HomeMy WebLinkAboutCDC 10-30-2025 Item No. 5 Citizen Corp Report_PresentationCC 10-30-2025
Item #5
Citizen Corps Report
Presentation
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Cupertino Citizen Corps, CERT/MRC/CARES
October 30, 2025
Disaster Council Report
Prepared by Ken Ericksen Citizen Corps Coordinator
Accomplishments Q3, 2025:
Data:
o 1131 (Citizen Corps Volunteers) 424 hours
o Zone/Volunteers
o Zone 1, 201
o Zone 2,177
o Zone 3, 88
o Zone 4, 107
o Zone 5, 71
o Zone 6, 197
o Zone not assigned 82
o 14 New volunteers registered in Volunteer Portal
o Public Education:
o Monthly Personal/Neighborhood Emergency Preparedness classes
o Public Safety Forum presentations
o 3 Block Party Emergency Preparedness presentations
o 2 Orientation for new graduates (9 graduates)
o 0 Activations
o 7 Requested Activations for Community Events, Exercises etc.
o 1 AlertSCC messages, CARES exercise notification
o Email community development emails to be redistributed to our volunteer network!
o 1131 Citizen Corps Volunteers 12 monthly emails
o As needed Public Safety messages sent to volunteers to share with their
neighbors, Weather, Health, Power, Parks etc.
Steering Committee, seven leadership members have monthly meetings to address action items
from exercises, trainings and direction of future activities with the following teams:
o Marketing and Outreach
o Monthly Citizen Corps message and message supplements as needed, new
data item reported above.
o Website update implemented
o 7 Community events supported, First Aid, Communications etc.
o Process and Data Management
o Volunteer Annex, Appendices, completed and used for training, exercises.
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o Training
o Volunteer Annex Capabilities training plan.
o GMRS/FRS radio testing done monthly.
o MRC Skills training ongoing
o CPR/AED classes
o Field training, County qualifications
o DOC (Dept. Operations Center)
o Participated in all activations and exercises in planning.
o Developed DOC SOP, Just in Time Training and DOC Check List for Auto and
requested activation, added to the Volunteer Annex Appendices
o CARES; Cupertino Amateur Radio Emergency Services
o Communications Vehicle 469 tested, maintained.
o EOC to EOC monthly radio tests completed.
o Mesh Network testing.
o MRC; Medical Reserve Corps
o NACCHO Grant awarded MRC for $25,000 materials distributed and training
material updated.
o First Aid Booths for many community events have been completed. These allow
for our Volunteers to train our Logistics, Notification, Operations plus support
community outreach.
o Red Cross relationship expansion discussions are underway.
o Tools and Supplies
o Supplies being maintained.
o ARK lock box codes to be reset for 2025.
2025 Citizen Corps authorization request:
o 2026 activities, training activation request will be submitted to City Manager in
December.
Field Communications
Operations Handbook
Cupertino ARES/RACES
December 2019
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Table of Contents
1 PHONE NUMBERS ................................................................................... 3
2 OPERATING FREQUENCIES ...................................................................... 3
3 SAFETY BRIEFING .................................................................................... 4
4 PROCEDURES .......................................................................................... 6
4.1 PRELIMINARY SAFETY ASSESSMENT .............................................................. 6
4.2 FIELD RESPONDER ..................................................................................... 8
4.3 MESSAGE HANDLING ............................................................................... 10
4.4 PASSING WRITTEN MESSAGES ................................................................... 11
4.5 PASSING UNWRITTEN MESSAGES ............................................................... 11
5 ON‐AIR EXCHANGES .............................................................................. 12
5.1 CHECKING IN TO THE EMERGENCY NET – EARTHQUAKES ................................. 12
5.2 CHECKING IN TO THE EMERGENCY NET – ALL OTHERS ..................................... 12
5.3 OPERATING ON THE RESOURCE NET ............................................................ 1 3
5.4 OPERATING ON THE MESSAGE NET ............................................................. 13
5.5 MESSAGE PASSING – THIRD PARTY MESSAGE EXAMPLE .................................. 14
5.6 MESSAGE PASSING – INFORMATIONAL MESSAGE EXAMPLE ............................. 15
5.7 MESSAGE PASSING – PSA MESSAGE EXAMPLE .............................................. 16
6 FORMS ................................................................................................. 18
6.1 ICS 214 UNIT LOG.................................................................................. 18
6.2 ICS 213SF MESSAGE, SHORT FORM .......................................................... 20
6.3 ICS‐213SR SMOKE REPORT ..................................................................... 22
6.4 ICS‐213‐911 ALTERNATE 9‐1‐1 REPORT ................................................... 24
6.5 ICS 309 COMMUNICATIONS LOG .............................................................. 26
6.6 COES 105 PRELIMINARY SAFETY ASSESSMENT, FIELD ................................... 28
7 PHONETIC ALPHABET & NUMBERS ........................................................ 30
8 MODIFIED MERCALLI INTENSITY SCALE (MMI) ....................................... 31
