Golden Triangle Region Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) Emergency Operations Plan
Table of Contents
Acknowledgement and Approval 3
Purpose, Scope, Situation, and Assumptions 6
Hazard and Threat Analysis Summary 8
Initial Communication Operational Plan 15
Level 2: Partial Activation 15
Level 3: Enhanced Monitoring / Routine Incident 16
Golden Triangle Region ARES Net Guide 17
Appendix A: Golden Triangle Region ARES Primary Points of Contact 18
Appendix B: Golden Triangle Region ARES Communications Plan (ICS 205 19
VHF & UHF Simplex Frequencies 19
Mississippi HF Nets and Operational Times 19
Golden triangle ARES Radio Communications Plan (ICS 205) 20
Appendix C: ARES Net Control Station Guide 23
Appendix D: Emergency Communicator Training Recommendations and Skills 25
Acknowledgement and Approval
The Golden Triangle Regional Amateur Radio Emergency Service is a collaborative effort of Amateur Radio Operators and American Radio Relay League affiliated Amateur Radio Clubs within the Mississippi Section of the American Radio League Delta Division. Participation in the Golden Triangle Amateur Radio Service is voluntary; however, in an effort to ensure consistent and effective Amateur Radio Service efforts during an emergency this Emergency Operations Plan has been developed. Amateur Radio Operators and Amateur Radio Clubs voluntarily agree to operate within the basic guidance provided in this plan in support of emergency services within the region and the State of Mississippi.
Amateur Radio Operators designated at Emergency Coordinators and key Amateur Radio Operators with Amateur Radio Emergency Service experience and training have reviewed this document and acknowledge that this plan provides guidance which should be utilized within the region. This document has also been reviewed and recommendations provided by the designated Mississippi Golden Triangle District Emergency Coordinator. Following the review and revisions provided, regional Amateur Radio Club officers acknowledge and approve this plan for implementation within the region by their signature below.
President, Magnolia Amateur Radio Club
President, Lowndes County Amateur Radio Club
AARL Golden Triangle District Emergency Coordinator
Others as deemed appropriate
Record of Changes
The Golden Triangle Region Amateur Radio Emergency Services periodically reviews this plan to ensure the information is current and accurate.
As changes are made to this plan, the following procedures should be followed:
- The Golden Triangle Region ARES will issue all changes to holders of the plan through electronic media, email, or hard copy.
- Upon receiving written notification regarding changes to this plan, individuals issued a hard copy should insert new pages and remove and destroy old pages. Minor changes may be made on existing pages by pen and ink.
- When any change is made, enter the log below accordingly
| Change Number | Date of Change | Page/Section of Change | Brief Description of Change |
This page intentionally left blank
Purpose, Scope, Situation, and Assumptions
Purpose
The State of Mississippi and the Golden Triangle Region are repeatedly subjected to hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms, flooding, and myriad other emergency situations. Operators in the Amateur Radio Service (ARS) are by design in a unique position to render critical public service. Amateurs own their equipment and utilize proven High Frequency (HF), Very High Frequency (VHF), and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) communications capabilities using point-to-point, repeater, and satellite operations.
The purpose of this Emergency Operations Plan is to describe the Golden Triangle Region Amateur Radio Services approach to supporting local emergency services during emergencies and/or major disasters with alternative communications. This plan outlines to procedures by which the Golden Triangle Amateur Radio Service members support local emergency services during an emergency. The Emergency Operations Plan incorporates the concepts and requirements of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 97 and the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) standard for Emergency Communications. Additionally, this plan embraces the National Response Framework (NRF), the National Preparedness Goal (NPG), and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). This plan outlines the roles and responsibilities of participating Amateur Radio Club members.
This plan applies to Amateur Radio Club members volunteering to participate as Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) club members in the Golden Triangle Region including:
- Magnolia Amateur Radio Club
- Lowndes County Amateur Radio Club
- Mississippi State Amateur Radio Club
This plan consists of a Base Plan and Specific Appendices.
- The Base Plan outlines fundamental policies, planning assumptions, concept of operations, core capabilities, and roles and responsibilities for implementing this plan in support of local emergency services.
- Specific Appendices outlines standard operating procedures, communications plans, and other procedures specific to Amateur Radio Service communications.
Scope
This document provides structures for implementing operational communications in support of local emergency services for an incident response. The plan can be implemented partially or fully in response to a potential threat or an actual emergency. Selective implementation allows for a scaled response, delivery of the exact resources required and a level of coordination appropriate for the incident.
This Emergency Operations Plan is intended to accelerate and organize the region’s alternative communication capability in support of local emergency services. In practice, many incidents require virtually spontaneous activation of emergency support services to prevent the incident from becoming worse or surge more aggressively to contain it.
