TERRORISM: WHAT IT IS - WHAT IT DOES
The object of terrorism is to frighten people by initiating "constant chaos" thereby drastically changing their way of life. It is defeated only when people are prepared enough that they no longer fear. Terrorism rears it's ugly head in many forms. One can be terrorized by a next door neighbor or by radicals from the other side of the globe. How we deal with each act is more important than what triggered it. Armed with enough information, basic necessities and confidence there is no reason why we can't survive almost any situation. The only exception, of course, is a direct, deadly assault on ourselves.
Terrorists mean to strip away our cloak of confidence thereby empowering them with changing how we live. The key is not to allow them this power. During the dark days just following the World Trade Center and Pentagon disasters there were many who believed that there would be more attacks and this belief was just what the terrorists wanted. In making us believe this, they assumed a position of power because we allowed it. The power, though imaginary, felt very real. There were, however, people who didn't allow this assumed power to take hold. When the World Trade Center buildings fell I, and many others, were charged with the responsibility of rescue down at the area termed "Ground Zero". Not one of us were so worried about another attack that it affected our job at hand. Rather than have a fearful effect, it forced us to become focused at what we needed to do. You and your family, during a time of terrorism, must remain just as focused. Not at any rescue efforts, but at daily living in a way that will least affect you. A prime example are the people in Israel. They are constantly surrounded by the specter of terrorism, yet they have learned to live, laugh, love and prosper amid this almost daily threat. To be sure, they have had to make some adjustments in their lives, but it hasn't prevented them from basically living the way they wish and where they want. You and your family should adopt that same philosophy.
EMPOWERING YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY
There is a saying that "Information is power". This is very true. The more proper information we have available the better equipped we will be to handle any threat to us and our families. Some of the information I will present comes from my own experiences in emergency situations, including that most devastating terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. During my work at "Ground Zero" I spoke to many people involved in that effort including police, firefighters, military, search and rescue crews, Red Cross personnel (some of whom have been involved in disasters all over the world) and other people who assisted in the relief efforts and in doing so have exchanged ideas, emotions and facts. By giving you my, and their, observations and advice it is hoped that you and your family will be better equipped to ride out any terrorist event with little effect on your daily life and with confidence in both yourselves and your country.
The term "Family Preparedness" encompasses many things. Before I delve into the subject of preparedness for terrorism, I'd like you first to read about family preparedness concerning another very important matter. This involves the preparing of your family for something which has a much greater chance of occurring than terrorism. It is about preparing and protecting both you and your family during severe weather and other natural disasters such as floods and wildfires. By reading the first part of this website you will become better acquainted with important basic details on family preparedness. Some of this information will have a direct bearing on preparing for any terrorist threat. The first section of this website is extremely important concerning developing a "HOME BAG", because this home bag will contain many of the items needed to assist you in coping during any terrorist event. I will be building on the information already presented in the first website rather than repeat things, such as basic home bag development and what to do/say (and what not to say) if your family has to evacuate to a shelter.
You have learned that by properly preparing for an event it will lessen the impact it has upon you. If you are thinking that there is no need to develop a "home bag" for your family because your area is never visited by hurricanes then you are quite mistaken. There are other "like events" that can become just as threatening no matter where you live. A freak snowstorm could block the path from your home to the closest town. A mudslide might cut off your family from the rest of civilization. Tornadoes? Wildfires? Earthquakes? Spring thaw floods? Toxic chemical spills that happen on almost a weekly basis? As you can see, there are many threats above and beyond hurricanes or terrorist events that make it important that you build your family a home bag and keep it up to date. There will be other items that I will suggest you assemble within your home bag if you are in a "high target" area or very concerned about terrorism. I will explain about what they are, and what a "high target" area is, later in this webpage.
THE ODDS ARE
Let's talk about your chances of being harmed by a terrorist attack. Forget about what the naysayers try to tell you. They are "media terrorists" trying to scare you and your family into buying their newspapers or listening to their television station and hiding or drastically changing your way of life. Often, they theorize the news rather than report the right conditions and facts. If it were up them, with all the baloney spewed by their so-called experts, there wouldn't be enough caves for us to hide in. The fact is that for any event that could take place our government is the best resource to stop any spread and to keep our country on an even keel. By government I am not just talking about the Federal government, but every official down to your local fire department. They ALL play critical roles in protecting us and containing any problem.
Forget all the theories and look at some facts. Things that really did happen. During the "cold war days" there was an accident at a bioweapons plant in a place called Sverdlovsk (since re-named Ekaterinburg) in 1979. This represented a release of hundreds of millions of anthrax spores into the air. Even though the local population was not notified, out of a city of over ONE MILLION only 66 people died. And this was at a location that made the stuff, no where near a place where most of us live. Many studies show that large amounts of anthrax must be inhaled for someone to become infected. Once the anthrax spores have been released into the air they do become a threat, especially if they are in a building with a closed ventilation system. Out in the open air they follow a very narrow path in the direction the wind is blowing. Once they hit the ground they usually stay there and are no longer a threat to being inhaled.
So as a wide-scale terror weapon they fall far short of actually infecting a large population. The only risk is if you are downwind to a very large anthrax release or happen to be located in a "high profile" building with a closed ventilation system (such as a federal government structure) that becomes infected. Does that mean you shouldn't be concerned? No. But the odds of this happening are very remote. Remote enough that you don't need to run out and buy an expensive gas mask. The use of gas masks require training and a proper fit to be effective. You must also know when to put one on. Anthrax is colorless, tasteless and odorless so in the time you locate your gas mask and put it on, it probably would be too late.
The THREAT of Anthrax is much greater than the actual spores themselves. This is what terrorists want. Threat. Fear. Disruption. Look at how much disruption there was when those envelopes were found that contained anthrax? It was a limited event that caused all of us concern and changed how we lived.
Detach the anthrax events that took place following the 9/11 disasters from the WTC and Pentagon disasters because the anthrax letter attacks were committed by other people who found it convenient to enhance our fears. These sick people, in effect, came out of the woodworks to prey upon our newly affixed fears. They went away just as quickly. This is what terrorists do. They seize an opportunity to cause us anguish and spread fear. When armed with facts, we fear less. As you can see, the anthrax threat is less than that of being struck by lightening on a cloudy day. Can you get struck by lightening on a cloudy day.. yes. Does this prevent you from going out of your home on a cloudy day... no.
Another threat you might be concerned about is that of smallpox. Again, it is a small threat. Most of us, before 1970, were given shots against smallpox. Even though these shots have lost some of their effectiveness they still offer some protection. If you and your family are concerned about this threat, you should know that the government has stockpiled enough vaccine to treat the entire population of this country. If a nation-wide plan to vaccinate were to be implemented it would cause undue panic with mis-reporting and false conjectures by the media. Instead, the government's plan is not to use it on a massive level but rather to use special drop teams that will go into an area to contain any outbreak and vaccinate within the infected area. There is a limited amount of actual live smallpox virus stored worldwide so this also limits the terrorist access to it. Again, it is a minor threat that is given all too much press. Both anthrax and smallpox threats make too much front page news by too many irresponsible reporters and news agencies.
OTHER THREATS
Most terrorists are either cowards, who do their dirty deeds from the shadows, or sick people who would even sacrifice themselves to harm others. With these two classifications come two methods of terrorism. The subversive and the blatant. Subversive requires opportunity. We all can be a part in reducing the opportunity for terrorism by being observant. It doesn't require special training, just common sense and a keen eye to the unusual. The public eye has been very successful in preventing crime and helping recover kidnapped children. The photos on milk cartons and the very successful "Amber Alert System" have been two very powerful tools in capturing criminals and reuniting loved ones. The same observational powers need to be used to prevent terrorism. Be wary of the actions of anyone doing something which might appear strange. For example, if you are vacationing at a state park that also has a reservoir and you note someone in a boat or at the shoreline dumping something in the water instead of fishing, report the observation to the state police or park officials as soon as possible. This might be a person with a valid reason for "chumming" the water to attract fish or he might be attempting to infect the public drinking water system. The possibility of a water supply becoming infected makes it very important that you have your "home bag" with that bottled water. One of the problems with the water supply system in our country is that there are thousands of separate systems covering millions of acres so it is difficult to "police" all of them. The good thing is that by their sheer number it also makes it impossible for terrorists to taint them all. This makes water supply systems a "high target" area. Fortunately, we have the ways and means to supply water to areas that might become tainted. However, to activate this delivery system, either by tanker trucks or interconnection of a safe system to a purged system, does take time. This makes your home bag water supply doubly valuable. If you fear terrorism, add an additional two or three days supply of bottled water to your home bag. Doing this NOW will also lessen the stress if there is a scare and people are scrambling to get bottled water.
High Target Areas: A Short Explanation
High target sites for terrorism are those high profile places that the most physical and psychological damage can be done using the least amount of destructive energy. Using a few pounds of explosive to destroy a roadway in the desert and hardly a soul will know, nor will it attain any media attention. Our lives will not feel threatened nor will we alter our lifestyles. Take that same amount of explosive to destroy a railway bridge, which may go unnoticed until a train crashes killing many people, and the media will descend on the site like locusts, developing wild stories when they drag in "would-be experts" and create confusion and fear among the public. In doing so, it will strip away some of our inner feelings of security. The more media attention an event gets, the more fear will be induced and encourage additional terrorist actions by either the original group or by "copycat" people, who use the opportunity as a means of becoming noticed and usually are not part of any "cause".
High target sites may include, but are not limited to:
Any military base or installation
Major bridges and tunnels linking larger cities (such as The Golden Gate Bridge or The Lincoln Tunnel) IF THERE IS A "NEXT TARGET", IT WILL PROBABLY BE ONE OF THESE SINCE "CAR BOMBS" ARE CHEAP YET EFFECTIVE.
Any utility plant, especially electrical with interconnections to inter-state power grids (since we always equate darkness with fear)
Public water supplies
Any type of chemical plant or any manufacturing plant that uses large amounts of chemicals such as a fertilizer company
Any Federal Government building
Any tall structures (such as the "Space Needle" in Seattle)
National and State Monuments (such as The Statue Of Liberty, The Washington Monument or The Alamo)
Professional sports stadiums (such as Yankee Stadium)
Large "national type" amusement parks or zoos (such as Disney World or Sea World)
Major transportation hubs (such as Grand Central Station)
Major Airports
Toxic Waste Handling Plants and Containment Areas
Nuclear power plants and processing facilities (within 50 miles)
Transcontinental Railway lines
Any jetliner flight
Down river from any dam
Any subway system (underground systems for their sheer terror potential)
Any vacation-type cruise ship
Terrorists wish to instill as much fear as possible. By damaging those things we hold as symbols of our country and our way of life they hope to shatter our ideals, dreams and security. There are sites in every state that they'd wish to destroy, not so much for the loss of life, but for the loss of our dignity and faith in who we are. Here, in Texas, one of the most venerated places is the Alamo in San Antonio. It represents our resolve in the face of insurmountable odds. The Alamo stands as a monument as revered in Texas as the Statue Of Liberty is to most of America. If either were destroyed, or even seriously damaged by a terrorist attack, it could cripple our spirit. There are many such high target places in our country that even though they can be rebuilt they can never be replaced. There are many people charged with the security of these places and they have our respect for the work they do. You can help them by being observant to anyone who exhibits strange behavior. If you see someone acting odd, do not turn and walk away. Be part of that great caring that is America and report anything you see or hear to the proper authorities. This also holds true when you are on vacation. What greater damage to the spirit of America than if a place such as "Disney World" were damaged by a terrorist? What fright would be created if we felt that even an amusement park wasn't safe. To be sure, places like this have remarkable security forces that are trained in counter-terrorism, but extra sets of eyes couldn't hurt.
Oil and gas depots, refineries, major ports, and places of commerce and industry are also high risk areas. The risk level varies depending upon if an area or building were crippled or destroyed in an attack what damage would be done to our psyche and our economy. When the World Trade Centers fell, besides the saddening loss of so many innocent lives, there was a profound effect on our economy. Most of the banks and financial institutions have learned a hard lesson and now backup their records to low-target areas. In 2001, lost records created financial shockwaves that took many months to recover. The ensuing ripple effect also meant loss of jobs and further fear.
SO WHAT SHOULD CONCERN US?
Aside from the natural threats coming from mother nature, we do need to be concerned, but not overwhelmed, about other threats, some of which can be initiated by terrorists, carelessness or just plain stupidity. Threats involving chemicals are one of these incidents that need consideration. Every day there are thousands of gallons of chemicals being transported throughout the country by rail or tanker truck. Some of these chemicals are relatively harmless in nature. There are many, however, that are extremely toxic. In most cases the liquid chemical spills which might occur during accidents can be quickly contained. It is the gaseous variety that need more attention by the public. There may be a point in time when a spill due to a tanker truck accident will release fumes or gas.
Depending upon the gas, it might either quickly raise above ground level and be quickly dissipated OR it might remain ground level as it spreads. This last type is the most dangerous as it can spread to a neighborhood and engulf it in a deadly plume. The public has been told during certain emergencies to seal all your windows and air conditioners. This may hold true when there are just irritants and particulates in the air, but since houses were built to "breathe", it offers little protection against poison gas. (If you live out in the country you'll agree that homes breathe if you've ever smelled the caustic odor of a road-killed skunk from miles away even when every window and door in your home is shut.) The best way of surviving a poison gas event is to get out of the area as fast as possible while remaining upwind of the spill. During an event like this it might be life-or-death if you fail to listen to your local news and follow the directions of local government officials. Pay special attention to what the police and fire departments have to say as they are trained in this type of spill. There are special hazardous material "HAZMAT" teams that are both equipped and trained to deal with containment. Listen to them. Do exactly what they say as you may not get a second chance. If you live in an area where there is a chemical plant, you can consider yourself in a high target area. You don't need to become overly worried, but you need to be alert. With deliveries and shipments via trucks or rail there remains a higher risk that an accident or terrorist event might take place.
With this in mind, make plans for several evacuation routes away from the plant (based upon wind direction) in the event that your family has to leave. If you are in such an area, consult with your local police and fire departments about any alert system they have in place. If there is no alert plan, get your community together by discussing the development of a plan at a town meeting. A good alert plan might be the same as those developed in areas which have a nuclear power plants. (This is another high target area. The only proper response to a problem at a nuclear power plant is to evacuate WITH your home bag.) These nuclear power plant alert systems usually involve a series of powerful signaling horns or sirens that ONLY signal in the event of a problem. An alternative alert system might involve a special series of blasts from the fire department horns.
The only drawback to this second choice is that we have become acclimated to it's sound so many might ignore it or confuse it's signal with that of a fire call out. A re-education of the public and a few test drills would be needed. Either way, make sure your community has an alert system in place if you reside in an area that has a chemical plant. Also check to see that your fire department and police department have the proper training and plans to cope with a chemical HAZMAT emergency. If you see a chemical spill remain as far away from it as possible and report it to the proper authorities. Armed with this additional planning, you become better prepared in the event such an occurrence takes place.
Remember that a "one-point" terrorist act might also evolve into a "multidimensional event". These are disasters that trigger or combine with weaknesses within an area that will result in a "super event". An example of a super event that might occur is if due to a terrorist attack a plane crashes during an emergency landing at San Antonio Airport. Depending upon it's direction and altitude, during such a crash it might clip or hit the chemical tanker cars that Union Pacific routinely has parked on it's tracks that parallel along Wetmore Avenue and are adjacent to the airport. I have read some of the contents of these tankers... very scary. Let's say the plane attempts a landing but crashes into these tankers releasing their contents. The plane, as it crashes, continues another 300 feet. At that point it might hit the aviation fuel stored in large tanks at the outer perimeter of the airport where other planes (delivery services, etc.) are also parked. So, in this one crash event the plane ruptures dangerous chemicals from the tanker cars, hits the volatile aviation fuel and sparks a tremendous fireball that ejects toxic fumes from the chemicals into the air. This "super event" would mean the evacuation of tens of thousands of nearby residents and businesses. Since the major wind direction in this area of Texas can change on an hourly basis, coming from the Gulf, Mexico or from the North, as a precaution the evacuation would have to cover all residences/businesses within a 360 degree area for many miles. This would also force the closings of two very major highways: Rt 410 and 281. If you are in the emergency "business", you'd better plan for this type of thing to happen. This is why you need to make several evacuation routes from your home or business and several other places to shelter. Planning is very important. Take the time. Make plans. Discuss these plans with family members and neighbors.
Shortly after the World Trade Center Disaster, I began thinking that terrorists would be seeking other "cost effective" and "simplistic" methods to strike at the core of America. One of the most chilling plans that I came up with would be if they were to encapsulate, in wax, ebloa or anthrax spores. This encapsulation is the same method for time-releasing certain medications. They could then sprinkle this "death deployment" on animals at petting zoos or places that supply these animals to petting zoos. When children visit the zoos and pet the animals the spores are released and passed from child to child to adult. Thousands could be infected. If you've heard on the news, this type of event, on a lower scale, just took place with E.Coli. Was this an accident or a testing of this form of delivery system? This I cannot answer, nor should you be alarmed and hide in a cave. It's just another example of how, using simple yet effective methods, a terrorist can cause havoc.
Our government is doing what it can to protect us. Even down to the local level there has been increased training and drills. Some you may know about. Other training and preparedness are kept secret for a good reason. The less the terrorists know, the less they can circumvent systems in place to protect us. The more we train and know about them, the less of an impact they will have in our daily life. Our country is not as fragile as "sensational news sources" would lead you to believe.
One of the things you can do is to examine where you live. Your community and town. What would be the worst thing a terrorist could do to disrupt your life? One of the most high target areas might be your utility company.
Nothing strikes more fear than being plummeted into darkness.
People feel the most vulnerable when there is a sudden loss of power, even though probably nothing further will happen. The terrorist has disrupted lives. And that is his purpose. (but if you have that "home bag" with it's lights and candles the temporary loss of power is just an inconvenience) Make a list of what you would consider to be "high target" areas that surround your home, workplace and school. If, by reading the "high target" resource website you diagnose yourself as living in such an area, plan alternate travel routes should the need arise for evacuation from any one of these places. Have alternate places to "shelter in". Make sure each member of your family has some simple training in the event they are separated from each other and need to stay elsewhere. This includes a list of phone numbers and safe places to stay. Keep that home bag as complete and as up to date as possible.