9 MINIMUM FIELD DEPLOYMENT EQUIPMENT (GO‐KIT) ........................... 32
10 ABOUT CARES ....................................................................................... 35
Rev: 191124
Notes
3/36
1 Phone Numbers
Fire, Ambulance, other Emergency (9-1-1 alternate) 408-299-3233
Cupertino City Office …………………………..….. 408-777-3200
Citizens Corp Coordinator ……………………….… 408-215-8459
CARES Emergency Coordinator ……………….…. 408-839-8798
CARES AEC, Training ………………………..…… 408-533-2517
CARES AEC, Membership ……………………..…. 408-813-4168
Santa Clara County Radio Room …………………... 408-808-7887
2 Operating Frequencies
CARES Frequencies
CH 1, TAC 1 (Resource Net) 147.570 Simplex, PL=151.4
CH 2, TAC 2 (Message Net) 146.460 Simplex, PL=151.4
CH 3, TAC 3 (Command) 440.150 + Tone=100.0 W6TDM
CH 4, TAC 4 (Tactical) 441.000 Simplex, CT/TSQL=151.4
CH 5, TAC 5 (Tactical) 147.585 Simplex, PL=151.4
CH 6, TAC 1 (Resource Net) 147.570 Simplex, CT/TSQL=151.4
CH 7, TAC 2 (Message Net) 146.460 Simplex, CT/TSQL=151.4
CH 8, TAC 3 (Command) 440.150 Simplex PL=100.0 W6TDM
CH 9, TAC 4 (Tactical) 441.000 Simplex, CT/TSQL=151.4
CH 10, TAC 5 (Tactical) 147.585 Simplex, CT/TSQL=151.4
County Frequencies
CH 11, SCC Message Net 147.360 + PL=110.9 W6TI
CH 12, SCC Message Alt 1 145.450 – PL=100.0 K6FB
CH 13, SCC Command 442.500 + PL=100.0 WB6ZVW
CH 14, SCC Command Alt 443.275 + PL=107.2 K6SNY
CH 15, SCC Resource Net 146.115 + PL=100.0 AA6BT
CH 16, SCC Resource North 145.270 – PL=100.0 W6ASH
CH 17, SCC Resource South 444.625 + PL=110.9 N6NAC
CH 18, SCC Hospital Net 145.230 – PL=100.0 N6NFI
CH 19, NTS Net 146.640 – PL=162.2 WR6ABD
CERT ARK GMRS/FRS Frequencies
CH 1, Monta Vista ARK 462.5625 Tone 1, CT=67.0
CH 2, Regnart School ARK 462.5875 Tone 2, CT=71.9
CH 3, Garden Gate ARK 462.6125 Tone 3, CT=74.4
CH 4, Lawson School ARK 462.6375 Tone 4, CT=77.0
CH 5, De Anza ARK 462.6625 Tone 5, CT=79.7
CH 6, Creekside ARK 462.6875 Tone 6, CT=82.5
CH 7, CERT Tactical 462.7125 Tone 7, CT=85.4
CH 15, Comm 469 462.5500 Tone 15, CT=110.9
Bay Area Emergency Alert System, stations of interest
KCBS 740 KHz LP1, National Primary EAS Station
KSOL 98.9 MHz LP1S, National Primary EAS Station
KQED 88.5 MHz LP2, National Primary EAS Station
KSJO 92.3 MHz LP2, National Primary EAS Station
WQGH344 1670 KHz Cupertino Community Radio
4/36
3 Safety Briefing
The City of Cupertino and ICS requires that we conduct a safety briefing before
being assigned with a task, or being sent to on a field assignment.
As part of your assignment, you will be assigned to an individual who will provide
your direction. Do not take assignments from anyone else without talking to your
assigned manager.
_____ 1. DSW requirements
To work this event, you must be registered as a City Volunteer or Disaster
Service Worker (DSW) with the City of Cupertino. A registration with any
other city or county is insufficient.
A Cupertino registration will provide you with workers compensation
coverage while you participate in this event, as long as you operate within
the sco e of our trainin and our assi ned duties.
_____ 2. Liability when driving
All responders who operate a personal vehicle must have adequate personal
vehicle insurance to cover personal injury and other liabilities.
______ 3. Responsibility for personal safety
The City requires that you pay attention to all safety briefings, and maintain
a safe operating environment at all times.
If at any time you see unsafe behavior or a safety hazard that affects any
responder or the public, you must stay away from the hazard and report it at
once to the ICP, safety officer, or an event official.
Keep yourself protected from the elements (seek shade in the summer), and
drink and eat as needed.
_____ 4. Required event information
Ensure you have the following information before starting your assignment:
a. Activation Number
b. Operational Period
c. Your supervisor’s name or position
______ 5. Radio Operations
Check into the appropriate net before leaving for your assignment and stay
on the net while traveling to the assignment. Do not leave before
confirming you are in contact with Net Control.
______ 6. Tactical calls
Tactical calls will be used in this event. During your assignment, identify
yourself with your tactical call sign, also remembering to give your FCC
call sign at the end of each exchange of traffic or every ten minutes.
_____ 7. Health and Welfare checks
During the event, Net Control will perform periodic Health and Welfare
checks. When called by Net Control, answer with your location, tactical
call, and FCC call si n.
_____ 8. Checking in and out
When moving to a new site, or arriving and leaving a site, make sure you
check in and out of the area with the local ICP staff if present, and Net
5/36
Control. Your immediate supervisor and buddy need to know where you
are at all times.
______ 9. Emergency access
Before starting an assignment, identify your location and/or address. In the
event of an emergency or if an injury is occurring, unless you have been
given other instructions, call 408-299-3233 immediately and then Net
Control.
_____ 10. Medical or other emergency
In the event of an emergency or if an injury is occurring, take the time to get
a description of your location, call 408-299-3233 immediately and then Net
Control (unless you have been given other instructions for this event), who
will notify any available medical personnel. Do not move the injured
person unless they are not in a safe place (such as where traffic could hit
them).
