Kip Burnett, KB2EGI
The Four "S"s of Public Service
By Gary Wilson, K2GW
March 20, 2003
As US forces are now engaged in combat operations, I'd like to supplement the three P's of Public Service that I previously communicated with 4 S's.
Sensibility
First of all, it's important for us to remain calm and think carefully before acting and speaking.
Although the threat of terrorist attack on US interests somewhere in the world is deemed high, the chance of something significant actually happening in our area is much, much less. While we need to be prepared, the chances of Amateur Radio having to be used in response to a local emergency hopefully remain small.
Our current "Orange" threat status does not mandate continuous manning of ARES/RACES circuits. NJ OEM currently indicates that elevation to threat status "Red" is unlikely and if it ever did occur, it would most likely be for a very limited area. If an EOC is opened for actual post-attack relief operations and communications become overloaded, then we would need to consider manning such facilities in accordance with local plans.
Once again, you primary concern at this time is making sure your home and family are prepared for an emergency.
Safety
Safety of yourself in any operation should be paramount. If you're dead or injured, you obviously can't be of any help to anyone, and will only compound the problem for those we're trying to help.
We need to make sure that any task we undertake is something that we are trained and equipped for. As emergency communications experts, we are trained in handling messages, establishing nets, and maintaining communications equipment. Most of us are not trained nor equipped to fight fires, engage in heavy rescue, monitor chemical plumes or similar hazardous activities. Trying to do things we're not trained nor equipped for only compounds the problem. And obviously, make sure that you stay clear of any hazards such as rubble or airborne containments.
Remember in times of stress to also be careful of the normal risks, such as driving safely, tower climbing, roof work and electrical work. Nothing we do ever requires us to violate any speed limits or traffic signals.
Fatigue is a big killer. If activated, make sure you work no more than twelve hours a day and get plenty of sleep when off duty. In all operations, our communications leadership must make sure that adequate shifts and relief operators are scheduled to minimize fatigue and maximize safety and effectiveness.
Security
Every time you talk to someone on the air even in normal conversation, assume at least ten other people are listening, some of who might wish us harm. So without being paranoid, be careful about on air conversations that might be of value to enemies.
This includes on the air discussions of military operations, government security procedures, police checkpoint locations, repeater and communication facility locations, EOC locations, Red Cross locations, emergency frequencies, schedules of operations, etc. When in-person, you have a good idea to whom you're talking to. On the air you don't know who is eavesdropping, and every bit of information could become part of an overall capability assessment.
So while we doubt that amateur radio is high on any enemy's list of priority targets, and it's true that much of this information can be found from other public sources, we obviously don't want to become an additional or confirming source of information ourselves.
Sensitivity
It's also important to recognize that one of our major clients, the American Red Cross, has a unique wartime role. We're mostly used to working with them in their Disaster Relief mission and that's how we would also work with them in any attack recovery.
But as a member society of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement, they have to show strict neutrality in wartime, even here at home. This is necessary for the benefit of medical personnel, civilians, and prisoners of wars in the combat area.
So amateurs supporting Red Cross operations should keep this in mind when expressing personal opinions or choosing clothing to wear at Red Cross facilities. Expressions of overtly patriotic feelings are not appropriate at those facilities.
Summary
We've been through this before and we've trained for communications emergencies. The actual risk of a problem developing in all of our specific area is probably low and the risk of a communication emergency developing even lower. Let's be calm and ready but also recognize and hope that we probably are not going to be needed
For more information, consider the following websites:
Details on Operation Liberty Shield (the homeland defense component of this war) can be found at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/press_release/press_release_0115.xml
Details on the government action steps for each terrorism threat level can be found at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?theme=29
Details on individual and business actions can be found at http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/hsas.html and at http://www.state.nj.us/njhomelandsecurity/index.html
Information on the legalities of emergency travel bans in NJ under a state of emergency can be found at http://www.state.nj.us/njoem/press_travelban.html
Thanks again for your help and public service.
73
Gary Wilson, K2GW
Section Emergency Coordinator
Southern New Jersey Section
Last modified April 4, 2003