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Sevier County Emergency Radio Service
Please join us on Monday's on the 145.470 at 7:30pm for the net, you do not have to have any affiliation to check in...
Sevier County ARES welcomes any amateur to become a active ARES member...
Sevier County Emergency Radio Service is a highly trained club, that has training on a monthly basis, all training,is performed either at the meeting or on line, our training consist of training from, FEMA, TEMA, ORNL, Homeland Security,
and private certified instructors that are brought in to teach..our training covers all aspects of emergencies including terrorism and WMD...We are a RACES Club authorized thru the Sevier County Emergency Management Agency, John Mathews, which requires certain levels of training from FEMA and ARECC...Darrell Sperry Is Our RACES Officer and Sworn EMA Officer with Sevier County EMA...ARES / Emergency Coordinator for Sevier County is Rick Sawaya Sr and Also President Of The Sevier County Emergency Radio Service, he also is a sworn EMA Officer thru Sevier County EMA....for questions on SCERS / ARES / RACES please contact Rick or Darrell... our PIO is Verna Finwick, ARES FEMA Records Officer is Bill Hicks, he is also a AEC for ARES and the DEC for Skywarn.Sevier County ARES has two other AEC's that can also take command if required..if interested in SCERS / ARES / RACES you can also join us at the monthly meeting at 245 Bruce St, ( EOC) Sevierville TN...
The link below is the duty roster for SCERS members, please check regular fop changes.....
http://aresradio.webs.com/apps/calendar/
Below is the Net Script, this will change Jan and July of the year, please update your net script for those placed on reserve status or new members ..
http://aresradio.webs.com/netscript.htm
SCERS Operation Plan...
http://aresradio.webs.com/netscript.htm
Great Training For Those Who Want To Know..
Recommended For All In ARES and RACES or Emergency Services..
Hazard Communications...
http://www.free-training.com/osha/hazcom/hazmenu.htm
Personal Protection Equipment..
http://www.free-training.com/osha/ppe/Ppemenu.htm
Back Safety ....
http://www.free-training.com/osha/back/backmenu.htm
Forklift Operation and Safety...
http://www.free-training.com/osha/forklift/forkmenu.htm
Emergency Action Plans....
http://www.oshatrain.org/courses/mods/717e.html
Why How What ?
http://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action.html
Don't Choke Creativity..
http://www.ted.com/talks/larry_lessig_says_the_law_is_strangling_creativ...
Innovation..
http://www.ted.com/talks/charles_leadbeater_on_innovation.html
FEMA Site For ALL Training..
Note Sevier County Emergency Radio Service, Sevier Co. RACES and ARES requires ARECC Level 1, ICS 100a and 700a For RACES, under the state plan also 200 and 800 are required... those without any of the above will be Level 2 or 3 in ARES instead of Level 1 Status..For more info contact N4JTQ..
http://training.fema.gov/IS/crslist.asp
Level 1 ARECC can be given by SCERS / ARRL VE Team !!
Here is a good link to ARECC Level 1 on a Power Point presentation also...
http://training.mcraces.com/Home/arecc-emcom-level-1
Are You Ready !
http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/
I ordered these books over a year ago,everyone wanted them, they are no longer available to order in bulk to give out at ham-fest, or other events as we did at TenTec last year, but you can go to the FEMA site listed above and get them directly on DVD / CD also.. this year as well as the last few years,we have concerned ourselves with Earthquakes and will continue to give all the information out on this topic, Knoxville, Oak Ridge and TenTec we will have a table at the ham-fest, come see us for more information and printed material...or stop by our meetings the third Thursday of each month..
ARES Levels for Sevier County TN...Explained in Brief ...
ARES Members with ARECC Level 1 and ICS 100a and 700a, are considered Level 1 ARES Members, will be considered or allowed on all Emergency / Disaster events..also has checked into the weekly nets 3 out of the 4 weeks or contacted the net control to relay in to the net and has attended 8 out of 12 meetings....
ARES members who do not have the above training are considered Level 2 Members, due to EMA and Tennessee ARES rules you will not be allowed on Emergency or Disaster Events / Areas, but will be used to assist in Non IC areas...we have a place for you to help...of course you also need to check into the nets and attend meetings as described above..
Level 3 ARES members are those who have not checked into the nets, have no training, and have not made any meetings, these members will be reviewed upon the beginning of each physical year (July) to see if you are still interested in being involved in ARES, if you do not contact the EC you will be removed from the ARES program in our county..
I have spoke with the ARRL and many counties in many states are doing this type of ARES Level Status to insure those who don't have training will still be a active part of ARES which I support highly, I do feel that the training is needed also, the choice of course is up to you on which level you would like to participate in, there are many things that you can do with out training...
To be a RACES please contact Darrell or myself on requirements...again everyone is welcome to join into the Monday night net at 7:30 pm on the 145.470, with a backup of 146.940, and last the 146.730, also feel free to use our club repeater of 443.225 the club call is KJ4HPM, everyone will be turned into the state ARES net on 3.980 after each net....
The CDC site...
http://www.cdc.gov/
The FEMA site...
http://www.fema.gov/
The TEMA site...
http://www.tnema.org/
The US GOV site....
http://www.usa.gov/
The FBI Site...
http://www.fbi.gov/
Homeland Security....
http://www.dhs.gov/index.shtm
The Whitehouse....
http://www.whitehouse.gov/
CIA....
https://www.cia.gov/
Red Cross..
http://www.redcross.org/
Sevier County #...
Quick Phone Reference
911 Emergency 911
Sevier County Addressing (865) 428-0310
Sevier County Agriculture Extension Office (865) 453-3695
Sevier County Ambulance (865) 453-3248
Sevier County Attorney General (865) 429-7021
Sevier County Chancery Court (865) 453-3268
Sevier County Circuit Court Clerk (865) 453-5536
Sevier County Clerk (865) 453-5502
Sevier County Election Commission (865) 453-6985
Sevier County Electric System (865) 453-2887
Sevier County Fire Department 911
Sevier County Food Ministries (865) 428-5182
Sevier County Health Department (865) 453-1032
Sevier County Highway Department (865) 453-3452
Sevier County Humane Society (865) 453-7000
Sevier County Mayor (865) 453-6136
Sevier County Public Library System
Sevierville (865) 453-3532
Genealogy
(865) 908-7988
Kodak
(865) 933-0078
Seymour
(865) 573-7988
Sevier County Rescue Squad (865) 453-4809
Sevier County Schools (865) 453-4671
Sevier County Sheriff's Dept. (865) 453-4668
Sevier County Utility District (Nat.Gas) (865) 453-3272
Sevierville City Hall (865) 453-5504
Thanks Ka4Tar
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Darrell or myself..
ARES Who Can Join Plus How It Works...
The Amateur Radio Emergency Service ® (ARES ® ) consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes. Every licensed amateur, regardless of membership in ARRL or any other local or national organization, is eligible to apply for membership in the ARES. Training may be required or desired to participate fully in ARES. Please inquire at the local level for specific information. Because ARES is an Amateur Radio service, only licensed radio amateurs are eligible for membership. The possession of emergency-powered equipment is desirable, but is not a requirement for membership.
1.1 ARES Organization
There are four levels of ARES organization--national, section, district and local. National emergency coordination at ARRL Headquarters is under the supervision of the ARRL Membership and Volunteer Programs Manager, who is responsible for advising all ARES officials regarding their problems, maintaining contact with federal government and other national officials concerned with amateur emergency communications potential, and in general with carrying out the League's policies regarding emergency communications.
1.2 Section Level
At the section level, the Section Emergency Coordinator is appointed by the Section Manager (who is elected by the ARRL members in his or her section) and works under his/her supervision. In most sections, the SM delegates to the SEC the administration of the section emergency plan and the authority to appoint District and local ECs, Assistant SECs and Assistant DECs. Some of the ARRL sections with capable SECs are well-organized. A few have scarcely any organization at all. It depends almost entirely on who the section members have put into office as SM and whom he/she has appointed as SEC.
1.3 Local Level
It is at the local level where most of the real emergency organizing gets accomplished, because this is the level at which most emergencies occur and the level at which ARES leaders make direct contact with the ARES member-volunteers and with officials of the agencies to be served. The local EC is therefore the key contact in the ARES. The EC is appointed by the SEC, usually on the recommendation of the DEC. Depending on how the SEC has set up the section for administrative purposes, the EC may have jurisdiction over a small community or a large city, an entire county or even a group of counties. Whatever jurisdiction is assigned, the EC is in charge of all ARES activities in his area, not just one interest group, one agency, one club or one band.
1.4 District Level
In the large sections, the local groups could proliferate to the point where simply keeping track of them would be more than a full-time chore, not to mention the idea of trying to coordinate them in an actual emergency. To this end, SECs have the option of grouping their EC jurisdictions into logical units or "districts" and appointing a District EC to coordinate the activities of the local ECs in the district. In some cases, the districts may conform to the boundaries of governmental planning or emergency-operations districts, while in others they are simply based on repeater coverage or geographical boundaries. Figure 2 depicts the typical section ARES structure.
1.5 Assistant ECs
Special-interest groups are headed up by Assistant Emergency Coordinators, designated by the EC to supervise activities of groups operating in certain bands, especially those groups which play an important role at the local level, but they may be designated in any manner the EC deems appropriate.
1.6 Planning Committee
These assistants, with the EC as chairman, constitute the local ARES planning committee and they meet together from time to time to discuss problems and plan projects to keep the ARES group active and well-trained.
There are any number of different situations and circumstances that might confront an EC, and his/her ARES unit should be organized in anticipation of them. An EC for a small town might find that the licensed amateur group is so small that appointing assistants is unnecessary or undesirable. On the other hand, an EC for a large city may find that even his assistants need assistants and that sometimes it is necessary to set up a special sub-organization to handle it. There is no specific point at which organization ceases and operation commences. Both phases must be concurrent because a living organization is a changing one, and the operations of a changing organization must change with the organization.
1.7 Operation and Flexibility
We have discussed how a typical ARES unit may be organized. Just what shape the plan in your locality will take depends on what your EC has to work with. He/she uses what he/she has, and leaves provision in the plan for what he/she hopes, wants and is trying to get. Flexibility is the keynote. The personnel, equipment and facilities available today may not be available tomorrow; conversely, what is lacking today may be available tomorrow. In any case, bear in mind that organizing and planning are not a one-person task. The EC is simply the leader, or, as the title indicates, the coordinator. His/her effectiveness inevitably will depend on what kind of a group he/she has to work with. Make yourself available to your EC as a member of his planning committee, or in any capacity for which you think you are qualified.
Local ARES operation will usually take the form of nets -- HF nets, VHF (repeater) nets, even RTTY, packet or other special-mode nets, depending on need and resources available. Your EC should know where your particular interests lie, so that you can be worked in where your special talents will do the most good.