_____ 11. Event documentation
Start all appropriate logs. At the end of your shift, turn in all reports, logs,
and forms your supervisor. Make sure you have: ICS 214 Unit Log, ICS
213 Message forms, and ICS 309 Comm Log.
_____ 12. Compliance with all applicable laws
Event responders are expected to comply with all applicable laws during the
course of this event. This includes wearing seatbelts and following all
traffic laws, including speed limits, full stops at stop signs, no jay walking
etc.
_____ 13. Performing a search from vehicle
If a search by vehicle is needed, the driver must focus on driving.
Drive slowly (20 mph or slower) while performing the search.
Pull over and allow faster traffic to pass whenever possible.
Be especially careful in residential zones, as children and pets can dart
out into the street.
The driver should make every effort to minimize any distraction from
his/her driving.
Headlights should be turned on while driving to increase the visibility
of your vehicle.
_____ 14. Radio operations when driving
Don’t operate the radio or cell phone while driving; wait until you are
parked or let your buddy talk.
The assen er will handle radio communications and documentation.
6/36
4 Procedures
4.1 Preliminary Safety Assessment
Description: This procedure describes how CARES members will collect and
report information about the state of the city immediately after a city-
wide emergency or disaster occurred.
Participants: All CARES Field Responders should perform this procedure
Op Phase: Initial Response, Information Gathering
Background: Preliminary Safety Assessment occurs early during an emergency for
an infrastructure damaging event. While the information will
undoubtedly be fragmented and incomplete, it is required to help the
City determine the type of response that the City must make to save
lives and protect property.
Early Preliminary Safety Assessment (PSA) reports are essential to
assess life threatening situations and initiate timely remedial action.
PSA reports should not be delayed by getting mired in detail in an
effort to obtain more extensive Damage Assessment information.
Description: This procedure describes how CARES members will collect and
report information about the state of the city immediately after a city-
wide emergency or disaster occurred.
Checklist – PSA
The first few moments after an earthquake can be disorientating. Once the shaking stops,
do the following:
____1. Take care of yourself:
Determine your condition and assess your immediate safety.
____2. Take care of your family:
Determine the condition of your family; apply first aid if necessary.
Determine the structural integrity of your home; evacuate if necessary.
____3. Check into the CARES Emergency Net:
Turn on your radio and listen. If you are the first person on the
frequency and have the capability and qualifications to perform as a Net
Control Operator, establish the CARES Emergency Net.
Check in to the net when check-ins are requested.
For an earthquake event, include a Mike-Mike (MMI) report. See
Section 8 Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale (MMI) for details on this
report.
7/36
____4. Only if your family is secure AND when directed, perform the Preliminary
Safety Assessment.
• The extent of the assessment that you perform will depend on your
situation. The assessment should be performed in a manner that does not
jeopardize your personal safety or exceed your physical ability to
perform the assessment.
• The assessment could range from surveying houses in your field of view
from the front window of your house, to walking up and down your
street.
• However, you perform the assessment, use the Preliminary Safety
Assessment Field form to collect the following information:
• Number or estimate of obvious injuries
• Number of types of structural damage
• Number or estimate of fire hazards
• Number or estimate and type of utility hazards (downed power
lines, broken water mains, obvious gas leaks)
• Number or estimate of access hazards (roads blocked or
impassable)
• Number or estimate of houses that are included in this survey
• Street covered, address range
____5. Report your PSA results:
NOTE: review Section 5.7 Message Passing – PSA message example for an
example on how to pass this message.
NOTE: review Section 6.6 COES 105 Preliminary Safety Assessment,
Field for the form.
____6. In the event of aftershocks, listen for directions from the EOC or EC/RO to
re-assess your area.
____7. Retain all assessment paperwork. You may be called back for more detailed
information requested by the EOC or an ARK site.
8/36
4.2 Field Responder
Description: This procedure describes how CARES members respond and operate
in a field assignment during a declared emergency.
Op Phase: Initial Response, Local Resource Support
Extended Response, External Services Support
Participants: CARES members holding a Field Responder Qualification will be
assigned to lead field positions.
CARES Field Responders assigned a Field Position must perform
this procedure.
Pre-
Deployment
Check:
Before volunteering to accept a local field assignment, be sure you
can answer the following in the affirmative:
1. Is your family or home situation secured?
Your family or any dependents must be able to get along
without you for the duration of the assignment.
2. Are you physically able to do the job?
Do not accept an assignment that will cause you hardship
or danger. These include responding to remote locations
that require long off-road travel, missing meals, or
extended operation without rest.
3. Do you have the right personal protective equipment?
Depending on the assignment, boots, long pants, hardhat,
heavy gloves, and other supplies for whatever else the
weather warrants (sun, rain) may be essential.
4. Do you have the right radio equipment?
Make sure you understand the communication
requirements and can operate in this environment at the
field site.
5. Do you have a minimum supply of food and water?
The agency with which you may be working usually feeds
you, but the schedule and quality may be erratic. Consider
bringing enough to eat and drink during your shift at a
local incident.
If you are responding to a mutual aid (distant) assignment, expect to
serve anywhere from 12 hours to several days. It is impractical to
have short shifts, such as 6 hours, when the work site is many hours
of driving time away. If you assume you will be staying long
enough to sleep there, assume you will be “camping” and bring a
sleeping bag.
9/36
Checklist – Field Responder
This checklist is relevant for assignments associated with all CARES responses to
earthquakes, flooding, shadowing, and other non-specific CARES activation.
First Shift: If you are establishing the first shift, do the following:
___ 1. Inform Resource Net Control that you have arrive .
2. Check out of the Resource Net and check in with the Messa e Net.
_____ 3. Sign in on the local ICS 211B if there is one, or start one if you are the first
erson on site.
