Basic Earthquake Emergency Communications Nodes (BEECN): Difference between revisions
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== BEECN Program Introduction == | == BEECN Program Introduction == | ||
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. | 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 radio) to relay messages between local neighborhoods and the city’s [[PBEM Emergency Operations Center (EOC)|Emergency Operations Center (EOC)]]. '''Within 24 to 48 hours after 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 | 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 radio) to relay messages between local neighborhoods and the city’s [[PBEM Emergency Operations Center (EOC)|Emergency Operations Center (EOC)]]. '''Within 24 to 48 hours after the quake,''' BEECNs enable two-way communication, allowing residents to report damage, injuries, or request assistance, while also receiving critical response and resource information. <mark>These sites are not for emergency supplies or medical services.</mark> BEECNs rely on community volunteers to ensure their success and facilitate effective communication during a disaster. | ||
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[[File:2025.05.16.BEECN Diagram.png|none|thumb|941x941px|''In the BEECN system, messages start at the BEECN site and are passed to the nearest fire station via UHF radio. The message is received by another UHF radio operator at the fire station, and they relay the message to a VHF HAM radio operator. The HAM radio operator relays the message to the radio room in the EOC. Messages can also travel in the opposite direction (i.e. from radio room to BEECN). Illustration by Hugh Newell.'']] | {| class="wikitable" | ||
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| style="background:white; border:1px solid white;"|[[File:2025.05.16.BEECN Diagram.png|none|thumb|941x941px|''In the BEECN system, messages start at the BEECN site and are passed to the nearest fire station via UHF radio. The message is received by another UHF radio operator at the fire station, and they relay the message to a VHF HAM radio operator. The HAM radio operator relays the message to the radio room in the EOC. Messages can also travel in the opposite direction (i.e. from radio room to BEECN). Illustration by [https://www.hughnewell.com/ Hugh Newell].'']] | |||
| style="background:white; border:1px solid white;"|[[File:BEECN site locations.png|thumb|300x300px|''There are 50 BEECN sites spread throughout Portland. Click on the map to enlarge it.'']] | |||
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== BEECN District Coordinators == | == BEECN District Coordinators == | ||
Each of Portland's four districts has their own BEECN District Coordinator, who is responsible for tracking BEECN activities in their district, problem solving, and helping BEECN crews ensure their caches are kept supplied. The BEECN Coordinators are: | Each of Portland's four districts has their own [[VSF 14.01.03: BEECN District Coordinator|BEECN District Coordinator]], who is responsible for tracking BEECN activities in their district, problem solving, and helping BEECN crews ensure their caches are kept supplied. The BEECN Coordinators are: | ||
{| class="wikitable" style="width:33%" | {| class="wikitable" style="width:33%" | ||
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|style="background-color: #e5412c; color: white" |'''District 2''' | |style="background-color: #e5412c; color: white" |'''District 2''' | ||
|style="background-color: #f9d0ca"| | |style="background-color: #f9d0ca"|David Hansen | ||
|style="background-color: #f9d0ca"| | |style="background-color: #f9d0ca"|{{EmailLink|addr=net@portlandoregon.gov|name=district2beecn@gmail.com}} | ||
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|style="background-color: #30b457; color: white" |'''District 3''' | |style="background-color: #30b457; color: white" |'''District 3''' | ||
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|style="background-color: #ffe01a" |'''District 4''' | |style="background-color: #ffe01a" |'''District 4''' | ||
|style="background-color: #fff7c6"|Sarah Rosenberg | |style="background-color: #fff7c6"|Sarah Rosenberg | ||
|style="background-color: #fff7c6"| | |style="background-color: #fff7c6"|{{EmailLink|addr=net@portlandoregon.gov|name=district4beecn@gmail.com}} | ||
|} | |} | ||
== BEECN Program History == | == BEECN Program History == | ||
{{#ev:youtube|5M7q04Bprm8|430|right|'''''Video: Mayor Sam Adams announces the BEECN program on December 12, 2012.'''''|frame}} | {{#ev:youtube|5M7q04Bprm8|430|right|'''''Video: Mayor Sam Adams announces the BEECN program on December 12, 2012.'''''|frame}} | ||