It is not always possible to use the services of all ARES members. While it is general policy that no ARES member must belong to any particular club or organization to participate in the program, local practical considerations may be such that you cannot be used. This is a matter that has to be decided by your EC. In some cases, even personality conflicts can cause difficulties; for example, the EC may decide that he cannot work with a particular person, and that the local ARES would be better served by excluding that person. This is a judgment that the EC would have to make; while personality conflicts should be avoided, they do arise, more often than we would prefer. The EC on the job must take the responsibility for making such subjective evaluations, just as the SEC and DEC must evaluate the effectiveness of the job being done by the EC.
1.8 ARES Operation During Emergencies and Disasters
Operation in an emergency net is little different from operation in any other net, requires preparation and training. This includes training in handling of written messages--that is, what is generally known as "traffic handling." Handling traffic is covered in detail in the ARRL Operating Manual. This is required reading for all ARES members--in fact, for all amateurs aspiring to participate in disaster communications.
The specifications of an effective communication service depend on the nature of the information which must be communicated. Pre-disaster plans and arrangements for disaster communications include:
Identification of clients who will need Amateur Radio communication services.
Discussion with these clients to learn the nature of the information which they will need to communicate, and the people they will need to communicate with.
Specification, development and testing of pertinent services.
While much amateur-to-amateur communicating in an emergency is of a procedural or tactical nature, the real meat of communicating is formal written traffic for the record. Formal written traffic is important for:
A record of what has happened--frequent status review, critique and evaluation. Completeness which minimizes omission of vital information.
Conciseness, which when used correctly actually takes less time than passing informal traffic.
Easier copy--receiving operators know the sequence of the information, resulting in fewer errors and repeats.
When relays are likely to be involved, standard ARRL message format should be used. The record should show, wherever possible:
A message number for reference purposes.
A precedence indicating the importance of the message.
A station of origin so any reply or handling inquiries can be referred to that station.
A check (count of the number of words in the message text) so receiving stations will know whether any words were missed.
A place of origin, so the recipient will know where the message came from (not necessarily the location of the station of origin).
Filing time, ordinarily optional but of great importance in an emergency message.
Date of origin.
The address should be complete and include a telephone number if known. The text should be short and to the point, and the signature should contain not only the name of the person sending the message but his title or connection, if any.
Point-to-point services for direct delivery of emergency and priority traffic do not involve relays. Indeed, the full ARRL format is often not needed to record written traffic. Shortened forms should be used to save time and effort. For example, the call sign of the originating station usually identifies the place of origin. Also, the addressee is usually known and close by at the receiving station, so full address and telephone number are often superfluous. In many cases, message blanks can be designed so that only key words, letters or numbers have to be filled in and communicated. In some cases, the message form also serves as a log of the operation. Not a net goes by that you don't hear an ARL Fifty or an ARL Sixty One. Unfortunately, "greetings by Amateur Radio" does not apply well during disaster situations. You may hear an ARL text being used for health and welfare traffic, but rarely during or after the actual disaster. Currently, no ARL text describes the wind speed and barometric pressure of a hurricane, medical terminology in a mass casualty incident or potassium iodide in a nuclear power plant drill. While no one is suggesting that an ARL text be developed for each and every situation, there is no reason why amateurs can't work with the local emergency management organizations and assist them with more efficient communications.
Amateurs are often trained and skilled communicators. The emergency management community recognizes these two key words when talking about the Amateur Radio Service. Amateurs must use their skills to help the agencies provide the information that needs to be passed, while at the same time showing their talents as trained communicators who know how to pass information quickly and efficiently. We are expected to pass the information accurately, even if we do not understand the terminology.
Traffic handlers and ARES members are resourceful individuals. Some have developed other forms or charts for passing information. Some hams involved with the SKYWARN program, for instance, go down a list and fill in the blanks, while others use grid squares to define a region.
Regardless of the agency that we are working with, we must use our traffic-handling skills to the utmost advantage. Sure, ARL messages are beneficial when we are passing health and welfare traffic. But are they ready to be implemented in times of need in your community? The traffic handler, working through the local ARES organizations, must develop a working relationship with those organizations who handle health and welfare inquiries. Prior planning and personal contact are the keys to allowing an existing National Traffic System to be put to its best use. If we don't interface with the agencies we serve, the resources of the Amateur Radio Service will go untapped.
Regardless of the format used, the appropriate procedures cannot be picked up solely by reading or studying. There is no substitute for actual practice. Your emergency net should practice regularly--much more often than it operates in a real or simulated emergency. Avoid complacency, the feeling that you will know how to operate when the time comes. You won't, unless you do it frequently, with other operators whose style of operating you get to know.
Note those members under the age of 18 would require a parent or legal guardian's written permission to be a part of the Sevier County ARES to be able to participate in activity's excluding emergency type issues, a form can be sent out via e mail to be signed and returned by postal mail...
What Is RACES?
Founded in 1952, the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) is a public service provided by a reserve (volunteer) communications group within government agencies in times of extraordinary need. During periods of RACES activation, certified unpaid personnel are called upon to perform many tasks for the government agencies they serve. Although the exact nature of each activation will be different, the common thread is communications.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides planning guidance and technical assistance for establishing a RACES organization at the state and local government level.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is responsible for the regulation of RACES operations. RACES is administrated by a local, county, or state civil defense agency responsible for disaster services. This civil defense agency is typically an emergency services or emergency management organization, sometimes within another agency such as police or fire. RACES is a function of the agency's Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS), sometimes known as DCS (Disaster Communications Service), ECS (Emergency Communications Service), ARPSC (Amateur Radio Public Service Corps), etc. Many ACS units identify themselves solely as RACES organizations, even though their communications functions and activities typically go beyond the restrictions of RACES operations. Other ACS units combine government RACES and non-government ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) activities and identify themselves as ARES/RACES organizations. Yet other ACS units who use amateur radio for emergency government communications identify themselves solely as ARES organizations, whether or not they activate under FCC RACES Rules.
The Amateur Radio Regulations, Part 97, Subpart E, §97.407, were created by the FCC to describe RACES operations in detail. Although no longer issued or renewable, RACES station licenses were issued in the past by the FCC to government agencies for RACES operations. The agencies may continue to conduct RACES operations without these licenses, using primary or club call signs.
ACS, in its RACES and other reserve emergency communications functions, provides a pool of emergency communications personnel that can be called upon in time of need. ACS/RACES units across the country prepare themselves for the inevitable day when they will be called upon. When a local, county, or state government agency activates its ACS unit, that unit will use its communications resources (RACES, if necessary) to meet whatever need that agency has.
Traditional RACES operations involve emergency message handling on Amateur Radio Service frequencies. These operations typically involve messages between critical locations such as hospitals, emergency services, emergency shelters, and any other locations where communication is needed. These communications are handled in any mode available, with 2 meters FM being the most prevalent. During time of war, when the President exercises his War Emergency Powers, RACES might become the only communications allowed via amateur radio. Activating under the FCC's restrictive RACES Rules is not always necessary when using Amateur Radio Service frequencies for emergency communications. For example, ACS communicators may need to communicate with ARES or other radio amateurs who are not government-certified to operate in a RACES net. ACS personnel also might become involved in non-amateur public-safety or other government communications, Emergency Operations Center (EOC) staffing, and emergency equipment repair.
Whatever need arises, trained ACS personnel are ready and prepared to help, via RACES or other means. ACS/RACES groups develop and maintain their communications ability by training throughout the year with special exercises and public-service events. When that fateful day occurs, ACS/RACES will be there to meet the challenge.
If you want to become an ACS or RACES member and to be able to participate in RACES and other government emergency communications activities, contact your local, county, or state ACS Officer or RACES Radio Officer or Coordinator.
FCC Rules
Subpart A--General Provisions
§97.3 Definitions.
(a) The definitions of terms used in Part 97 are:
(37) RACES (radio amateur civil emergency service). A radio service using amateur stations for civil defense communications during periods of local, regional, or national civil emergencies.
§97.17 Application for new license grant.
(a) Any qualified person is eligible to apply for a new operator/ primary station, club station or military recreation station license grant. No new license grant will be issued for a RACES station.
Subpart E--Providing Emergency Communications
§97.401 Operation during a disaster.
A station in, or within 92.6 km (50 nautical miles) of, Alaska may transmit emissions J3E and R3E on the channel at 5.1675 MHz (assigned frequency 5.1689 MHz) for emergency communications. The channel must be shared with stations licensed in the Alaska-Private Fixed Service. The transmitter power must not exceed 150 W PEP. A station in, or within 92.6 km of, Alaska may transmit communications for tests and training drills necessary to ensure the establishment, operation, and maintenance of emergency communication systems.
§97.403 Safety of life and protection of property.
No provision of these rules prevents the use by an amateur station of any means of radiocommunication at its disposal to provide essential communication needs in connection with the immediate safety of human life and immediate protection of property when normal communication systems are not available.
§97.405 Station in distress.
(a) No provision of these rules prevents the use by an amateur station in distress of any means at its disposal to attract attention, make known its condition and location, and obtain assistance.
(b) No provision of these rules prevents the use by a station, in the exceptional circumstances described in paragraph (a), of any means of radiocommunications at its disposal to assist a station in distress.
§97.407 Radio amateur civil emergency service.
(a) No station may transmit in RACES unless it is an FCC-licensed primary, club, or military recreation station and it is certified by a civil defense organization as registered with that organization, or it is an FCC-licensed RACES station. No person may be the control operator of a RACES station, or may be the control operator of an amateur station transmitting in RACES unless that person holds a FCC-issued amateur operator license and is certified by a civil defense organization as enrolled in that organization.
(b) The frequency bands and segments and emissions authorized to the control operator are available to stations transmitting communications in RACES on a shared basis with the amateur service. In the event of an emergency which necessitates the invoking of the President's War Emergency Powers under the provisions of Section 706 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. §606, RACES stations and amateur stations participating in RACES may only transmit on the frequency segments authorized pursuant to part 214 of this chapter.
(c) A RACES station may only communicate with:
(1) Another RACES station;
(2) An amateur station registered with a civil defense organization;
(3) A United States Government station authorized by the responsible agency to communicate with RACES stations;
(4) A station in a service regulated by the FCC whenever such communication is authorized by the FCC.
(d) An amateur station registered with a civil defense organization may only communicate with:
(1) A RACES station licensed to the civil defense organization with which the amateur station is registered;
(2) The following stations upon authorization of the responsible civil defense official for the organization with which the amateur station is registered:
(i) A RACES station licensed to another civil defense organization;
(ii) An amateur station registered with the same or another civil defense organization;
(iii) A United States Government station authorized by the responsible agency to communicate with RACES stations; and
(iv) A station in a service regulated by the FCC whenever such communication is authorized by the FCC.
(e) All communications transmitted in RACES must be specifically authorized by the civil defense organization for the area served. Only civil defense communications of the following types may be transmitted:
(1) Messages concerning impending or actual conditions jeopardizing the public safety, or affecting the national defense or security during periods of local, regional, or national civil emergencies;
(2) Messages directly concerning the immediate safety of life of individuals, the immediate protection of property, maintenance of law and order, alleviation of human suffering and need, and the combating of armed attack or sabotage;
(3) Messages directly concerning the accumulation and dissemination of public information or instructions to the civilian population essential to the activities of the civil defense organization or other authorized governmental or relief agencies; and
(4) Communications for RACES training drills and tests necessary to ensure the establishment and maintenance of orderly and efficient operation of the RACES as ordered by the responsible civil defense organization served. Such drills and tests may not exceed a total time of 1 hour per week. With the approval of the chief officer for emergency planning in the applicable State, Commonwealth, District, or territory, however, such tests and drills may be conducted for a period not to exceed 72 hours no more than twice in any calendar year.