_____ 4. Find and inform the Individual in Charge at this field post of your presence.
_____ 5. Find or establish the workspace and set up any equipment and processes
(AR antennas, power, etc.).
6. Start the Individual or Unit lo ICS 214 if not alread starte .
Incoming Shift Change: If you are relieving someone else, do the following:
_____ 1. Inform Net Control that you have arrived. Check out of the Resource Net
and check in with the Message Net.
_____ 2. Find the person you are relieving and receive a turn-over of information and
status (see Shift Change Information elow). Include the Safety Briefing.
3. Si n in on the local ICS 211B form.
4. Find the Individual in Charge and inform them of your arrival.
5. Familiarize ourself with the work s ace, an e ui ment, and rocess.
___ 6. Make all relevant shift change notations in your event log (ICS 214).
Outgoing Shift Change: If you are being relieved, do the following:
______ 1. When contacted by your replacement, review all relevant information and
status see Shift Change Information elow .
_____ 2. Find the Individual in Charge at the field post and inform them of the shift
chan e and our de arture.
____ 3. Make the appropriate shift change notation in the Unit log.
4. Turn in or turn over to our relief all assi ned e ui ment.
_____ 5. Sign out on the local ICS 211B form.
_____ 6. Check out of the Message Net and check in with the Resource Net. Inform
Net Control what you plan to do (go home, return to EOC, etc.).
Shift Change
Before turning over or accepting a shift, both the in-coming and out-going operators
should review as much information as possible, including:
• The purpose of this station.
• To whom you are reporting; how to find and recognize them.
• The radio channel or channels in use.
• Any other radio, power, or antenna details.
• All the tactical call signs and where the stations are located; possibly, also names
and FCC call signs.
• What is going on in general? What changes are expected?
• Any pending activity: messages you have sent, replies you expect, and who should
get them.
• The location of the toilet, food, water, etc.
• Attend the all-hands briefing that occurs during each shift change if offered.
10/36
4.3 Message Handling
Types of messages
1. Third Party, Formal, Official Messages. 3rd Party to 3rd Party. These are
messages passed on behalf of another person or served agency, and need to be
passed exactly as given to you. All official messages are written down (ICS-213),
assigned a message number, logged, and tracked. They become part of the official
event record. Requires ICS 309 Log Entries.
2. Informational Messages. Operator to 3rd Party. These are short messages initiated
by you or on behalf of someone else that do not warrant the formality of an official
message, and are handed off to someone who will act on this information. Sample
messages include: Observations of smoke, changing event conditions, material
movements, etc. Requires ICS 309 Log entries.
3. Operational Messages. Operator to Operator. These are short messages initiated
by you and are usually not directly related to the event, such as: “Where is my shift
replacement?”, Health and Welfare, etc. ICS 309 Log entries not required.
Preparing the Message
1. Do not pass victim or patient names over the radio. The only personal names that
generally belong in a message are the names necessary for the identification of
agency officials, if they choose to put them into messages.
NOTE: There may be exceptions to this policy, such as matching up lost children.
Make sure the Shift Supervisor approves any exceptions.
2. For Third Party/Formal messages, try to get fully worded and signed messages, not
paraphrases.
3. When asked to send a message of any substantial length, agree with the message
author on the exact wording of the message.
4. Consider sending long messages by packet if available and the message priority
permits.
5. Work with the message’s author to create a message that is short, to the point, and
uses the minimum number of words.
6. If the message author gives you a verbal message such as “tell them that…,” write
down what you think is the entire intended message, and then read it back verbatim
to the author for approval.
7. Official messages should be signed with the title (and possibly name) of the author.
When sending the message on the radio, you can say, for example, “Signed, Quinlan
Shelter Manager.”
8. For messages to the EOC, if the intended recipient is in doubt, address the message
to the Planning & Intel Section Chief.
9. Use your judgment whether this much rigor is needed for informational messages.
If the person you are shadowing says, “Tell Dr. Smith the supplies are arriving,” you
might reasonably not worry about transmitting his exact words.
10. Use the ICS 213 Message Short Form, phone message pad, or something similar
when creating your message.
11/36
4.4 Passing Written Messages
1. Notify the Net Control Operator that you have a message to pass. For example, “Net
Control, I have one Emergency message for the EOC” or “Net Control, I have one
Urgent and one routine message for the EOC.” The Net Control Operator will
ensure that the receiving station is ready, assign a message number to you, and then
direct you to pass the message.
2. Say the message in phrases of 5 words, without repetitions.
3. Say Break when pausing and release the PTT key while you wait for the receiving
station to write down your message and acknowledge you. Always release the PTT
key if you stop talking.
4. Do not resume transmitting until the receiving station acknowledges the last
transmission with something like “GO” or “continue”.
5. Speak clearly and slowly. As a pacing guide, ghost write the message as you say it
(not necessary to actually write it down again).
6. Use the message passing prowords and the phonetic alphabet to spell items that
cannot be understood reliably by pronouncing them.
7. The receiving station may ask for repeats or fills until he/she has copied the whole
message. The request may be “Say again last word”, or “Say again word after …”,
or “Say again” to repeat the entire transmission. If they ask you to repeat
something, repeat it exactly the same as you first said it; do not paraphrase. Do not
use different words; you are creating a “moving target”. If the receiving station
heard your words but did not understand and asks you to explain, then it is OK to
paraphrase.
8. End the message with “End of Message, <your call sign>”.
9. Once all questions are resolved, the receiving station acknowledges receipt of the
message (for instance, “Message received”).
10. The receiving station DOES NOT need to read the message back to you.
Unnecessary read-backs tie up the frequency for other traffic.