To support a more nimble, scalable and coordinated response, this plan may be activated at by any club ARES member at the behest of local emergency services (formal trigger) or activated on a limited basis in the event of a potential threat to monitor the situation and provide information to club member. Incidents requiring a more systematic response will be coordinated through County Emergency Coordinators, or his/her designee as outlined in this plan.
Situation Overview
A foundation of the Amateur Radio Service can be found in Code of Federal Regulations Part 97, Subpart A 97.1 which states:
“The rules and regulations in this part are designed to provide an amateur radio service having a fundamental purpose as expressed in the following principles:
(a) Recognition and enhancement of the value of the amateur service to the public as a voluntary noncommercial communication service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications.”
There are two organizational guidelines recognized by the Amateur Radio Relay Leage for Emergency Communications; the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) and the Amateur Emergency Radio Service (ARES). ARES is activated before, during and after an emergency. Generally, ARES handles all emergency messages, including those between government emergency management officials. RACES, on the other hand, almost never starts before an emergency and is active only during the emergency and during the immediate aftermath if government emergency management offices need communications support. RACES is normally shut down shortly after the emergency has cleared. To facilitate effective Emergency Communications, the Golden Triangle Region has selected to organize as an ARES organization.
As such, the Amateur Radio Service activities in the Golden Triangle Region are broadly organized under several organizations, including but not limited to the Magnolia Amateur Radio Club (MagARC) in Starkville, the MFJ Amateur Radio Club (MFJARC) at MFJ Enterprises, the Mississippi State Amateur Radio Club (MSUARC), and the Lowndes County Amateur Radio Club (LCARC) in Columbus. These groups are coordinated at county and higher levels via Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) and affiliated organizations such as the Department of Homeland Security’s SHAred RESources (SHARES), the Department of Defense’s Military Auxiliary Radio Service (MARS), state-level Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES), and other volunteer groups such as the Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN), and the Red Cross. Each of these organizations have slightly different missions and needs, but they all rely on the Amateur Radio Service to form the local-level interface between communities and government response teams. In order to practice interoperability between services, Amateur Radio Service operators are encouraged to maintain active memberships in at least one other service. Amateur Radio Service operators routinely practice the skills required to operate in communications-degraded environments by participating in events that simulate, either partly or in full, the communications environments in a real emergency. These events include the annual Field Day exercise in June, Simulated Emergency Tests (SETs), marathons, parades, and other training exercises as needed. The end result is a group of trained and experience Amateur Radio Service operators with the flexibility to adapt to rapidly-changing situations while consistently providing quality critical communications capabilities.
Hazard and Threat Analysis Summary
The Golden Triangle Region is vulnerable to the effects of natural, man-made, and technological hazards. The region’s location in the southern United States, proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and geographical features make it vulnerable to tornados, floods, and the effect of hurricanes and earthquakes in adjoining regions. Additional hazards include chemical spills, winter storms, dam failures, pandemics, and wildfires. Regional universities, military installations, and government functions create addition risks from acts meant to cause physical damage, casualties, or operational disfunction.
Capability Assessment
Amateur Radio Service Operators are not trained to fill general gaps in emergency response rosters. For example, while an average Amateur Radio Service Operator is probably capable of directing limited traffic in a pinch, it is not a good idea to place an operator in a position where they have to perform crowd control in a volatile situation. The following is a list of the tasks that Amateur Radio Service Operators are trained to perform. Any additional tasking must be approved by the Incident Commander. Operators are not expected to assist with disaster assessment, organize or execute logistical or tactical operations, or assist with shelter management, unless they have been previously trained in these activities. Specific Amateur Radio Service competencies are defined below.
- Establish contingency communications for emergency management as a fallback for existing primary systems
- Establish communications into areas where no other communications capabilities exist
- Prepare, send, receive, and deliver official messages as requested
- Prepare, send, receive, and deliver health and welfare traffic as the situation allows
- Provide meteorological observations if requested
Golden Triangle Regional ARES members possess a variety of alternative communications methods incorporating capabilities accessible through amateur radio. These alternative communications methods are routinely exercised on a daily, weekly and/or monthly schedule regionally and statewide. Among those capabilities are:
- Digital messaging via Winlink (email capable) and FL-DIGI protocols which can utilize Incident Command System ICS 213, General Message Form
- Direct radio communications via Very High Frequency (VHF), High Frequency (HF), Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) modes capable of communicating regionally, statewide, and internationally. These capabilities also exist at the Mississippi Emergency Operations Center which allows for direct communications from the region
- Access to the National Radio
- Regional communications via five repeaters throughout the region capable of Ultra High Frequency (UHF) and Very High Frequency (VHF) on the amateur radio bands
- Direct radio communications to the National Traffic System (NTS) is an organized network of amateur radio operators sponsored by the American Radio Relay League for the purpose of relaying messages throughout the U.S. and Canada
Core Capabilities
The National Preparedness Goal describes five mission areas; Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response and Recovery and 32 activities, called core capabilities, that address the greatest risks to the nation.