Part 214—Procedures for the Use and Coordination of the Radio Spectrum During a Wartime EmergencySec.
214.0 Authority.
214.1 Purpose.
214.2 Scope.
214.3 Assumptions.
214.4 Planned actions.
214.5 Responsibilities.
214.6 Postattack procedures and actions.
Authority:
84 Stat. 2083 and E.O. 12472, April 3, 1984, (49 FR 13471; 3 CFR, 1984 Comp., p. 193).
Source:
55 FR 51062, Dec. 11, 1990, unless otherwise noted.
§214.0 Authority.
The provisions of this part 214 are issued pursuant to Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1977, 42 FR 56101, 91 Stat. 1633, as amended (5 U.S.C. appendix) and Executive Order 12472. This part 214 replaces Annex 1 of DMO 3000.1, dated November 8, 1963, 28 FR 12273.
§214.1 Purpose.
The purpose of this part is to provide guidance for the use of the radio spectrum in a period of war, or a threat of war, or a state of public peril or other wartime emergency.
§214.2 Scope.
This part covers procedures for the use of radio frequencies upon proclamation by the President that there exists war, or a threat of war or a state of public peril or other wartime emergency or in order to preserve the neutrality of the United States. These procedures will be applied in the coordination, application for, and assignment of radio frequencies upon order of the Director, OSTP. These procedures are intended to be consistent with the provisions and procedures contained in emergency plans for use of the radio spectrum.
§214.3 Assumptions.
When the provisions of this part become operative, Presidential emergency authority, including Executive Order 12656, 12472, 12046 (3 CFR, 1966–1970 Comp., p. 820), and other emergency plans regarding the allocation and use of national resources will be in effect. During an attack, and in a postattack period, the Director, OSTP, will have authority to make new or revised assignments of radio frequencies in accordance with authority delegated by the President.
§214.4 Planned actions.
(a) Whenever it is determined necessary to exercise, in whole or in part, the President's emergency authority over telecommunications, the Director, OSTP, will exercise that authority as specified in Executive Order 12472 (49 FR 13471; 3 CFR, 1984 Comp., p. 193).
(b) In this connection, and concurrently with the war or national emergency proclamation by the President, the Director will:
(1) Authorize the continuance of all frequency authorizations issued by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), except as they may otherwise be modified or revoked by the Director, OSTP, in the national interest;
(2) Redelegate to the Secretary of Defense the authority necessary to control the use of the radio spectrum in areas of active combat, where such control is necessary to the support of U.S. military operations;
(3) Close all non-government radio stations in the international broadcasting service as defined in the FCC rules and regulations, except those carrying or scheduled to carry U.S. Government-controlled radio broadcasts.
§214.5 Responsibilities.
(a) The Director, OSTP, will issue such policy guidance, rules, regulations, procedures, and directives as may be necessary to assure effective frequency usage during wartime emergency conditions.
(b) The FCC, in coordination with NTIA, shall issue appropriate rules, regulations, orders, and instructions and take such other actions not inconsistent with the actions of the Director, OSTP, and the NTIA Emergency Readiness Plan for Use of the Radio Spectrum as may be necessary to ensure the effective use of those portions of the radio spectrum shared by Government and non-governments users.
(c) The FCC shall assist the Director in the preparation of emergency plans pursuant to section 3(h)(3) of Executive Order 12472.
(d) Each Federal Government agency concerned shall develop and be prepared to implement its own plans, and shall make necessary preemergency arrangements with non-government entities for the provision of desired facilities or services, all subject to the guidance and control of the Director.
§214.6 Postattack procedures and actions.
(a) The frequency management staff supporting the Director, OSTP, comprised of predesignated personnel from the frequency management staffs of the government user agencies, NTIA and the FCC, will have proceeded to the OSTP relocation site in accordance with alerting orders in force.
(b) Government agencies having need for new radio frequency assignments or for modification of existing assignments involving a change in the frequency usage pattern shall, unless otherwise provided, submit applications therefor to the Director, OSTP, by whatever means of communication are available and appropriate, together with a statement of any preapplication coordination accomplished. The Director, OSTP, will review such applications accomplish the necessary additional coordination insofar as practicable, consider all pertinent views and comments, and grant or deny, as he shall determine, the assignment of such frequencies. All concerned will be informed promptly of his decisions.
(c) Non-Government entities having need for new radio frequency assignments or for modifications of existing assignments will continue to submit applications therefor to the FCC, or in accordance with FCC instructions. Such applications shall be coordinated with the Director, OSTP, and granted subject to the approval of the Director, OSTP, or his delegate.
(d) All changes of radio frequency usage within U.S. military theaters of operation will be coordinated with the Director, OSTP, where harmful interference is likely to be caused to stations authorized to operate within the United States and its possessions.
(e) Where submission to the Director, OSTP, is impracticable, the applicant shall:
(1) Consult the NTIA Emergency Readiness Plan for use of the Radio Spectrum and the Government Master File;
(2) Accomplish such coordination as appropriate and possible;
(3) Act in such manner as to have a minimum impact upon established services, accepting the responsibility entailed in taking the temporary action required;
(4) Advise the Director, OSTP, as soon as possible of the action taken, and submit an application for retroactive approval.
Volunteer Protection Act of 1997
(Enrolled Bill)
S.543
One Hundred Fifth Congress
of the
United States of America
AT THE FIRST SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,
the seventh day of January, one thousand nine hundred and ninety-seven
An Act
To provide certain protections to volunteers, nonprofit organizations, and governmental entities in lawsuits based on the activities of volunteers.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the `Volunteer Protection Act of 1997'.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) FINDINGS- The Congress finds and declares that--
(1) the willingness of volunteers to offer their services is deterred by the potential for liability actions against them;
(2) as a result, many nonprofit public and private organizations and governmental entities, including voluntary associations, social service agencies, educational institutions, and other civic programs, have been adversely affected by the withdrawal of volunteers from boards of directors and service in other capacities;
(3) the contribution of these programs to their communities is thereby diminished, resulting in fewer and higher cost programs than would be obtainable if volunteers were participating;
(4) because Federal funds are expended on useful and cost-effective social service programs, many of which are national in scope, depend heavily on volunteer participation, and represent some of the most successful public-private partnerships, protection of volunteerism through clarification and limitation of the personal liability risks assumed by the volunteer in connection with such participation is an appropriate subject for Federal legislation;
(5) services and goods provided by volunteers and nonprofit organizations would often otherwise be provided by private entities that operate in interstate commerce;
(6) due to high liability costs and unwarranted litigation costs, volunteers and nonprofit organizations face higher costs in purchasing insurance, through interstate insurance markets, to cover their activities; and
(7) clarifying and limiting the liability risk assumed by volunteers is an appropriate subject for Federal legislation because--
(A) of the national scope of the problems created by the legitimate fears of volunteers about frivolous, arbitrary, or capricious lawsuits;
(B) the citizens of the United States depend on, and the Federal Government expends funds on, and provides tax exemptions and other consideration to, numerous social programs that depend on the services of volunteers;
(C) it is in the interest of the Federal Government to encourage the continued operation of volunteer service organizations and contributions of volunteers because the Federal Government lacks the capacity to carry out all of the services provided by such organizations and volunteers; and
(D)(i) liability reform for volunteers, will promote the free flow of goods and services, lessen burdens on interstate commerce and uphold constitutionally protected due process rights; and
(ii) therefore, liability reform is an appropriate use of the powers contained in article 1, section 8, clause 3 of the United States Constitution, and the fourteenth amendment to the United States Constitution.
(b) PURPOSE- The purpose of this Act is to promote the interests of social service program beneficiaries and taxpayers and to sustain the availability of programs, nonprofit organizations, and governmental entities that depend on volunteer contributions by reforming the laws to provide certain protections from liability abuses related to volunteers serving nonprofit organizations and governmental entities.
SEC. 3. PREEMPTION AND ELECTION OF STATE NONAPPLICABILITY.
(a) PREEMPTION- This Act preempts the laws of any State to the extent that such laws are inconsistent with this Act, except that this Act shall not preempt any State law that provides additional protection from liability relating to volunteers or to any category of volunteers in the performance of services for a nonprofit organization or governmental entity.
(b) ELECTION OF STATE REGARDING NONAPPLICABILITY- This Act shall not apply to any civil action in a State court against a volunteer in which all parties are citizens of the State if such State enacts a statute in accordance with State requirements for enacting legislation--
(1) citing the authority of this subsection;
(2) declaring the election of such State that this Act shall not apply, as of a date certain, to such civil action in the State; and
(3) containing no other provisions.
SEC. 4. LIMITATION ON LIABILITY FOR VOLUNTEERS.
(a) LIABILITY PROTECTION FOR VOLUNTEERS- Except as provided in subsections (b) and (d), no volunteer of a nonprofit organization or governmental entity shall be liable for harm caused by an act or omission of the volunteer on behalf of the organization or entity if--
(1) the volunteer was acting within the scope of the volunteer's responsibilities in the nonprofit organization or governmental entity at the time of the act or omission;
(2) if appropriate or required, the volunteer was properly licensed, certified, or authorized by the appropriate authorities for the activities or practice in the State in which the harm occurred, where the activities were or practice was undertaken within the scope of the volunteer's responsibilities in the nonprofit organization or governmental entity;
(3) the harm was not caused by willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the individual harmed by the volunteer; and
(4) the harm was not caused by the volunteer operating a motor vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or other vehicle for which the State requires the operator or the owner of the vehicle, craft, or vessel to--
(A) possess an operator's license; or
(B) maintain insurance.
(b) CONCERNING RESPONSIBILITY OF VOLUNTEERS TO ORGANIZATIONS AND ENTITIES- Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect any civil action brought by any nonprofit organization or any governmental entity against any volunteer of such organization or entity.
(c) NO EFFECT ON LIABILITY OF ORGANIZATION OR ENTITY- Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the liability of any nonprofit organization or governmental entity with respect to harm caused to any person.
(d) EXCEPTIONS TO VOLUNTEER LIABILITY PROTECTION- If the laws of a State limit volunteer liability subject to one or more of the following conditions, such conditions shall not be construed as inconsistent with this section:
(1) A State law that requires a nonprofit organization or governmental entity to adhere to risk management procedures, including mandatory training of volunteers.
(2) A State law that makes the organization or entity liable for the acts or omissions of its volunteers to the same extent as an employer is liable for the acts or omissions of its employees.
(3) A State law that makes a limitation of liability inapplicable if the civil action was brought by an officer of a State or local government pursuant to State or local law.