11. If the receiving station does read it back to you, compare what you hear with the
message you just sent.
12. On completion of this exchange, Net Control will call for the second message if one
was previously identified.
4.5 Passing Unwritten Messages
13. Passing very short simple messages may go a bit differently. You send the entire
text, and the receiving station may simply say “copied.” Or they may say the text
back to you, and you say “affirmative.”
12/36
5 On-Air Exchanges
5.1 Checking in to the Emergency Net – Earthquakes
WHO SAYS WHAT NOTES
CHECKING IN
1 NCS: … all stations, Check in with a grid location,
Mike-Mike Report, and availability for a field
assignment. Stations with suffix Alpha
through Juliet, go now.
Net Control polls for check-ins
and states what additional
information is needed.
2 KV6BC:
KV6BC, Oscar 19, Mike-Mike 6, available
for a field assignment. KV6BC.
Pass 4 pieces of information and
log your check-in on your
ICS214:
1. your call sign
2. Grid location
3. Mike-Mike report
4. Availability for a field
assignment
3 KD6EF
KD6EF, Mike-Mike 6, not available. KD6EF
4 KD6GJ
KD6GJ, Mike-Mike 5, available. KD6GJ
2 NCS:
I acknowledge KV6BC, KD6EF, LD6GJ.
Any other check-ins?
Log all check-in, Mike-Mike
Reports, and availability on the
Net Control ICS309.
5.2 Checking in to the Emergency Net – all others
WHO SAYS WHAT NOTES
CHECKING IN
1 NCS: … all stations, check in with your availability
for a field assignment, stations with a suffix
Alpha through Juliet, go now.
Net Control polls for check-ins
and state what additional
information is needed.
2 KV6BC:
KV6BC, available for a field assignment. Pass 2 pieces of information and
log your check-in on your
ICS214:
1. your call sign
2. Availability for a field
assignment
3 KD6EF
KD6EF, available.
4 KD6GJ
KD6GJ, not available now, but at 5:00pm.
2 NCS:
I acknowledge KV6BC, KD6EF, KD6GJ.
Other check-ins, please go now.
Log all check-ins and
availability on the Net Control
ICS309.
13/36
5.3 Operating on the Resource Net
WHO SAYS WHAT NOTES
CHECKING IN
1 KV6BC:
Net Control, KV6BC checking in, ready to
depart.
You are checking into a travel
net. Check-in gets logged on
your ICS214.
2 NCS:
KV6BC, acknowledged. K6KP, Net Control. Check-in gets logged on the Net
Control ICS309.
3 KV6BC:
Net Control, KV6BC. Departing from
Prospect Road and Stelling. Odometer: 125.
Net control monitors your
progress to your destination.
Odometer reading is the last 3
digits. Log on your ICS214.
HEALTH and WELFARE CHECKS
3 NCS:
KV6BC, Health and Welfare Check. Net Control will call each
station on the net every 15 or 20
minutes for a Health and
Welfare check. Log on the Net
Control ICS309.
4 KV6BC:
Net Control, location is I-280 and 10th Street,
San Jose. Odometer: 136. KV6BC.
Answer with your current
location and odometer
CHECKING OUT
5 KV6BC:
Net Control, KV6BC. Arrived at <state
destination>. Odometer: 142. Checking out.
KV6BC.
On arriving, check out of the
resource net and check into the
message net or whatever net to
which you are instructed to
move. Log your arrival.
6 NCS:
OK, I have you checked out. K6KP, Net
Control.
Log all check-outs on the Net
Control ICS309.
5.4 Operating on the Message Net
WHO SAYS WHAT NOTES
CHECKING IN
1 KV6BC:
Net Control, KV6BC checking in at
De Anza ARK.
You are checking into the
message net. Check-in gets
logged on your ICS214.
2 NCS:
KV6BC, acknowledged. Your Tactical Call
is De Anza ARK. K6KP, Net Control.
Check-in gets logged on the Net
Control ICS309.
CHECKING OUT
3 KV6BC:
Net Control, KV6BC. I have been relieved
by <call sign> or <shutting down>. Checking
out of the net. KV6BC.
Check out of the message net
and check into the resource net.
Check-out gets logged on your
ICS214.
4 NCS:
KV6BC, acknowledged. K6KP, Net Control. Check-out gets logged on the
Net Control ICS309.
14/36
5.5 Message Passing – Third Party message example
WHO SAYS WHAT NOTES
2 KV6BC:
Net Control, this is De Anza ARK with
Urgent Traffic for the EOC.
Station identifies the message
priority and destination in one
transmission.
3 NCS:
De Anza ARK acknowledged. EOC, are
you ready to copy traffic?
4 EOC:
EOC is ready.
5 NCS:
De Anza ARK, your message number is 2 8.
Send your traffic to the EOC.
Net Controls assigns the
message numbers.
6 KV6BC:
EOC, this is De Anza ARK. Message type
is ICS-213SF. Break.
Field Station has a filled-out
ICS-213SF (See page 20).
NCS grabs the appropriate
Form: could be ICS-213SF,
Smoke Report, PSA, etc.
7 EOC:
Continue.
8 KV6BC:
Priority: Urgent,
Message Number: 2 8. Break.
Passes Header information.
9 EOC:
Continue.
10 KV6BC:
TO: Initials Echo Oscar Charlie Logistics.
FROM: De Anza ARK Logistics. Break.
Use Proword “Initials” to spell
out “EOC”.
11 EOC:
Continue.
12 KV6BC: Subject: Transport Request. Break. Use BREAK to separate
transmissions.
13 EOC:
Continue.
14 KV6BC:
Message: Need Light Duty Truck to…
Break.