I hope that by reading this you will make the effort to become better prepared and have developed your family plans so in the event that another terrorist strike takes place on our soil your family will remain safe and less fearful. Think of terrorism as one man, with a sick mind, who has only 2 bullets in his gun. Would he actually use one on you? The answer is: No. With his limited resources, he must make those few bullets count. But by shooting a person of stature, and making a display of it, he will create fear in all of us. Unless we understand his limits and are educated in a way that offers us the best protection, we will wear that fear like a heavy chain around our necks. But, if we understand the odds and limits and are prepared and observant, that man with the 2 bullets is reduced to that of a mosquito buzzing around with very little sting.
CREATING A VIABLE JUMP TEAM
A.K.A.: EMERGENCY DEPLOYMENT BEYOND YOUR "HOME TURF"
In the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attacks and the major hurricanes which devastated the Gulf Coast region, there has been a renewed interest in preparing and training for disasters. This includes taking advantage of amateur radio resources to fill the void when other means of communications fail. As hams, we know that when disaster strikes it becomes a lesson in futility when local governments grab a few cellphones in the hope that communications can be covered using this technology. Time and time again we've seen other "systems" fail thus proving that amatuer radio operators are the first and best line of communications support. Slowly, we are being accepted by others as a legitimate communications support resource. With this in mind, we are now training with renewed energy and freely sharing our thoughts, ideas and experiences with our fellow hams in the hope of being better prepared each time we are called into action. Yes, we've made mistakes in the past. But let's also acknowledge that unlike other support services we've learned from them and therefore have become better communicators. Just a few years ago, you could search the Internet in an attempt to find websites dealing with ham radio emergency communications only to find very little on the subject. Today, however, there are dozens and dozens of sites you can access in order to obtain new information to build antennas, assemble "go bags" and listings of many other ideas to make your emergency communications support work more efficient and effective. Consequently, with this enlightened spirit, many EmComm groups are devoting additional time in training for large scale disasters. Every communications group should take a page from this and train, drill and support the needs in the event of a large scale disaster.
"And Now For Something Not So Completely Different"
Along with this renewed vigor, comes another avenue of support and another challenge which some of us must prepare for. Today, we are being asked by several agencies to take on the additional task of assembling "jump teams" that will have the ability to travel to a disaster area and supply emergency communications from the "lion's mouth." The jump team concept, and jump teams themselves are almost as old as ham radio itself, however, in light of the recent disasters it needs a new spotlight. Jump teams are involved in special situations which will require addressing special concerns relative to today's needs. First and foremost, every jump team that's created must strive to be a self-sustaining operation. There can be no doubt about this. Jump teams cannot place an additional burden on a devastated area by requesting supplies or shelters. They must complete their communications responsibilities acting as a "stand alone" unit, bringing with them all the equipment, supplies, food, water, shelters and all the support they might require to the area-specific stricken location. Depending upon the disaster, it's location and time of year, jump teams will be required to bring not only basic ham radio and personal gear but also different equipment, supplies and clothing which will be specifically suited to support each particular event.
"The Most Important Piece"
The most important piece of any communications support program are it's operators. However, before ANY ham radio operator even contemplates raising their hand at an EmComm meeting to volunteer for inclusion into a jump team they must be fully aware of what will be expected of them. Being part of any deployment team of this nature requires that you might be asked to deploy in situations that are both physically and emotionally demanding. This is not like deploying for some limited disaster or at the tail-end of an event such as many of you who've handled communications in some shelter for a few days following a hurricane or winter storm might have done. This is much different. Jump teams quite often are the very first communications out of a decimated area. It is imperative that they get on the air as quickly as possible and stay on the air by whatever means at their disposal. They must be able to erect antennas in areas where nothing might be left standing or where the average ham thinks it cannot be done. It requires special knowledge, skills and training. The hams who form as a jump team must know how to improvise and adapt using what they've brought and what limited things they can scrounge. There needs to be a little "MacGyver" in every team member.
I believe that when someone or some group forms or are part of an emergency communications "Jump Team," they need to approach it as if it were a DXpedition to some uninhabited island where the only thing they can count on is bird shit, bad weather and each other. Like a DXpedition, there will be a team leader who will delegate responsibilities that each member must fulfill so the station(s) can be up and running in as little time as possible. This pre-delegation will be based on skill-level and experience in each area. I don't think I've read of anyone taking the same attitude of a DXpedition and applying it to an EmComm Jump Team, but it certainly fits.
With all of this, being a team member also means being in very good physical condition. At times it can be much more demanding than "rustic camping." Many years ago, I deployed to the Virgin Islands following a hurricane. Arriving there, I found it to be oppressively hot and humid in the hurricane's aftermath. Weather-wise, it wasn't what you'd experience during any vacation period. The sweat boiled off me like a man about to face a firing squad, and this just from the little effort I expended in erecting a dipole antenna. There was no place to cool off, either. It was so bad that I couldn't sleep during my scheduled off time and I lost weight from deploying in this harsh environment. Living in a tent, and not in the air-conditioned luxury of some hotel as would be the case during a vacation, placed an additional burden which sometimes revealed itself by increased stress levels among people we had to work with.
There may be times when it will be a trek to pick your way through rubble and debris just to go to a makeshift bathroom. No showers. No fancy food. Just eating what you've brought, especially for the first 72 hours. You have to honestly answer this question: "Can I do this?" "Can I operate and act as a professional communicator under more deplorable conditions than we might associate with living in the back areas of any "third world country" or the dirtiest conditions you might ever imagine... or be deployed in a location where you've felt that you were losing the feeling in your fingers from the extreme cold?" As a "go anywhere" jump team member you must be able to withstand both extremes of climate. If you think I'm exaggerating, then talk to a few "first responders" of past major disasters. It would be a good idea to first get a physical and ask your doctor if you'd be up to the task of deploying in hardship areas. Remember, you're not a kid of 18, anymore. (At least this way you'd be getting the physical that you keep putting off.)
OK, let's say that you have answered "yes." Now another potential roadblock gets thrown into the mix. That is the emotional stress of any disaster. First is the stress of assembling a station where none ever existed. This won't be a casual "Field Day" setup. People are depending upon your team to get communications up and running in as little time as possible. When your team gets to it's location, usually each team member has already been pre-assigned a specific logistical task(s) to perform such as setting up shelters, erecting antennas, doing station setup (rigs and power,etc), contacting and interacting (with informational gathering) with local agencies and supplying nutritional support for the team are examples of but five of the basic required needs.
After your team's initial station is running, your thoughts might then shift to an even greater stress agent. You have to ask yourself this: Can you subjectively deploy into a disaster area and do your communications job without letting your emotional floodgates open? This does not mean that you should be a cold-hearted person. If you were, you wouldn't even be considering volunteering! What this means is that you should be able to see beyond the sorrow towards the greater goal of helping the devastated area get back on it's feet. You'll need a means and a way not to focus on the actual disaster but rather to focus on your communications job. It requires courage. The emotional burden doesn't stop there, either.
Even if you are the most seasoned EmComm operator, you must remember that you are a guest of whatever communications group is in-charge of the disaster. You are there by their request/invitation. You must be able to take their orders and follow their rules no matter if it goes against everything you've been taught and drilled on. It's their show, not yours. They may make mistakes. Swallow hard and do your job. If you can't do this, then don't deploy. If they ask your advice or opinion, give it in a non-threatening manner. Again, it's their community and therefore their responsibility.
If your EmComm group is worth it's salt, then they will help you in your jump team training regarding "emotional conditioning" before you are faced with deployment. They'll show you techniques on how you can emotionally disengage from the event during your break times so you can sleep or physically recharge. You'll learn how to "decompress" after your deployment so what you've seen and experienced doesn't affect how you'll react when you get back home. These factors are just as important as bringing the proper gear.
Can you handle all of this? Can you physically and emotionally handle the task? Can you also afford to invest the additional time for special training and deploying? It won't be easy, nor will it be a "one day deal". You won't be able to "pick and choose" which event you wish to be involved in. If you can do all of this, then the next step is to talk to your local EmComm group about being part of a jump team. There are a lot of things you'll have to learn and many things you'll need to acquire to be a part of such a team. It's not a job for "badge polishers", to inflate egos or for the faint of heart. It's a down-and-dirty job for special people with special skills for a special responsibility.
After doing some nosing around on the Internet, and talking to EmComm people, it appears that some people and groups are confusing the terms "Go Kits" with "Jump Kits." To me, a "Go Kit" is something not unlike a "Go Bag" which contains most of the personal supplies and radio equipment that an individual might need to deploy, i.e.: "go to" to a local event such as to a shelter to assist in communications until a weather event has passed in a day or two. These items are usually stored in a back pack or plastic bin. You actually aren't "jumping" lock, stock and barrel anywhere as much as you are being deployed to some location.
(A lot of hams who showed up at Red Cross in the hopes of helping out during the World Trade Center Disaster didn't even have something as simple as a "Go Bag", but just showed up with an HT and MAYBE one extra battery...... They weren't put to use because they were under-prepared. I hope that many have learned from this and now have adequate "Go Bags.")
However, by my definition, a "Jump Kit" is something very much different. It is not a backpack or even a "kit", but rather a large cache of supplies and radio equipment you'd bring with you to a non-local location such as what you'd bring traveling a distance to support a disaster in another state as either a stand-alone station op or as a member of a communications team. This would require more food, water, equipment, power and antenna considerations and shelters for an event where there wouldn't be much of anything to rely on.
There seems to be very little found about actually organizing an EmComm Jump Team anywhere on the Internet other than stating a need for them in local plans. It kind of reminds me of everyone wanting one, but no one knowing how to go about it. I know that there are very well run jump teams out there, however not much posted about them other than what they've done ie: "event deployment". I am aware that many teams are "area-related", however the more info we are armed with, the better job we can do in creating our own jump teams and making sure they have all they need to properly fill EmComm needs.
With this void of published information, there is a lack of self-confidence in the minds and hearts of those EmComm groups looking to develop their own jump team(s) beyond asking individual members to create/gather their personal go-kits in some back pack or bin to be used on a grander scale than supplying basic communications at a local shelter where they would be relieved in 12 hours. The basic go-kit is a nominal inventory of items and won't properly cover things needed during an event where one has to travel distances and to be deployed in the nakedness of a major disaster. Have you ever heard of a Dxpedition where members simply carried to "XYZ Island" gear and personal items on a few back packs? This would be courting disaster. Next, I will be talking about creating a "Jump Team", and what will be required so it can deploy to a locale that isn't hospitable.
A SUCCESSFUL TEAM STARTS FROM THE TOP,
BUT INVOLVES EVERYONE:
LEADERSHIP
When you are creating a jump team from scratch, you first need to appoint an individual who would be responsible for the complete Jump Team operation. This person doesn't necessarily need to be one of the deploying agents, however, he/she needs to be able to identify the goals of their particular jump team and develop the ways and means to fulfill them. This includes knowing where to find the right answers and support when requested by the team. This person must have a pro-active stance on emergency communications.
Usually, a jump team is a smaller part of either a local EmComm structure (such as ARES, RACES, REACT, etc) or an arm of an active amateur radio club. Whatever the source of this team, every radio club member or EmComm group member must be committed and responsible to insure the jump team's success at every level. Whatever title you give this person, everyone, even those not directly on the team, should give this leader the respect they deserve and the support they might need. This could include, for example, acting as monitoring stations back at your home location in case communications require the jump team to request additional information, supplies, personnel or to report their progress. Supporting agencies must also be able to properly fund their jump team program so expendable items can be maintained. This would include gas to get to their site, fuel for power generation, food and water supplies, etc. This is a team effort beyond just the jump team personnel. You never want to leave a jump team "out in the cold" support or communications wise. Jump team members are donating their time and effort and will be deploying under rustic and trying conditions. Clubs or EmComm groups at the very least need to supply funding support AND Remember that your deployed jump team also needs your group to be one of the contacts out of the area they can send health and welfare traffic to. This means that many members of your supporting group must be trained on traffic handling in the manner your jump team sends the information and on duty, in shifts, to take this traffic.
Granted, any jump team must strive to be self-sufficient while on location, however in extreme cases they may need help or information from sources beyond their deployed area. This is why your local group needs to be in scheduled, daily communications with your deployed jump team. (If people wish to be a jump team member, but can't physically deploy, they should support their deployed jump team by monitoring frequencies for jump team communications back to their support group.)
The team leader should be the only person to activate the jump team for standby (get ready) or actual deployment and must be able to supply the jump team with all the information they need to properly deploy. (Where, when, how, estimated deployment period and who to report to at the deployed area.) They should also be charged with obtaining and tracking the funding so the jump team can operate. The team leader is the "single point of contact" for groups or agencies who request jump team support and must document all requests and keep an accurate log of all jump team activity. So point one: appoint a strong, dedicated person to be responsible for your jump team operation to act as Team Leader and give them your complete support.
IDENTIFY YOUR RESPONSE CRITERIA
Once you have appointed your team leader, the next step is to identify exactly the types of events and the distances your jump team would be willing to respond to and for how long a period of time. For instance, if your support group feels that the jump team would be most effective deploying only during weather related events and within a range of 400 miles, this needs to be spelled out in any jump team informational posting so agencies requesting communications support know this. (There may be jump teams better versed in search procedures or post-terrorism events, etc) This response criteria should be drawn up by the team leader in concert with several other responsible individuals within your structure (such as the President and Directors of the amateur radio club sponsoring the team) to insure that every scenario you might wish to cover is listed in your scope of planning. A jump team can't nor shouldn't be expected to deploy to every event, however, to be a more effective jump team it should be able to adapt to the many needs which may develop such as a weather related event which ends up changing in to a search and rescue event. Your team will probably be operating with limited resources and under time constraints so you shouldn't commit your resources by deploying too quickly. The trap teams may fall in to is deciding to deploy too hastily for an event that really doesn't need their support. If this should happen, another more severe event might blossom while the team is deployed to a low priority event. If this is the case, they might then be unable to re-deploy to the second, and perhaps more serious disaster where additional communications are vital.
On average, jump teams should be prepared to deploy for a period of at least 8 - 10 days with two of those days to travel (one day to deploy to the location and the other day to return), decompress, either store or release equipment and debrief. Some jump teams, depending upon the severity of the event may be needed for up to 14 - 21 days. So point two should be: Identify the goals your team is capable of fulfilling and list, in priority, the events and basic travel distances you have planned on supporting.
APPOINT A DEPLOYED "FIELD LEADER"
After you have worked out point two, it is time to look for people that your team leader and your group's membership structure can appoint to become actual jump team members. The average jump team will require about six dedicated, healthy, experienced and strong individuals. DO NOT appoint jump team members based on friendship. Appoint them based on their ability to do what needs to be done and how well each person can work as a team. These jump team members should be of combined experience so they can successfully deploy a full-blown operation anywhere and under any conditions. One of the six jump team members should be appointed as the Field Leader. This person will be part of the actual deployment team and should be versed in HF/VHF communications, camping and leadership skills. Part of their leadership skills should be the ability to identify who is capable of doing what under rustic field conditions. They must also be able to deploy for an extended period of time as would every jump team member. This Field Leader must be of strong character and be able to interact with whatever responsible persons or groups are in charge of the event at the deployed area. Interpersonal skills are a must. He/She must also be able to relate well to the needs of the team. If there is a problem on site it needs to be taken care of in a mannner which reflects the ideas and suggestions of the entire team without creating a major disruption in the team operation. Creative ideas concerning the station set up and operation should be carefully weighed and all opinions and observations considered. (This might be acting on an observation reported by a member that another member should possibly be relieved for a rest period due to fatigue even though the fatigued member says they are ok. Fatigue causes mistakes.) The leader should also be able to document all phases of the response, such as keeping notes on who they need to contact at the deployed area, names, locations and phone numbers, documenting the entire deployment and making detailed reports for the group the jump team represents, etc. The Field Leader should be the direct and only contact between the local responsible officials at the deployment area and the actual jump team. Individual jump team members should refrain from heavily interacting and allow the Field Leader to speak on the team's behalf. Point three should be: Appoint a Field Leader to oversee the actual deployment site operation and appoint other jump team members so that the team is at least six in number.
Special notes for the Field Leader on jump team members:
Jump team members should be varied in abilities and specialities. For instance, one member might be great at rustic camping, so employ him/her to erect structures such as tents, etc. Another member might be excellent at putting up antennas under less than perfect conditions and perhaps without the aid of any local support structures such as trees or buildings. Listed later will be specific duties which need to be carried out by the jump team. In any event, make sure that each member in an emergency can basically fill the shoes of any other member in case any member is unable to deploy or becomes ill. Train together. It is VERY important that each jump team member have experience and training in emergency communications either by taking the ARRL courses, or even better, training using the information presented in this book. They should also know the two major ways to send traffic: NTS formal style and "Plain text" messaging. Learn from one another by doing drills and setting up operations from scratch such as during a proper field day operation where no one knows what the condition of a site is until they get there. This is the only way you will learn the strengths and weaknesses of your jump team. At the same time, the team will also learn to work together to get a complete station(s) and support operation up and running in the shortest amount of time. Make notes of weaknesses and omissions so they can be addressed before the team needs to deploy during an actual emergency. Have meetings with your team members at least once a month to discuss any changing parameters that might affect the operation. The more fluid the setup and operation your jump team exhibits, the more confidence they will instill in the people they are helping during an event.
Making Your Jump Team Operational
( Basic Guidelines For Equipment And Supplies)
The most important concept of a jump team is that it should be able to deploy to an event without putting an additional strain on the existing resources of the disaster area. It truly must be self-sufficient. With this in mind, you should divide your jump team cache into two distinct categories: Shelter/Food/Support and Communications/Power Gear. First, let's take a look at the shelter/food/support category. (note: these are all basic guidelines so you may vary the content and numbers to suit your teams needs and for the time of the year)
Sheltering and Operations Structures
You may get lucky and have existing structures to use for sheltering, but if you aren't lucky you might have to deploy to an area where NOTHING is standing, so here's the deal:
Sheltering, both for rest and communications must be designed to provide the most efficient operation possible. The sleeping and rest shelter should be roomy enough to accommodate all the jump team members at the same time without them feeling so cramped that they can't rest or fall asleep. This requires an 8 man tent of ample height (being able to stand up) for housing 6 team members. NO "pup" tents!