Each of these core capabilities is tied to a capability target. These targets recognize that everyone needs the flexibility to determine how they apply their resources, based on the threats that are most relevant to them and their communities.
The Golden Triangle Regional ARES clubs recognize that meeting these capabilities is the responsibility of local government and intend is only to serve as a means to provide redundant and alternative means to meet these core capabilities. This Emergency Operation Plan focuses on the Operational Communications and Situational Assessment core capabilities of the response mission and the region’s Amateur Radio Operators capabilities to support emergency services agencies.
Operational Communication: Ensure the capacity for timely communications in support of security, situational awareness, and operations by any and all means available, among and between affected communities in the impact area and all response forces.
Target Capability: Ensure the capacity to communicate with both the emergency response community and the affected populations and establish interoperable voice and data communications between Federal, tribal, state, and local first responders.
Situational Assessment: Provide all decision makers with decision-relevant information regarding the nature and extent of the hazard, any cascading effects, and the status of the response.
Target Capability: Deliver information sufficient to inform decision making regarding immediate lifesaving and life-sustaining activities, and engage governmental, private, and civic sector resources within and outside of the affected area to meet basic human needs and stabilize the incident.
Target Capability 2: Deliver enhanced information to reinforce ongoing lifesaving and life-sustaining activities, and engage governmental, private, and civic sector resources within and outside of the affected area to meet basic human needs, stabilize the incident, and transition to recovery.
Assumptions
- Not all counties within the ARRL Golden Triangle District, which encompasses 10 counties have active ARES members or Amateur Radio Clubs. However, many Amateur Radio Operators within these counties are active members of Amateur Radio Clubs within the region. Even without direct ARES association or local club membership, all Amateur Radio Operators are encouraged to participate during emergency situations.
- Participation by the Golden Triangle Regional Amateur Radio Service Operators is voluntary and club members are not required to participate in ARES training or exercises to participate in Emergency Communications Networks during an emergency.
- Members participating in Emergency Communications Networks are possess a current Federal Communications Commission license and will conduct amateur radio operations within the limitations of that license as outlined by CFR Part 97.
- Members participating in Emergency Communications at Emergency Operations Center or other emergency locations will provide communications assistance and report to the Communications Unit Leader, if established, or as directed by the Emergency Operations Center Manager/Emergency Management Agency Director.
- Members deployed to remote locations will provide the appropriate radio equipment to establish and maintain communications with the Emergency Communications Network Control Station.
- Emergency service agencies will not require Amateur Radio Service Operations to perform tasks outside the scope of training or abilities of the members. The function of the Golden Triangle Region ARES group is to provide redundant and alternative Emergency Communications.
- Incidents mean an occurrence or event (natural, technological, or human-caused), that requires a response to protect life, property, or the environment. Examples include: major disasters, emergencies, terrorist attacks, terrorist threats, civil unrest, wild land and urban fires, floods, hazardous materials (HAZMAT) spills, nuclear accidents, aircraft accidents, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, tropical storms, tsunamis, war-related disasters, public health and medical emergencies and other occurrences requiring an emergency response.
- Incidents may occur at any time with little or no warning in the context of a general or specific threat or hazard and they may involve single or multiple geographic/jurisdictional areas.
- All incidents begin and end locally and are typically managed at the lowest possible geographic, organizational and jurisdictional level.
- Government at all levels must continue to function under all threats, emergencies and disaster conditions.
- Executive Order No. 932 designates NIMS as the basis for all incident management in the State of Mississippi. Therefore, incident management activities shall be initiated and conducted using the NIMS Command and Management principles. In accordance with NIMS requirements, the Incident Command System (ICS) will be used as the on-scene management system.
- Local governments possess varying levels of capabilities, plans, procedures and resources to provide for the safety and welfare of their people. They also vary in their capacity to protect property and the environment in times of emergency or disaster.
- Incidents may cause significant alterations and damage to the environment resulting innumerous casualties and fatalities, displaced individuals, property loss, disruption of normal life support systems, disruption of essential public services and damage to basic infrastructure.
- Incidents pose a challenge for the whole community to include children, individuals with disabilities and others with access and functional needs, diverse communities, the elderly and people with limited English proficiency. These groups may be lacking in resources such as food, shelter and transportation.