Send the message in 5-word
blocks. Use Break to split a
long sentence.
15 EOC:
Continue.
16 KV6BC:
…transport supplies to Monta Vista …
Break
Continue the sentence where
you left off.
17 EOC:
Continue.
18 KV6BC:
…ARK Period. End of Message.
KV6BC.
Continue the sentence where
you left off. Say “Period” at the
end of the sentence. Use End
of Message and then identify
yourself.
19 EOC:
Acknowledged. K6XYZ, EOC, back to net
control.
Message is logged on the EOC
Operator’s ICS309.
20 NCS: This is K6KP, Net Control for the Cupertino
Emergency Net. Stations with any traffic,
identify now.
Message is logged on the Field
Operator’s and Net Control’s
ICS309.
15/36
5.6 Message Passing – Informational message example
WHO SAYS WHAT NOTES
1 NCS:
Is there any EMERGENCY Traffic for the
net?
Net Control calls for traffic.
2 KV6BC:
Net Control, De Anza ARK with
EMERGENCY Traffic for the EOC.
Operator previously received
this information and used an
ICS-213SF (Short Form);
identifies the message priority
and destination in one
transmission.
3 NCS:
De Anza ARK acknowledged. EOC, are you
ready to copy traffic?
4 EOC:
EOC is ready.
5 NCS:
De Anza ARK, your message number is 29.
Send your traffic to the EOC.
Net Controls assigns the
message numbers.
6 KV6BC:
EOC, De Anza ARK, Message type is
213 Short Form. Break.
NCS grabs an ICS-213 Short
form.
7 EOC:
Continue.
6 KV6BC:
Priority: EMERGENCY,
Message Number: 2 9. Break.
Station first passes the essential
elements of a message.
7 EOC:
Continue.
8 KV6BC:
Message: House fire at FIGURES 5 4 1
Windmill... Break.
Sends the message in 5 words
blocks, natural phrases.
9 EOC:
Continue.
10 KV6BC: … Court Period. One person trapped inside
Period Break.
Say “Period” at the end of the
sentence. Use BREAK to
separate transmissions.
11 EOC:
Continue.
12 KV6BC:
Area water pressure is low Period End of
Message. This is De Anza ARK, KV6BC.
Say “Period” at the end of the
sentence. Use End of Message
and then identify yourself.
13 EOC:
Acknowledged. K6XYZ, EOC back to net. Message is logged on the EOC
Operator’s ICS309.
14 NCS: This is Net Control for the Cupertino
Emergency Net. Other stations with traffic,
identify now.
Message is logged on the Field
Operator’s and Net Control’s
ICS309.
16/36
5.7 Message Passing – PSA message example
WHO SAYS WHAT NOTES
1 KV6BC:
Net Control, this is KV6BC with PSA
Traffic for the EOC.
Station identifies the message
priority and destination in one
transmission.
2 NCS:
KV6BC acknowledged. EOC, are you ready
to copy PSA traffic?
3 EOC:
EOC is ready.
4 NCS:
KV6BC, your message number is 30. Send
your traffic to the EOC.
Net Controls assigns the
message numbers.
5 KV6BC:
EOC, this is KV6BC with PSA Traffic,
message: 3 0. Break.
Station first passes the essential
elements of a message.
6 EOC:
Continue. The EOC Radio Room Operator
is using the COES 106 form to
record this data.
7 KV6BC:
Number of houses surveyed: Figures 2 4.
Map grid: Mixed Group: Golf 5. Break
PSA traffic is passed in pre-
defined blocks. First pass the
survey quantity and map grid.
8 EOC:
Continue.
9 KV6BC:
Section 1: 8, 0, 3, 0. Break. Say “Section 1”, only the
4 numbers, then say BREAK.
10 EOC:
Continue.
11 KV6BC:
Section 2: 11, 5, 1. Break. Say “Section 2”, only the
3 numbers, then say BREAK.
12 EOC:
Continue.
13 KV6BC:
Section 3: 1. Break. Say “Section 3”, the 1 number,
then say BREAK.
14 EOC:
OK, Continue.
15 KV6BC:
Section 4: 2, 3, 0, 1. Break. Say “Section 4”, only the
4 numbers, then say BREAK.
16 EOC:
Continue.
17 KV6BC:
Section 5: 0. End of Message. KV6BC. Use End of Message and then
identify yourself.
18 EOC:
Acknowledged. K6XYZ, EOC, back to net. Message is logged on the EOC
Operator’s ICS309.
19 NCS: This is Net Control for the Cupertino
Emergency Net. Other stations with PSA
traffic, identify now.
Message is logged on the Field
Operator’s and Net Control’s
ICS309.
17/36
18/36
6 Forms
6.1 ICS 214 Unit Log
Saratoga Fire 8/20/19 8/20/19 CUP-19-14T 0800 1600
De Anza ARK D. Jensen, KV6BC
<< This section only used by team leaders. >>
<< Used when a group is dispatched together. >>
0715 Checked into the CARES Resource Net
0745 Received assignment: De Anza ARK
0755 Departed home, odometer 234
0810 Arrived at assignment, OD 236
0811 Checked out of the Resource Net, checked into Message net
0830 Station set up complete; see ICS-309
... (other activities, decisions, observations)
1600 Shift complete; checked out of Message net, checked into Resource net
1615 Departed assignment, odometer 236
1630 Arrived home, OD 238; checked out of Resource Net
Dave Jensen, KV6BC 8/20/2019 1630 1 1
19/36
ICS 214 Unit Log (continued)
Purpose. The Unit Log records details of the team’s activities. These logs provide a
basic reference from which to extract information to be included in any after-action
report.
