Operations at BEECN Sites: Difference between revisions
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This section steps volunteers through what to do when deployed to a BEECN in an emergency or during an exercise. Operations for volunteers who deploy to fire stations to support BEECNs are covered in Section 400. | This section steps volunteers through what to do when deployed to a BEECN in an emergency or during an exercise. Operations for volunteers who deploy to fire stations to support BEECNs are covered in Section 400. | ||
=== | === Deployment Planning === | ||
Have a plan. Cohorts must consider that an earthquake knocking out communications systems means volunteers will be unable to check in with each other. Therefore, cohorts must plan ahead on who deploys for Shift A, and who for Shift B. | Have a plan. Cohorts must consider that an earthquake knocking out communications systems means volunteers will be unable to check in with each other. Therefore, cohorts must plan ahead on who deploys for Shift A, and who for Shift B. | ||
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PBEM recommends that the Cohort Coordinator inform the closest Fire Station and local NETs of the Cohort’s deployment plan. | PBEM recommends that the Cohort Coordinator inform the closest Fire Station and local NETs of the Cohort’s deployment plan. | ||
=== | === BEECN Operational Periods and Shifts === | ||
a. The operational period for a BEECN is from 0600 to 2200, and BEECNs will not operate from 2200 to 0600 (with the next operational period starting at 0600); unless otherwise specified by PBEM. | a. The operational period for a BEECN is from 0600 to 2200, and BEECNs will not operate from 2200 to 0600 (with the next operational period starting at 0600); unless otherwise specified by PBEM. | ||
b. Each operational period is divided into two shifts: Shift A and Shift B. Shift A runs from 0600 to 1400, and Shift B runs from 1400 to 2200. | b. Each operational period is divided into two shifts: Shift A and Shift B. Shift A runs from 0600 to 1400, and Shift B runs from 1400 to 2200. | ||
=== | === Deployment Protocols === | ||
The radio network for BEECNs is activated 24 to 48 hours following a catastrophic earthquake that has shut down communications systems such as cell phones and landlines. Therefore, BEECN volunteers must expect to self deploy without a direct request from PBEM or other government authority. Volunteers should self-deploy to the BEECN cache and set up at the BEECN site if, and only if, the following conditions are met: | The radio network for BEECNs is activated 24 to 48 hours following a catastrophic earthquake that has shut down communications systems such as cell phones and landlines. Therefore, BEECN volunteers must expect to self deploy without a direct request from PBEM or other government authority. Volunteers should self-deploy to the BEECN cache and set up at the BEECN site if, and only if, the following conditions are met: | ||
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d. Volunteers have received no direct instructions from PBEM or other government authority. | d. Volunteers have received no direct instructions from PBEM or other government authority. | ||
=== | === Responsibilities Prior to Deployment === | ||
Immediately following an earthquake, BEECN volunteers: | Immediately following an earthquake, BEECN volunteers: | ||
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c. Deploy to BEECN cache if it is safe to do so, and set it up at the BEECN site. | c. Deploy to BEECN cache if it is safe to do so, and set it up at the BEECN site. | ||
=== | === Self Determination to Deploy === | ||
Individual volunteers maintain personal discretion to deploy when the self- deployment protocols are met as described in 300.15. The decision to deploy following a disaster is a volunteer’s own, and a volunteer may never be coerced into deploying. A volunteer who chooses not to deploy will not be subject to any consequences related to his or her standing in the BEECN program. | Individual volunteers maintain personal discretion to deploy when the self- deployment protocols are met as described in 300.15. The decision to deploy following a disaster is a volunteer’s own, and a volunteer may never be coerced into deploying. A volunteer who chooses not to deploy will not be subject to any consequences related to his or her standing in the BEECN program. | ||
=== | === Deployment Guiding Principles === | ||
During the course of any deployment or exercise, BEECN volunteers must ensure that all chosen actions conform to the following guiding principles: | During the course of any deployment or exercise, BEECN volunteers must ensure that all chosen actions conform to the following guiding principles: | ||
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e. The loaded cache carts weigh approximately 250 pounds. Always use two people to move them. | e. The loaded cache carts weigh approximately 250 pounds. Always use two people to move them. | ||
=== | === Conduct at the BEECN Cache and Site === | ||
When moving the BEECN cache and setting up at the site, volunteers should act as guests on the property. Please be respectful and avoid damaging the grounds or any property at the location. If a property owner is present, or a representative of the property owner, volunteers should follow instructions given by that person. Please represent Portland professionally and respectfully. | When moving the BEECN cache and setting up at the site, volunteers should act as guests on the property. Please be respectful and avoid damaging the grounds or any property at the location. If a property owner is present, or a representative of the property owner, volunteers should follow instructions given by that person. Please represent Portland professionally and respectfully. | ||