(4) A State law that makes a limitation of liability applicable only if the nonprofit organization or governmental entity provides a financially secure source of recovery for individuals who suffer harm as a result of actions taken by a volunteer on behalf of the organization or entity. A financially secure source of recovery may be an insurance policy within specified limits, comparable coverage from a risk pooling mechanism, equivalent assets, or alternative arrangements that satisfy the State that the organization or entity will be able to pay for losses up to a specified amount. Separate standards for different types of liability exposure may be specified.
(e) LIMITATION ON PUNITIVE DAMAGES BASED ON THE ACTIONS OF VOLUNTEERS-
(1) GENERAL RULE- Punitive damages may not be awarded against a volunteer in an action brought for harm based on the action of a volunteer acting within the scope of the volunteer's responsibilities to a nonprofit organization or governmental entity unless the claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the harm was proximately caused by an action of such volunteer which constitutes willful or criminal misconduct, or a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the individual harmed.
(2) CONSTRUCTION- Paragraph (1) does not create a cause of action for punitive damages and does not preempt or supersede any Federal or State law to the extent that such law would further limit the award of punitive damages.
(f) EXCEPTIONS TO LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY-
(1) IN GENERAL- The limitations on the liability of a volunteer under this Act shall not apply to any misconduct that--
(A) constitutes a crime of violence (as that term is defined in section 16 of title 18, United States Code) or act of international terrorism (as that term is defined in section 2331 of title 18) for which the defendant has been convicted in any court;
(B) constitutes a hate crime (as that term is used in the Hate Crime Statistics Act (28 U.S.C. 534 note));
(C) involves a sexual offense, as defined by applicable State law, for which the defendant has been convicted in any court;
(D) involves misconduct for which the defendant has been found to have violated a Federal or State civil rights law; or
(E) where the defendant was under the influence (as determined pursuant to applicable State law) of intoxicating alcohol or any drug at the time of the misconduct.
(2) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION- Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to effect subsection (a)(3) or (e).
SEC. 5. LIABILITY FOR NONECONOMIC LOSS.
(a) GENERAL RULE- In any civil action against a volunteer, based on an action of a volunteer acting within the scope of the volunteer's responsibilities to a nonprofit organization or governmental entity, the liability of the volunteer for noneconomic loss shall be determined in accordance with subsection (b).
(b) AMOUNT OF LIABILITY-
(1) IN GENERAL- Each defendant who is a volunteer, shall be liable only for the amount of noneconomic loss allocated to that defendant in direct proportion to the percentage of responsibility of that defendant (determined in accordance with paragraph (2)) for the harm to the claimant with respect to which that defendant is liable. The court shall render a separate judgment against each defendant in an amount determined pursuant to the preceding sentence.
(2) PERCENTAGE OF RESPONSIBILITY- For purposes of determining the amount of noneconomic loss allocated to a defendant who is a volunteer under this section, the trier of fact shall determine the percentage of responsibility of that defendant for the claimant's harm.
SEC. 6. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act:
(1) ECONOMIC LOSS- The term `economic loss' means any pecuniary loss resulting from harm (including the loss of earnings or other benefits related to employment, medical expense loss, replacement services loss, loss due to death, burial costs, and loss of business or employment opportunities) to the extent recovery for such loss is allowed under applicable State law.
(2) HARM- The term `harm' includes physical, nonphysical, economic, and noneconomic losses.
(3) NONECONOMIC LOSSES- The term `noneconomic losses' means losses for physical and emotional pain, suffering, inconvenience, physical impairment, mental anguish, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of society and companionship, loss of consortium (other than loss of domestic service), hedonic damages, injury to reputation and all other nonpecuniary losses of any kind or nature.
(4) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION- The term `nonprofit organization' means--
(A) any organization which is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such Code and which does not practice any action which constitutes a hate crime referred to in subsection (b)(1) of the first section of the Hate Crime Statistics Act (28 U.S.C. 534 note); or
(B) any not-for-profit organization which is organized and conducted for public benefit and operated primarily for charitable, civic, educational, religious, welfare, or health purposes and which does not practice any action which constitutes a hate crime referred to in subsection (b)(1) of the first section of the Hate Crime Statistics Act (28 U.S.C. 534 note).
(5) STATE- The term `State' means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, any other territory or possession of the United States, or any political subdivision of any such State, territory, or possession.
(6) VOLUNTEER- The term `volunteer' means an individual performing services for a nonprofit organization or a governmental entity who does not receive--
(A) compensation (other than reasonable reimbursement or allowance for expenses actually incurred); or
(B) any other thing of value in lieu of compensation,
in excess of $500 per year, and such term includes a volunteer serving as a director, officer, trustee, or direct service volunteer.
SEC. 7. EFFECTIVE DATE.
(a) IN GENERAL- This Act shall take effect 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
(b) APPLICATION- This Act applies to any claim for harm caused by an act or omission of a volunteer where that claim is filed on or after the effective date of this Act but only if the harm that is the subject of the claim or the conduct that caused such harm occurred after such effective date.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.
News
FCC Dismisses RACES Petitions
In an Order released November 29, 1999 (DA No. 99-2654, action by Chief, Public Safety and Private Wireless Division, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau), the Federal Communications Commission has dismissed RM-9115, an ARRL petition filed March 12, 1997, seeking to permit RACES participants and others to intercommunicate during emergencies, drills, and tests and to expand the time allowed for RACES drills. In that same Order, The FCC also dismissed a petition filed March 19, 1997, by James Cardillo-Lee, KE6VGV, asking for a rule change to permit hams who also are emergency personnel engaged in disaster relief to use the Amateur Service bands while on paid-duty status.
In denying the ARRL's petition for changes in the RACES rules, the FCC said the League failed to demonstrate a separate rulemaking was warranted. The FCC noted that it's currently considering "the necessity of separate licenses for RACES stations" in another proceeding.
[Courtesy The ARRL Letter, Volume 18, Number 47 {December 3, 1999), The American Radio Relay League, and the FCC Daily Digest, Volume 18, Number 228 (November 30, 1999).]
Here is the actual FCC Discussion on these petitions:
RM-9114
Background. On March 10, 1997, Mr. James Cardillo-Lee filed a petition for rule making, RM-9114, requesting that Section 97.113 of the Commission's Rules be amended to permit amateur radio operators who also are emergency personnel engaged in disaster relief to use the amateur service bands when such operators are in a paid duty status. Mr. Cardillo-Lee states that the amateur service rules prohibit an amateur station from transmitting communications where there is a pecuniary interest including transmissions made on behalf of an employer. He also states that the rules contains an exception for school teachers, who are allowed to conduct educational activities on the amateur bands in connection with their employment.
In support of this request, Mr. Cardillo-Lee states that as part of disaster preparedness, law enforcement and other safety personnel are being encouraged to become amateur radio operators and that, from time to time, the need to use amateur service bands in the course of a disaster operation may arise. He states that such use of the amateur bands by paid emergency personnel who are in a duty status at the time could be viewed as making prohibited transmissions on behalf of an employer if there is no immediate threat to life or property. Mr. Cardillo-Lee requests that the Rules be amended to clarify that amateur radio operators who are emergency personal engaged in disaster relief are not prohibited from using the amateur service bands while in a paid duty status. The Commission sought comment on this petition on June 19, 1997. We received no comments on this petition.
Decision. The international Radio Regulations define the amateur service as a radiocommunication service for the purpose of self-training, intercommunication and technical investigations carried out by amateurs, that is, by duly authorized persons interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest. In 1993, the Commission amended the amateur service prohibited transmission rule, Section 97.113, to permit greater flexibility for amateur stations while transmitting communications. Specifically, it amended the rule to allow amateur operators more flexibility to provide communications for public service projects as well as to enhance the value of the amateur service in satisfying personal communications needs and expand the benefits derived from the amateur service by the general public. It noted that the vast majority of comments supported its proposal to relax the prohibition against using the amateur service as an alternative to other radio services such as the maritime services, land mobile radio services or the cellular telephone service. The Commission stated that this action would allow licensees to use amateur service frequencies, for example, to facilitate events such as races and parades, to support educational activities, to provide personal communications such as making appointments and ordering food, to collect data for the National Weather Service, and to provide assistance voluntarily even where there are other authorized radio services available.
In that proceeding, the Commission also explicitly declined to devote staff resources to development and maintenance of any list of permitted or prohibited communications under Section 97.113 because such a list would necessitate that it intrude upon the day-to-day functioning of the amateur service to a far greater degree than it desired. Further, it stated that, in view of amateur radio operators' desire to engage in widely diverse types of communications, "thousands of examples" would have to be included on such a list. Instead of providing a list of anecdotal examples of permitted and prohibited communications, the Commission adopted five general standards that an amateur radio station control operator should use when deciding whether his or her station should transmit a certain message. It also decided to rely on the amateur service's traditions of self-regulation and cooperation between licensees, the cornerstones of the amateur service, to determine whether specific communications should be transmitted on amateur service frequencies.
With regard to the specific request that we amend Section 97.113 of the Rules to clarify that amateur radio operators who are emergency personnel engaged in disaster relief are permitted to use the amateur service bands while in a paid duty status, we believe that such clarification is not necessary because these two-way communications are permitted within the existing rules. In this regard, we note that amateur radio operators who also are emergency personnel engaged in disaster relief do not appear to be receiving compensation for transmitting communications. Rather, we believe that these individuals are receiving compensation for services related to their disaster relief duties and in their capacities as emergency personnel, and the fact they also are amateur radio operators is incidental to these functions. Further, we note that under the Rules, if the control operator of an amateur service station, who also is an emergency services provider engaged in disaster relief, questions whether a particular message in support of disaster relief should be transmitted on amateur service frequencies, he or she is under no obligation to transmit the message. If the control operator decides that a particular message is not appropriate for transmission on amateur service frequencies, we note that the message can be transmitted on frequencies allocated to other radio services, because disaster relief organizations are eligible for and have been assigned numerous radio channels in other radio services to meet their communication needs.
We also note that the prohibition against transmitting communications, on a regular basis, which could reasonably be furnished through other radio services, does not appear applicable to disaster relief-related communication because disasters, by definition, are atypical occurrences. We also believe that a rulemaking proceeding based on this petition is not necessary and that such a proceeding would be inconsistent with the Commission's explicit statement that it will not devote staff resources to development and maintenance of any list of permitted or prohibited communications. After review of this petition, we conclude that the amendment it requests is unnecessary and, therefore, does not warrant action by the Commission. For this reason, we will dismiss Mr. Cardillo-Lee's rulemaking petition.
RM-9115
Background. On March 12, 1997, the ARRL filed a petition for rule making, RM-9115, requesting that the amateur service rules be amended with respect to the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES). Specifically, the ARRL requests that Section 97.407 be amended to permit intercommunication between RACES participants and other amateur stations actively providing communications related to an emergency or disaster situation, including drills and tests. In addition, the ARRL requests that the present limitation on training drills and tests of one hour per week be modified so that such drills and tests could be conducted for a maximum of five hours per week.