Preparation. The Unit Log is initiated and maintained by the unit leader or the
individual (for a single person unit). Completed logs are submitted to the supervisor who
forwards them to the Documentation unit.
Distribution. The Documentation Unit maintains a file of all Unit Logs. The original of
each log must be submitted to the Documentation Unit.
1. Incident Name/ Number: The name assigned to the incident. Include the
Activation Number.
2. Operational Period: The start date (month/day/year) and time (using the
24-hour clock) and end date and time for the
operational period to which the form applies.
3. Unit Name: For individuals: Enter your tactical call.
For teams: Enter the name of the organization
unit or tactical call sign or resource designator
4. Unit Leader: For individuals: Enter your name and call sign.
For teams: Enter the name, call sign and ICS
position of the individual in charge of the unit.
5. Personnel Roster: For individuals: Leave blank.
For teams: List the name, call sign, ICS position
and home base/city of each member assigned to
the unit during the operation period.
6. Activity Log: Time: Enter the time in 24-hour format.
Activity: Briefly describe each significant
activity or event (e.g. task assignments, task
completions, injuries, difficulties
encountered, etc.).
Occasional message traffic can be logged
here. For more than occasional traffic, use a
309.
7. Prepared By: Enter the name, call sign and ICS position of the
person completing the log.
8. Date, Time Prepared: Enter date (month/day/year) and time prepared
(24-hour clock). This can be the time this form is
completed.
9. Page Numbers: Enter the page number and total pages.
NOTE: If you do not have a printed ICS 214 form, you must create one and make all
appropriate entries.
20/36
6.2 ICS 213SF Message, Short Form
Half-page Message Form (pads)
Ad Hoc (Form “1”) Message Forms, examples
Replies are a new message and reference the original message.
CUP-19-14T U 28
EOC Logistics
De Anza ARK Logistics
Transport Request 8/20/19 0913
Need light duty truck to
transport supplies to Monta Vista
ARK.
Bob Smith Bob Smith Log Section Chief
KV6BC
D. Jensen
8/20/19 0914
21/36
ICS 213SF Message Form (continued)
Special Note. It is anticipated that an operator may run out of message forms due to the
volume of messages that could be generated. Therefore, it is critical that all field
operators be able to improvise a message form. The two examples on the bottom of the
previous page are ways of using a spiral note-book or index cards.
Purpose. The Message Form is used to record originated and received messages by this
station. The form is used to record all formal traffic between two parties where records
of the message are required. Message forms are not required for passing short, simple
traffic or inquiries.
Preparation. The Message Form is used by each member of a communications team
with responsibility for passing formal radio message traffic. All messages are recorded
on ICS 309 Communications Log.
NOTE: If you do not have an ICS 213 Message Form, you must create one. See the
Special Note above.
Distribution. All messages still in the possession of the operator are turned in along with
all other paperwork at the end of the shift.
The following is the minimum information to be captured on a message form:
Incident Name: The name or activation number for this event.
Priority: The priority of this message. See Message Priorities
below.
Message Number: This is a sequential message number to be assigned by
the Message Net Control Operator.
To: The person to whom this message is to be delivered.
From: The originator of the message. This is an individual
with formal traffic for the EOC or some other station.
Date/Time: The date and time that this message was created.
Message: The message to be sent or received.
Approved By: The person requesting and authorizing this official
message to be passed.
Message Priorities:
Emergency: LIFE-THREATENING; situations, reports, and updates that might directly
result in deploying or prioritizing resources for an incident involving life-saving
efforts.
Urgent: PROPERTY-THREATENING; situations, reports, and updates that describe
threats to property; such as, revised flood projections, wind direction changes in
a major fire, and reports of additional damage from an earthquake aftershock.
Routine: Includes normal PSA and ISA reports; correspondence between agency
representatives, material and logistics messages, routine resource requests, shift
planning, relief requests, etc.
22/36
6.3 ICS-213SR Smoke Report
Ember watch
A field assignment where lookouts are stationed at elevated locations to view an area of
interest; the task is to watch for and report possible fires that may arise from air-borne
ember drops. This can also be implemented as an Ember Patrol, where the observations
are made from a vehicle. Responders are looking for…
first signs of smoke as an early indicator of a fire, and
signs of air-borne embers.
Reports are passed to the City EOC.
Smoke, described in terms of color, thickness, and vertical rise.
1. Color: can indicate the temperature.
i. Light Smoke
o Indicates the fire is just starting, or is burning light or damp fuels.
o This smoke tends to reflect light, making the smoke look white.
o As long as the fire gets lots of oxygen, the smoke stays light in color.
ii. Dark or Black Smoke
o Indicates a hotter fire.
o The fire does not get enough oxygen, thereby produces smoke that
contains a lot of unburned particles that absorb light.
o A column of smoke, especially dark smoke, indicates a high potential
for the fire to grow.
2. Thickness: Light, Medium, Heavy
3. Vertical Rise: in columns, drifting, blowing, leaning
Ember
1. A glowing, hot coal made of greatly heated wood, coal, or other carbon-based
material that remains after, or sometimes precedes, a fire.
2. Blowing embers are tough to detect during the day, and may be more visible against
a dark sky.
23/36
ICS 213SR Smoke Report (continued)
Purpose. The ICS-213SR Smoke Report form is used to record observations of a fire
threat to the city.
Preparation. For Fire Watch assignments, CARES members will be issued ICS-213SR
message forms to record their observations.
Distribution. The originals of all message forms, logs, and other generated paperwork
must will be turned in at the end of each shift to the IC or Shift Supervisor.