Authorities
In Part 97 of its rules, the Federal Communications Commission states that the Amateur Radio Service is a “voluntary non-commercial communication service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications.” This is an essential element of the “public interest, convenience or necessity” doctrine embodied in the Communications Act of 1934, the enabling legislation that created the FCC. In turn, ARRL makes providing Emergency Communications capability an objective of its Field Organization with the ARES as the vehicle for accomplishing it.
Concept of Operations
Roles and Responsibilities
The Golden Triangle Region ARES is organized by the standards recognized by the American Radio Relay League for Emergency Communications.
District Emergency Coordinator (DEC): The District Emergency Coordinator is appointed by the ARRL Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC) or the ARRL Section Manager (SM) to supervise a district of EC jurisdictional units. The duties of the DEC are to:
- Coordinate the training, organization and emergency participation of Emergency Coordinators in the area of jurisdiction.
- Make local decisions in the absence of the SEC or through coordination with the SEC concerning the allotment of available amateurs and equipment during an emergency.
- Coordinate the interrelationship between local emergency plans and between communications networks within the area of jurisdiction.
- Act as backup for local areas without an EC and assist in maintaining contact with governmental and other agencies in the area of jurisdiction.
- Provide direction in the routing and handling of emergency communications of either a formal or tactical nature, with specific emphasis being placed on Welfare traffic.
- Recommend EC appointments to the SEC.
- Coordinate the reporting and documentation of ARES activities in the area of jurisdiction.
- Act as a model emergency communicator as evidenced by dedication to purpose, reliability and understanding of emergency communications.
- Be fully conversant in National Traffic System routing and procedures as well as have a thorough understanding of the locale and role of all vital governmental and volunteer agencies that could be involved in an emergency. The DEC (or DEC candidate) must be an ARRL Full Member and hold at least a Technician Class License:
Emergency Coordinator (EC): The main working level of ARES is headed by Emergency Coordinator for a specific area of jurisdiction by the SM or SEC. Emergency Coordinator is responsible for all ARES activities within the specified area, not just one club or one service organization must be an ARRL Full Member and hold a Technician class license or higher to be eligible to become an Emergency Coordinator. Emergency Coordinators for the Golden Triangle Region are appointed by county.
- Promote and enhance the activities of Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) for the benefit of the public as a voluntary, non-commercial communications service.
- Manage and coordinate the training, organization and emergency participation of interested amateurs working in support of the communities, agencies or functions designated by the Section Emergency Coordinator/Section Manager.
- Establish an emergency communications plan for the communities and agencies that will effectively utilize ARES members to cover the needs for tactical and formal Welfare message traffic.
- Establish a viable working relationship with all federal, state, county, city governmental and private agencies in the ARES jurisdictional area which might need the services of ARES in emergencies.
- Establish local communications networks run on a regular basis and periodic testing of those networks by realistic drills.
- Establish an emergency traffic plan, with Welfare traffic inclusive, utilizing the National Traffic System as one active component for traffic handling. Establishment of an operational liaison with local and section nets, particularly for handling Welfare traffic in an emergency situation.
- In times of disaster, evaluate the communications needs of the jurisdiction and responding quickly to those needs. The EC will assume authority and responsibility for emergency response and performance by ARES personnel under his jurisdiction.
- Work with other non-ARES amateur provider-groups to establish mutual respect and understanding and a coordination mechanism for the good of the public and Amateur Radio. The goal is to foster an efficient and effective Amateur Radio response overall.
- Work for growth in your ARES program, making it a stronger, more valuable resource and hence able to meet more of the agencies’ local needs. There are thousands of new Technician class licensees coming into the Amateur Service that would make ideal additions to your ARES roster. A stronger ARES means a better ability to serve your communities in times of need and a greater sense of pride for Amateur Radio by both amateurs and the public.
- Report regularly to the DEC/SEC, as required. FSD Form 212 may be used for this purpose.
- Additional duties and responsibilities of the Emergency Coordinator should include planning, organizing, coordinating and communicating. Requirements for the Emergency Coordinator post: Technician or higher-class license and Full ARRL membership.
Assistant Emergency Coordinator (AEC): If the EC is unable to perform their duties, the AEC assumes command until relieved. AECs are selected and appointed by the EC. Each EC may have as many AECs as required to effectively manage the ARES unit. Possible duties of an AEC will be discussed in the following chapter. The AEC is strictly a local appointment, sometimes made on an ad hoc basis, and, consequently, does not require ARRL membership or SM/SEC approval, or notification to ARRL HQ. The roles and responsibilities of the AEC are similar to the EC roles and responsibilities (see above).