In support of this proposal, the ARRL states that there are two principal organizations of amateur stations at the national level by which amateur radio stations provide emergency communications on an organized basis. One is RACES, and the other is the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES). In addition, in some locations, amateur radio operators provide emergency communications independently of RACES or ARES. The ARRL requests amendment of the amateur service rules to permit intercommunication between RACES stations and ARES stations, as well as between RACES stations and other amateur radio stations that are actively engaged in support communications in an emergency or disaster situation, including drills and tests. It states that the rules generally limit intercommunication of RACES stations to other RACES station or to an amateur radio station registered with a civil defense organization. The Commission sought comment on this petition on June 19, 1997.
Comments opposing this petition were received from Mr. Marshall King and Mr. Billy Geer. Mr. King states that RACES is ineffective and it presents serious obstacles to the more structured and highly successful ARES groups because it is not clear who is in charge of communications when multiple groups are providing emergency communications. He also states that RACES is redundant and unnecessary and should be eliminated. Mr. Geer states that a maximum of five hours per week for training drills and tests is excessive.
Decision. One of the fundamental purposes of the amateur service is the recognition and enhancement of the amateur service's value to the public as a voluntary noncommercial communication service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications. The importance of allowing amateur stations to participate in providing essential communications when there is an emergency situation or a natural disaster cannot be overstated. Because such communications may be instrumental in saving human lives and protecting property, we believe that an amateur station should be able to communicate with other amateur stations in furtherance of those objectives. Upon review of the record in this matter, we find that the ARRL has failed to demonstrate that commencement of a separate rulemaking proceeding on this issue is warranted, particularly given that the ARRL submitted a similar request that was considered and denied in 1976 when the Commission updated the rules for RACES. The ARRL has not indicated any significant change in circumstances that would warrant a different outcome at this juncture. For this reason, we will dismiss RM-9115.
We note that our decision not to pursue further the ARRL rulemaking requests will not adversely affect the ability of amateur service stations to provide emergency communications. Under the current Rules, a primary, club, or military recreation station has more ability and flexibility than a RACES station to provide emergency communications because a primary, club, or military recreation station can provide emergency communications with any other amateur service station at any time and on any frequency authorized the control operator of the station. In this regard, we note that the ARRL also states that other amateur service emergency organizations can provide vital emergency communication links that are not available to RACES stations. Additionally, we note that the Commission currently is considering the necessity of separate licenses for RACES stations in another proceeding. We conclude that no purpose would be served by initiating a proceeding proposing revisions to Section 97.407 of the Commission's Rules at this time.
FCC Eliminates RACES Station Licenses
In a Report and Order adopted December 22, 1999, and released December 30, 1999, the Federal Communications Commission adopted rule changes that eliminate Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) station licenses. The Commission's comments are as follows:
"Background. The RACES, as it was envisioned when it was authorized in 1952, was to be a temporary service designed to afford radio communication for civil defense purposes. Under our Rules, we permit two types of stations to operate as part of the RACES: (1) a licensed RACES station, and (b) any amateur station that has been properly registered with a civil defense organization. Thus, we observed that to engage in RACES communications, it is not necessary to have a RACES station license with a separate and distinct call sign. For that reason, we proposed to amend our Part 97 Rules to phase out RACES station licenses by not renewing them. We observed that by eliminating the RACES station licenses, we would be taking steps which (a) would eliminate licensing duplication because emergency communications that are now transmitted by RACES stations also may be transmitted by primary, club, or military recreation stations, and (b) would conserve our financial resources. We also observed that no new RACES station licenses have been granted since July 4, 1980. In addition, we proposed to continue the status quo by not issuing any new RACES station licenses.
"Decision. Most of the comment specifically addressing this issue support our proposal to phase out RACES station licenses. In contrast, the elimination of RACES station licenses is opposed by Mr. William R. Slye, Jr. He states that in an emergency situation, it is beneficial to have a continuity of call signs so that a certain call sign is associated with a particular Emergency Operations Center or other emergency facility. He also believes that issuing RACES licenses is not overly burdensome to the Commission because current automation in licensing is available at the Commission. Taking a neutral position, Mr. Martin D. Wade suggests that before we take any further action regarding RACES station license, we should further study the RACES program and its place in Part 97 of our Rules.
"After review of the record, we conclude that we should eliminate RACES station licenses because RACES station licenses are unnecessary for amateur stations and amateur service licenses to provide emergency communications. Additionally, these licenses duplicate the communications that we have authorized primary, club, or military recreation stations to transmit, and not issuing RACES station licenses would conserve our financial resources because, currently, such issuance is not an automated process."
The FCC ordered that effective April 15, 2000, Part 97 of Chapter I of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended accordingly.
FCC Announces Launch of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau
The Federal Communications Commission on September 26, 2006, announced the launch of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. The events of September 11, 2001, and last year’s hurricane season underscored America’s dependence on an effective national telecommunications infrastructure. The new bureau will build on the Commission’s longstanding commitment to meet the needs of public safety by promoting robust, reliable, and resilient communications services in times of emergency.
The Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau is designed to provide an efficient, effective, and responsive organizational structure to address matters related to public safety, homeland security, and emergency management and preparedness. The bureau is responsible for the combined public-safety-related functions that were previously dispersed among the other bureaus and offices.
The Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau is organized into three divisions:
Policy Division – The Policy Division drafts, develops, and administers rules, regulations, and policies, including those pertaining to the 911/Enhanced 911 (E911), Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), operability and interoperability for public-safety communications, communications infrastructure protection, network security, and reliability. In addition, the Policy Division oversees the licensing of spectrum for public-safety entities (e.g., police and fire departments).
Public Communications Outreach & Operations Division – The Public Communications Outreach & Operations Division (PCOOD) is the lead bureau group responsible for coordinating the Commission’s emergency response procedures and operations. The Division coordinates the Commission’s public-safety, homeland-security, national-security, disaster-management, and related functions on a day-to-day basis. During incidents or emergencies PCOOD serves as the lead point of contact for all inter-governmental coordination activities with other Federal departments and agencies. The division will operate the Commission’s Communications Center (COMM-CTR) and High Frequency Direction Finding Capability (HFDFC) facilities.
Communications Systems Analysis Division – The Communications Systems Analysis Division (CSAD) administers the Commission’s information collection requirements (e.g., network outage reports) and performs analyses and studies concerning public safety, homeland security, emergency management and preparedness, disaster management, and national security.
FCC Deletes Frequency Bands and Segments Specified for RACES Stations
In a Report and Order adopted October 6, 2006, and released October 10, 2006, the Federal Communications Commission adopted rule changes that delete frequency bands and segments specified for RACES stations. Further, the Commission dismissed a proposal to delete the restrictions of Section 97.407(c) and (d). In its discussion on the R&O, the Commission made the following comments:
"Background. RACES was established in 1952. It authorizes specific frequency bands for amateur service stations to use for providing civil defense communications in the event that amateur service use of the radio spectrum is suspended due to war or other national emergency. Currently, Section 97.407(b) of our Rules authorizes RACES stations and amateur stations participating in RACES to transmit on certain specified frequency segments during periods of wartime emergency. Section 97.407(b) does not indicate, however, that such authorization is subject to procedures for the use and coordination of the radio spectrum during such emergencies specified in, among other places, Parts 201 and 214 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These procedures specify that during certain periods of wartime emergency, the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) will serve as the central authority over the Nation's telecommunications facilities, systems and services, and will authorize, modify, or revoke the continuance of all frequency authorizations issued by the Commission. Additionally, these procedures authorize the Director, OSTP to issue policy guidance, rules, regulations, procedures, and directives to assure effective frequency usage during wartime emergency conditions. In the NPRM, the Commission sought comment on whether it should amend Section 97.407(b) of our Rules to delete the frequency bands and segments specified therein and to clarify that during certain emergencies the frequency segments available to RACES stations and amateur stations participating in RACES would be authorized pursuant to Part 214 of our Rules, in light of the authority presently granted the Director, OSTP.
"Decision. Based on the record before us, we believe that deleting the frequency bands and segments specified for RACES stations is warranted. We agree with ARRL that, because the Director, OSTP has authority over RACES operations in terms of frequencies to be used, the specification of RACES bands during a wartime emergency is unnecessary and duplicative, and can be eliminated, provided that there is a cross-reference to Part 214 of the Commission’s Rules in Section 97.407. Accordingly, we will revise Section 97.407(b) as proposed.
"Mr. DiGennaro notes that local emergency management agencies look to the amateur service to provide essential communications and facilitate relief actions in times of emergencies. He believes the public interest would be better served if we 'clarify the limitations imposed on an amateur station operating in RACES' and whether such limitations apply to all RACES operation or only when RACES operates after the Presidential War Emergency Powers have been invoked. Specifically, he argues that if the restrictions of Section 97.407(c) and (d) are interpreted to apply to all RACES operation, and not just when the Presidential War Emergency Powers have been invoked, then the rule should be revised because '[t]he current interpretation of the rules creates an environment of isolation between RACES and other amateur emergency entities [that] is not effective or efficient in serving the public interests.' The NPRM did not propose changes to the communications RACES stations may transmit or the stations with which RACES stations may exchange messages. We therefore conclude that this proposal is beyond the scope of this proceeding. Moreover, we note that this proposed rule change would significantly alter the nature of RACES, which was originally envisioned to be a temporary service that would allow only RACES stations to continue radio communication for civil defense purposes when all amateur stations were directed to cease transmitting. In response to Mr. DiGennaro's request for clarification, we confirm that the restrictions of Section 97.407(c) and (d) apply to all RACES operation, and not only when the Presidential War Emergency Powers have been invoked.
"Mr. DiGennaro also requests that we amend Section 97.113 of our Rules, which prohibits '[c]ommunications for hire or for material compensation, direct or indirect, paid or promised,' by amateur stations, to clarify that amateur licensees who, by virtue of their employment, are directly involved in facilitating relief and recovery in times of disaster are not prohibited from effecting emergency communications using amateur radio. We conclude that the proposed rule change is not necessary, however, because Section 97.113 does not prohibit amateur radio operators who are emergency personnel engaged in disaster relief from using the amateur service bands while in a paid duty status. These individuals are not receiving compensation for transmitting amateur service communications; rather, they are receiving compensation for services related to their disaster relief duties and in their capacities as emergency personnel."
