BEECN Caches

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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.


Equipment Caches - General

PBEM is ultimately responsible for, and has complete discretion over, the design, purchase, placement, content, and security of BEECN caches.

Equipment Caches - Placement

  1. The location of a BEECN cache is NOT public information. It is information that should be known only to, and kept confidential by: PBEM, a hosting property owner, and volunteers responsible for the cache. All persons who know the location of a cache or have possession of a BEECN profile should treat the information as confidential.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. The agreement between a property owner who hosts a cache and PBEM is written into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Supplementary Equipment in BEECN Caches

  1. If there is space available, members of a BEECN cohort or nearby NET may place their own equipment in the cache to supplement the PBEM provided equipment.
  2. PBEM is not responsible for the loss, theft, recovery, or replacement of supplementary equipment placed in a BEECN cache.
  3. Supplementary equipment must not include food, prescription medications, or drugs.

BEECN Cache Inventory

A complete BEECN cache consists of the items found in the following list. BEECN volunteers can log an inventory of their cache through the BEECN Journaling System.

  • Aluminum rolling cart or other storage container
  • UHF handheld radio
  • Pop-up tent/shelter with 4 sidewalls
  • SKED roll-up stretcher or one or more MegaMovers.
  • AA batteries (qty. 18)
  • BEECN Guidelines (binder)
  • Survival Radio
  • LED Lantern
  • Roll-up dry erase sign
  • Visual translator
  • Post-earthquake City employee check-in forms
  • Rite in the Rain 5” x 7” ICS notebook
  • Rite in the Rain 8” x 11” notebook
  • Grease pencils/dry erase markers (2 each in binder pencil pouch)
  • Extremity splints, 12” (qty. 6), 18” (qty. 6), 24” (qty. 3), 36” (qty. 3)
  • Small duffel for First Aid Kit 1
  • Large duffel for First Aid Kit 2
  • Bicycle air pump

BEECN Cache Boxes

There are two types of BEECN cache boxes that volunteers may encounter in the field.

BEECN Mark I

Mark I Cache Box Specifications
Length (including handles) 81"
Length (box alone) 61"
Width 25"
Height 34"
Weight (fully loaded) ≈ 250 lbs
Volume ≈ 30 ft³

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 Madden Fabrication and are being slowly phased out, replaced with Mark II caches as PBEM resources permit.

  • Click an image to enlarge

  • Figure 2: Appearance of a Mark I cache from the front.

  • Figure 3: BEECN cache locking mechanism.

Most frequently, a BEECN Mark I is secured by means of a key safe and heavy gauge steel chain.

  • Click an image to enlarge

  • Figure 4: Key safe most often used to secure a BEECN.

  • Figure 5: Key safe mechanics.

 
Figure 6: Troubleshooting the Mark I cache lid locking mechanism.

Troubleshooting the Mark I cache lid

Because the Mark I boxes have endured years in the elements and rough use, it is not uncommon for them to have problems with the lid latching mechanism (i.e. the lid won't lock shut). BEECN volunteers are encouraged to troubleshoot the problem themselves, but to contact PBEM if they cannot fix the problem. A volunteer may need pliers, a six inch (or larger) adjustable crescent wrench, and a mallet or hammer.

Most of the time the remedy involves adjusting one or both of the bolts on the lid. Each bolt is held on by two hexagonal nuts. A six inch (or larger) adjustable wrench works well to loosen these nuts and move the bolt to the left or right, whichever is needed in order for the bolt to snap into place when it connects with the locking mechanism on the main portion of the box. Some trial and error may be needed to get it right.

Graphite, Lock-Ease or similar products made for lock mechanisms are the only products that should be used on the lock. Do not use WD-40 or other general purpose "lubricants". Many of these contain solvents that, over time, will make the lock more difficult to operate.

You know you've got it working when you snap the lid shut and then turn the box key from the vertical to the horizontal position (don't force it) and the two latch handles do not move when you try to open the lid.

Mark I cache tires and moving the cache

The Mark I was designed to be mobile, with the idea that volunteers would wheel it from its storage location to the BEECN site. In practice, this is can be challenging. The inflatable tires can traverse uneven ground to a point, but do not do well in mud. Because of this, and since a fully loaded cache is over 250 lbs., it takes two people to move one of these caches provided the tires are fully inflated. Otherwise, in an actual deployment, volunteers may need to open the cache and carry supplies to the BEECN site.

For underinflated tires, each Mark I cache should include a bike tire inflation pump. If inflating the tire that way does not work, there is a good chance the tube needs replacing or patching. PBEM staff can replace the tube, or provide the needed tools to a BEECN volunteer to do it themselves.

Tools and materials needed:

  • 2x 6" or 8" adjustable wrenches;
  • 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;
  • 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.

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

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 Madden Fabrication.