In September 2012, Portland [[wikipedia:Sam_Adams_(Oregon_politician)|Mayor Sam Adams]] directed the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management to design and implement the BEECN program. The initial idea came from Mayor Adams himself after observing a similar program in [https://youtu.be/icXq279CmXs Seattle]. Mayor Adams instructed PBEM to fully deploy the program before December 31 of that year with 48 sites (two more sites were added later, for a total of 50). | In September 2012, Portland [[wikipedia:Sam_Adams_(Oregon_politician)|Mayor Sam Adams]] directed the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management to design and implement the BEECN program. The initial idea came from Mayor Adams himself after observing a similar program in [https://youtu.be/icXq279CmXs Seattle]. Mayor Adams instructed PBEM to fully deploy the program before December 31 of that year with 48 sites (two more sites were added later, for a total of 50). In the first planning days of BEECN, the program was called "Neighborhood Emergency Communications Sites" (NECS). | ||
With only three months to implement, PBEM Operations Manager David Blitzer and new hire Jeremy Van Keuren jumped into a truck and scoured the city to scope out site locations. It was like the worst 80s buddy cop movie ever, but they nailed down 50 locations. Meanwhile, the [https://rdpo.net Regional Disaster Policy Organization] mobilized to assist funding the program. Thanks to their work, the 2010 [https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/homeland-security UASI grant] would provide $151,496 to start BEECN. The Mayor's Office contributed an additional $60,000 to market the program by sending a BEECN postcard to every home and business in the City of Portland. The postcards dropped in early December 2012. Mayor Adams officially kicked the program off on December 10, and held a press conference two days later. | With only three months to implement, PBEM Operations Manager David Blitzer and new hire Jeremy Van Keuren jumped into a truck and scoured the city to scope out site locations. It was like the worst 80s buddy cop movie ever, but they nailed down 50 locations. Meanwhile, the [https://rdpo.net Regional Disaster Policy Organization] mobilized to assist funding the program. Thanks to their work, the 2010 [https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/homeland-security UASI grant] would provide $151,496 to start BEECN. The Mayor's Office contributed an additional $60,000 to market the program by sending a BEECN postcard to every home and business in the City of Portland. The postcards dropped in early December 2012. Mayor Adams officially kicked the program off on December 10, and held a press conference two days later. | ||
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!Date | !Date | ||
!BEECN Program Milestones | !BEECN Program Milestones | ||
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|2012.10.17 | |||
|Portland City Council [[Media:2012.10.17.BEECN Grant Ordinance.pdf|approves an application to FEMA]] to fund BEECN (then called NECS) | |||
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|2012.12.10 | |2012.12.10 | ||
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|2015.10.09 | |2015.10.09 | ||
|PBEM recruits Ernie Jones to manage the BEECN program | |PBEM recruits Ernie Jones to manage the BEECN program | ||
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|2017.06.15 | |||
|SW-49, first community initiated BEECN, established. | |||
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|2017.10.03 | |2017.10.03 | ||
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===== Q: How do I find my nearest BEECN? ===== | ===== Q: How do I find my nearest BEECN? ===== | ||
''A: We have published several maps. Check [https://pdx.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=d3eaa87bf97148a78a5f358207259d72 here] or [https:// | ''A: We have published several maps. Check [https://pdx.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=d3eaa87bf97148a78a5f358207259d72 here] or [https://volunteerpdx.net/images/d/dc/2022.05.26.en.BEECN_postcard.pdf here]. The best way is to look up your address on [https://www.portlandmaps.com/ PortlandMaps.com], scroll down to the "Public Safety" section of the righthand pane, and look for the BEECN entry at the bottom.'' | ||
===== Q: How do I get a BEECN site in my neighborhood? ===== | ===== Q: How do I get a BEECN site in my neighborhood? ===== | ||