The 8 man tent should be light weight, yet durable. There should be adequate venting with zip up windows as your deployed location might be so humid that air flow is mandatory. This tent also needs to have both a tarp for ground cover and an additional rain tarp overhead. Along with the sheltering tent, you'll need heavy-duty metal stakes (army surplus) to secure the shelter. DO NOT use those plastic stakes as they will not hold as well or hammer in so easily in rocky soil. (include extra stakes and a heavy hammer for tent erection)
At least two jump team members should become well-versed in putting this and other shelters up. They should be able to do so without referring to any instructions. Also, make sure that when it comes time to erect the tent, a site is selected which will allow any rain to flow away from the tent and not pool under it. If you've ever had to sleep in a saturated sleeping bag because the tent was erected in a low area like I have, you'll have a greater respect for site survey before tent erection. Each jump team member needs their own sleeping bag and you'd be wise to bring at least two spares. Make sure they are the type that fit the season and not a "summer bag". If you've ever frozen your butt off while trying to sleep in a wimpy sleeping bag then you know what I mean.
Close by, but not too close by, there needs to be erected a "toilet tent". This is a narrow, yet tall tent that allows your jump team to "take care of business" in privacy. It should have vents on top, right below the roof line, so the "air of business" doesn't remain in the tent. Don't forget to obtain a chemical, portable toilet. (Also keep at least 30 tall kitchen plastic garbage bags in case you run out of chemicals so they can be used as inserts. Don't forget at least 12 rolls of single ply 1000 sheet toilet tissue.) Just like the shelter tent, erect this tent on level ground. On a personal note, instruct all jump team members to sit rather than "aim for the hole". Read the directions that came with the unit on how to use a chemical toilet and how to dispose of the waste. Have a shovel on hand.
The communications and operations tent needs attention to detail. There should be enough room so operators may stand erect without crouching. I suggest using an "EZ Up Canopy" at least 10x10 with side netting and side walls in case either are needed. (This tent/canopy should be at least 50 feet away from the sleeping shelter or your team members resting might not be able to fall asleep due to noise from the communications operation and radio chatter.) DO NOT SKIMP when it comes to the purchase of this structure. The frame tubing should be square and not round or rectangular. I've had cheaper canopy structures fail when wind actually bent the cheaper framework. An additional rain tarp covering is also suggested. This is the main operations area and needs to be erected in a secured manner. Use plenty of metal stakes to hold it in place as it tends to catch winds that wouldn't bother your sleeping shelter. I learned this the hard way when while using two of these canopies a nasty weather cell passed by and almost ripped the top of the canopy off the framework. It looked like a scene from a comedy film when we were getting soaked while trying to keep the cover from taking flight. Be safe, purchase and bring at least two of these canopies. The operations structure needs two folding tables of sturdy design and at least four chairs. Do not use "chairs in a bag" for operating stations as they do not supply the proper support and will quickly tire out your operators.
The next support structure is the food prep and dining area. Another 10x10 EZ UPtm canopy with the screening and tarp sides, and rain tarp, would fit the bill. Don't forget at least two fold up tables, one to act as food prep/cooking and another for dining, with chairs. (These can be "chairs in a bag")
So in review, you'll need the sleeping/housing tent with 8 sleeping bags (2 as spares), toilet shelter, chemical toilet with supplies, two operations shelters, a food prep-dining shelter and suitable chairs and tables for both food prep/dining and station(s) operations. Don't forget the ground and rain tarps.That's a lot of structures and support gear, but unless they are properly erected and outfitted with the proper furniture, your jump team operations will suffer.
Appoint one member who will be in charge of the shelter construction detail and one member to act as an alternate/assistant. This will be their main deployment responsibilities, however, when they have finished this obligation they need to move on to other tasks. All members should lend a hand with shelter detail.
If you are deploying to cooler or cold areas, in order to heat your shelters, I suggest using several portable catalytic heaters such as sold by Colemantm ("Sport Cat"tm or "Black Cat"tm models) which use 16oz propane cylinders. (If you chose wisely, this fuel might also be the same as which are used on your stoves) Have at least one heater for each shelter (two in your radio operations tent) and use proper ventilation when they are on. Refer to the directions when operating them and keep them away from anything flammable. Have enough fuel for your deployment period.
Nutritional Needs and Preparation
The nutritional needs, both food and fluids, is a subject that needs careful planning. First and foremost, you must check with every member to see if they have special needs AND what food reactions (allergies) they might have. Do not take this research lightly. One very glaring case in point was when I deployed to the Virgin Islands. It was hot and fluid replenishment was a major concern. Usually I ended up drinking whatever I was served. The fruity drinks seemed a nice change of pace from the water we usually drank. You can imagine my surprise when one drink I had contained mango, which I was allergic to! I can't tell how crazy I went with the skin irritation and intense itching. It was so bad that I wanted to tear my skin off. Thank goodness we had stocked antihistamine with the first aid gear. So remember, watch what is prepared and let everyone know what you are sensitive to. The first item in your jump team's cache of food/fluids should be an ample supply of water.
Remember that you might be unlucky enough to be deployed where the local water system was either destroyed or is polluted. Bottled water is a wise choice, but if it can't be obtained due to funding, larger "Jerry Jugs" filled with tap water (fill right before you deploy) will work. Also bring water purification tablets and particulate filters just in case. If you have to use any local-site water, boil it and use those tablets. I'd stock at least 2 gallons of water per person per day with 20% beyond this base total. Better to be safe than sorry. While we are on the subject of fluids, I have found that the powdered hydration mixes when combined with water for drinking can be very beneficial. "Crystal Light On-The -Go Hydration" or some other non-sugar hydration powder mix taste very good (they come in different flavors) and supports your body better than plain water as they supply you with electrolytes and vitamins. Although I enjoy soda, it is not the drink of choice when you have to deploy. No booze or beer. Ever.
Your stock of food to prepare and serve must be simple, yet supply the nutritional needs of the team. I find that "just add water and shake" pancake mixes, rice (stored in a metal container and prepared using chicken broth instead of water) etc. are good choices because they require no eggs, milk or refrigeration. Freeze-dried meals, smoked or dried meats or canned meals, canned fruits and power bars should also be on your list. (Good, old, "Dinty Moore" Beef Stew in a can, etc) Vary the meals. Make sure the jump team members get enough protein. Do not stock fresh meats, fish or poultry as they will go bad very quickly without proper refrigeration/freezing. Dried fruit such as raisins make for good snacks. Don't forget to supply some salted snacks but don't over do it. Make sure all food stuffs are properly stored and sealed so they won't be contaminated by the local insects or rodents. Your stock should be carefully laid out in menu form, including snacks, so you can stock enough to fulfill the requirements during the jump team's length of deployment and again keep at least 15% beyond what your total need calculations might be. Keep a running inventory of all foods and drinks during your team's deployment. Plan an 8 day menu and consult with all your team members on the selections you might have made. (God, I hate canned tuna fish) This way it will help with stocking before your team deploys. Don't skimp.
Also, plan ahead and stock the proper cooking and eating utensils, cooking oil, paper towels, heavy-duty aluminum foil, dish washing liquid, scrubbing sponges, plates and cookware with lids. DO NOT wash or rinse any cookware or utensils in water that isn't fit for you to drink. It would be wise to use bottled gas burners to cook any meals that require heating instead of cooking over some charcoal grille which generates a lot of smoke. (If you've ever ended a long camping trip and everyone smelled like burnt brisket, you know what I mean.) Bring enough bottles of whatever fuel your burners require to cook planned meals for 10 days plus an additional 20%. Your stove should be at least a two burner variety. If you have a spare, bring it. Learn how to properly use the stove and how to check for gas leaks using soapy water on all the connections. If it bubbles, there is a leak at that location. Even a brand new burner can be defective and leak gas so test new burners before you store them in your cache. Personal experience and frizzed arm hairs taught me that! Two jump team members should be well versed in camp-style cooking and food prep. This will not be their only responsibility as cooking is not a full time job.
There is also the possibility where you might have to operate under "cold camp" conditions, that is, without cooking your meals as would be the case when you'd deploy remotely during a wide-area wildfire event within a tinder-dry area where no fires or even lit stoves are allowed. This means lots of canned fruits, canned meats, and of course good old peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Balance meals and include that all important protein so you don't run out of "steam". Make sure you know what type of event you'll be turning out for so adjustments to a "cold camp" can be made.
Typical Example Of A Day One Menu
Breakfast:
Pancakes made with "add water - shake and pour"
batter mix (syrup)
Canned mixed fruit
Hydration Drink mix - Fruit punch
Lunch:
Canned Ravioli (heat and serve)
Hydration Drink mix - Lemon/Lime
Snack:
Raisins, M&Ms and Peanuts (be careful of allergies to
peanuts)
Bottled water
Dinner:
Canned Beef Stew ("Dinty Moore" type)
Corn bread made from "add water to batter" mix
Drink Mix or Bottled Juices or "V8"
Typical Example Of A Day Two Menu
Breakfast:
Scrambled Eggs (made from powdered source - add
water)
Canned Juice drink or "V8"
Biscuits with honey (biscuits made from "add water
mix)
Lunch:
Canned Tuna or Peanut Butter and Jelly or canned
Chicken salad Sandwiches
Canned Mixed Fruit with granola sprinkles
Hydration drink
Snack:
Power bar or packaged crackers and cheese
Canned or box Juice drink
Dinner:
Rice cooked with chicken broth instead of water.
(Mix in one can of drained canned peas one minute
before end of cooking cycle.)
Canned carrots (heated)
Canned pear-halfs
Water or juice drink
MAKE SURE ALL "UN-CANNED" FOOD IS STORED IN METAL CONTAINERS TO PREVENT SPOILAGE OR INFESTATION. USE ALL PRE-MADE "BREADS" DURING THE FIRST FOUR DAYS TO PREVENT MOLD. USE ALL FRESH FRUITS IN FIRST THREE DAYS. Other suggestions include simple pasta dishes. (Keep dry pasta well stored and not just in cardboard boxes) MAKE PASTAS OR RICE USING CANNED BROTH FOR ADDITIONAL FLAVOR AND NUTRITION. USE BOTTLED WATER FOR ADDITIONAL COOKING.
Beyond Shelter and Grub
(Getting On The Air)
The first concern in this arena should be power requirements and generation. Your team needs to be self-sufficient in supplying power to run your operation. This should include not only radio energy, but also power for lights and even fans. Usually a two HF and one VHF station operation will require at the minimum at least 800 watts of AC power. Again, to be on the safe side, let's figure 1000 watts peak. Add to this a few lights and two fans to keep your operators a bit cooler (that is if you are in a hot, humid area) so at the very least you'll need a 1500 watt gas generator with an extended run gas tank. Most jump teams bring TWO, 2000 watt+ generators for reliable operation. It does your team little good to get to a site and then find that the only generator you've come with won't work. Make sure the generators are equipped with circuit breakers. Bring at least 3, 100 ft heavy duty extension cords with multiple outlets, 2, 50 ft heavy duty extension cords with multiple outlets and a few 25 ft extension cords. Power generation is important so make sure your "Power Chief" is fully versed in powering up your camp. There should be practice drills on this subject. Make sure that you have enough gas to operate 24/7 at full load for 10 days. (check with your generator's manual) Bring a siphon in case you need to go on an gasoline "expedition". Use all the proper safety procedures which include shutting off the generators when refueling and grounding the equipment. Make sure the generators are located far enough away where the ops won't have their communications drowned out by generator noise. Keep the generators away from anything that might ignite due to their hot exhaust. Store/transport the gas in approved containers that are properly sealed and vented and in the outdoor only. Bring oil for your generator use and check it's level. Have on hand at least 4 desk lamps and two clip on spotlights with extra bulbs for each. Include a few yellow "bug light bulbs". Special note: When you need to "power down" to refuel, let all the ops know so they can turn off the radios. Nothing is more damning than a blown radio due to a voltage spike caused by a restarting generator!
RIGS, ETC.
The HF rigs you obtain for jump team use must be only used for jump team service, both during drills and for actual emergency deployment. NO NO NO..... do not depend upon some ham's home radio to be included as one of the TWO HF rigs you bring. This is serious business, so you need dedicated radio gear. Both jump team HF radios should be simple to use and, if possible, both the same model. They don't need to be the latest design with all types of "bells and whistles", but they need to be dependable and put out 100 watts of RF power. A few models I'd suggest are ICOM 720, 725, 728, 729 and 735 as they have proven to be field "work horses". The same is true for Kenwood TS 140, 120, 680 and Yaesu FT 757. NO TUBE RADIOS!!! Make sure all your team members are trained in the operation of whatever rigs you decide to supply. Have TWO manuals on the ready. Make sure all cords, microphones and connections are inspected and in very good condition. Have an extra microphone in stock. Power cords should be fused (along with at least 8 fuse changes). The power supplies should be adequate enough to supply the energy requirements for each rig during high duty-cycle operation. If possible, use the model's matching power supply. DO NOT use a single, high amp power supply to operate both radios. Fuse everything! Bring at least two extra power supplies. External speakers, that project towards the ops are a must. Provide comfortable headphones which cover the ear and that ops can wear for extended periods of time. Include two spares. Make sure each radio is properly stored in a case for transport.
VHF radios (bring two of the same model) should be easy to program and use, such as the ICOM IC-208 (dual band) or the ICOM IC-2100. DO NOT think that an HF/VHF radio, such as an ICOM 706 will fit the bill for both modes of operation (HF and VHF). If you do, you'll be sorry. Bring at least one extra microphone, three power cords, several changes of fuses and two adequate power supplies (at least 15 amps because the duty cycle of an FM radio is greater than that of an HF SSB rig). Make sure you keep two operator's manuals on hand. Make sure each radio is properly stored in a case for transport. Every member should know how to operate these rigs, use their memories and tones. Drill, Drill, Drill.
You'll also need to bring at least three, 100 ft. runs of RG8X coax with properly installed connectors for your HF gear. Four, 3 ft coax jumpers to go from rig to tuners, three, 25 ft runs of RG8X for your VHF radio operation. (keeping runs of coax under 50 ft for VHF will lessen power loss) Do not use RG58. Spend a few pennies more, buy RG8X. Inspect your coax on a regular basis. Also include at least 4 "UHF" barrel connectors so you can use two cables if you need to make a longer run such as connecting two 25 ft cables together.
Have two, 300 watt tuners just for jump team use as you might be using antenna systems that are not cut for the band you will be using (or for NVIS antennas which need tuners to operate). Learn the proper way to use tuners and, if possible, obtain two like model units.
Your cache of antennas should include at least two NVIS antennas that are "free standing" (they come with their own supports.. see this web page: E.N.V.I.S. Antenna System), two vertical VHF/UHF antennas that exhibit gain and have telescoping masts that allow them to deploy to at least 15 feet high (see this web page: VHF DEPLOYABLE HYPERLINK "/alonestaryank/VHFDeploy.html"ANTENNA SYSTEM). Also have on hand at least two 40 meter dipoles which can be used as an inverted "V" with masting and support guys/stakes, etc. so it can be deployed apexed at least 30 feet high. An 80 meter dipole is also suggested. Your "Antenna Man" should be experienced at erecting antennas where there are no support structures such as trees or buildings. Plan for the worst.
There are army-surplus mast sections for sale on ebay which are only 4 feet each and store in a duffle bag that I'd recommend. 8 of them will make the 30 ft center support for your inverted "V". Practice erecting this antenna until you have it down cold. Remember to use proper guying techniques. Never run the ends of the antenna close to ground. Use insulators and nylon cords at each end before you secure the ends with stakes. Keep the antennas away from high traffic areas. Mark your guy lines and ends of the "V" with orange flag tape so people won't walk into them.
If your jump team plans to use digital modes, bring two VERY GOOD pre-programmed laptops, and two modems with extra cords and two laptop power supplies along with battery power. Manuals and modem power supplies are a must. Make sure your ops are experienced in digital operations using jump team gear. Again, this equipment needs to remain in your jump team cache and not constantly used at a member's home.
If it is your intent on doing search detail, bring several VHF handi-talkies of the same model, 5 watt power, gain antennas, speaker mics and deep cycle batteries to power them. A good idea is to use "W2IK's Man Pack System" (click on title) for search and rescue, which includes a special antenna made for this use. Always bring at least two spare systems for your team's use. Drill on search and rescue techniques. See my "What To Have Before You Go" website concerning VHF handi-talkies and power.
It is suggested that you do additional research by reading several of my other webpages such as "What To Have Before You Go" so you can acquaint yourself with other items needed for jump team deployment.
These include:
A complete, detailed first aid kit suitable for 12 people.
antihistamine! and other basic medications.
rain gear, all-weather clothing.
Obtain All items listed in my "What To Have Before You Go" (sections 9 and 10) website with enough of each to care for 8 people even though you are a team of 6 and adjust the listed expendable items for a 10 day tour. Get extra batteries for those flashlights OR buy the newer crank-charged led flashlights. Log books, spiral bound loose leaf books and pens/pencils. Duct tape, Duct tape, Duct tape. Bring a complete tool collection including a VOM. Every member should help maintain a community jump team log, message log and each member should also have a personal log for post-event review.
Practice several weekend drills of at least three days in length by having your jump team deploys from scratch in a park which allows over night tent camping. Do not use any existing shelters or supports. Use only what you've brought. Do this several times until your team is proficient and can work together. Make contacts and notes on propagation. Exchange mock messages between your jump team and your support club/group's members who will be charged with at-home communications monitoring to support the jump team operation when it is deployed. Take your drill deployments seriously. Work out the kinks. Supply missing support pieces to your jump team cache. Your jump team cache should be able to be transported in two pickup trucks. Practice loading so space can be effectively used. Use "bungee" cords to hold down your cache. (These cords can also be used to lash antenna masting to vertical supports such as trees or fence posts) Make sure each team member has adequate clothing for the time of year and the area you would be deploying to.
Putting It All Together
The first three parts of this series dealt with the information and basic facts needed to help in assembling both personnel and gear to commit to a jump team creation and deployment. It is hoped that you have, for the most part, followed the ideas presented and have assembled a team, developed your equipment cache and have actually done a few mock over-night (or longer) deployments at a local campsite so as to refine your shelter building and station setup techniques, adding to your cache of equipment and supplies, adjusting requirements and systems operations. I've found that deploying to a campground and doing a full-blown operation in some contest or operating event (I've used the "Texas QSO Party" as a test of deployment and operating skills) so your ops are exposed to less than perfect propagation and bands that are a bit crowded is a good test of your team's actual abilities.
This will help hone your team's camping, operating and listening skills. Remember that for the most part your emergency communications will take place on 40 and 80 meters so try to concentrate on their propagation factors. Also make note of the known/posted emergency frequencies on those bands and the emergency nets that operate from the various areas your team might be charged with covering. Of course, to communicate in the area around your deployment site you'll probably use 2 meters so test those "Man Packs", along with your base VHF radio set up, to develop their maximum range using simplex tactical frequencies that you should have pre-programmed in to all vhf radios. Once you are sure that your jump team is equipped, trained and ready, your group/club can now go through the process of announcing your jump team's availability. Your team leader needs to contact as many local, area and regional emcomm groups as possible to make them aware of your jump team, it's capabilities AND it's limitations. Create a web page devoted to educating those interested in your new jump team and what it can do. Send information and your jump team's informational web address to the ARRL, CQ Magazine, World Radio and other like publications. Leave "in case of an emergency" phone numbers and email addresses with each contact you make. Take pictures during mock/test deployments showing the professional nature of your jump team.
