

* ''At least'' 12' x 12' in area;

* Level;

* Not under trees or power lines;

# Set up the shelter using the instructions in the [[BEECN Caches#BEECN_Pop-Up_Shelters|shelter set-up article]].

# Load batteries into the radio and turn the radio on. See the [[BEECN Caches#UHF Handheld BEECN Radio|radio setup page]] if you need help.

# Open the RADIO LOG in the binder, date it, and prep it to record radio traffic.

==== Radio script for initial BEECN check in ====

* '''BEECN VOLUNTEER:''' <span style="background:#FFFF00">FIRE STATION NUMBER</span> this is <span style="background:#FFFF00">BEECN NUMBER and BEECN NAME</span> checking in.

* '''FIRE STATION:''' Roger <span style="background:#FFFF00">BEECN NUMBER and BEECN NAME</span>. Are you at BEECN and ready to operate?

Volunteers will record the time of the first transmission and the time when their Relay is reached in the radio log. After checking in, volunteers request permission to pass radio traffic if there are messages to relay. Otherwise, volunteers wait and listen on channel for further instructions/messages.

As much as possible volunteers should keep radio traffic minimal and avoid transmitting nonessential radio traffic. Members of the public will have many different purposes for relaying messages through the BEECN network. If messages compete for priority, volunteers should use the rubric below to decide which messages get relayed soonest:

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=== Troubleshooting ===

If transmission quality is poor, volunteers should look at the map inside the cache and consider what objects (hills, buildings) are between them and the fire station. If possible, volunteers will move away from/out from behind those obstructions. Additionally, volunteers may have to look for higher ground to get a clear signal. Some BEECNs that are far from their fire station have a white external antenna in their kit. Volunteers can attach this antenna to the UHF handheld radio if they experience trouble communicating. The external antenna is attached by unscrewing the small flexible antenna from the radio and attaching the external antenna cable in its place.

To find the correct channels for a BEECN, find the BEECN on the table below. Volunteers should set their handheld BEECN radio to the '''primary channel''' first and check in with personnel at their '''Primary Relay''' site. If nobody answers, volunteers should try their Backup Relay next.

| style="background-color:#ddd2cd;" |[https://www.portland.gov/fire/station-11 FS-11]

| style="background-color:#ddd2cd; border-right: 4px solid black;" |2

| style="background-color:#ddd2cd;" |3

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| style="background-color:#ddd2cd; border-right: 4px solid black;" |5

| style="background-color:#ddd2cd;" |[https://www.portland.gov/fire/station-21 FS-21]

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