ARES Members: ARES consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment, with their local ARES leadership, for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes. Because ARES is an Amateur Radio program, only licensed radio amateurs are eligible for membership. The possession of emergency-powered equipment is desirable, but is not a requirement for membership. ARES members are encouraged to take the ARRL Emergency Communications Training course. Typical responsibilities of ARES members include:
- Checking into the ARES Net and remain at their current location unless otherwise direct by the Net Control Station.
- Upon checking into the ARES Net, members to indicate capabilities:
- VHF/HF radio capabilities
- Emergency Power
- Mobile operations
- If available for remote assignment, members should be prepared to be self-sufficient for a minimum of 48 hours
- During a formal ARES net, members should collect information on current conditions observed at his/her location and report these observations to the Net Control Station, such as:
- Power – On, Off, Intermittent
- Water – On, Off, Intermittent
- Roads – Normal, Congested, Blocked, Destroyed
- Airports – Normal, Congested, Destroyed
- Weather – Hail (size), Flooding, Funnel Clouds, Excessive Winds
- Health and Welfare Message requests
Net Control Station (NCS): The Net Control Station (NCS) runs the radio network. This person controls the flow of messages according to priority and keeps track of where messages come from and where they go. The NCS also keeps a current list of which stations are where, their assignments and what capabilities they have. In a busy situation, the NCS may have one or more assistants to help with record keeping
Alternate Net Control Station (ANCS): A Backup or Alternate NCS needs to be readily available should there be an equipment failure at the primary NCS or if the primary operator needs a break. Whenever possible, an offsite backup or alternate NCS should be maintained.
The NCS may appoint one or more alternates in the event some stations cannot hear them directly. ANCS may also be appointed to run subnets (counties within the region) on alternate frequencies. The ANCS assists the NCS in documenting net stations and messages received during the net.
The ANCS may also be assigned to collect and relay traffic to other nets such as the Mississippi Phone Net or the Magnolia Section Net to relay information to county subnets, others regions and/or the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.
Organizational Structure
American Radio Relay League – Mississippi Section Golden Triangle District
(Not all counties may have an active ARES group or designated Emergency Coordinator. A list of active county Emergency Coordinators can be found in Appendix A)
Activation/Notification
Formal activation of an ARES Net is normally requested by the respective county Emergency Management Agency. This formal request may be triggered by the activation of the local Emergency Operations Center prior to, during, and/or after an emergency incident. A formal request may be directed to the county Emergency Coordinator, District Emergency Coordinator, and local club official. At this time the Emergency Coordinator will notify ARES members via multiple methods (i.e., radio, telephone, group messaging, email, etc.) in accordance with club procedures.
Initial Communication Operational Plan
The first Emergency Coordinator will determine the appropriate frequency/repeater system based on the current situation. The Golden Triangle Region Communications Plan (ICS 205) can be found in Appendix B of this plan.
The activation of an ARES Net will be announced on the following VHF Repeaters:
W5YD Mississippi State University Club (146.805)
K5DY Magnolia Amateur Radio Club (146.730)
KC5ULN Lowndes County Amateur Radio Club (146.625)
Amateur Radio Operators with High Frequency capabilities should monitor the Mississippi Phone Section Net on 3.862 Lower Side Band.
NOTE: When an ARES Net Control Station is established at the Oktibbeha County Emergency Operations Center the 911 Emergency Communication Center should be notified if the Net Control Station intends to monitor or transmit on the High Frequency Radio to prevent accidental activation on the County/City Outdoor Warning System sirens.
The initial announcement should include the primary repeater on which the ARES Net will be conducted, approximate time the ARES Net will commence, and the activation level.
Activation Levels
Level 1: Full Activation
County Emergency Management Agencies have fully activated the local Emergency Operations Center for a realistic, credible threat or a major emergency incident. Upon request, the county Emergency Coordinator will arrange for staffing of Net Control Stations on a 24-hour basis. Available Golden Triangle Region ARES members available for staffing Net Control Stations should indicate availability when requested by the county Emergency Coordinator.
Level 2: Partial Activation
County Emergency Management Agencies may partially activate the Emergency Operations Center requiring only selected staffing based on the threat or actual emergency conditions. At this time the Emergency Management Agency may request the Golden Triangle Region Emergency Coordinators to staff Amateur Radio Stations/Net Control Station at the Emergency Operation Center or activate a local Net Control Station to establish remote communications from a local Net Control Station when the Emergency Operations Center is not equipped to host an Net Control Station. A Directed Net should be established and an Assistant Net Control Station should be assigned as required. Golden Triangle Region ARES members should check into the appropriate Net based on his/her location (i.e., Oktibbeha Net, Lowndes Net, etc.)