Make special laminated photo IDs for all your jump team members. Have maps on the ready so if there is a deployment your jump team will know exactly where to go. When the call goes out, have the deployment area contact names and titles ready so when your team gets there the team's field deployment leader knows what agency is in charge and who to interact with. (This gathered information should be an "informational packet" that, along with maps, each jump team member will receive upon call out. This packet should be as detailed as possible and should include any working deployment area repeater frequencies/tones if known.) Jump teams should have at least one copy of the ARRL Repeater Directory with them for reference.
While I'm on the subject, remember that your team will be working under the affected area's local emergency response administration and their direction. It is also suggested that everyone on your team takes Red Cross Shelter Management training so they'll know some of the ins and outs of Red Cross operations. It is also important that several team members take some form of FIRST AID course to cover anything that might happen to team members.
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So, your TEAM LEADER gets a call that an area devastated by a hurricane needs communications support because most of the local hams are so affected that they are unable to turn out. The team leader gets verification of this request along with details such as contact personnel and the exact location where the jump team will be needed to deploy. It is made clear that the possible deployment request time period will be for about 7 days. The request for communications help falls within your team's published response criteria so it is decided that your jump team will support the event. The first thing to do is to contact each jump team member and give them the call to proceed with deployment, giving them as much information as possible.
Your field deployment leader then takes over and gets his/her team going by signing out and withdrawing the equipment supplies cache and double checks with each team member giving them a bit of time to get their personal gear together before meeting at a designated area (staging area) to load up the trucks for transport to the deployment location. In the mean time, the team leader should be trying to get as much additional information together, including making those packets. An allotment of cash (no credit cards since ATM's probably will not be working in the event area) is secured to pay for the gas for vehicle transport and to fill the approved fuel containers for generator operation (keep all receipts). The team should also purchase "perishables" and water (if not already secured) to load with the cache.
After your team has met, informational packets obtained and cash secured, a check list of cache items is done as each item is loaded so you won't forget anything. (Don't forget to bring the new "OFF - brand - Smooth and Dry Insect Repellent" - It doesn't make you feel like you've gotten greased up for a Channel swim!) The team leader should also make sure that each team member has their personal gear with them, including extra clothing, boots and seasonal covering such as gloves and heavy jackets for cold weather, personal medications, etc. It's now time to deploy to the location in vehicles that are clearly and professionally marked as "Emergency Communications Jump Team Vehicles" with printed magnetic signs on each side AND a dashboard sign as well. This will make it easier to get in to an area. (Make sure each jump team member has their laminated photo jump team ID on a lanyard at all times. It would also be a good idea that they also have on their lanyard any Red Cross laminated cards from their RC course completions.)
Driving carefully, caravan-style, make sure your team refuels along the route so by the time they get to their deployment site they have at the very least enough gas to drive back out of the event area and back to operating gas stations. The route planned may have detours due to flooding, one-way evacuee traffic or bridges out of service. The lead vehicle should have a GPS unit so your team will find their deployment loaction a bit easier. After your team has reached it's destination, park and have your Field Leader talk to the local agency you are helping to verify that: a. this is the right location b. exactly where would be the best location (spot) in which to deploy and c. are there any structures your team can use for a communications operation or sleep area. DO NOT accept any structure that is damaged to the point that you or any of your team feels unsafe in. After all this has been accomplished your team can then unload and start setting up sheltering (if needed) and your operating area. Again, remember that tents need to be erected in areas that will not flood themselves out if there is additional rain.
Start with sheltering, then move to operations structures while another part of your team erects the antennas. After all shelters are finished, your power detail should get your generators up and running while other team members get both HF and VHF station equipment unloaded and set up. Ground all power generation equipment and radios with either ground rods OR 1/2 copper pipes hammered in to the ground.
Special note: We live in a day and age where some people take advantage of others during critical times, so PLEASE keep an eye on everything you have. Theft loss may put your team out of service. Lock up what you can in the truck cabs and stow gear in the tents so that if you see someone going in to one who isn't part of your team you can stop them.
After you've accomplished all of the above, it's time for your team to get on the air and let your group/club back home know what's going on. Set up a schedule of times (at least two per day) you'll update them and stick to it. By this time, your field leader probably has lined up actual communications messages for you to send AND what other stations you need to be in contact with. Let the traffic begin, but in an orderly manner. In the beginning, you might find yourself feeling a bit overwhelmed, but soon you'll find your pace and people at the site will see that "they are not alone" and help might be as simple as a communications exchange. Remember that as much as you'd like, your field team leader should be the only one to gather the messages needed for sending. This way it's kept professional and calm.
After a while, it will be time for food and fluids to be prepared. Always make sure that the radio ops have an adequate supply of fluids at all times. Make sure that your team runs the communications end in scheduled shifts with two hours on, two hours off and develop a sleep schedule to fit so members have at least 6 hours devoted to sleep.
Keep an accurate log of all traffic sent and received in case verification becomes needed and for post event review. Take pictures that do not depict the plight of any victims but rather of your actual jump team operation. It will make for good PR later and will help solidify your group as a responsible communications force. DO NOT talk to reporters who are digging for some story. Rather, let your field team leader do the talking. Reveal no information about victims that may come back biting you and your team in the ass.
Hopefully your first jump team deployment will run smoothly with messages being sent and your field team leader interfacing with the local agencies to gather information for message handling. Make sure each team member is following procedures as developed or requested by the local agency. Be sure each member has taken the scheduled rest periods as the stress of deployment can easily creep over you. KEEP ACCURATE LOGS. KEEP AN ACCURATE RUNNING INVENTORY OF ALL FOOD/DRINKS AND FUEL so you know where you stand and how much longer your team can deploy in case they have to be there an additional day or so beyond the planned deployment time frame.
After your deployment duties have ended, as determined by your field team leader and the agency you are helping at the event location, it now becomes time to break down your operation. The temptation to "just throw things back in the trucks" should be avoided. Breaking down the operation should be in direct reverse order as when you built your operation. Make sure each piece of equipment is packed back in the proper case and all cables are wound up and secured properly. Shelters should be properly folded back up. Remember the old camping rule: "Pack out what you packed in." This means even your garbage. Leave your deployment site just as if you were never there. Police the area for trash and pick it up. When you leave a site in good condition it will be noticed just as if it's left messy your team's respect will suffer. Take the time, even though you might be dead tired, and do it right. Before you leave, make sure your team leader leaves the agency helped with a few kind words. I'm sure you'll get some back for all the work and support you've provided. Exchange names and email addresses, especially of your supporting group/club, so they know who to thank if they wish to do so after the event.
After taking that long drive back home (and I'm sure you've informed your home support club/group on the radio before you've broken down your set up about the ending of your team's deployment and when you will be arriving back) you need to unload the cache, inventory what is there and what is needs to be replenished, and sign off on all of it as well as turn in all the receipts and unused cash. Hopefully, there will be other members of your group/club waiting, who will help you unload. Your team has done a lot of work and at the very least your supporting group/club can aid you in this regard. Now, the only things left are to debrief and hand in logs to your TEAM LEADER so an accurate report can be created that should be filed with your group and also copies sent to interested parties. Make sure a nice article is written up by either the team leader or the club president, along with some pictures, and submit it for publication to CQ, QST or World Radio. Update your team's website with a short piece on your deployment (perhaps with a picture or two) so it will be known that your team has "put their money where their mouth is" and actually helped a community in need. It would also be nice if each team member received a certificate thanking them for their energy and efforts.
After a rest, it's time to get that cache back in operational status by inspecting all of it and adding to depleted stock, make minor corrections to it. Fine tune your jump team based on the experience you've had and stand ready, willing and able to deploy the next time they are needed. Your community, country and the entire amateur radio population, including myself, thank you.
This section will hopefully better prepare emergency communications workers who might be asked to respond to points very close to a disaster which could possibly cause them to be exposed to toxic substances released from fires or explosions. Shifting winds, unexpected explosions and other unknown forces may quickly change the drama of some events as the "safe zone" they were originally operating from might quickly disappear. Although 98% of all EmComm deployment duties will not be anywhere near the "Lion's Mouth", there can be risks to a handful of EmComm workers posted to "exceptional events" where exposure to hazmat could be of serious concern. One glaring case came from my personal experience being deployed during the World Trade Center Disaster with my actual deployment at "Ground Zero". This was the closest any EmComm worker would come to being exposed to the toxins of the event.
In retrospect, the choice of the location for the ICC (Incident Command Center) was a poor one as every worker in that area was constantly exposed to a laundry list of toxins which sometimes increased in intensity such as when building # 7 fell, while many of us were outside at the time, myself included, and ended up being pelted with building debris which also contained hazardous materials (including medical waste which was stored in that building on a short-term basis). Back then, most of us had no clue as to the dangers of being so close to this disaster. We just did what needed to be done. The result of not being properly prepared for this event has left me with chronic "WTC Cough" and other breathing problems. These are the same health problems now being faced, in varying degrees and in most cases much worse, by hundreds of rescue workers who volunteered during this disaster. Other ideas being presented are from myself and others being deployed near other hazardous locations during events such as shifting wildfires which inundated our evacuation center with choking smoke, deploying during a large fire at a recycling plant where there was the threat of having to evacuate a town of over 50 thousand residents and during several plane crashes where benzene and other toxins were released near the ICC. EmComm workers were never meant to be deployed in "harm's way" but during an emergency the safe-lines can swiftly change and if you are not prepared you may find yourself exposed to dangerous substances through no fault of your own.
The events of 2001 were not that long ago, however, we have learned a great deal about the dangers of exposure during a disaster. Even service agencies such as police and fire departments have redefined their training, equipment and knowledge when dealing with even the possibility of toxic exposure. By stating the term "toxic exposure", I am not just referring to chemicals known to cause illness from immediate exposure or direct contact, but also from other irritants long thought to be just that, irritants. We now see that a combination of elements such as exposure due to inhaling particulates in even small amounts, such as asbestos, when combined with chemical agents that may cling to the drifting particles could create a double-edged dagger of deadly threats on a long term basis.
It would be the height of insanity to ask any EmComm worker to deploy into a known toxic-filled environment, even with proper training and equipment. We are communicators, not rescue workers. When an EC is asked to provide emergency communications coverage for a disaster, he must first find out the facts. This should not only include the standard what/where/when/hows, but also if there is a chance that any of their deployed workers would be near any threat of exposure to any type of substance which might cause them harm, either short or long term. If any EC is informed by any agency that their communicators should "bring a mask when they come", then they are too close to the front lines and the EC should refuse to deploy manpower until the ICC is far enough away from the site. An EC must protect his communications team. As much as we'd like to be protected by distance, sometimes an ICC will attempt to be as close to the event as possible and a poor site could be chosen. We have no control over this. This site may be out of "harm's way" in the very beginning of the event, therefore communcators would be relatively safe, but shifting wind patterns or the progression of any fire may make the original ICC unsafe very quickly. The most important thing any EmComm worker deployed at an ICC should be aware of is if that site becomes unsafe. They must always keep their ears tuned to any voice which may shout for the need to quickly evacuate as they may not get too early a notice before a wind direction change or pressure area overcomes their site with toxic fumes.
With this type of threat, every EmComm worker should be prepared by knowing how to quickly evacuate, the quickest route AND have with them a good quality respirator to help them escape from certain chemical, biological and nuclear agents. This is NOT a simple paper mask nor a basic particulate filter that consumers use if they paint or clean out their garage. There are many types of respirators on the market with prices ranging from ten to thousands of dollars. Since the purpose of an EmComm worker's respirator is to allow a few additional minutes to complete their evacuation from a newly polluted site, what they need would be a snug fitting respirator that is able to filter out chemical, biological and nuclear agents for a limited amount of time. Make sure that whatever respirator you chose can do this and not just limit particulates. Check any filter cartridges before you buy a unit to see what they cover. Below are a few examples of both useful AND useless masks or filters. There are also a few that are full face-type which will also protect your eyes and face until you can reach safety. When you have obtained one, learn how to quickly don it. Make sure it's snug, especially if you wear glasses. If you don't hear a call, yet think your area might become polluted, don't hesitate to put on that mask. Better to be safe than risk long term damage because you didn't wish to be the first one at the ICC wearing a mask. Believe me, I understand. Expect to pay about fifty dollars or more for a decent, basic respirator. It's worth the investment. Pack it with your "go bag".
Basic protective Suit (Read Below)
After you've obtained a good respirator, it's time to consider other protection. If you've gotten a full-face mask then you need not worry about eye protection. If your respirator only covers your nose and mouth, you'll need some sort of eye protection in the form of goggles which do NOT have vents on them. If your eye protection had vents then any gas or chemical can contaminate your eyes and cause damage or in some cases may cause blindness. Again, this protection is needed just to give you enough time to evacuate yourself from the polluted location. Make sure that your eye protection fits snuggly on your face for the best protection possible. There are many sources on the internet to purchase eye protection. It would also be wise to have a bottle of eye wash in your "go bag".
After providing the proper eye and breathing protection, you should also consider getting yourself protective clothing in the form of some type of one-piece coverall (as seen in the above picture). Make sure that whatever coveralls you obtain they are made for this type of service. "Tyvek"-type coveralls are both a tough an inexpensive investment. Coveralls should be easy for you to put on over your "street" clothing and have elastic cuffs and legs to prevent toxic dust from migrating on to your inner clothing. If you need to put on coveralls, make sure you put on your respirator FIRST. Coveralls should also be waterproof so and toxic liquids are kept away from your body. If you can, purchase hooded coveralls as they offer maximum protection. If you deploy to an event where you do become contaminated, DO NOT wash the coveralls for re-use. Instead, carefully take them off (outside of your home), carefully place them in a plastic bag and seal the bag before disposing. After coverall removal, take a long, soapy shower. If you wish to be on the safe side, you may want to turn in the sealed bag to your local fire department as they have the ways and means to safely dispose of hazmat contaminated clothing. Along with this protection, you should also have several pairs of latex fitted gloves. (Or non-latex if you have a latex allergy) When you deploy, make sure you have a decent pair of boots to wear. It would be a good idea to spray your boots with some form of water-proofing for additional protection. (I destroyed a new pair of boots by not spraying them before I deployed to WTC "Ground Zero")
I can not stress enough the importance of not spending any more time at a contaminated site than is necessary to quickly gather your equipment/gear and get out! It is NOT your job to remain at a dangerous location and continue to communicate. My deployment at the WTC disaster "ground Zero" was an extreme exception that will never happen to you. I was deployed there for an extended time because it would not have been wise to expose other EmComm workers by deploying them to that ICC location.
In taking my modest suggestions you will be afforded basic protection, at a reasonable cost, which will prevent your being contaminated should your deployment area become compromised. As always, the best way to protect yourself is not to be there, but sometimes you may not have much of a choice. Do not attempt to be a hero by remaining at a hazmat location where you shouldn't be. You are already a hero the moment you volunteered for EmComm duty. Use common sense. Discuss personal hazmat protection at your EmComm meetings so every member can be better prepared.
After The Event - Even Years After
Coping With PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
In 2009, I Developed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
In March of 2009, I went through my very first bout with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) which was undetected following my Emcomm deployment during the 2001 WTC Disaster at "Ground Zero". That’s over 7 years ago.
PTSD can happen at any time after an event. As in my case, even years after. There is usually a "trigger" (a word, smell, image, another experience, etc) which can set it off, and in my case it was just a thought that popped into my head.
Allow me to explain.
In 2009, I worked at a place called "The Center For The Intrepid" or CFI which is a special rehabilitation complex on an Army medical base, Brooke Army Medical Center, in San Antonio. (After the WTC Disaster I relocated to Texas) At CFI, they have all the "Wounded Warriors" (Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines) who've lost limbs or have serious burns during the Mid East conflict. This building is the first of it’s kind. They develop special prosthetics and also help through physical therapy until most soldiers can walk just as good as you or I.
It’s amazing how the latest technology can help these amputees. Each prosthetic device can cost anywhere from 12 thousand to 100 thousand dollars. I, for one, am glad the government is taking such good care of these heroes.
I see them every day. There are dozens and dozens of these heroes. We interact and they enjoy talking to a civilian who is also a veteran.
One day, in April 2009, while noticing quite a number of them in the lounge, I started thinking: "If the World Trade Center Disaster didn't occur, probably all of these brave men and women would still have their missing limbs."
Whether correct or false, this set off my "trigger" and began my first bout with PTSD, even though I had no earlier typical symptoms such as dreams or nightmares of the event. I began having breathing problems, but only at night. I could not sleep because it felt as if I was having an asthma attack even though I don't have an asthmatic condition. It felt like I was suffocating.
My house was thoroughly checked for irritants such as mold, etc. Nothing was found. I even had a chest x-ray which revealed no serious problems other than lots of small particles that are stuck in my lungs from the WTC exposure (which includes building materials and "cremated remains") but not enough to cause this type of breathing problem so quickly. I found out that could I easily fall asleep on a cot out on my porch, but not indoors. This was how my PTSD surfaced.
Upon consultation with experts in the field (and there are several at CFI who deal with the soldiers’ PTSD's and emotional problems) it seems that my subconscious had a fear of being trapped in a collapsed building. I am still working through my PTSD condition through consultation and medication.
In a few weeks following the discovery of my having PTSD, I could actually sleep indoors as long as some windows were open and I faced one. Taking an all natural sleep enhancer was also needed. Slowly, I returned to a normal sleep routine.
Now that I've discovered that I actually have PTSD, it is something I'll have to deal with for the rest of my life, just as I have to keep a careful eye on the particles in my lungs. There is no such thing as a "cure" for PTSD and it could crop up as other symptoms such as nightmares, depression, fear of something happening or fear of heights, etc.
In passing this information along, I am hoping that other Emcomm workers who might have been or will be exposed to sad events such as a plane disaster, etc. will take heed. Think about how any emergency event might affect you. PTSD can sneak up on you, as it did for me. Know that it might be a possibility and read more about PTSD.