FCC Issues Public Notice on Amateur Service Communications During Government Disaster Drills
In a public notice ("Amateur Service Communications During Government Disaster Drills") released on October 20, 2009, the FCC stated the following:
Transmissions by amateur stations participating in government disaster drills must comply with all applicable amateur service rules. While the value of the amateur service to the public as a voluntary noncommercial communications service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications, is one of the underlying principles of the amateur service,1 the amateur service is not an emergency radio service. Rather, it is a voluntary, non-commercial communication service authorized for the purpose of self-training, intercommunication and technical investigations carried out by licensed persons interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest.2
State and local government public safety agencies occasionally conduct emergency preparedness or disaster drills that include amateur operations. Some entities, such as hospitals, emergency operations centers, and police, fire, and emergency medical service stations, have expressed interest in having their employees who are amateur station operators participate in these drills by transmitting messages on the entity’s behalf. The Commission’s Rules, however, specifically prohibit amateur stations from transmitting communications “in which the station licensee or control operator has a pecuniary interest, including communications on behalf of an employer.”3
Given the public interest in facilitating government-sponsored emergency preparedness and disaster drills, we take this opportunity to provide a clear process for requesting a waiver, and the information that we require in order to consider granting such a request.4 Waiver requests should be submitted to the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau by the government entity conducting the drill, and must provide the following information: (1) when and where the drill will take place; (2) identification of the amateur licensees expected to transmit amateur communications on behalf of their employers; (3) identification of the employers on whose behalf they will be transmitting; and (4) a brief description of the drill. We emphasize that the filing of a waiver request does not excuse compliance with the rules while that request is pending. The waiver must be requested prior to the drill, and employees may not transmit amateur communications on their employer’s behalf unless the waiver request has been granted.
In an actual emergency, the Commission’s Rules provide that an amateur station may use any means of radiocommunication at its disposal to provide essential communication needs in connection with the immediate safety of human life and the immediate protection of property when normal communication systems are not available.5 In those circumstances, rule waiver is not necessary.
For further information regarding matters discussed in this Public Notice, contact William T. Cross of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, Mobility Division, at (202) 418-0680, William.Cross@fcc.gov.
By the Chief, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau; Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau; and Chief, Enforcement Bureau.
___________________________________________________________________
1 See 47 C.F.R. § 97.1(a). See also Recommendations of the Independent Panel Reviewing the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Communications Networks, Order, EB Docket No. 06-119; WC Docket No. 06-63, 22 FCC Rcd 10541, 10576 ¶ 111 (2007) (noting that the amateur radio community played an important role in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and other disasters).
2 See 47 C.F.R. § 97.3(a)(4).
3 See 47 C.F.R. § 97.113(a)(3) (emphasis added).
4 See 47 C.F.R. § 1.925
5 See 47 C.F.R. § 97.403. See also Amendment of Part 97 of the Commission’s Rules Governing the Amateur Radio Services, Report and Order, WT Docket No. 04-140, 21 FCC 11643, 11667 ¶ 52 (2006) (clarifying that amateur radio operators who are emergency personnel may use their amateur radio stations while in paid duty status, but not addressing the prohibition against transmitting messages on behalf of an employer).
MISSION
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) has the mission to coordinate emergency management response and recovery to reduce loss of life and property in the State of Tennessee.
EMPOWERMENT
Duties of the State Emergency Management Agency
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) is empowered by state law and by the Governor’s executive authority (executive orders) to perform its mission. TEMA provides multipliers of assistance by reaching out for mutual aid or assistance from other departments or agencies of the state, counties and municipalities, from other states and from the federal government. TEMA manages the flow of materiel, special teams and services to the incident commander. The foundation for this authority is Tennessee Code Annotated 58-2-101 through TCA 58-2-124. TEMA performs as the staff of the Governor when a state declaration of emergency exists. It becomes TEMA’s job to ensure that the orders of the Governor are implemented and enforced.
Duties of the County Emergency Management Agencies
County emergency management agencies have response authority for emergencies in their jurisdiction. TCA 58-2-110 also requires counties to develop a county emergency management plan that is consistent with the TEMP and emergency management program. This plan, under TCA 58-2-106, must be periodically reviewed and approved by TEMA. Conceptually, local emergency management responders deal with an emergency in their jurisdiction with their assets and with only as much additional support as may be provided by intrastate mutual aid or assistance under TCA 58-8-101 to TCA 58-8-115. When the emergency exceeds capability, the county may request additional assistance from higher levels of government.
The Executive Office is comprised of the Director and his immediate assistants. The Director's Office is responsible for setting policy for the agency, as well as insuring the overall goals and objectives of the agency are met, initiating the development of strategy relative to the requirements of various state and federal regulations, budget, and the policies of the Governor. This office will coordinate with elected, appointed and other officials of the government and civilian community who are seeking information or resolution to issues. The Director of the agency is appointed by the Governor and serves at his discretion. The Director and Assistant Directors are appointed by the Governor upon recommendation of the Adjutant General in the Department of Military. During non-emergency periods, TEMA is under the administrative control of the Adjutant General. During emergencies the Director reports directly to the Governor and coordinates with the Adjutant General. TEMA has 98 positions, with 69 positions assigned to a headquarters and 29 positions assigned to the regions.
The Director of TEMA is the executive head of emergency management activities in the state. The Director is the Governor's Authorized Representative (GAR) by law and the State Coordinating Official (SCO). The Director declares a state of emergency on behalf of the Governor when he authorizes activation of the Tennessee Emergency Management Plan (TEMP) and the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC). During an emergency the Director is directly responsible to the Governor to report incidents, to coordinate emergency management plans and direct actions. The Director discusses with and informs the Adjutant General of the emergency and emergency management activities and reports to him during non-emergency periods. The Director serves as the State Coordinating Officer and Governor's Authorized Representative in catastrophes.
The Assistant Agency Director for Response is responsible for ensuring an efficient operational response and oversees the Operations Branch, the SEOC area, and regional offices. The AAD-R ensures that local jurisdictions are supported effectively and that communications is maintained. The AAD-R mediates problems and serves as a buffer between the daily issues affecting the field and the Director.
The Assistant Agency Director for Preparedness is responsible for ensuring update and practicality of operational plans, management of programs and grants, the mitigation of threats, prepares and supervises exercises and corrective actions and oversees the agency support functions, including food, clothing, equipment, information technology and facilities. The AAD-P mediates problems and manages the preparedness staff and its missions.
Executive Command Staff
The Executive Administration Officer is responsible for the coordination and development of agency guidance, such as SOPs, plans, operations guides and other policy documents, across the various departments of the agency, as well as making sure all briefing materials are kept updated. The EAO maintains the business plan and recommends selective strategy for the agency's strategic plan. The EAO serves the agency's needs relative to legislation in the state House and Senate are coordinated among those of the other agencies and is responsible for keeping the various members of the state and that federal legislative delegations are apprised of the status of emergency response efforts when a situation affects their respective districts. The EAO takes charge of critical projects and ensures completion of tasks in new programs. The EAO performs key duties for special programs of interest to the Director, such as Safety Officer, NIMS Coordinating Officer for the State, agency Government Liaison Officer, and as required, performs occasional duties as State Emergency Information Officer, backup Public Information Officer or Crisis Action Team Operations Officer.
The Executive Officer is responsible for the coordination and development of various projects, programmatic materials and documents across the various divisions of the agency. The XO may focus on the implementation of specially needed programs or products. The XO provides direct support for the director in various tasks to include scheduling the weekly staff meetings and coordinating the associated agenda. The Executive Officer is a senior emergency management official who is available for immediate assignment in the SEOC for emergency operations and periodically serves as State On-Call Officer. The XO is also assigned as the State Credentials Project Officer.
The Finance Officer is responsible for fiscal oversight, to include agency budget, accounts, purchases, expense reimbursements and capitol projects. This officer oversees the finance section which also manages quality review of federal disaster funds and other funds. There are three persons in the finance section to support agency accountability.
The Public Information Officer provides the conduit to the public for all aspects of the agency's activities. The PIO is responsible for the development and coordination of media releases with the Governor's staff as well as other state agencies relating to Emergency Management activities, disasters or other emergency situations. The PIO is the focal point for media interviews, as well as lead office for developing agency's public awareness and education efforts. The PIO serves as the agency's point of contact for all public information requests.
The Human Resources Manager is responsible for all aspects of personnel issues for the agency to include maintaining agency manning documents and registers, employee personnel records, payroll, coordination and documentation for all personnel actions. The Human Resource Manager serves as the conduit to the Military Department's Personnel Office for all personnel matters.
The Administrative Assistant to the Director is responsible for direct administrative support for the agency director and his principal staff, office management, including handling inquiries, correspondence, executive mail, director's travel arrangements and calendar, serves as recorder and administrative support for conferences, meetings and positions in emergency operations, provides agency travel oversight and agency personnel time-keeping backup, makes professional contacts with the public and other departments, divisions and organizations, explains services and activities and hosts visitors, presents briefings and trains new staff personnel.
TEMA Departments - Branches
Directors
Operations and Communications Branch: The operations watchpoint element is the focal point for receiving warnings, making notifications, and arranging for initial response actions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are two or more operations officers on duty at all times. When additional operations officers are assigned for monitoring, the SEOC enters an elevated emergency activation level although this status is not a declaration of emergency. Operations officers typically handle the coordination for small emergencies occurring concurrently with larger disasters and may perform duties in the Mission Coordination Center in an activation. Operations and Communications Branch includes the Director of Operations, Chief of Operations and 12 Operations Officers providing significant depth of formal training and experience for the 24-hour operation. The communications element works hand-in-glove with the operations watchpoint to ensure that telephones, radios and other communications means are available. TEMA communications personnel ensure vital links to local government command, control and coordination centers during emergency situations. There are six communications specialists who perform installation, operation and maintenance duties.
Planning, Exercises and Mitigation Branch: The Planning, Exercises and Mitigation Branch has 13 persons assigned to handle much of the preparedness mission, to collect and disseminate operational and logistical information, developing and maintaining plans, preparing and providing evaluation oversight for exercises. The Director of PEM also serves as the Radiological Safety Officer. The PEM Branch has two elements, Natural Hazards and Technical Hazards, which have oversight for four significant subject areas:
DISASTER INTELLIGENCE AND INFORMATION DISSEMINATION:
Collecting disaster information that is accurate and displays the common operating picture (COP) for the emergency is essential for proper decision making in response to the disaster. Processing that information into accurate summaries for dissemination is also an important task. PEM Branch does this mission for the SEOC upon activation. The PEM Branch is responsible for writing the Incident Action Plan for any major emergency, for developing and maintaining the flow of disaster information and accomplishing incident summaries to develop the COP.
PLANNING:
Information gathering is a transition to making plans, and TEMA is responsible for the development of plans for all hazards. Especially detailed plans exist for the truly daunting potentials, including radiological releases, toxic chemical spills or plumes, major dam failure and catastrophic earthquake. This branch is responsible for the planning to respond to chemical spills and releases at fixed facilities, and the branch provides support for the State Emergency Response Committee (SERC) and its satellites, the Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPC). This section also provides technical expertise and services for radiological, chemical, and environmental issues related to emergencies. The section can provide radiological hazard assessment, technical planning and specialized radiological training, and serves as liaison with for the U.S. Department of Energy and Tennessee Valley Authority. This section procures radiological detection and monitoring instruments and performs maintenance, calibration and distribution of devices for responders. This section is the repository of the many plans prepared by other sections or panels of sections from throughout the agency or state. One of the most important plans maintained by the PEM Branch is the Tennessee Emergency Management Plan (TEMP) which details how response will be accomplished by all departments, agencies and counties of the state and signed by the Governor. The PEM Branch prepares the Tennessee Emergency Management Strategic Plan which sets goals, objectives and milestones for improvements, identifies budget requirements and supports equipping the agency. The PEM Branch prepares the Continuity of Government Plan (COG) which lays out the steps for moving the seat of government, especially the Governor's Office, the Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP), a plan for each key state department or agency of the Executive Branch to continue to provide services in a different location when required, the Logistics Response Plan which spells out reception, handling and distribution of resources during an emergency, the State Mitigation Plan which plans to reduce or eliminate the effects of hazards, and the State Recovery Plan which provides a roadmap to returning to normal from a disaster. There are many other plans, SOPs and operations guides that are driven from the PEM Branch, updated and improved on a weekly, monthly or annual basis to better prepare for any eventuality. This branch also plans for exercises to test the plans that have been prepared. The PEM Branch prepares the State Mitigation Plan and administers the actions for implementing many mitigation grants, and it writes plans that include mitigation considerations. Analysis of hazards and risks is another of the many functions of the PEM Branch.