UHF Handheld BEECN Radio

Load video
Vimeo
Video: How to use the BEECN radio

Each cache includes an Icom f4001 series UHF transceiver. The operations section of these Guidelines will cover which BEECNs use which channels. This section will cover basic operation of the radio. The best guide to using the radio is the instructional video on the right side of this page.

UHF Handheld BEECN Radio Specifications
Powered on six AA batteries
Operates on 400 - 470 MHz UHF frequencies
Four watts transmit power
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  1. Rotary selector: Rotate to select the pre-programmed memory channels.
  2. Volume control: Rotate to turn the power ON/OFF, and adjust the audio level.
  3. LED indicator: See article on LED indicators.
  4. Speaker-microphone jack: Connect the optional speaker-microphone or VOX adapter cable.
  5. Lower key: Not for BEECN use.
  6. Upper key: Not for BEECN use.
  7. PTT switch: Push and hold to transmit; release to receive.
  8. Antenna connector: Connect the antenna. Never operate the radio without the antenna attached.

Preparing the radio

IMPORTANT! After using the radio, remove batteries and disassemble.

The radio should either be in a carboard box marked "Icom" or a blue Pelican case (if the radio is still in a cardboard box, please let PBEM know so they can replace it with a Pelican case). When you open the box, you will find the radio disassembled in three pieces: radio, battery pack, and antenna Figure 8). You will also find AA batteries in the box with the radio. Load batteries into the battery pack and affix the pack to the back of the radio (Figure 9). Screw the antenna on. Power the radio on to test the batteries.

  • Click an image to enlarge.

  • Figure 8: A BEECN radio disassembled into its three main parts: radio, battery pack, and antenna.

  • Figure 9: Load AA batteries into the battery pack.

  • Figure 10: Radio volume control.

Turning power ON and channel selection

Rotate [VOL] to turn power ON (Figure 10). Rotate [ROTARY SELECTOR] to desired operating channel.

Receiving

  1. Rotate [VOL] to turn power ON.
  2. Rotate [ROTARY SELECTOR] to operating channel.
  3. When receiving a call, adjust audio output to a comfortable listening level.

Transmitting

  1. Wait for the channel to clear to avoid interference.
  2. Hold the radio two to four inches from your mouth.
  3. Push and hold [PTT] and wait two seconds, then slowly speak into the microphone at a normal voice level.
IMPORTANT! After using the radio, remove batteries and disassemble.

Radio voice procedure

Basics

  1. Think before you speak. Then, be brief.
  2. Use no one's personal information (name, health status, address, etc.)
  3. To make a call, say the tactical call sign of the receiving station, followed by THIS IS and then your tactical call sign, and then OVER. Use the "Hey you, it's me" convention. Example: "Command post, this is Rover One, Over."

Accuracy

Use the RSVP system to ensure accuracy.

R RHYTHM Make adequate pauses.
S SPEED Speak more slowly than usual. Use "air writing" when spelling phonetically.
V VOLUME Speak directly into the microphone.
P PITCH Pitch your voice higher than normal for conversation.

Prowords

These words have specific meanings that replace sentences or phrases.

Word or Phrase Meaning
Affirmative Normally used when a question is asked and the reply is YES.
Break, Break Interruption to transmission.
Disregard This transmission was made in error; ignore.
EMERGENCY EMERGENCY Use only when there is grave or imminent danger to life. Immediate assistance is required.
Figures Numbers to follow.
Go ahead I am ready to copy your message.
I spell Next word will be spelt out using the phonetic alphabet.
I say again I am repeating my transmission or portion requested.
Negative Normally used when a question is asked and the reply is NO.
Out End of transmission, no answer required or expected.
Over Invitation to transmit.
Roger Message was received and understood. Can be used with the words over or out.
Say again Repeat all of your last transmission.
Say all after Repeat all after a certain word or key phrase.
Say all before Repeat all before a certain word or key phrase.
Standby Wait for a short period and I will get back to you.
Sitrep Means a situation report at your location.

LED Indicator

The radios are programmed to flash LED warning codes for different error conditions, such as a low battery. Use the guide below to interpret those codes if you see them. The only one that will immediately stop you from communicating is the "channel error" code. That means you have selected a channel not programmed to the radio and you probably selected the wrong channel. If you are on the correct channel but you still get that error, the radio needs to be flashed; contact PBEM.

TX: Steady red light while transmitting signal
R
RX: Steady green light while receiving a signal
G
Fast/Slow scan: Blinks when the Fast/Slow scan is activated
G G
Low battery 1: batteries should be changed (blinks slowly)
G G
Low battery 2: batteries must be changed (blinks fast)
G G G G
TX low battery 1: Low battery detected during TX mode
R R
TX low battery 2: Very low battery detected during TX mode
R R R R
Channel error: A non-programmed channel is selected
R O R O R O R O R O R O R O R O

BEECN Pop-Up Shelters

BEECN Pop-Up Shelter Specifications
Make/model E-Z Up

Pyramid Shelter

Length (in the bag) 50"
Canopy area 10' x 10'
Maximum height 11' 2"
Headroom 7' 1"
Valance clearance 6' 11"

The shelter is a 10' x 10' pop-up canopy that will keep volunteers protected from the elements while conducting operations. They are easily and quickly deployed. Pictures illustrate the most common canopy model used (Mark II caches have a more compact version stored inside). To review the text in a step, move your pointer over the corresponding picture.