Emcomm is a very important part of assisting in a disaster. We need to keep responding as the professionals we all are. Just be aware that ALL rescue workers can be at risk from developing PTSD whether you handle an axe, a tourniquet or even a microphone.
email: AloneStarYank@aol.com
The object of terrorism is to frighten people by initiating "constant chaos" thereby drastically changing their way of life. It is defeated only when people are prepared enough that they no longer fear. Terrorism rears it's ugly head in many forms. One can be terrorized by a next door neighbor or by radicals from the other side of the globe. How we deal with each act is more important than what triggered it. Armed with enough information, basic necessities and confidence there is no reason why we can't survive almost any situation. The only exception, of course, is a direct, deadly assault on ourselves.
Terrorists mean to strip away our cloak of confidence thereby empowering them with changing how we live. The key is not to allow them this power. During the dark days just following the World Trade Center and Pentagon disasters there were many who believed that there would be more attacks and this belief was just what the terrorists wanted. In making us believe this, they assumed a position of power because we allowed it. The power, though imaginary, felt very real. There were, however, people who didn't allow this assumed power to take hold. When the World Trade Center buildings fell I, and many others, were charged with the responsibility of rescue down at the area termed "Ground Zero". Not one of us were so worried about another attack that it affected our job at hand. Rather than have a fearful effect, it forced us to become focused at what we needed to do. You and your family, during a time of terrorism, must remain just as focused. Not at any rescue efforts, but at daily living in a way that will least affect you. A prime example are the people in Israel. They are constantly surrounded by the specter of terrorism, yet they have learned to live, laugh, love and prosper amid this almost daily threat. To be sure, they have had to make some adjustments in their lives, but it hasn't prevented them from basically living the way they wish and where they want. You and your family should adopt that same philosophy.
EMPOWERING YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY
There is a saying that "Information is power". This is very true. The more proper information we have available the better equipped we will be to handle any threat to us and our families. Some of the information I will present comes from my own experiences in emergency situations, including that most devastating terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. During my work at "Ground Zero" I spoke to many people involved in that effort including police, firefighters, military, search and rescue crews, Red Cross personnel (some of whom have been involved in disasters all over the world) and other people who assisted in the relief efforts and in doing so have exchanged ideas, emotions and facts. By giving you my, and their, observations and advice it is hoped that you and your family will be better equipped to ride out any terrorist event with little effect on your daily life and with confidence in both yourselves and your country.
The term "Family Preparedness" encompasses many things. Before I delve into the subject of preparedness for terrorism, I'd like you first to read about family preparedness concerning another very important matter. This involves the preparing of your family for something which has a much greater chance of occurring than terrorism. It is about preparing and protecting both you and your family during severe weather and other natural disasters such as floods and wildfires. By reading the first part of this website you will become better acquainted with important basic details on family preparedness. Some of this information will have a direct bearing on preparing for any terrorist threat. The first section of this website is extremely important concerning developing a "HOME BAG", because this home bag will contain many of the items needed to assist you in coping during any terrorist event. I will be building on the information already presented in the first website rather than repeat things, such as basic home bag development and what to do/say (and what not to say) if your family has to evacuate to a shelter.
You have learned that by properly preparing for an event it will lessen the impact it has upon you. If you are thinking that there is no need to develop a "home bag" for your family because your area is never visited by hurricanes then you are quite mistaken. There are other "like events" that can become just as threatening no matter where you live. A freak snowstorm could block the path from your home to the closest town. A mudslide might cut off your family from the rest of civilization. Tornadoes? Wildfires? Earthquakes? Spring thaw floods? Toxic chemical spills that happen on almost a weekly basis? As you can see, there are many threats above and beyond hurricanes or terrorist events that make it important that you build your family a home bag and keep it up to date. There will be other items that I will suggest you assemble within your home bag if you are in a "high target" area or very concerned about terrorism. I will explain about what they are, and what a "high target" area is, later in this webpage.
THE ODDS ARE
Let's talk about your chances of being harmed by a terrorist attack. Forget about what the naysayers try to tell you. They are "media terrorists" trying to scare you and your family into buying their newspapers or listening to their television station and hiding or drastically changing your way of life. Often, they theorize the news rather than report the right conditions and facts. If it were up them, with all the baloney spewed by their so-called experts, there wouldn't be enough caves for us to hide in. The fact is that for any event that could take place our government is the best resource to stop any spread and to keep our country on an even keel. By government I am not just talking about the Federal government, but every official down to your local fire department. They ALL play critical roles in protecting us and containing any problem.
Forget all the theories and look at some facts. Things that really did happen. During the "cold war days" there was an accident at a bioweapons plant in a place called Sverdlovsk (since re-named Ekaterinburg) in 1979. This represented a release of hundreds of millions of anthrax spores into the air. Even though the local population was not notified, out of a city of over ONE MILLION only 66 people died. And this was at a location that made the stuff, no where near a place where most of us live. Many studies show that large amounts of anthrax must be inhaled for someone to become infected. Once the anthrax spores have been released into the air they do become a threat, especially if they are in a building with a closed ventilation system. Out in the open air they follow a very narrow path in the direction the wind is blowing. Once they hit the ground they usually stay there and are no longer a threat to being inhaled.
So as a wide-scale terror weapon they fall far short of actually infecting a large population. The only risk is if you are downwind to a very large anthrax release or happen to be located in a "high profile" building with a closed ventilation system (such as a federal government structure) that becomes infected. Does that mean you shouldn't be concerned? No. But the odds of this happening are very remote. Remote enough that you don't need to run out and buy an expensive gas mask. The use of gas masks require training and a proper fit to be effective. You must also know when to put one on. Anthrax is colorless, tasteless and odorless so in the time you locate your gas mask and put it on, it probably would be too late.
The THREAT of Anthrax is much greater than the actual spores themselves. This is what terrorists want. Threat. Fear. Disruption. Look at how much disruption there was when those envelopes were found that contained anthrax? It was a limited event that caused all of us concern and changed how we lived.
Detach the anthrax events that took place following the 9/11 disasters from the WTC and Pentagon disasters because the anthrax letter attacks were committed by other people who found it convenient to enhance our fears. These sick people, in effect, came out of the woodworks to prey upon our newly affixed fears. They went away just as quickly. This is what terrorists do. They seize an opportunity to cause us anguish and spread fear. When armed with facts, we fear less. As you can see, the anthrax threat is less than that of being struck by lightening on a cloudy day. Can you get struck by lightening on a cloudy day.. yes. Does this prevent you from going out of your home on a cloudy day... no.
Another threat you might be concerned about is that of smallpox. Again, it is a small threat. Most of us, before 1970, were given shots against smallpox. Even though these shots have lost some of their effectiveness they still offer some protection. If you and your family are concerned about this threat, you should know that the government has stockpiled enough vaccine to treat the entire population of this country. If a nation-wide plan to vaccinate were to be implemented it would cause undue panic with mis-reporting and false conjectures by the media. Instead, the government's plan is not to use it on a massive level but rather to use special drop teams that will go into an area to contain any outbreak and vaccinate within the infected area. There is a limited amount of actual live smallpox virus stored worldwide so this also limits the terrorist access to it. Again, it is a minor threat that is given all too much press. Both anthrax and smallpox threats make too much front page news by too many irresponsible reporters and news agencies.
OTHER THREATS
Most terrorists are either cowards, who do their dirty deeds from the shadows, or sick people who would even sacrifice themselves to harm others. With these two classifications come two methods of terrorism. The subversive and the blatant. Subversive requires opportunity. We all can be a part in reducing the opportunity for terrorism by being observant. It doesn't require special training, just common sense and a keen eye to the unusual. The public eye has been very successful in preventing crime and helping recover kidnapped children. The photos on milk cartons and the very successful "Amber Alert System" have been two very powerful tools in capturing criminals and reuniting loved ones. The same observational powers need to be used to prevent terrorism. Be wary of the actions of anyone doing something which might appear strange. For example, if you are vacationing at a state park that also has a reservoir and you note someone in a boat or at the shoreline dumping something in the water instead of fishing, report the observation to the state police or park officials as soon as possible. This might be a person with a valid reason for "chumming" the water to attract fish or he might be attempting to infect the public drinking water system. The possibility of a water supply becoming infected makes it very important that you have your "home bag" with that bottled water. One of the problems with the water supply system in our country is that there are thousands of separate systems covering millions of acres so it is difficult to "police" all of them. The good thing is that by their sheer number it also makes it impossible for terrorists to taint them all. This makes water supply systems a "high target" area. Fortunately, we have the ways and means to supply water to areas that might become tainted. However, to activate this delivery system, either by tanker trucks or interconnection of a safe system to a purged system, does take time. This makes your home bag water supply doubly valuable. If you fear terrorism, add an additional two or three days supply of bottled water to your home bag. Doing this NOW will also lessen the stress if there is a scare and people are scrambling to get bottled water.
High Target Areas: A Short Explanation
High target sites for terrorism are those high profile places that the most physical and psychological damage can be done using the least amount of destructive energy. Using a few pounds of explosive to destroy a roadway in the desert and hardly a soul will know, nor will it attain any media attention. Our lives will not feel threatened nor will we alter our lifestyles. Take that same amount of explosive to destroy a railway bridge, which may go unnoticed until a train crashes killing many people, and the media will descend on the site like locusts, developing wild stories when they drag in "would-be experts" and create confusion and fear among the public. In doing so, it will strip away some of our inner feelings of security. The more media attention an event gets, the more fear will be induced and encourage additional terrorist actions by either the original group or by "copycat" people, who use the opportunity as a means of becoming noticed and usually are not part of any "cause".
High target sites may include, but are not limited to:
Any military base or installation
Major bridges and tunnels linking larger cities (such as The Golden Gate Bridge or The Lincoln Tunnel) IF THERE IS A "NEXT TARGET", IT WILL PROBABLY BE ONE OF THESE SINCE "CAR BOMBS" ARE CHEAP YET EFFECTIVE.
Any utility plant, especially electrical with interconnections to inter-state power grids (since we always equate darkness with fear)
Public water supplies
Any type of chemical plant or any manufacturing plant that uses large amounts of chemicals such as a fertilizer company
Any Federal Government building
Any tall structures (such as the "Space Needle" in Seattle)
National and State Monuments (such as The Statue Of Liberty, The Washington Monument or The Alamo)
Professional sports stadiums (such as Yankee Stadium)
Large "national type" amusement parks or zoos (such as Disney World or Sea World)
Major transportation hubs (such as Grand Central Station)
Major Airports
Toxic Waste Handling Plants and Containment Areas
Nuclear power plants and processing facilities (within 50 miles)
Transcontinental Railway lines
Any jetliner flight
Down river from any dam
Any subway system (underground systems for their sheer terror potential)
Any vacation-type cruise ship
Terrorists wish to instill as much fear as possible. By damaging those things we hold as symbols of our country and our way of life they hope to shatter our ideals, dreams and security. There are sites in every state that they'd wish to destroy, not so much for the loss of life, but for the loss of our dignity and faith in who we are. Here, in Texas, one of the most venerated places is the Alamo in San Antonio. It represents our resolve in the face of insurmountable odds. The Alamo stands as a monument as revered in Texas as the Statue Of Liberty is to most of America. If either were destroyed, or even seriously damaged by a terrorist attack, it could cripple our spirit. There are many such high target places in our country that even though they can be rebuilt they can never be replaced. There are many people charged with the security of these places and they have our respect for the work they do. You can help them by being observant to anyone who exhibits strange behavior. If you see someone acting odd, do not turn and walk away. Be part of that great caring that is America and report anything you see or hear to the proper authorities. This also holds true when you are on vacation. What greater damage to the spirit of America than if a place such as "Disney World" were damaged by a terrorist? What fright would be created if we felt that even an amusement park wasn't safe. To be sure, places like this have remarkable security forces that are trained in counter-terrorism, but extra sets of eyes couldn't hurt.
Oil and gas depots, refineries, major ports, and places of commerce and industry are also high risk areas. The risk level varies depending upon if an area or building were crippled or destroyed in an attack what damage would be done to our psyche and our economy. When the World Trade Centers fell, besides the saddening loss of so many innocent lives, there was a profound effect on our economy. Most of the banks and financial institutions have learned a hard lesson and now backup their records to low-target areas. In 2001, lost records created financial shockwaves that took many months to recover. The ensuing ripple effect also meant loss of jobs and further fear.
SO WHAT SHOULD CONCERN US?
Aside from the natural threats coming from mother nature, we do need to be concerned, but not overwhelmed, about other threats, some of which can be initiated by terrorists, carelessness or just plain stupidity. Threats involving chemicals are one of these incidents that need consideration. Every day there are thousands of gallons of chemicals being transported throughout the country by rail or tanker truck. Some of these chemicals are relatively harmless in nature. There are many, however, that are extremely toxic. In most cases the liquid chemical spills which might occur during accidents can be quickly contained. It is the gaseous variety that need more attention by the public. There may be a point in time when a spill due to a tanker truck accident will release fumes or gas.
Depending upon the gas, it might either quickly raise above ground level and be quickly dissipated OR it might remain ground level as it spreads. This last type is the most dangerous as it can spread to a neighborhood and engulf it in a deadly plume. The public has been told during certain emergencies to seal all your windows and air conditioners. This may hold true when there are just irritants and particulates in the air, but since houses were built to "breathe", it offers little protection against poison gas. (If you live out in the country you'll agree that homes breathe if you've ever smelled the caustic odor of a road-killed skunk from miles away even when every window and door in your home is shut.) The best way of surviving a poison gas event is to get out of the area as fast as possible while remaining upwind of the spill. During an event like this it might be life-or-death if you fail to listen to your local news and follow the directions of local government officials. Pay special attention to what the police and fire departments have to say as they are trained in this type of spill. There are special hazardous material "HAZMAT" teams that are both equipped and trained to deal with containment. Listen to them. Do exactly what they say as you may not get a second chance. If you live in an area where there is a chemical plant, you can consider yourself in a high target area. You don't need to become overly worried, but you need to be alert. With deliveries and shipments via trucks or rail there remains a higher risk that an accident or terrorist event might take place.
With this in mind, make plans for several evacuation routes away from the plant (based upon wind direction) in the event that your family has to leave. If you are in such an area, consult with your local police and fire departments about any alert system they have in place. If there is no alert plan, get your community together by discussing the development of a plan at a town meeting. A good alert plan might be the same as those developed in areas which have a nuclear power plants. (This is another high target area. The only proper response to a problem at a nuclear power plant is to evacuate WITH your home bag.) These nuclear power plant alert systems usually involve a series of powerful signaling horns or sirens that ONLY signal in the event of a problem. An alternative alert system might involve a special series of blasts from the fire department horns.
The only drawback to this second choice is that we have become acclimated to it's sound so many might ignore it or confuse it's signal with that of a fire call out. A re-education of the public and a few test drills would be needed. Either way, make sure your community has an alert system in place if you reside in an area that has a chemical plant. Also check to see that your fire department and police department have the proper training and plans to cope with a chemical HAZMAT emergency. If you see a chemical spill remain as far away from it as possible and report it to the proper authorities. Armed with this additional planning, you become better prepared in the event such an occurrence takes place.
Remember that a "one-point" terrorist act might also evolve into a "multidimensional event". These are disasters that trigger or combine with weaknesses within an area that will result in a "super event". An example of a super event that might occur is if due to a terrorist attack a plane crashes during an emergency landing at San Antonio Airport. Depending upon it's direction and altitude, during such a crash it might clip or hit the chemical tanker cars that Union Pacific routinely has parked on it's tracks that parallel along Wetmore Avenue and are adjacent to the airport. I have read some of the contents of these tankers... very scary. Let's say the plane attempts a landing but crashes into these tankers releasing their contents. The plane, as it crashes, continues another 300 feet. At that point it might hit the aviation fuel stored in large tanks at the outer perimeter of the airport where other planes (delivery services, etc.) are also parked. So, in this one crash event the plane ruptures dangerous chemicals from the tanker cars, hits the volatile aviation fuel and sparks a tremendous fireball that ejects toxic fumes from the chemicals into the air. This "super event" would mean the evacuation of tens of thousands of nearby residents and businesses. Since the major wind direction in this area of Texas can change on an hourly basis, coming from the Gulf, Mexico or from the North, as a precaution the evacuation would have to cover all residences/businesses within a 360 degree area for many miles. This would also force the closings of two very major highways: Rt 410 and 281. If you are in the emergency "business", you'd better plan for this type of thing to happen. This is why you need to make several evacuation routes from your home or business and several other places to shelter. Planning is very important. Take the time. Make plans. Discuss these plans with family members and neighbors.
Shortly after the World Trade Center Disaster, I began thinking that terrorists would be seeking other "cost effective" and "simplistic" methods to strike at the core of America. One of the most chilling plans that I came up with would be if they were to encapsulate, in wax, ebloa or anthrax spores. This encapsulation is the same method for time-releasing certain medications. They could then sprinkle this "death deployment" on animals at petting zoos or places that supply these animals to petting zoos. When children visit the zoos and pet the animals the spores are released and passed from child to child to adult. Thousands could be infected. If you've heard on the news, this type of event, on a lower scale, just took place with E.Coli. Was this an accident or a testing of this form of delivery system? This I cannot answer, nor should you be alarmed and hide in a cave. It's just another example of how, using simple yet effective methods, a terrorist can cause havoc.
Our government is doing what it can to protect us. Even down to the local level there has been increased training and drills. Some you may know about. Other training and preparedness are kept secret for a good reason. The less the terrorists know, the less they can circumvent systems in place to protect us. The more we train and know about them, the less of an impact they will have in our daily life. Our country is not as fragile as "sensational news sources" would lead you to believe.
One of the things you can do is to examine where you live. Your community and town. What would be the worst thing a terrorist could do to disrupt your life? One of the most high target areas might be your utility company.
Nothing strikes more fear than being plummeted into darkness.
People feel the most vulnerable when there is a sudden loss of power, even though probably nothing further will happen. The terrorist has disrupted lives. And that is his purpose. (but if you have that "home bag" with it's lights and candles the temporary loss of power is just an inconvenience) Make a list of what you would consider to be "high target" areas that surround your home, workplace and school. If, by reading the "high target" resource website you diagnose yourself as living in such an area, plan alternate travel routes should the need arise for evacuation from any one of these places. Have alternate places to "shelter in". Make sure each member of your family has some simple training in the event they are separated from each other and need to stay elsewhere. This includes a list of phone numbers and safe places to stay. Keep that home bag as complete and as up to date as possible.