Level 3: Enhanced Monitoring / Routine Incident
Golden Triangle Region Amateur Radio Operators may engage in an Informal Net to monitor local conditions and observations. Day-to-day monitoring of environmental conditions (i.e. weather, homeland security activity, law enforcement activity) to identify potential hazards, or an incident which can be managed with normal staffing of emergency response entities. Some additional collaboration between Golden Triangle Region Amateur Radio Operators may be needed, but damage or interruption of local operations is minimal. The local Emergency Operations Center(s) are not activated or placed on standby.
Communication Coordination
A Multi-Agency Coordination System (MAC) concept will be utilized in the Golden Triangle Region to coordinate communications within the region during an emergency. The first county to activate a Directed ARES Net will serve as the primary or central communications Net. It is preferred that the primary ARES Net has direct communications systems within an Emergency Operations Center to ensure alternative power systems are available, as well as, direct communications with local and state Emergency Management Agencies is available.
As additional counties check into the ARES Net, county level subnets maybe established by a local club or ARES member to collect information and report observation from the local area. If subnets are established the primary ARES Net for the region should be notified. These subnets should monitor the primary ARES Net, if possible, or should check-in routinely to ensure coordination of information and observations. This process is not meant to preclude any county level Amateur Radio Operator from conducting a Net specifically for his/her community during an emergency.
Example of Communication Coordination
Golden Triangle Region ARES Net Guide
The ARES Net is a Directed Net and as such and all communications should be directed through the Net Control Station. An ARES Net Guide for directing the net can be found in Appendix C, and provides a general outline for conducting the Net. (See Appendix C)
Appendix A: Golden Triangle Region ARES Primary Points of Contact
| Revised: 00/00/2024 | ||||
| District Emergency Coordinator | ||||
| Allen McBroom | DEC | AG5ND | ag5nd@arrl.net | |
| Name | Position | Call Sign | Phone | |
| Calhoun County | ||||
| Not Assigned | EC | |||
| Chickasaw County | ||||
| Bobby Sanderson | EC | KA5ICO | ||
| Choctaw County | ||||
| Not Assigned | EC | |||
| Clay County | ||||
| Not Assigned | EC | |||
| Lowndes County | ||||
| Terry L Cole | EC | K5TCO | 662-549-0395 | colbra.usmc@gmail.com |
| Noxubee County | ||||
| Not Assigned | EC | |||
| Oktibbeha County | ||||
| Allen McBroom | EC | AG5ND | ||
| Webster County | ||||
| Steve Wells | EC | |||
| Winston County | ||||
| Not Assigned | EC | |||
Appendix B: Golden Triangle Region ARES Communications Plan (ICS 205)
Local Repeaters
| Callsign | Frequency (MHz) | Offset (MHz) | Tone (Hz) | Location | EchoLink | Backup Power |
| W5YD | 146.805 | -0.6 | None | Artesia | 234200 | Battery & Generator |
| K5DY | 146.730 | -0.6 | 210.7 | OCHRMC | 932472 | |
| K5DY | 444.750 | +5.0 | 136.5 | OCHRMC | No | Fusion |
| K5DY | 147.315 | +0.6 | 110.9 | Maben | No | |
| K5DY | 444.325 | +5.0 | 110.9 | Maben | No | |
| KC5ULN | 146.625 | -0.6 | 136.5 | Artesia | No | Battery & Solar |
| KC5ULN | 147.000 | +0.6 | 136.5 | Columbus | No | |
| KC5ULN | 444.925 | +5.0 | 136.5 | Artesia | No | |
| 146.895 | -0.6 | 141.3 | Houston | No |
VHF & UHF Simplex Frequencies
146.520 MHz: National VHF calling frequency
147.520 MHz: MS statewide VHF calling frequency
446.000 MHz: National UHF calling frequency
Mississippi HF Nets and Operational Times
| Net | Frequency (MHz) | Mode | Time |
| American Legion Net | 3.862 | LSB | W 1900J |
| Magnolia Section Net | 3.8625 | LSB | M-F 0600, S-Su 0700 |
| MS Baptist Ham Net | 7.620 | LSB | Su 1400 |
| MS Section Phone Net | 3.862 | LSB | Daily 1800 |
| MS Digital Training Net | 3.4944 | OLIVIA 5/800 | M 1930 |
| East MS Em Com Team(digital) | 3.581 | LSB | Daily 0700L |