=== | === Personal Security === | ||
a. Volunteers must never carry firearms or other weapons when volunteering at a BEECN. A folding knife or knife with less than a twelve-inch blade is acceptable as a tool. | a. Volunteers must never carry firearms or other weapons when volunteering at a BEECN. A folding knife or knife with less than a twelve-inch blade is acceptable as a tool. | ||
b. 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. Leave the equipment and walk away,and call out for help. Do not attempt to confront any threatening person. | b. 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. Leave the equipment and walk away,and call out for help. Do not attempt to confront any threatening person. | ||
=== | === BEECN Set Up === | ||
a. Push the cache to a set up location at the BEECN site that is: | a. Push the cache to a set up location at the BEECN site that is: | ||
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g. Record the messages you receive in the RADIO LOG included in the binder. | g. Record the messages you receive in the RADIO LOG included in the binder. | ||
=== | === BEECN Channel Guide === | ||
[[File:BEECN Channel Guide.png|BEECN Channel Guide]] | [[File:BEECN Channel Guide.png|BEECN Channel Guide]] | ||
[[File:BEECN Channel Guide P2.png]] | [[File:BEECN Channel Guide P2.png]] | ||
=== | === Radio Script for BEECN Check In === | ||
Script legend: Variable text in {bracketed italics}, and spoken words in plain text. | Script legend: Variable text in {bracketed italics}, and spoken words in plain text. | ||
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[[File:BEECN Radio Communication Graphic.png]] | [[File:BEECN Radio Communication Graphic.png]] | ||
=== | === Basic BEECN Operations === | ||
a. If there is no response from the Primary Fire Station, wait five minutes, then repeat the check in message. Continue transmitting every five minutes until the Primary Fire Station responds. | a. If there is no response from the Primary Fire Station, wait five minutes, then repeat the check in message. Continue transmitting every five minutes until the Primary Fire Station responds. | ||
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h. Volunteers shall record all radio traffic from the fire station and the time received in the radio log. | h. Volunteers shall record all radio traffic from the fire station and the time received in the radio log. | ||
=== | === Radio Traffic Priorities === | ||
Members of the public will have many different purposes for relaying messages through the BEECN network. If messages compete for priority, volunteers should use this guide to decide which messages get relayed soonest: | Members of the public will have many different purposes for relaying messages through the BEECN network. If messages compete for priority, volunteers should use this guide to decide which messages get relayed soonest: | ||
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5. Other: Any traffic that does not fall into the above categories (e.g. media requests). | 5. Other: Any traffic that does not fall into the above categories (e.g. media requests). | ||
=== | === Message Posting === | ||
BEECNs act not only as a way for local government to receive information from the public in the wake of an earthquake, but also a means to get information to the public. BEECN volunteers may receive direction from the fire station to use the roll-up whiteboard and post a general message. | BEECNs act not only as a way for local government to receive information from the public in the wake of an earthquake, but also a means to get information to the public. BEECN volunteers may receive direction from the fire station to use the roll-up whiteboard and post a general message. | ||
=== | === Custody of BEECN Equipment === | ||
a. The BEECN volunteers operating a BEECN are custodians of its associated equipment. | a. The BEECN volunteers operating a BEECN are custodians of its associated equipment. | ||
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c. City of Portland or Multnomah County employees may use BEECN equipment if needed. | c. City of Portland or Multnomah County employees may use BEECN equipment if needed. | ||
=== | === Media Requests === | ||
It is critical that public messaging be kept consistent and only government representatives should talk with the press during an emergency. All requests from the media to speak on the record about an emergency must be relayed to PBEM for approval. Unless authorized by PBEM, BEECN volunteers may not interview with media representatives or answer media questions about the emergency. | It is critical that public messaging be kept consistent and only government representatives should talk with the press during an emergency. All requests from the media to speak on the record about an emergency must be relayed to PBEM for approval. Unless authorized by PBEM, BEECN volunteers may not interview with media representatives or answer media questions about the emergency. | ||
=== | === BEECN Demobilization and Tear Down === | ||
a. Volunteers should not cease BEECN operations until authorized by PBEM unless: | a. Volunteers should not cease BEECN operations until authorized by PBEM unless: | ||