I hope that by reading this you will make the effort to become better prepared and have developed your family plans so in the event that another terrorist strike takes place on our soil your family will remain safe and less fearful. Think of terrorism as one man, with a sick mind, who has only 2 bullets in his gun. Would he actually use one on you? The answer is: No. With his limited resources, he must make those few bullets count. But by shooting a person of stature, and making a display of it, he will create fear in all of us. Unless we understand his limits and are educated in a way that offers us the best protection, we will wear that fear like a heavy chain around our necks. But, if we understand the odds and limits and are prepared and observant, that man with the 2 bullets is reduced to that of a mosquito buzzing around with very little sting.
CREATING A VIABLE JUMP TEAM
A.K.A.: EMERGENCY DEPLOYMENT BEYOND YOUR "HOME TURF"
In the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attacks and the major hurricanes which devastated the Gulf Coast region, there has been a renewed interest in preparing and training for disasters. This includes taking advantage of amateur radio resources to fill the void when other means of communications fail. As hams, we know that when disaster strikes it becomes a lesson in futility when local governments grab a few cellphones in the hope that communications can be covered using this technology. Time and time again we've seen other "systems" fail thus proving that amatuer radio operators are the first and best line of communications support. Slowly, we are being accepted by others as a legitimate communications support resource. With this in mind, we are now training with renewed energy and freely sharing our thoughts, ideas and experiences with our fellow hams in the hope of being better prepared each time we are called into action. Yes, we've made mistakes in the past. But let's also acknowledge that unlike other support services we've learned from them and therefore have become better communicators. Just a few years ago, you could search the Internet in an attempt to find websites dealing with ham radio emergency communications only to find very little on the subject. Today, however, there are dozens and dozens of sites you can access in order to obtain new information to build antennas, assemble "go bags" and listings of many other ideas to make your emergency communications support work more efficient and effective. Consequently, with this enlightened spirit, many EmComm groups are devoting additional time in training for large scale disasters. Every communications group should take a page from this and train, drill and support the needs in the event of a large scale disaster.
"And Now For Something Not So Completely Different"
Along with this renewed vigor, comes another avenue of support and another challenge which some of us must prepare for. Today, we are being asked by several agencies to take on the additional task of assembling "jump teams" that will have the ability to travel to a disaster area and supply emergency communications from the "lion's mouth." The jump team concept, and jump teams themselves are almost as old as ham radio itself, however, in light of the recent disasters it needs a new spotlight. Jump teams are involved in special situations which will require addressing special concerns relative to today's needs. First and foremost, every jump team that's created must strive to be a self-sustaining operation. There can be no doubt about this. Jump teams cannot place an additional burden on a devastated area by requesting supplies or shelters. They must complete their communications responsibilities acting as a "stand alone" unit, bringing with them all the equipment, supplies, food, water, shelters and all the support they might require to the area-specific stricken location. Depending upon the disaster, it's location and time of year, jump teams will be required to bring not only basic ham radio and personal gear but also different equipment, supplies and clothing which will be specifically suited to support each particular event.
"The Most Important Piece"
The most important piece of any communications support program are it's operators. However, before ANY ham radio operator even contemplates raising their hand at an EmComm meeting to volunteer for inclusion into a jump team they must be fully aware of what will be expected of them. Being part of any deployment team of this nature requires that you might be asked to deploy in situations that are both physically and emotionally demanding. This is not like deploying for some limited disaster or at the tail-end of an event such as many of you who've handled communications in some shelter for a few days following a hurricane or winter storm might have done. This is much different. Jump teams quite often are the very first communications out of a decimated area. It is imperative that they get on the air as quickly as possible and stay on the air by whatever means at their disposal. They must be able to erect antennas in areas where nothing might be left standing or where the average ham thinks it cannot be done. It requires special knowledge, skills and training. The hams who form as a jump team must know how to improvise and adapt using what they've brought and what limited things they can scrounge. There needs to be a little "MacGyver" in every team member.
I believe that when someone or some group forms or are part of an emergency communications "Jump Team," they need to approach it as if it were a DXpedition to some uninhabited island where the only thing they can count on is bird shit, bad weather and each other. Like a DXpedition, there will be a team leader who will delegate responsibilities that each member must fulfill so the station(s) can be up and running in as little time as possible. This pre-delegation will be based on skill-level and experience in each area. I don't think I've read of anyone taking the same attitude of a DXpedition and applying it to an EmComm Jump Team, but it certainly fits.
With all of this, being a team member also means being in very good physical condition. At times it can be much more demanding than "rustic camping." Many years ago, I deployed to the Virgin Islands following a hurricane. Arriving there, I found it to be oppressively hot and humid in the hurricane's aftermath. Weather-wise, it wasn't what you'd experience during any vacation period. The sweat boiled off me like a man about to face a firing squad, and this just from the little effort I expended in erecting a dipole antenna. There was no place to cool off, either. It was so bad that I couldn't sleep during my scheduled off time and I lost weight from deploying in this harsh environment. Living in a tent, and not in the air-conditioned luxury of some hotel as would be the case during a vacation, placed an additional burden which sometimes revealed itself by increased stress levels among people we had to work with.
There may be times when it will be a trek to pick your way through rubble and debris just to go to a makeshift bathroom. No showers. No fancy food. Just eating what you've brought, especially for the first 72 hours. You have to honestly answer this question: "Can I do this?" "Can I operate and act as a professional communicator under more deplorable conditions than we might associate with living in the back areas of any "third world country" or the dirtiest conditions you might ever imagine... or be deployed in a location where you've felt that you were losing the feeling in your fingers from the extreme cold?" As a "go anywhere" jump team member you must be able to withstand both extremes of climate. If you think I'm exaggerating, then talk to a few "first responders" of past major disasters. It would be a good idea to first get a physical and ask your doctor if you'd be up to the task of deploying in hardship areas. Remember, you're not a kid of 18, anymore. (At least this way you'd be getting the physical that you keep putting off.)
OK, let's say that you have answered "yes." Now another potential roadblock gets thrown into the mix. That is the emotional stress of any disaster. First is the stress of assembling a station where none ever existed. This won't be a casual "Field Day" setup. People are depending upon your team to get communications up and running in as little time as possible. When your team gets to it's location, usually each team member has already been pre-assigned a specific logistical task(s) to perform such as setting up shelters, erecting antennas, doing station setup (rigs and power,etc), contacting and interacting (with informational gathering) with local agencies and supplying nutritional support for the team are examples of but five of the basic required needs.
After your team's initial station is running, your thoughts might then shift to an even greater stress agent. You have to ask yourself this: Can you subjectively deploy into a disaster area and do your communications job without letting your emotional floodgates open? This does not mean that you should be a cold-hearted person. If you were, you wouldn't even be considering volunteering! What this means is that you should be able to see beyond the sorrow towards the greater goal of helping the devastated area get back on it's feet. You'll need a means and a way not to focus on the actual disaster but rather to focus on your communications job. It requires courage. The emotional burden doesn't stop there, either.
Even if you are the most seasoned EmComm operator, you must remember that you are a guest of whatever communications group is in-charge of the disaster. You are there by their request/invitation. You must be able to take their orders and follow their rules no matter if it goes against everything you've been taught and drilled on. It's their show, not yours. They may make mistakes. Swallow hard and do your job. If you can't do this, then don't deploy. If they ask your advice or opinion, give it in a non-threatening manner. Again, it's their community and therefore their responsibility.
If your EmComm group is worth it's salt, then they will help you in your jump team training regarding "emotional conditioning" before you are faced with deployment. They'll show you techniques on how you can emotionally disengage from the event during your break times so you can sleep or physically recharge. You'll learn how to "decompress" after your deployment so what you've seen and experienced doesn't affect how you'll react when you get back home. These factors are just as important as bringing the proper gear.
Can you handle all of this? Can you physically and emotionally handle the task? Can you also afford to invest the additional time for special training and deploying? It won't be easy, nor will it be a "one day deal". You won't be able to "pick and choose" which event you wish to be involved in. If you can do all of this, then the next step is to talk to your local EmComm group about being part of a jump team. There are a lot of things you'll have to learn and many things you'll need to acquire to be a part of such a team. It's not a job for "badge polishers", to inflate egos or for the faint of heart. It's a down-and-dirty job for special people with special skills for a special responsibility.
After doing some nosing around on the Internet, and talking to EmComm people, it appears that some people and groups are confusing the terms "Go Kits" with "Jump Kits." To me, a "Go Kit" is something not unlike a "Go Bag" which contains most of the personal supplies and radio equipment that an individual might need to deploy, i.e.: "go to" to a local event such as to a shelter to assist in communications until a weather event has passed in a day or two. These items are usually stored in a back pack or plastic bin. You actually aren't "jumping" lock, stock and barrel anywhere as much as you are being deployed to some location.
(A lot of hams who showed up at Red Cross in the hopes of helping out during the World Trade Center Disaster didn't even have something as simple as a "Go Bag", but just showed up with an HT and MAYBE one extra battery...... They weren't put to use because they were under-prepared. I hope that many have learned from this and now have adequate "Go Bags.")
However, by my definition, a "Jump Kit" is something very much different. It is not a backpack or even a "kit", but rather a large cache of supplies and radio equipment you'd bring with you to a non-local location such as what you'd bring traveling a distance to support a disaster in another state as either a stand-alone station op or as a member of a communications team. This would require more food, water, equipment, power and antenna considerations and shelters for an event where there wouldn't be much of anything to rely on.
There seems to be very little found about actually organizing an EmComm Jump Team anywhere on the Internet other than stating a need for them in local plans. It kind of reminds me of everyone wanting one, but no one knowing how to go about it. I know that there are very well run jump teams out there, however not much posted about them other than what they've done ie: "event deployment". I am aware that many teams are "area-related", however the more info we are armed with, the better job we can do in creating our own jump teams and making sure they have all they need to properly fill EmComm needs.
With this void of published information, there is a lack of self-confidence in the minds and hearts of those EmComm groups looking to develop their own jump team(s) beyond asking individual members to create/gather their personal go-kits in some back pack or bin to be used on a grander scale than supplying basic communications at a local shelter where they would be relieved in 12 hours. The basic go-kit is a nominal inventory of items and won't properly cover things needed during an event where one has to travel distances and to be deployed in the nakedness of a major disaster. Have you ever heard of a Dxpedition where members simply carried to "XYZ Island" gear and personal items on a few back packs? This would be courting disaster. Next, I will be talking about creating a "Jump Team", and what will be required so it can deploy to a locale that isn't hospitable.
A SUCCESSFUL TEAM STARTS FROM THE TOP,
BUT INVOLVES EVERYONE:
LEADERSHIP
When you are creating a jump team from scratch, you first need to appoint an individual who would be responsible for the complete Jump Team operation. This person doesn't necessarily need to be one of the deploying agents, however, he/she needs to be able to identify the goals of their particular jump team and develop the ways and means to fulfill them. This includes knowing where to find the right answers and support when requested by the team. This person must have a pro-active stance on emergency communications.
Usually, a jump team is a smaller part of either a local EmComm structure (such as ARES, RACES, REACT, etc) or an arm of an active amateur radio club. Whatever the source of this team, every radio club member or EmComm group member must be committed and responsible to insure the jump team's success at every level. Whatever title you give this person, everyone, even those not directly on the team, should give this leader the respect they deserve and the support they might need. This could include, for example, acting as monitoring stations back at your home location in case communications require the jump team to request additional information, supplies, personnel or to report their progress. Supporting agencies must also be able to properly fund their jump team program so expendable items can be maintained. This would include gas to get to their site, fuel for power generation, food and water supplies, etc. This is a team effort beyond just the jump team personnel. You never want to leave a jump team "out in the cold" support or communications wise. Jump team members are donating their time and effort and will be deploying under rustic and trying conditions. Clubs or EmComm groups at the very least need to supply funding support AND Remember that your deployed jump team also needs your group to be one of the contacts out of the area they can send health and welfare traffic to. This means that many members of your supporting group must be trained on traffic handling in the manner your jump team sends the information and on duty, in shifts, to take this traffic.
Granted, any jump team must strive to be self-sufficient while on location, however in extreme cases they may need help or information from sources beyond their deployed area. This is why your local group needs to be in scheduled, daily communications with your deployed jump team. (If people wish to be a jump team member, but can't physically deploy, they should support their deployed jump team by monitoring frequencies for jump team communications back to their support group.)
The team leader should be the only person to activate the jump team for standby (get ready) or actual deployment and must be able to supply the jump team with all the information they need to properly deploy. (Where, when, how, estimated deployment period and who to report to at the deployed area.) They should also be charged with obtaining and tracking the funding so the jump team can operate. The team leader is the "single point of contact" for groups or agencies who request jump team support and must document all requests and keep an accurate log of all jump team activity. So point one: appoint a strong, dedicated person to be responsible for your jump team operation to act as Team Leader and give them your complete support.
IDENTIFY YOUR RESPONSE CRITERIA
Once you have appointed your team leader, the next step is to identify exactly the types of events and the distances your jump team would be willing to respond to and for how long a period of time. For instance, if your support group feels that the jump team would be most effective deploying only during weather related events and within a range of 400 miles, this needs to be spelled out in any jump team informational posting so agencies requesting communications support know this. (There may be jump teams better versed in search procedures or post-terrorism events, etc) This response criteria should be drawn up by the team leader in concert with several other responsible individuals within your structure (such as the President and Directors of the amateur radio club sponsoring the team) to insure that every scenario you might wish to cover is listed in your scope of planning. A jump team can't nor shouldn't be expected to deploy to every event, however, to be a more effective jump team it should be able to adapt to the many needs which may develop such as a weather related event which ends up changing in to a search and rescue event. Your team will probably be operating with limited resources and under time constraints so you shouldn't commit your resources by deploying too quickly. The trap teams may fall in to is deciding to deploy too hastily for an event that really doesn't need their support. If this should happen, another more severe event might blossom while the team is deployed to a low priority event. If this is the case, they might then be unable to re-deploy to the second, and perhaps more serious disaster where additional communications are vital.
On average, jump teams should be prepared to deploy for a period of at least 8 - 10 days with two of those days to travel (one day to deploy to the location and the other day to return), decompress, either store or release equipment and debrief. Some jump teams, depending upon the severity of the event may be needed for up to 14 - 21 days. So point two should be: Identify the goals your team is capable of fulfilling and list, in priority, the events and basic travel distances you have planned on supporting.
APPOINT A DEPLOYED "FIELD LEADER"
After you have worked out point two, it is time to look for people that your team leader and your group's membership structure can appoint to become actual jump team members. The average jump team will require about six dedicated, healthy, experienced and strong individuals. DO NOT appoint jump team members based on friendship. Appoint them based on their ability to do what needs to be done and how well each person can work as a team. These jump team members should be of combined experience so they can successfully deploy a full-blown operation anywhere and under any conditions. One of the six jump team members should be appointed as the Field Leader. This person will be part of the actual deployment team and should be versed in HF/VHF communications, camping and leadership skills. Part of their leadership skills should be the ability to identify who is capable of doing what under rustic field conditions. They must also be able to deploy for an extended period of time as would every jump team member. This Field Leader must be of strong character and be able to interact with whatever responsible persons or groups are in charge of the event at the deployed area. Interpersonal skills are a must. He/She must also be able to relate well to the needs of the team. If there is a problem on site it needs to be taken care of in a mannner which reflects the ideas and suggestions of the entire team without creating a major disruption in the team operation. Creative ideas concerning the station set up and operation should be carefully weighed and all opinions and observations considered. (This might be acting on an observation reported by a member that another member should possibly be relieved for a rest period due to fatigue even though the fatigued member says they are ok. Fatigue causes mistakes.) The leader should also be able to document all phases of the response, such as keeping notes on who they need to contact at the deployed area, names, locations and phone numbers, documenting the entire deployment and making detailed reports for the group the jump team represents, etc. The Field Leader should be the direct and only contact between the local responsible officials at the deployment area and the actual jump team. Individual jump team members should refrain from heavily interacting and allow the Field Leader to speak on the team's behalf. Point three should be: Appoint a Field Leader to oversee the actual deployment site operation and appoint other jump team members so that the team is at least six in number.
Special notes for the Field Leader on jump team members:
Jump team members should be varied in abilities and specialities. For instance, one member might be great at rustic camping, so employ him/her to erect structures such as tents, etc. Another member might be excellent at putting up antennas under less than perfect conditions and perhaps without the aid of any local support structures such as trees or buildings. Listed later will be specific duties which need to be carried out by the jump team. In any event, make sure that each member in an emergency can basically fill the shoes of any other member in case any member is unable to deploy or becomes ill. Train together. It is VERY important that each jump team member have experience and training in emergency communications either by taking the ARRL courses, or even better, training using the information presented in this book. They should also know the two major ways to send traffic: NTS formal style and "Plain text" messaging. Learn from one another by doing drills and setting up operations from scratch such as during a proper field day operation where no one knows what the condition of a site is until they get there. This is the only way you will learn the strengths and weaknesses of your jump team. At the same time, the team will also learn to work together to get a complete station(s) and support operation up and running in the shortest amount of time. Make notes of weaknesses and omissions so they can be addressed before the team needs to deploy during an actual emergency. Have meetings with your team members at least once a month to discuss any changing parameters that might affect the operation. The more fluid the setup and operation your jump team exhibits, the more confidence they will instill in the people they are helping during an event.
Making Your Jump Team Operational
( Basic Guidelines For Equipment And Supplies)
The most important concept of a jump team is that it should be able to deploy to an event without putting an additional strain on the existing resources of the disaster area. It truly must be self-sufficient. With this in mind, you should divide your jump team cache into two distinct categories: Shelter/Food/Support and Communications/Power Gear. First, let's take a look at the shelter/food/support category. (note: these are all basic guidelines so you may vary the content and numbers to suit your teams needs and for the time of the year)
Sheltering and Operations Structures
You may get lucky and have existing structures to use for sheltering, but if you aren't lucky you might have to deploy to an area where NOTHING is standing, so here's the deal:
Sheltering, both for rest and communications must be designed to provide the most efficient operation possible. The sleeping and rest shelter should be roomy enough to accommodate all the jump team members at the same time without them feeling so cramped that they can't rest or fall asleep. This requires an 8 man tent of ample height (being able to stand up) for housing 6 team members. NO "pup" tents!
The 8 man tent should be light weight, yet durable. There should be adequate venting with zip up windows as your deployed location might be so humid that air flow is mandatory. This tent also needs to have both a tarp for ground cover and an additional rain tarp overhead. Along with the sheltering tent, you'll need heavy-duty metal stakes (army surplus) to secure the shelter. DO NOT use those plastic stakes as they will not hold as well or hammer in so easily in rocky soil. (include extra stakes and a heavy hammer for tent erection)
At least two jump team members should become well-versed in putting this and other shelters up. They should be able to do so without referring to any instructions. Also, make sure that when it comes time to erect the tent, a site is selected which will allow any rain to flow away from the tent and not pool under it. If you've ever had to sleep in a saturated sleeping bag because the tent was erected in a low area like I have, you'll have a greater respect for site survey before tent erection. Each jump team member needs their own sleeping bag and you'd be wise to bring at least two spares. Make sure they are the type that fit the season and not a "summer bag". If you've ever frozen your butt off while trying to sleep in a wimpy sleeping bag then you know what I mean.