 

  • Step 1: Unzip the case and pull it down. Pull the frame out by the legs. The canopy may still be affixed.

  • Step 2: Expand the frame outward about half way.

  • Step 3: Drape the canopy over the frame. At each corner, secure the canopy using the hook-and-loop tabs.

  • Step 4: Now with the canopy affixed, pull out the frame the rest of the way.

  • Step 5: The shelter is now ready for BEECN operations. Push upward on the canopy so that the legs extend out, clicking and locking into place.

  • Step 6: If you can safely reach them, close the hook-and-loop loops along the top of the frame to help keep the canopy secure.

Pop-Up Shelter Accessories

Each canopy should include a number of accessories located in the cache:

  • Four white sidewalls, which are helpful for keeping the wind and rain out of the shelter.
  • Stakes (usually located in a small pocket on the side of the shelter bag), for securing the shelter down if deployed on soil.
  • Sandbags to help the canopy resist wind. A significant wind gust will turn the canopy into a sail and volunteers should use the weight bags even if they do not expect any wind. Sandbags are not as effective as water weights, but sandbags are easier to store and more versatile in what you can put in them to add weight (i.e. gravel or rocks if sand is not available).

  • Figure 10: A completely deployed pop-up shelter.

  • Figure 11: Detail of how to affix the shelter sidewalls.

  • Figure 12: This canopy has one of the white sidewalls affixed.

Supportive BEECN Equipment

A fully stocked BEECN cache will include equipment to support BEECN volunteer objectives. Those items are:

Item Quantity Intended Use Order
 
 Hard hats
 
 Vests
 
 Folding camp table
 
 Binder
 
 Rollup whiteboard
 
 Rite in the Rain 5” x 7” ICS notebook
 
 Rite in the Rain 8” x 11” notebook
 
 Visual translator
 
 Survival radio
 
 Lantern, LED

UCO Lumora LED Lantern

1 Illumination at the BEECN site. Functions as both a lantern and a flashlight.
 
 Bicycle pump Included only in Mark I (rolling cart) BEECN caches. Used for re-inflating the cart tires as needed.
 
 Battery tester Used to make sure all radio batteries in the cache have a full charge.
 
 Splinting cardboard, 12" 6 For splinting limbs. Life-Assist item #SS120WF
Splinting cardboard, 18" 6 For splinting limbs. Life-Assist item #SS180WF
Splinting cardboard, 24" 3 For splinting limbs. Life-Assist item #SS240WF
Splinting cardboard, 36" 3 For splinting limbs. Life-Assist item #SS360WF

BEECN First Aid Kits

X

Small First Aid Kit
Small First Aid Kit Item Quantity Order
 
 Waterless hand sanitizer (12 oz bottle) 4
 
 Cleaning agent/soap (12 oz bottle) 2
 
 Bandage shears 2
 
 Forceps

Dynarex disposable tweezer/forcep

2 Life-Assist item #IN4050
 
 N95 face mask (case of 20) 1
 
 Protective eyewear 4
 
 CPR mask with one-way valve (adult)

Laerdal pocket mask in yellow hard case

4 Life-Assist item #AB82V
 
 CPR mask with one-way valve (child) 2
 
 Duct tape

Ernest Packaging 2" tape, 60 yard roll

2 Life-Assist item #TA6000
 
 Infectious waste disposal bags 10
Large First Aid Kit
Large First Aid Kit Item Quantity Order
 
 Disinfecting wipes

PDI Sani-Hands, 5" x 8"

25 Grainger item #9RAE2
 
 Triple antibiotic ointment 25
 
 Roll surgical tape (.5") 4
Roll surgical tape (1") 4
Roll surgical tape (2") 2
 
 Chemical cold packs 10
 
 Chemical hot packs

Dynarex heat pack 9"

12 Grainger item #36PV29
 
 4" x 4" non-sterile gauze sponges (100 count package) 1
 
 4" non-sterile roller bandages

DUKAL conforming stretch gauze

12 Life-Assist item #BJ604
 
 Non-latex exam gloves (small), box 2
Non-latex exam gloves (large), box 2
 
 Sterile adhesive bandages 1" (box of 50) 2
Sterile adhesive bandages 2" (box of 50) 1
 
 Sterile bulk dressings 5x9” (box of 25) 2
Sterile bulk dressings 8x10” (box of 20) 1
 
 Triangular bandages 24
 
 4” emergency compression bandage 4
 
 Survival blankets 100
 
 Elastic bandages 4" x 5 yard roll

DUKAL #504 elastic bandage

5 Life-Assist item #BE504
 
 Feminine pads, pack of 12 2
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