Golden triangle ARES Radio Communications Plan (ICS 205)
| 1. Incident Name: GTR ARES HF/VHF/UHF Analog and Digital Communications Plan | 2. Date/Time Prepared: Date: Time: | 3. Operational Period: EOP Base Comms Plan Date From: Date To: Time From: Time To: | ||||||||||
| 4. Basic Radio Channel Use: | ||||||||||||
| CH Designator | Function | Repeater Callsign | Assignment | RX Freq. | Offset | Tone | TX Freq | Mode | Remarks | |||
| 2-meter K5DY | GTR ARES NCS | K5DY | Primary GTR and OKT Cnty. NCS | 146.730 | -0.6 | 210.7 | 146.730 | FM | K5DY (MARC) Repeater at Oktibbeha. County Hospital | |||
| 2-meterW5YD | Backup GTR ARES NCS | W5DY | Backup GTR NCS | 146.805 | -0.6 | None | 146.805 | FM | MSU ARC Repeater at Artesia w/battery and generator | |||
| 2-meterKC5ULN | Lowndes ARES NCS | KC5ULN | Lowndes County Subnet | 146.625 | -0.6 | 136.5 | 146.625 | FM | KC5ULN LCARC Repeater at Artesia w/Battery and Solar | |||
| 2-meter KD5YBU | Calhoun Chickasaw ARES NCS | KD5YBU | Calhoun Chickasaw County Subnet | 146.895 | -0.6 | 141.3 | 146.895 | FM | Calhoun Chickasaw Radio Club Repeater | |||
| 440 MHz Oktibbeha | Alternate Net Oktibbeha | K5DY | Alternative NCS Oktibbeha | 444.750 | +5.0 | 136.5 | 444.750 | FM | K5DY (MARC) Repeater at Oktibbeha County Hospital | |||
| 2-meter K5DY | Alternate Net Webster | K5DY | Webster County Subnet | 147.315 | +.06 | 110.9 | 147.315 | FM | K5DY (MARC) Repeater at Maben | |||
| 440 MHz K5DY | Alternate Net Webster | K5DY | Webster County Subnet | 444.325 | +5.0 | 110.9 | 444.325 | FM | K5DY (MARC) Repeater at Maben | |||
| Additional County | ||||||||||||
| Winlink? | ||||||||||||
| Digital FL DIGI? | ||||||||||||
| Local DMR | ||||||||||||
| State Net Frequencies/Nets | ||||||||||||
| 2-meter Nationwide | Tactical | 2-meter Nationwide Calling | All | 146.520 | None | None | 146.520 | FM | Initial Communications Support or Calling Frequency | |||
| 440 MHZ Nationwide | Tactical | 440 MS Nationwide Calling | All | 446.000 | None | None | 446.000 | FM | Initial Communications Support or Calling Frequency | |||
| ARES Simplex 1 | Tactical | 2-meter ARES Simplex | All | 146.540 | None | 88.5 | 146.540 | FM | Statewide Simplex ARES Tactical Channel | |||
| ARES Simplex 2 | Tactical | 2-meter ARES Simplex | All | 146.570 | None | 88.5 | 146.570 | FM | Statewide Simplex ARES Tactical Channel | |||
| ARES Simplex 3 | Tactical | 440 MHz ARES Simplex | All | 446.000 | None | 100 | 446.000 | FM | Statewide Simplex ARES Tactical Channel | |||
| Magnolia Section Net 75 meter | Command | Magnolia Section All MS ARES HF Radios75 Meter | All MS ARES HF Radios | 3.8625 | None | None | 3.8625 | SSB | Morning HF Command Net | |||
| MS ARES 40M | Command | MS ARES Daytime 40 Meter | All MS ARES HF Radios | 7.238 | None | None | 7.238 | SSB | Daytime Command Net | |||
| MS Section Phone Net 75M | Command | MS Section Phone Net 75 | All MS ARES HF Radios | 3.862 | None | None | 3.862 | SSB | Evening Command Net | |||
| STATE DMR | ||||||||||||
| Other Nets | ||||||||||||
Appendix C: ARES Net Control Station Guide
After announcing the activation of the ARES Net, the Net Control Station should begin the ARES Net following this general outline:
Initial Activation
Net Control Station: All stations this net, all stations this net, this is (NCS Call-sign) establishing the ARES emergency net at (ZULUTIME). This net has been activated in response to (EVENT/TRAINING). This is a directed net all stations should direct traffic through Net Control. The purpose of this net is to monitor and report observations or pass emergency traffic related to the incident. (If, an ARES Training Net, the purpose of the net is to practice passing emergency traffic. Stations for the net should please call with your callsign phonetically, location, and communications capabilities (VHF, HF, Mobile, Emergency Power). During an ARES Training Net communications capabilities are not necessary.
The Net Control Station may make a general call for any and all stations wishing to check into the net to call or may opt to call in a specific order such as; Call-signs Alpha through Kilo, etc.