Close by, but not too close by, there needs to be erected a "toilet tent". This is a narrow, yet tall tent that allows your jump team to "take care of business" in privacy. It should have vents on top, right below the roof line, so the "air of business" doesn't remain in the tent. Don't forget to obtain a chemical, portable toilet. (Also keep at least 30 tall kitchen plastic garbage bags in case you run out of chemicals so they can be used as inserts. Don't forget at least 12 rolls of single ply 1000 sheet toilet tissue.) Just like the shelter tent, erect this tent on level ground. On a personal note, instruct all jump team members to sit rather than "aim for the hole". Read the directions that came with the unit on how to use a chemical toilet and how to dispose of the waste. Have a shovel on hand.
The communications and operations tent needs attention to detail. There should be enough room so operators may stand erect without crouching. I suggest using an "EZ Up Canopy" at least 10x10 with side netting and side walls in case either are needed. (This tent/canopy should be at least 50 feet away from the sleeping shelter or your team members resting might not be able to fall asleep due to noise from the communications operation and radio chatter.) DO NOT SKIMP when it comes to the purchase of this structure. The frame tubing should be square and not round or rectangular. I've had cheaper canopy structures fail when wind actually bent the cheaper framework. An additional rain tarp covering is also suggested. This is the main operations area and needs to be erected in a secured manner. Use plenty of metal stakes to hold it in place as it tends to catch winds that wouldn't bother your sleeping shelter. I learned this the hard way when while using two of these canopies a nasty weather cell passed by and almost ripped the top of the canopy off the framework. It looked like a scene from a comedy film when we were getting soaked while trying to keep the cover from taking flight. Be safe, purchase and bring at least two of these canopies. The operations structure needs two folding tables of sturdy design and at least four chairs. Do not use "chairs in a bag" for operating stations as they do not supply the proper support and will quickly tire out your operators.
The next support structure is the food prep and dining area. Another 10x10 EZ UPtm canopy with the screening and tarp sides, and rain tarp, would fit the bill. Don't forget at least two fold up tables, one to act as food prep/cooking and another for dining, with chairs. (These can be "chairs in a bag")
So in review, you'll need the sleeping/housing tent with 8 sleeping bags (2 as spares), toilet shelter, chemical toilet with supplies, two operations shelters, a food prep-dining shelter and suitable chairs and tables for both food prep/dining and station(s) operations. Don't forget the ground and rain tarps.That's a lot of structures and support gear, but unless they are properly erected and outfitted with the proper furniture, your jump team operations will suffer.
Appoint one member who will be in charge of the shelter construction detail and one member to act as an alternate/assistant. This will be their main deployment responsibilities, however, when they have finished this obligation they need to move on to other tasks. All members should lend a hand with shelter detail.
If you are deploying to cooler or cold areas, in order to heat your shelters, I suggest using several portable catalytic heaters such as sold by Colemantm ("Sport Cat"tm or "Black Cat"tm models) which use 16oz propane cylinders. (If you chose wisely, this fuel might also be the same as which are used on your stoves) Have at least one heater for each shelter (two in your radio operations tent) and use proper ventilation when they are on. Refer to the directions when operating them and keep them away from anything flammable. Have enough fuel for your deployment period.
Nutritional Needs and Preparation
The nutritional needs, both food and fluids, is a subject that needs careful planning. First and foremost, you must check with every member to see if they have special needs AND what food reactions (allergies) they might have. Do not take this research lightly. One very glaring case in point was when I deployed to the Virgin Islands. It was hot and fluid replenishment was a major concern. Usually I ended up drinking whatever I was served. The fruity drinks seemed a nice change of pace from the water we usually drank. You can imagine my surprise when one drink I had contained mango, which I was allergic to! I can't tell how crazy I went with the skin irritation and intense itching. It was so bad that I wanted to tear my skin off. Thank goodness we had stocked antihistamine with the first aid gear. So remember, watch what is prepared and let everyone know what you are sensitive to. The first item in your jump team's cache of food/fluids should be an ample supply of water.
Remember that you might be unlucky enough to be deployed where the local water system was either destroyed or is polluted. Bottled water is a wise choice, but if it can't be obtained due to funding, larger "Jerry Jugs" filled with tap water (fill right before you deploy) will work. Also bring water purification tablets and particulate filters just in case. If you have to use any local-site water, boil it and use those tablets. I'd stock at least 2 gallons of water per person per day with 20% beyond this base total. Better to be safe than sorry. While we are on the subject of fluids, I have found that the powdered hydration mixes when combined with water for drinking can be very beneficial. "Crystal Light On-The -Go Hydration" or some other non-sugar hydration powder mix taste very good (they come in different flavors) and supports your body better than plain water as they supply you with electrolytes and vitamins. Although I enjoy soda, it is not the drink of choice when you have to deploy. No booze or beer. Ever.
Your stock of food to prepare and serve must be simple, yet supply the nutritional needs of the team. I find that "just add water and shake" pancake mixes, rice (stored in a metal container and prepared using chicken broth instead of water) etc. are good choices because they require no eggs, milk or refrigeration. Freeze-dried meals, smoked or dried meats or canned meals, canned fruits and power bars should also be on your list. (Good, old, "Dinty Moore" Beef Stew in a can, etc) Vary the meals. Make sure the jump team members get enough protein. Do not stock fresh meats, fish or poultry as they will go bad very quickly without proper refrigeration/freezing. Dried fruit such as raisins make for good snacks. Don't forget to supply some salted snacks but don't over do it. Make sure all food stuffs are properly stored and sealed so they won't be contaminated by the local insects or rodents. Your stock should be carefully laid out in menu form, including snacks, so you can stock enough to fulfill the requirements during the jump team's length of deployment and again keep at least 15% beyond what your total need calculations might be. Keep a running inventory of all foods and drinks during your team's deployment. Plan an 8 day menu and consult with all your team members on the selections you might have made. (God, I hate canned tuna fish) This way it will help with stocking before your team deploys. Don't skimp.
Also, plan ahead and stock the proper cooking and eating utensils, cooking oil, paper towels, heavy-duty aluminum foil, dish washing liquid, scrubbing sponges, plates and cookware with lids. DO NOT wash or rinse any cookware or utensils in water that isn't fit for you to drink. It would be wise to use bottled gas burners to cook any meals that require heating instead of cooking over some charcoal grille which generates a lot of smoke. (If you've ever ended a long camping trip and everyone smelled like burnt brisket, you know what I mean.) Bring enough bottles of whatever fuel your burners require to cook planned meals for 10 days plus an additional 20%. Your stove should be at least a two burner variety. If you have a spare, bring it. Learn how to properly use the stove and how to check for gas leaks using soapy water on all the connections. If it bubbles, there is a leak at that location. Even a brand new burner can be defective and leak gas so test new burners before you store them in your cache. Personal experience and frizzed arm hairs taught me that! Two jump team members should be well versed in camp-style cooking and food prep. This will not be their only responsibility as cooking is not a full time job.
There is also the possibility where you might have to operate under "cold camp" conditions, that is, without cooking your meals as would be the case when you'd deploy remotely during a wide-area wildfire event within a tinder-dry area where no fires or even lit stoves are allowed. This means lots of canned fruits, canned meats, and of course good old peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Balance meals and include that all important protein so you don't run out of "steam". Make sure you know what type of event you'll be turning out for so adjustments to a "cold camp" can be made.
Typical Example Of A Day One Menu
Breakfast:
Pancakes made with "add water - shake and pour"
batter mix (syrup)
Canned mixed fruit
Hydration Drink mix - Fruit punch
Lunch:
Canned Ravioli (heat and serve)
Hydration Drink mix - Lemon/Lime
Snack:
Raisins, M&Ms and Peanuts (be careful of allergies to
peanuts)
Bottled water
Dinner:
Canned Beef Stew ("Dinty Moore" type)
Corn bread made from "add water to batter" mix
Drink Mix or Bottled Juices or "V8"
Typical Example Of A Day Two Menu
Breakfast:
Scrambled Eggs (made from powdered source - add
water)
Canned Juice drink or "V8"
Biscuits with honey (biscuits made from "add water
mix)
Lunch:
Canned Tuna or Peanut Butter and Jelly or canned
Chicken salad Sandwiches
Canned Mixed Fruit with granola sprinkles
Hydration drink
Snack:
Power bar or packaged crackers and cheese
Canned or box Juice drink
Dinner:
Rice cooked with chicken broth instead of water.
(Mix in one can of drained canned peas one minute
before end of cooking cycle.)
Canned carrots (heated)
Canned pear-halfs
Water or juice drink
MAKE SURE ALL "UN-CANNED" FOOD IS STORED IN METAL CONTAINERS TO PREVENT SPOILAGE OR INFESTATION. USE ALL PRE-MADE "BREADS" DURING THE FIRST FOUR DAYS TO PREVENT MOLD. USE ALL FRESH FRUITS IN FIRST THREE DAYS. Other suggestions include simple pasta dishes. (Keep dry pasta well stored and not just in cardboard boxes) MAKE PASTAS OR RICE USING CANNED BROTH FOR ADDITIONAL FLAVOR AND NUTRITION. USE BOTTLED WATER FOR ADDITIONAL COOKING.
Beyond Shelter and Grub
(Getting On The Air)
The first concern in this arena should be power requirements and generation. Your team needs to be self-sufficient in supplying power to run your operation. This should include not only radio energy, but also power for lights and even fans. Usually a two HF and one VHF station operation will require at the minimum at least 800 watts of AC power. Again, to be on the safe side, let's figure 1000 watts peak. Add to this a few lights and two fans to keep your operators a bit cooler (that is if you are in a hot, humid area) so at the very least you'll need a 1500 watt gas generator with an extended run gas tank. Most jump teams bring TWO, 2000 watt+ generators for reliable operation. It does your team little good to get to a site and then find that the only generator you've come with won't work. Make sure the generators are equipped with circuit breakers. Bring at least 3, 100 ft heavy duty extension cords with multiple outlets, 2, 50 ft heavy duty extension cords with multiple outlets and a few 25 ft extension cords. Power generation is important so make sure your "Power Chief" is fully versed in powering up your camp. There should be practice drills on this subject. Make sure that you have enough gas to operate 24/7 at full load for 10 days. (check with your generator's manual) Bring a siphon in case you need to go on an gasoline "expedition". Use all the proper safety procedures which include shutting off the generators when refueling and grounding the equipment. Make sure the generators are located far enough away where the ops won't have their communications drowned out by generator noise. Keep the generators away from anything that might ignite due to their hot exhaust. Store/transport the gas in approved containers that are properly sealed and vented and in the outdoor only. Bring oil for your generator use and check it's level. Have on hand at least 4 desk lamps and two clip on spotlights with extra bulbs for each. Include a few yellow "bug light bulbs". Special note: When you need to "power down" to refuel, let all the ops know so they can turn off the radios. Nothing is more damning than a blown radio due to a voltage spike caused by a restarting generator!
RIGS, ETC.
The HF rigs you obtain for jump team use must be only used for jump team service, both during drills and for actual emergency deployment. NO NO NO..... do not depend upon some ham's home radio to be included as one of the TWO HF rigs you bring. This is serious business, so you need dedicated radio gear. Both jump team HF radios should be simple to use and, if possible, both the same model. They don't need to be the latest design with all types of "bells and whistles", but they need to be dependable and put out 100 watts of RF power. A few models I'd suggest are ICOM 720, 725, 728, 729 and 735 as they have proven to be field "work horses". The same is true for Kenwood TS 140, 120, 680 and Yaesu FT 757. NO TUBE RADIOS!!! Make sure all your team members are trained in the operation of whatever rigs you decide to supply. Have TWO manuals on the ready. Make sure all cords, microphones and connections are inspected and in very good condition. Have an extra microphone in stock. Power cords should be fused (along with at least 8 fuse changes). The power supplies should be adequate enough to supply the energy requirements for each rig during high duty-cycle operation. If possible, use the model's matching power supply. DO NOT use a single, high amp power supply to operate both radios. Fuse everything! Bring at least two extra power supplies. External speakers, that project towards the ops are a must. Provide comfortable headphones which cover the ear and that ops can wear for extended periods of time. Include two spares. Make sure each radio is properly stored in a case for transport.
VHF radios (bring two of the same model) should be easy to program and use, such as the ICOM IC-208 (dual band) or the ICOM IC-2100. DO NOT think that an HF/VHF radio, such as an ICOM 706 will fit the bill for both modes of operation (HF and VHF). If you do, you'll be sorry. Bring at least one extra microphone, three power cords, several changes of fuses and two adequate power supplies (at least 15 amps because the duty cycle of an FM radio is greater than that of an HF SSB rig). Make sure you keep two operator's manuals on hand. Make sure each radio is properly stored in a case for transport. Every member should know how to operate these rigs, use their memories and tones. Drill, Drill, Drill.
You'll also need to bring at least three, 100 ft. runs of RG8X coax with properly installed connectors for your HF gear. Four, 3 ft coax jumpers to go from rig to tuners, three, 25 ft runs of RG8X for your VHF radio operation. (keeping runs of coax under 50 ft for VHF will lessen power loss) Do not use RG58. Spend a few pennies more, buy RG8X. Inspect your coax on a regular basis. Also include at least 4 "UHF" barrel connectors so you can use two cables if you need to make a longer run such as connecting two 25 ft cables together.
Have two, 300 watt tuners just for jump team use as you might be using antenna systems that are not cut for the band you will be using (or for NVIS antennas which need tuners to operate). Learn the proper way to use tuners and, if possible, obtain two like model units.
Your cache of antennas should include at least two NVIS antennas that are "free standing" (they come with their own supports.. see this web page: E.N.V.I.S. Antenna System), two vertical VHF/UHF antennas that exhibit gain and have telescoping masts that allow them to deploy to at least 15 feet high (see this web page: VHF DEPLOYABLE HYPERLINK "/alonestaryank/VHFDeploy.html"ANTENNA SYSTEM). Also have on hand at least two 40 meter dipoles which can be used as an inverted "V" with masting and support guys/stakes, etc. so it can be deployed apexed at least 30 feet high. An 80 meter dipole is also suggested. Your "Antenna Man" should be experienced at erecting antennas where there are no support structures such as trees or buildings. Plan for the worst.
There are army-surplus mast sections for sale on ebay which are only 4 feet each and store in a duffle bag that I'd recommend. 8 of them will make the 30 ft center support for your inverted "V". Practice erecting this antenna until you have it down cold. Remember to use proper guying techniques. Never run the ends of the antenna close to ground. Use insulators and nylon cords at each end before you secure the ends with stakes. Keep the antennas away from high traffic areas. Mark your guy lines and ends of the "V" with orange flag tape so people won't walk into them.
If your jump team plans to use digital modes, bring two VERY GOOD pre-programmed laptops, and two modems with extra cords and two laptop power supplies along with battery power. Manuals and modem power supplies are a must. Make sure your ops are experienced in digital operations using jump team gear. Again, this equipment needs to remain in your jump team cache and not constantly used at a member's home.
If it is your intent on doing search detail, bring several VHF handi-talkies of the same model, 5 watt power, gain antennas, speaker mics and deep cycle batteries to power them. A good idea is to use "W2IK's Man Pack System" (click on title) for search and rescue, which includes a special antenna made for this use. Always bring at least two spare systems for your team's use. Drill on search and rescue techniques. See my "What To Have Before You Go" website concerning VHF handi-talkies and power.
It is suggested that you do additional research by reading several of my other webpages such as "What To Have Before You Go" so you can acquaint yourself with other items needed for jump team deployment.
These include:
A complete, detailed first aid kit suitable for 12 people.
antihistamine! and other basic medications.
rain gear, all-weather clothing.
Obtain All items listed in my "What To Have Before You Go" (sections 9 and 10) website with enough of each to care for 8 people even though you are a team of 6 and adjust the listed expendable items for a 10 day tour. Get extra batteries for those flashlights OR buy the newer crank-charged led flashlights. Log books, spiral bound loose leaf books and pens/pencils. Duct tape, Duct tape, Duct tape. Bring a complete tool collection including a VOM. Every member should help maintain a community jump team log, message log and each member should also have a personal log for post-event review.
Practice several weekend drills of at least three days in length by having your jump team deploys from scratch in a park which allows over night tent camping. Do not use any existing shelters or supports. Use only what you've brought. Do this several times until your team is proficient and can work together. Make contacts and notes on propagation. Exchange mock messages between your jump team and your support club/group's members who will be charged with at-home communications monitoring to support the jump team operation when it is deployed. Take your drill deployments seriously. Work out the kinks. Supply missing support pieces to your jump team cache. Your jump team cache should be able to be transported in two pickup trucks. Practice loading so space can be effectively used. Use "bungee" cords to hold down your cache. (These cords can also be used to lash antenna masting to vertical supports such as trees or fence posts) Make sure each team member has adequate clothing for the time of year and the area you would be deploying to.
Putting It All Together
The first three parts of this series dealt with the information and basic facts needed to help in assembling both personnel and gear to commit to a jump team creation and deployment. It is hoped that you have, for the most part, followed the ideas presented and have assembled a team, developed your equipment cache and have actually done a few mock over-night (or longer) deployments at a local campsite so as to refine your shelter building and station setup techniques, adding to your cache of equipment and supplies, adjusting requirements and systems operations. I've found that deploying to a campground and doing a full-blown operation in some contest or operating event (I've used the "Texas QSO Party" as a test of deployment and operating skills) so your ops are exposed to less than perfect propagation and bands that are a bit crowded is a good test of your team's actual abilities.
This will help hone your team's camping, operating and listening skills. Remember that for the most part your emergency communications will take place on 40 and 80 meters so try to concentrate on their propagation factors. Also make note of the known/posted emergency frequencies on those bands and the emergency nets that operate from the various areas your team might be charged with covering. Of course, to communicate in the area around your deployment site you'll probably use 2 meters so test those "Man Packs", along with your base VHF radio set up, to develop their maximum range using simplex tactical frequencies that you should have pre-programmed in to all vhf radios. Once you are sure that your jump team is equipped, trained and ready, your group/club can now go through the process of announcing your jump team's availability. Your team leader needs to contact as many local, area and regional emcomm groups as possible to make them aware of your jump team, it's capabilities AND it's limitations. Create a web page devoted to educating those interested in your new jump team and what it can do. Send information and your jump team's informational web address to the ARRL, CQ Magazine, World Radio and other like publications. Leave "in case of an emergency" phone numbers and email addresses with each contact you make. Take pictures during mock/test deployments showing the professional nature of your jump team.