EXERCISES:
The Exercises element of this branch is responsible for the provision of preparation, integration and implementation of exercises, often including evaluation tasks and corrective actions. Collecting the after action reports, performing corrective action plans and monitoring the complete implementation of corrective actions is an integral part of the PEM Branch. The exercises element provides oversight of the required exercises established by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and FEMA. NIMS standards require periodic exercises to deal with threats which are identified for the jurisdiction, so this branch manages the periodic schedule for these requirements. Coordination of contractors is another implied task for the branch since contractors may be utilized to help implement larger exercises.
MITIGATION:
Reducing the effects of damage or eliminating the future impact of threats on the community are highly worthy of emphasis. The Mitigation element is assigned to the study and handling of mitigation actions and grants which may encourage the use of appropriate guidance and funds. The Mitigation element identifies new or changing threats and reduce the damage where possible. This section plays a strong role in the transition of short-term recovery to long-term recovery in a disaster and works closely with the federal joint field office to speed the return to normal.
Training Branch: The Training Branch of four personnel is responsible for the training the emergency management professionals in TEMA, as well as hundreds of other responders throughout the state and county governments who must respond to emergencies and assist in the recovery. Their task is more daunting in that they must utilize experience of field personnel to provide the instructor cadre which requires much coordination and logistical effort. The Training Branch is an even more critical arm of the agency since an executive order places the training and certification of hazardous materials response in the care of TEMA. The credentialed instructors guided by the Training Branch have already trained thousands of persons in Tennessee over the past few years raising the preparedness of the state to an unprecedented level. Training is also responsible for training the emergency management team in the state in the National Incident Management System (NIMS), to train TEMA members in internal training standards (TEMA 101) and emergency service coordinators to legal standards (ESC 101). TEMA issues identification cards to validate training qualification for teams, especially those teams required to perform to a higher standard by 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HAZMAT). Trainers from local jurisdiction departments or agencies often assist this branch to add to its capabilities.
Grants and Programs Branch: The Grants and Programs Branch is responsible for grants and contracts in the agency and many programs which execute contracts and grants. This branch oversees federal disaster funds for catastrophes, to include individual and public assistance. The Grants and Programs Branch manages fiscal actions for grants of the Tennessee Office of Homeland Security, US DHS Homeland Security terrorism grants and hazardous materials grants, the FEMA Emergency Management Performance Grant program, FEMA Wildfire Grants, FEMA Disaster Recovery Initiative funds, funding from the Tennessee Valley Authority, funding from the Department of Energy, funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation for hazard mitigation, funding from the Department of Justice for anti-terrorism, and Southern States Energy Board funds for energy-saving and environmental protection. This branch provides oversight of the National Flood Insurance Program grant interface and provides information regarding other insurance programs. The programs element has a significant mission in coordinating the initiation of recovery actions for public assistance and other criteria to meet disaster declaration requirements. Members of this branch may form state elements of the FEMA Joint (Disaster) Field Office (JFO) Recovery Task Force. The Grants and Programs Branch has 11 persons assigned to ensure contracts and grant assurance and program reliability.
Agency Support Branch: The Agency Support Branch provides life support for the agency, handles purchases and acquisitions, including vehicles, emergency management equipment, supplies, and other items, as necessary. The Agency Support Branch includes the information technology elements of the agency, consisting of six persons, who provide software, hardware and systems support for internet and other computer utilization. Agency Support Branch manages the facilities and grounds, support equipment of the agency and performs corrective actions to ensure a safe workplace. Agency Support Branch often interfaces with the agency's volunteer and donations program to coordinate logistics and community support issues. These responsibilities include the establishment of relationships with various commercial, private and non-profit organizations and educating them on the state's emergency management program and the role each plays during a disaster. Agency Support Branch coordinates processes where community support is organized and ready to assist the State during disasters or other emergency situations. The Agency Support Branch consists of 10 personnel to perform logistics, IT, facilities care and security and other support activities.
RACES _____
The '''Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service''' (RACES) is a standby radio service provided for in Part 97.407 of the [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) rules and regulations governing [[amateur radio]] in the [[United States]].[http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/news/part97/ "Part 97: Amateur Radio Service"]. From [[American Radio Relay League]] web site. Retrieved Feb. 15, 2008.
The concept of a standby "Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service" to replace the conventional "Amateur Radio Service" during wartime was developed in 1952 as result of input from the [[American Radio Relay League]] and the Department of the Army's [[Office of Civil Defense]]. During [[World War II]], the Amateur Radio Service had been silenced and a new [[War emergency radio service|War Emergency Radio Service ]] (WERS) had to be created from scratch in a process that took six months.
The resulting standby RACES service was designed to provide a quicker and smoother transition in the event the President ever needed to silence the regular Amateur Radio Service again when invoking the [[War Powers Act]]. Despite four wars involving the United States since 1952, this has never happened.
== Activation ==
When so activated, the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service will consist of only those [[amateur radio operator]]s who have previously registered with State and local governments to provide emergency radio communications for them in times of emergency. Other amateur radio operations would be suspended and operations under the RACES rules might be restricted to certain [[radio frequency|frequencies]] within the [[amateur radio bands]].
In addition to wartime communications, operations under the RACES rules can provide or supplement [[amateur radio emergency communications|communications during emergencies]] where normal communication systems have sustained damage. It may be used in a wide variety of situations, including [[natural disasters]], technological disasters, [[nuclear accident]]s, [[nuclear attack]], [[terrorism|terrorist incidents]], and [[bomb threat]]s.
== Participation ==
In the past, actual RACES station licenses were also issued to [[civil defense]] organizations. To prevent abuse of station licenses by officials who weren't licensed [[amateur radio operators]], limitations on the duration of non-emergency operation and stations that might be contacted were incorporated into part 97.407. Such RACES station licenses are no longer issued, and any operations under the RACES rules would now use licensed amateur radio operators as control operators.
In daily practice, most amateur radio operators enrolled with their local government for possible operations under the RACES rules are also members of the [[Amateur Radio Emergency Service]], organized by the [[American Radio Relay League]]. ARES provides emergency communications in the conventional Amateur Radio Service without the need for an emergency declaration from the government.
National Incident Management System
EMI replaced its Incident Command System (ICS) curricula with courses that meet the requirements specified in the National Incident Management System (NIMS). EMI developed the new courses collaboratively with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG), the United States Fire Administration and the United States Department of Agriculture.
Below are the new NIMS compliant courses follow NIMS guidelines:
IS-100.a - (ICS 100) Introduction to Incident Command System
IS-100.FDA – Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS 100) for Food and Drug Administration
IS-100.HC Introduction to the Incident Command System for Healthcare/Hospitals
IS-100.HE Introduction to the Incident Command System for Higher Education
IS-100.FWa Introduction to the Incident Command System for Federal Workers
IS-100.LEa Introduction to the Incident Command System for Law Enforcement
IS-100.PWa Introduction to the Incident Command System for Public Works Personnel
IS-100.SCa Introduction to the Incident Command System for Schools
IS-200.a (ICS 200) ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
IS-700.a National Incident Management System (NIMS), An Introduction
IS-701.a NIMS Multiagency Coordination System (MACS) Course
IS-702.a – National Incident Management System (NIMS) Public Information Systems
IS-800.b National Response Framework, An Introduction
EMI encourages organizations to begin using the NIMS compliant courses immediately.
The link below will take you to the area to study and take your test on line.....
http://training.fema.gov/IS/NIMS.asp
NEW FEMA COURSES...
New Courses Launched
IS-872 - Dams Sector: Protective Measures New 6/23/2010
IS-650.a – Building Partnerships with Tribal Governments New 6/11/2010
IS-200.HCa – Applying ICS to Healthcare Organizations New 6/11/2010
IS-702.a – National Incident Management System (NIMS) Public Information Systems New 6/11/2010
IS-35.10 – FEMA Safety Orientation 2010 New 6/10/2010
IS-107.10 FEMA Travel Rules and Regulations 2010 New 6/3/2010
IS-366 Planning for the Needs of Children in Disasters New 6/1/2010
IS-324.a Community Hurricane Preparedness New 5/24/2010
IS-100.fda Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS 100) for Food and Drug Administration New 5/21/2010
IS-208.a State Disaster Management New 5/14/2010
IS-403 Introduction to Individual Assistance (IA)(DF-103) New 5/12/2010
IS-901 - Section 508 Awareness Course New 4/15/2010
IS-245 - Introduction to the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) New 4/15/2010
IS-871 Dams Sector: Security Awareness New 4/5/2010
IS-33 FEMA Initial Ethics Orientation New 3/22/10
IS-703.a NIMS Resource Management Course New 1/15/10
IS-870 Dams Sector: Crisis Management New 10/27/2009
IS-230.a Fundamentals of Emergency Management New 10/7/2009
IS-100.FWa Intro to Incident Command System (ICS 100) for Federal Workers New 9/25/2009
IS-31 Mitigation eGrants for the Grant Applicant New 8/31/2009
IS-520 Introduction to Continuity of Operations Planning for Pandemic Influenzas New 8/31/2009
IS-19 FEMA EEO Supervisor Course New 8/27/2009
IS-546.a - Continuity of Operations Awareness Course New 8/21/2009
IS-704 NIMS Communications and Information Management New 8/19/2009
IS-820 Introduction to NRF Support Annexes New 6/16/2009
IS-806 - ESF #6: Mass Care, Emergency Assistance, Housing, and Human Services New 6/5/2009
IS-860.a National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP) New 6/4/2009
IS-548 Continuity of Operations (COOP) Program Manager New 6/2/2009
IS-293 Mission Assignment Overview New 6/2/2009
IS-836 Nuclear/Radiological Incident Annex New 3/26/2009
IS-26 Guide to Points of Distribution New 3/20/2009
IS-197.EM Special Needs Planning Considerations for Emergency Management New 3/20/2009
IS-100.HE Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS-100, for Higher Education New 3/18/2009
Sevier County Radio Freq....