Following the Net Control Station’s announcement for Amateur Radio Operator to check into the net callers should follow these guidelines when participating:
Net Check-in Procedure
- Station calling: (Net Control Station Call-sign) this is (Station Calling/Call-sign phonetically), located at, with the following capabilities. Calling Station ends the initial check-in process with his/her call-sign.
- Additional Callers Check-in following the same procedures
- Once there is a pause the Net Control Station acknowledges stations checked into the net, then repeats the call for additional check-in
- Amateur Radio Operators checked-in to the net should let the Net Control Station when they are leaving the net for any reason
Continued Net Control Operations
The Net Control Station should announce the stations call-sign every 10 minute to comply with Federal Communications Commission, CFR Part 97 requirements for station identification
- The Net Control Station should call for additional check-ins approximately every 30 minutes
- Amateur Radio Operator should call the Net Control Station to be acknowledged into the net to report information and observations
- Information and observations should be acknowledged by the Net Control Station and forwarded to the intended recipient or authority, as required
Procedure for Passing Traffic:
- Station calling with traffic: (Net Control Station Call-sign) this (Station Calling/Call-sign with Message Precedence, See Below) traffic for recipient Call-sign or contact information. The Net Control Station acknowledges the caller with traffic and determines the necessity to proceed with the message based on precedence or continues to call for net check-ins.
- Based on precedence, the Net Control Station may call for the Amateur Radio Operator for which the traffic is intended or the Operator which accepts the responsibility to deliver the message to the intended receiver:
- Net Control Station Call-sign, Receiver Call-sign acknowledged into the net, are your ready to copy the message? Receiver confirms with the Net Control Station
- The Net Control Station acknowledges the station with traffic Call-sign that the message should be passed to the Receiver Call-sign. Send your message.
- The message is sent to the receiver and the receiver acknowledges the message number
- The Sending Station calls the Net Control Station to confirm the traffic is complete.
- The Net Control Station returns to a Direct Net and assume control
Conclusion of the ARES Net operations
Upon conclusion of the need to maintain the ARES Net, the Net Control Station will:
- Thank all members participating in the net
- Provide any additional information regarding the conclusion of the net
- Acknowledge that the ARES Net has concluded and the Amateur Radio Frequency is being returned to normal amateur use at (ZULU Time)
Message Precedence
- ROUTINE: Normal traffic of no specific importance. It is spoken as “ROUTINE” in a voice message, and abbreviated as “R” in a digital message. NCS may ask stations to hold routine traffic until a convenient time.
- WELFARE: Traffic specifically about the health and welfare of an individual or group. It is spoken as “WELFARE” in a voice message and abbreviated at “W” in a digital message. NCS may have stations hold welfare traffic until a convenient time.
- PRIORITY: Important traffic that is not an emergency. Messages with time limits, official messages, and press dispatches get this designation. NCS should handle priority traffic as soon as possible.
- EMERGENCY: Traffic of utmost importance typically regarding life and death situations. NCS will halt net business to immediately service emergency traffic. It is spoken as “EMERGENCY” in a voice net and fully written out as “EMERGENCY” in a digital message. If in doubt, do not use this precedence.
Appendix D: Emergency Communicator Training Recommendations and Skills
The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment, with their local ARES leadership, for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes. Every licensed amateur, regardless of membership in ARRL or any other local or national organization is eligible to apply for membership in ARES. The following training and skills are recommended by the American Radio Relay League for participation in ARES activities.
Emergency Communicator Level 1:
- Technician License
- Basic Amateur Radio Skills
Emergency Communicator Level 2:
- ICS‐100.c ‐ Intro to Incident Command System
- ICS‐200.c – ICS for Single Resource
- ICS‐700.b – Introduction to National Incident Mgt. System
- ICS‐800.c – National Response Framework
- ARRL EC‐001 Intro to Emergency Communications
- Net participation
- Program a tone into HF
- Program frequency and offset into radio
- Write and send an ICS-213 message
Emergency Communicator Level 3:
- IS-120.c – An Introduction to Exercises
- IS-230.d – Fundamentals of Emergency Management
- IS-235.c – Emergency Planning
- IS‐240.b ‐ Leadership & Influence
- IS-241.b – Decision Making & Problem Solving
- IS-242.b – Effective Communications
- IS-244.b – Developing & Managing Volunteers
- IS-288.a – Role of Voluntary Organizations in Emergency Mgt
- IS-2200 – Basic Emergency Operations Center Functions
- ARRL EC-016 Public Service & Emergency Communications Mgt
- Net participation
- Public Service Event participation
- Simulated Emergency Test
- Serve as Net Control
- Present a training session
- Hold/held a leadership position
- Participating in PIO activities
- Proficient in using ICS forms
- Operate VHF digital messaging station
- Operate HF digital mode messaging
- Program frequency and offset into radio
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