Make special laminated photo IDs for all your jump team members. Have maps on the ready so if there is a deployment your jump team will know exactly where to go. When the call goes out, have the deployment area contact names and titles ready so when your team gets there the team's field deployment leader knows what agency is in charge and who to interact with. (This gathered information should be an "informational packet" that, along with maps, each jump team member will receive upon call out. This packet should be as detailed as possible and should include any working deployment area repeater frequencies/tones if known.) Jump teams should have at least one copy of the ARRL Repeater Directory with them for reference.
While I'm on the subject, remember that your team will be working under the affected area's local emergency response administration and their direction. It is also suggested that everyone on your team takes Red Cross Shelter Management training so they'll know some of the ins and outs of Red Cross operations. It is also important that several team members take some form of FIRST AID course to cover anything that might happen to team members.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
So, your TEAM LEADER gets a call that an area devastated by a hurricane needs communications support because most of the local hams are so affected that they are unable to turn out. The team leader gets verification of this request along with details such as contact personnel and the exact location where the jump team will be needed to deploy. It is made clear that the possible deployment request time period will be for about 7 days. The request for communications help falls within your team's published response criteria so it is decided that your jump team will support the event. The first thing to do is to contact each jump team member and give them the call to proceed with deployment, giving them as much information as possible.
Your field deployment leader then takes over and gets his/her team going by signing out and withdrawing the equipment supplies cache and double checks with each team member giving them a bit of time to get their personal gear together before meeting at a designated area (staging area) to load up the trucks for transport to the deployment location. In the mean time, the team leader should be trying to get as much additional information together, including making those packets. An allotment of cash (no credit cards since ATM's probably will not be working in the event area) is secured to pay for the gas for vehicle transport and to fill the approved fuel containers for generator operation (keep all receipts). The team should also purchase "perishables" and water (if not already secured) to load with the cache.
After your team has met, informational packets obtained and cash secured, a check list of cache items is done as each item is loaded so you won't forget anything. (Don't forget to bring the new "OFF - brand - Smooth and Dry Insect Repellent" - It doesn't make you feel like you've gotten greased up for a Channel swim!) The team leader should also make sure that each team member has their personal gear with them, including extra clothing, boots and seasonal covering such as gloves and heavy jackets for cold weather, personal medications, etc. It's now time to deploy to the location in vehicles that are clearly and professionally marked as "Emergency Communications Jump Team Vehicles" with printed magnetic signs on each side AND a dashboard sign as well. This will make it easier to get in to an area. (Make sure each jump team member has their laminated photo jump team ID on a lanyard at all times. It would also be a good idea that they also have on their lanyard any Red Cross laminated cards from their RC course completions.)
Driving carefully, caravan-style, make sure your team refuels along the route so by the time they get to their deployment site they have at the very least enough gas to drive back out of the event area and back to operating gas stations. The route planned may have detours due to flooding, one-way evacuee traffic or bridges out of service. The lead vehicle should have a GPS unit so your team will find their deployment loaction a bit easier. After your team has reached it's destination, park and have your Field Leader talk to the local agency you are helping to verify that: a. this is the right location b. exactly where would be the best location (spot) in which to deploy and c. are there any structures your team can use for a communications operation or sleep area. DO NOT accept any structure that is damaged to the point that you or any of your team feels unsafe in. After all this has been accomplished your team can then unload and start setting up sheltering (if needed) and your operating area. Again, remember that tents need to be erected in areas that will not flood themselves out if there is additional rain.
Start with sheltering, then move to operations structures while another part of your team erects the antennas. After all shelters are finished, your power detail should get your generators up and running while other team members get both HF and VHF station equipment unloaded and set up. Ground all power generation equipment and radios with either ground rods OR 1/2 copper pipes hammered in to the ground.
Special note: We live in a day and age where some people take advantage of others during critical times, so PLEASE keep an eye on everything you have. Theft loss may put your team out of service. Lock up what you can in the truck cabs and stow gear in the tents so that if you see someone going in to one who isn't part of your team you can stop them.
After you've accomplished all of the above, it's time for your team to get on the air and let your group/club back home know what's going on. Set up a schedule of times (at least two per day) you'll update them and stick to it. By this time, your field leader probably has lined up actual communications messages for you to send AND what other stations you need to be in contact with. Let the traffic begin, but in an orderly manner. In the beginning, you might find yourself feeling a bit overwhelmed, but soon you'll find your pace and people at the site will see that "they are not alone" and help might be as simple as a communications exchange. Remember that as much as you'd like, your field team leader should be the only one to gather the messages needed for sending. This way it's kept professional and calm.
After a while, it will be time for food and fluids to be prepared. Always make sure that the radio ops have an adequate supply of fluids at all times. Make sure that your team runs the communications end in scheduled shifts with two hours on, two hours off and develop a sleep schedule to fit so members have at least 6 hours devoted to sleep.
Keep an accurate log of all traffic sent and received in case verification becomes needed and for post event review. Take pictures that do not depict the plight of any victims but rather of your actual jump team operation. It will make for good PR later and will help solidify your group as a responsible communications force. DO NOT talk to reporters who are digging for some story. Rather, let your field team leader do the talking. Reveal no information about victims that may come back biting you and your team in the ass.
Hopefully your first jump team deployment will run smoothly with messages being sent and your field team leader interfacing with the local agencies to gather information for message handling. Make sure each team member is following procedures as developed or requested by the local agency. Be sure each member has taken the scheduled rest periods as the stress of deployment can easily creep over you. KEEP ACCURATE LOGS. KEEP AN ACCURATE RUNNING INVENTORY OF ALL FOOD/DRINKS AND FUEL so you know where you stand and how much longer your team can deploy in case they have to be there an additional day or so beyond the planned deployment time frame.
After your deployment duties have ended, as determined by your field team leader and the agency you are helping at the event location, it now becomes time to break down your operation. The temptation to "just throw things back in the trucks" should be avoided. Breaking down the operation should be in direct reverse order as when you built your operation. Make sure each piece of equipment is packed back in the proper case and all cables are wound up and secured properly. Shelters should be properly folded back up. Remember the old camping rule: "Pack out what you packed in." This means even your garbage. Leave your deployment site just as if you were never there. Police the area for trash and pick it up. When you leave a site in good condition it will be noticed just as if it's left messy your team's respect will suffer. Take the time, even though you might be dead tired, and do it right. Before you leave, make sure your team leader leaves the agency helped with a few kind words. I'm sure you'll get some back for all the work and support you've provided. Exchange names and email addresses, especially of your supporting group/club, so they know who to thank if they wish to do so after the event.
After taking that long drive back home (and I'm sure you've informed your home support club/group on the radio before you've broken down your set up about the ending of your team's deployment and when you will be arriving back) you need to unload the cache, inventory what is there and what is needs to be replenished, and sign off on all of it as well as turn in all the receipts and unused cash. Hopefully, there will be other members of your group/club waiting, who will help you unload. Your team has done a lot of work and at the very least your supporting group/club can aid you in this regard. Now, the only things left are to debrief and hand in logs to your TEAM LEADER so an accurate report can be created that should be filed with your group and also copies sent to interested parties. Make sure a nice article is written up by either the team leader or the club president, along with some pictures, and submit it for publication to CQ, QST or World Radio. Update your team's website with a short piece on your deployment (perhaps with a picture or two) so it will be known that your team has "put their money where their mouth is" and actually helped a community in need. It would also be nice if each team member received a certificate thanking them for their energy and efforts.
After a rest, it's time to get that cache back in operational status by inspecting all of it and adding to depleted stock, make minor corrections to it. Fine tune your jump team based on the experience you've had and stand ready, willing and able to deploy the next time they are needed. Your community, country and the entire amateur radio population, including myself, thank you.
This section will hopefully better prepare emergency communications workers who might be asked to respond to points very close to a disaster which could possibly cause them to be exposed to toxic substances released from fires or explosions. Shifting winds, unexpected explosions and other unknown forces may quickly change the drama of some events as the "safe zone" they were originally operating from might quickly disappear. Although 98% of all EmComm deployment duties will not be anywhere near the "Lion's Mouth", there can be risks to a handful of EmComm workers posted to "exceptional events" where exposure to hazmat could be of serious concern. One glaring case came from my personal experience being deployed during the World Trade Center Disaster with my actual deployment at "Ground Zero". This was the closest any EmComm worker would come to being exposed to the toxins of the event.
In retrospect, the choice of the location for the ICC (Incident Command Center) was a poor one as every worker in that area was constantly exposed to a laundry list of toxins which sometimes increased in intensity such as when building # 7 fell, while many of us were outside at the time, myself included, and ended up being pelted with building debris which also contained hazardous materials (including medical waste which was stored in that building on a short-term basis). Back then, most of us had no clue as to the dangers of being so close to this disaster. We just did what needed to be done. The result of not being properly prepared for this event has left me with chronic "WTC Cough" and other breathing problems. These are the same health problems now being faced, in varying degrees and in most cases much worse, by hundreds of rescue workers who volunteered during this disaster. Other ideas being presented are from myself and others being deployed near other hazardous locations during events such as shifting wildfires which inundated our evacuation center with choking smoke, deploying during a large fire at a recycling plant where there was the threat of having to evacuate a town of over 50 thousand residents and during several plane crashes where benzene and other toxins were released near the ICC. EmComm workers were never meant to be deployed in "harm's way" but during an emergency the safe-lines can swiftly change and if you are not prepared you may find yourself exposed to dangerous substances through no fault of your own.
The events of 2001 were not that long ago, however, we have learned a great deal about the dangers of exposure during a disaster. Even service agencies such as police and fire departments have redefined their training, equipment and knowledge when dealing with even the possibility of toxic exposure. By stating the term "toxic exposure", I am not just referring to chemicals known to cause illness from immediate exposure or direct contact, but also from other irritants long thought to be just that, irritants. We now see that a combination of elements such as exposure due to inhaling particulates in even small amounts, such as asbestos, when combined with chemical agents that may cling to the drifting particles could create a double-edged dagger of deadly threats on a long term basis.
It would be the height of insanity to ask any EmComm worker to deploy into a known toxic-filled environment, even with proper training and equipment. We are communicators, not rescue workers. When an EC is asked to provide emergency communications coverage for a disaster, he must first find out the facts. This should not only include the standard what/where/when/hows, but also if there is a chance that any of their deployed workers would be near any threat of exposure to any type of substance which might cause them harm, either short or long term. If any EC is informed by any agency that their communicators should "bring a mask when they come", then they are too close to the front lines and the EC should refuse to deploy manpower until the ICC is far enough away from the site. An EC must protect his communications team. As much as we'd like to be protected by distance, sometimes an ICC will attempt to be as close to the event as possible and a poor site could be chosen. We have no control over this. This site may be out of "harm's way" in the very beginning of the event, therefore communcators would be relatively safe, but shifting wind patterns or the progression of any fire may make the original ICC unsafe very quickly. The most important thing any EmComm worker deployed at an ICC should be aware of is if that site becomes unsafe. They must always keep their ears tuned to any voice which may shout for the need to quickly evacuate as they may not get too early a notice before a wind direction change or pressure area overcomes their site with toxic fumes.
With this type of threat, every EmComm worker should be prepared by knowing how to quickly evacuate, the quickest route AND have with them a good quality respirator to help them escape from certain chemical, biological and nuclear agents. This is NOT a simple paper mask nor a basic particulate filter that consumers use if they paint or clean out their garage. There are many types of respirators on the market with prices ranging from ten to thousands of dollars. Since the purpose of an EmComm worker's respirator is to allow a few additional minutes to complete their evacuation from a newly polluted site, what they need would be a snug fitting respirator that is able to filter out chemical, biological and nuclear agents for a limited amount of time. Make sure that whatever respirator you chose can do this and not just limit particulates. Check any filter cartridges before you buy a unit to see what they cover. Below are a few examples of both useful AND useless masks or filters. There are also a few that are full face-type which will also protect your eyes and face until you can reach safety. When you have obtained one, learn how to quickly don it. Make sure it's snug, especially if you wear glasses. If you don't hear a call, yet think your area might become polluted, don't hesitate to put on that mask. Better to be safe than risk long term damage because you didn't wish to be the first one at the ICC wearing a mask. Believe me, I understand. Expect to pay about fifty dollars or more for a decent, basic respirator. It's worth the investment. Pack it with your "go bag".
Basic protective Suit (Read Below)
After you've obtained a good respirator, it's time to consider other protection. If you've gotten a full-face mask then you need not worry about eye protection. If your respirator only covers your nose and mouth, you'll need some sort of eye protection in the form of goggles which do NOT have vents on them. If your eye protection had vents then any gas or chemical can contaminate your eyes and cause damage or in some cases may cause blindness. Again, this protection is needed just to give you enough time to evacuate yourself from the polluted location. Make sure that your eye protection fits snuggly on your face for the best protection possible. There are many sources on the internet to purchase eye protection. It would also be wise to have a bottle of eye wash in your "go bag".
After providing the proper eye and breathing protection, you should also consider getting yourself protective clothing in the form of some type of one-piece coverall (as seen in the above picture). Make sure that whatever coveralls you obtain they are made for this type of service. "Tyvek"-type coveralls are both a tough an inexpensive investment. Coveralls should be easy for you to put on over your "street" clothing and have elastic cuffs and legs to prevent toxic dust from migrating on to your inner clothing. If you need to put on coveralls, make sure you put on your respirator FIRST. Coveralls should also be waterproof so and toxic liquids are kept away from your body. If you can, purchase hooded coveralls as they offer maximum protection. If you deploy to an event where you do become contaminated, DO NOT wash the coveralls for re-use. Instead, carefully take them off (outside of your home), carefully place them in a plastic bag and seal the bag before disposing. After coverall removal, take a long, soapy shower. If you wish to be on the safe side, you may want to turn in the sealed bag to your local fire department as they have the ways and means to safely dispose of hazmat contaminated clothing. Along with this protection, you should also have several pairs of latex fitted gloves. (Or non-latex if you have a latex allergy) When you deploy, make sure you have a decent pair of boots to wear. It would be a good idea to spray your boots with some form of water-proofing for additional protection. (I destroyed a new pair of boots by not spraying them before I deployed to WTC "Ground Zero")
I can not stress enough the importance of not spending any more time at a contaminated site than is necessary to quickly gather your equipment/gear and get out! It is NOT your job to remain at a dangerous location and continue to communicate. My deployment at the WTC disaster "ground Zero" was an extreme exception that will never happen to you. I was deployed there for an extended time because it would not have been wise to expose other EmComm workers by deploying them to that ICC location.
In taking my modest suggestions you will be afforded basic protection, at a reasonable cost, which will prevent your being contaminated should your deployment area become compromised. As always, the best way to protect yourself is not to be there, but sometimes you may not have much of a choice. Do not attempt to be a hero by remaining at a hazmat location where you shouldn't be. You are already a hero the moment you volunteered for EmComm duty. Use common sense. Discuss personal hazmat protection at your EmComm meetings so every member can be better prepared.
After The Event - Even Years After
Coping With PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
In 2009, I Developed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
In March of 2009, I went through my very first bout with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) which was undetected following my Emcomm deployment during the 2001 WTC Disaster at "Ground Zero". That’s over 7 years ago.
PTSD can happen at any time after an event. As in my case, even years after. There is usually a "trigger" (a word, smell, image, another experience, etc) which can set it off, and in my case it was just a thought that popped into my head.
Allow me to explain.
In 2009, I worked at a place called "The Center For The Intrepid" or CFI which is a special rehabilitation complex on an Army medical base, Brooke Army Medical Center, in San Antonio. (After the WTC Disaster I relocated to Texas) At CFI, they have all the "Wounded Warriors" (Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines) who've lost limbs or have serious burns during the Mid East conflict. This building is the first of it’s kind. They develop special prosthetics and also help through physical therapy until most soldiers can walk just as good as you or I.
It’s amazing how the latest technology can help these amputees. Each prosthetic device can cost anywhere from 12 thousand to 100 thousand dollars. I, for one, am glad the government is taking such good care of these heroes.
I see them every day. There are dozens and dozens of these heroes. We interact and they enjoy talking to a civilian who is also a veteran.
One day, in April 2009, while noticing quite a number of them in the lounge, I started thinking: "If the World Trade Center Disaster didn't occur, probably all of these brave men and women would still have their missing limbs."
Whether correct or false, this set off my "trigger" and began my first bout with PTSD, even though I had no earlier typical symptoms such as dreams or nightmares of the event. I began having breathing problems, but only at night. I could not sleep because it felt as if I was having an asthma attack even though I don't have an asthmatic condition. It felt like I was suffocating.
My house was thoroughly checked for irritants such as mold, etc. Nothing was found. I even had a chest x-ray which revealed no serious problems other than lots of small particles that are stuck in my lungs from the WTC exposure (which includes building materials and "cremated remains") but not enough to cause this type of breathing problem so quickly. I found out that could I easily fall asleep on a cot out on my porch, but not indoors. This was how my PTSD surfaced.
Upon consultation with experts in the field (and there are several at CFI who deal with the soldiers’ PTSD's and emotional problems) it seems that my subconscious had a fear of being trapped in a collapsed building. I am still working through my PTSD condition through consultation and medication.
In a few weeks following the discovery of my having PTSD, I could actually sleep indoors as long as some windows were open and I faced one. Taking an all natural sleep enhancer was also needed. Slowly, I returned to a normal sleep routine.
Now that I've discovered that I actually have PTSD, it is something I'll have to deal with for the rest of my life, just as I have to keep a careful eye on the particles in my lungs. There is no such thing as a "cure" for PTSD and it could crop up as other symptoms such as nightmares, depression, fear of something happening or fear of heights, etc.
In passing this information along, I am hoping that other Emcomm workers who might have been or will be exposed to sad events such as a plane disaster, etc. will take heed. Think about how any emergency event might affect you. PTSD can sneak up on you, as it did for me. Know that it might be a possibility and read more about PTSD.
Emcomm is a very important part of assisting in a disaster. We need to keep responding as the professionals we all are. Just be aware that ALL rescue workers can be at risk from developing PTSD whether you handle an axe, a tourniquet or even a microphone.
email: AloneStarYank@aol.com