Sevier County
Sevier, County of
Frequency Input License Type Tone Alpha Tag Description Mode Tag
460.02500 465.02500 WNYV830 RM 100.0 PL SevierSO-1 Sheriff FM Law Dispatch
460.02500 465.02500 WNYV830 RM 127.3 PL SevierSO-3 Sheriff FM Law Tac
460.02500 465.02500 WNYV830 RM 203.5 PL SevierSO-5 Sheriff FM Law Tac
460.21250 WNYV830 M 203.5 PL Sevier-JAIL Sheriff Jail FM Law Tac
464.55000 411 DPL SevierCOURT Court Security FM Law Tac
462.95000 467.95000 KNCZ203 RM 127.3 PL SC-EMS-DISP EMS FM EMS Dispatch
463.02500 468.02500 KNCZ203 BM 82.5 PL SCEMS-M2 EMS Med 2 FM EMS-Talk
463.00000 468.00000 KNCZ203 RM 127.3 PL SCEMS-FSSH EMS to Fort Sanders Sevier Medical Center FM Hospital
453.65000 458.65000 WNPZ631 RM 94.8 PL SC-RESCUE Rescue Squad FM EMS Dispatch
451.85000 346 DPL SC-RESCUE Rescue Squad FM EMS Dispatch
156.19500 159.07500 KNIM464 RM 94.8 PL SC-HIGHWAY Highway Department FM Public Works
451.20000 WYQ273 BM 100.0 PL SevElectric1 Electric System FM Utilities
461.30000 127.3 PL SevElectric2 Electric System FM Utilities
451.07500 WQGI409 RM 100.0 PL SevElectric3 Electric System FM Utilities
153.51500 158.25000 WQEK371 RM 203.5 PL SCUDBluffMtn Sevier County Utility District (SCUD) - Bluff Mountain FM Public Works
153.51500 158.25000 WQEK371 RM 136.5 PL SCUDGatlinbg Sevier County Utility District (SCUD) - Gatlinburg FM Public Works
452.27500 SC-UTILITY Utilities FM Utilities
452.37500 SC-UTILITY Utilities FM Utilities
155.20500 WZM822 BM 100.0 PL SC-MEDCOM MedComm FM Hospital
155.28000 KNCP274 BM 173.8 PL HOSPNET Hospital to Hospital Net FM Hospital
155.29500 BM 229.1 PL TDN TEMA Disaster Net FM Emergency Ops
155.34000 WZM822 BM 100.0 PL SERN EMS HEAR Net FM Hospital
155.69250 WPWX466 RM 127.3 PL SCEMA Emergency Management FM Emergency Ops
453.51250 RM 141.3 PL CCVFD1 Catons Chapel VFD FM Fire Dispatch
453.87500 WPWX466 RM 073 DPL SCEMA Emergency Management FM Emergency Ops
460.62500 465.62500 KIU786 RM 203.5 PL SCFIRE County Fire Bluff Mtn Repeater FM Fire Dispatch
Sevier County Fire/EMS
These channels are used in conjunction with the trunked radio system.
The Rescue Squad, Ambulance Service, Sheriffs Dept. and City Police will float to a Tac channels not in use when they need a Tac channel.Frequency Input License Type Tone Alpha Tag Description Mode Tag
464.17500 M 100.0 PL SCFTAC-2 Tac 2 Pigeon Forge Fire Dept. FM Fire-Tac
464.47500 M 100.0 PL SCFTAC-3 Tac 3 Gatlinburg Fire Dept. FM Fire-Tac
464.65000 M 100.0 PL SCFTAC-4 Tac 4 Northview Fire Dept. FM Fire-Tac
452.10000 M 100.0 PL SCFTAC-5 Tac 5 Catons Chapel Fire Dept. FM Fire-Tac
452.22500 M 100.0 PL SCFTAC-6 Tac 6 Waldens Creek Fire Dept. FM Fire-Tac
464.30000 M 100.0 PL SCFTAC-7 Tac 7 Pitman Center / Seymour Fire Dept. FM Fire-Tac
462.22500 M 100.0 PL SCFTAC-8 Tac 8 Wears Valley Fire Dept. FM Fire-Tac
463.25000 M 100.0 PL SCFTAC-9 Tac 9 English Mtn Fire Dept. FM Fire-Tac
464.97500 M 100.0 PL SCFTAC-10 Tac10 Sevier Co. Fire Dept. FM Fire-Tac
451.85000 RM 371 DPL SC-RESCUE County Rescue Squad Backup FM EMS-Tac
453.77500 M 179.9 PL SCFTAC-1 Tac 1 Sevierville Fire Dept. FM Fire-Tac
Other Fire/EMS
Frequency Input License Type Tone Alpha Tag Description Mode Tag
453.41250 458.41250 KIU786 RM 346 DPL CC-RC VFD Catons Chapel - Richardson Cove Volunteer Fire Department - Backup FM Fire-Tac
453.41250 RM 346 DPL CCFD-BU Catons Chapel Fire Back-up FM Fire-Tac
453.51250 RM 173.8 PL CC-VFD Catons Chapel VFD FM Fire Dispatch
463.85000 2 Catons Chapel-Richardson Cove Fire Department FM Fire-Tac
453.12500 458.12500 WPGW693 RM 100.0 PL EnglishMtVFD English Mountain Volunteer Fire Department FM Fire-Tac
453.41250 458.41250 KIU786 RM 516 DPL NV Kodak VFD Northview - Kodak Volunteer Fire Department - Backup FM Fire-Tac
154.44500 158.95500 KNFA325 RM 073 DPL NV Kodak VFD Northview-Kodak Volunteer Fire Department FM Fire-Tac
453.73750 WNXN454 RM 136.5 PL PC-VFD Pitman Center VFD FM Fire Dispatch
460.57500 465.57500 WNXN454 RM 167.9 PL PittmanCtFD1 Pittman Center Fire Department FM Fire Dispatch
464.20000 WNXN454 M PittmanCtFD2 Pittman Center Fire Department FM Fire-Tac
460.62500 465.62500 KIU786 RM 127.3 PL SCVFD-RC Sevier County VFD Ridgecrest Repeater FM Fire-Tac
453.41250 458.41250 KIU786 F 115 DPL SCVFD Sevier County Volunteer Fire Department FM Fire-Tac
453.41250 458.41250 KIU786 RM 732 DPL SCVFD Explrs Sevier County Volunteer Fire Department - Explorers FM Fire-Tac
453.41250 RM 712 DPL SFD-BU Seymour Fire Back-up FM Fire-Tac
154.31000 153.77000 KXM811 RM 103.5 PL 1 Seymour Volunteer Fire Department FM Fire Dispatch
155.77500 WNIR306 BM 2 Seymour Volunteer Fire Department FM Fire-Tac
453.41250 458.41250 KIU786 RM 712 DPL SVFD Backup Seymour Volunteer Fire Department - Backup FM Fire-Tac
154.25000 KIU786 BM WaldensCrkFD Waldens Creek Fire Department FM Fire-Tac
154.17500 KIU786 BM WearsValyFD Wears Valley Volunteer Fire Department FM Fire-Tac
Gatlinburg, City of
Frequency Input License Type Tone Alpha Tag Description Mode Tag
460.25000 WNJC274 M 100.0 PL GatbgPD Police Department FM Law Dispatch
460.50000 465.50000 WNJC274 RM 100.0 PL Gatbg CW LE Countywide Law Enforcement (911) FM Multi-Dispatch
453.85000 458.85000 WNVS923 RM 100.0 PL GatbgFD1 Fire Department - 1 FM Fire Dispatch
458.30000 WNVS923 M 100.0 PL GatbgFD2 Fire Department - 2 FM Fire-Tac
453.55000 458.55000 WNVS923 RM 100.0 PL GatbgFD3 Fire Department - 3 FM Fire-Tac
453.27500 458.27500 KNIP510 RM GatbgTrolley Trolleys / Street Department FM Public Works
453.80000 458.80000 WPRG663 RM GatbgParks Parks and Recreation FM Public Works
154.45625 BM GWWTC Watewater Treatment Facility Telm Utilities
452.35000 RM 073 DPL GatbgUTIL City Utilities FM Utilities
HAM/SkyWARN/ARES/RACES
Frequency Input License Type Tone Alpha Tag Description Mode Tag
145.47000 WB4GBI RM 118.8 PL D6-SKYWARN District 6 Skywarn FM Ham
443.22500 KJ4HPM RM 100.0 PL SCERS Sevier County Emergency Radio Service (LOCAL) FM Ham
Pigeon Forge, City of
Frequency Input License Type Tone Alpha Tag Description Mode Tag
460.05000 WNJC274 M 100.0 PL PgnFgPD Police Department FM Law Dispatch
461.00000 WQCM739 PgnFgFD 461 Fire NEXEDGE Fire Dispatch
155.74500 153.74000 WPDH422 RM 127.3 PL PgnFgPWks Public Works FM Public Works
37.96000 WPWR245 BM CSQ PgnFgStrts Street Department / Special Events FM Public Works
453.32500 458.32500 WNJC391 RM PgnFgTrolley Trolleys FM Transportation
173.31250 WNZL897 F PgnFgTelem Water Treatment Plant - Telemetry Telm Data
453.41250 RM 371 DPL PFFD-BUR Fire Back Up Repeater *Bluff Mtn* FMN Fire Dispatch
464.17500 WQCM739 BM PFFD-EVENT Fire Events Tactical (Simplex) NEXEDGE Fire-Tac
Sevierville, City of
Frequency Input License Type Tone Alpha Tag Description Mode Tag
460.07500 465.07500 WNJC274 RM 100.0 PL SvrvlPD Police Department FM Law Dispatch
453.38750 458.38750 WPWC719 RM SvrvlFDDisp Fire Department - Dispatch FM Fire Dispatch
451.40000 KXH285 B 136.5 PL SvrvlFDPagng Fire Department - Paging FM Fire Dispatch
460.28750 465.28750 WPWD502 RM 179.9 PL SvrvlFDOpns Fire Department - Operations FM Fire-Tac
451.07500 WYQ273 M SvrvlWatrGas Water and Gas FM Public Works
Field Day 2010
ARRL Field Day Entry Form
Datestamp: 2010-07-24 10:34:40 PDT
Confirmation: 1dfe8b1ef03c25aa
Call Used: W4W GOTA Station Call: (none) ARRL/RAC Section: TN Class: 4A
Participants: 21 Club/Group Name: Class A
Power Source(s): Generator
Power Multiplier: 2X
Bonus Points:
100% Emergency power 400
Media Publicity 100
Set-up in Public Place 100
Information Booth 100
Site Visit by invited elected official 100
Site Visit by invited served agency official 100
Youth participation 40
Youth operators=2
Youth participants=5
Submitted via the Web 50
Educational activity 100
Total Bonus Points 1,090
Score Summary:
CW Digital Phone Total
Total QSOs 0 0 435
Total Points 0 0 435 435 Claimed Score = 870
142 /40 Meter's
75 / 80 Meter's
175 / 10 Meter's
32 / 20 Meter's
4 / 15 Meter's
5 / 10 Meter FM
2 / 2 Meter Simplex
Submitted by:
Richard M Sawaya Sr, N4JTQ
2005 Spence Mountain Loop
Sevierville, TN 37876