1. Message Number: Assigned by Net control
2. Location: Usually the Tactical Call for your location
3. Bearing to the smoke: In degrees, take 2-3 bearings to average the
reading.
4. Is it a column? Indicate if the smoke is raising straight up
5. Size of the smoke: Use your judgement: Small, Medium, Large
6. Color of the smoke: White, gray, black, yellow, other
7. Other: optional information to pass such as:
Direction the smoke is blowing
Vertical Rise: in columns, drifting,
blowing, leaning
If you see flames
If it is a structure or vegetation fire
If you can approximate the distance from
our location
24/36
6.4 ICS-213-911 Alternate 9-1-1 Report
The above example is for a FIRE request.
25/36
ICS 213-911 Alternate 9-1-1 Field Data Collection (continued)
Purpose. The 9-1-1 Field Data Collection Form is used if regular 9-1-1 phone service is
unavailable and field teams are tasked with taking and transmitting 9-1-1 requests.
Preparation. Fill in the Common Area of the form, and CIRCLE at least one of the 4
respond types: MED, FIRE, LAW, LGOV (Local Government). More than one response
type can be circled. Fill in all associated fields for each circled response type. Note what
fields are required.
Distribution. The originals of all message forms, logs, and other generated paperwork
must be turned in at the end of each shift to the IC or Shift Supervisor.
1. What are you
reporting?
Brief description of problem: house fire, auto
accident, tree down.
2. Location/address: Provide an address if possible.
3. City: City where this problem occurred.
4. Other location details: Optional; cross-street, direction of travel, lane, etc.
5. Time last seen: Time that this problem was observed in HH:MM.
6. Event Incident Details: More description. Be succinct, focus on the key
elements; you may have to read this over the air.
7. RP Name: Reporting Person.
8. RP Address: Optional.
9. RP Phone: Optional, required if RP requests a contact.
10. Age: MED. Required. Age of the individual needing
help
11: Gender: MED. Required.
12. Conscious? MED. Required. Yes or No. Do not leave blank.
13. Breathing? MED. Required. Yes or No. Do not leave blank.
14. People inside? FIRE. Required. Yes, No, Unknown. # if known.
15. Person Description: LAW. Required if the problem warrants it.
16. Direction of Travel: LAW. If a perpetrator is fleeing, if known.
17. Weapon Involved: LAW. If a perp is involved, Yes/No/Unknown.
18. Vehicle Description: LAW. If a perp is fleeing or a vehicle is involved.
19. Lic: LAW. If a vehicle is referenced, Plate number or
unknown.
20. State: LAW. If a vehicle is referenced, state of reg.
21. RP Requests Contact: LAW. Yes, No. If Yes, ensure the RP name and
address or phone number is provided.
22. LGOV. This is local government. This request
usually goes to a jurisdiction’s Public Works Dept.
26/36
6.5 ICS 309 Communications Log
Saratoga Fire 8/20/19 8/20/19
CUP-19-14T 0800 1600
DeAnza ARK D. Jensen KV6BC
0900 NC Check-in, Message net
0913 28 NC [213] Transport Request
0915 NC H&W
0945 NC 47 request next shift staffing plan
0955 51 NC [213] site status report
1015 NC H&W
...
1600 NC Check-out
Dave Jensen KV6BC 08/20/2019 1600 1 1
27/36
ICS 309 Communications Log (continued)
Purpose. The Communications Log is a summary of all messages handled by this
operator.
Preparation. A Communications Log is initiated and maintained by each member of a
communications team with responsibility for passing radio message traffic.
NOTE: If you do not have an ICS 309 Communications Log, you must create one and
make all appropriate entries.
Distribution. The originals of all message forms, logs, and other generated paperwork
must be turned in at the end of each shift to the IC or Shift Supervisor.
1. Incident Name/Number: The Name and City Activation Number assigned to
this event as provided by the IC or EOC.
3. Operational Period: The time interval for which the form applies.
Record the start and end date and time.
4. Net Position Name: For NCOs: Enter the name of the radio net.
For Others: Enter the name of the position or
tactical call
5. Comm Log Time: Enter the local time in 24-hour format.
From: Enter the From call sign or ID and the
message number.
To: Enter the To call sign or ID and the
message number.
Message: enter the message.
6. Prepared by: Enter the name and call sign of the person
com letin the lo .
9. Date & Time Prepared: Enter the date and time the form was prepared (24-
hour clock .
10. Page Numbers: Enter the page number and number of pages,
28/36
6.6 COES 105 Preliminary Safety Assessment, Field
29/36
COES 105 Preliminary Safety Assessment Field (continued)
Purpose. The PSA Field Form is used to collect and report information about the state of
the city immediately after a city-wide emergency or disaster occurred. It is not a message
form, but a summary of your PSA survey.
Preparation. All CARES members should have several PSA forms as part of their Go-
Kit. Additionally, all CARES members should participate in the annual PSA Drill.
NOTE: If you do not have a COES 105 Form, refer to the entries listed on the opposite
page and create a manual listing.
Distribution. PSA results are transmitted to the EOC per the PSA message protocol.
The originals of all message forms, logs, and other generated paperwork must will be
turned in at the end of each shift to the IC or Shift Supervisor.
1. Assessment Date/time: Date and time when the assessment was made.
2. Performed by: Your name.
3. Command Post
Location:
Used by the ARKs for walk-in PSA reports.
4. Street, Between Used by the ARKs for walk-in PSA reports.
5. Map Grid (County
Grid)
This is the map grid for the area covered by the PSA.
List all if your area crosses a grid line.
6. Number of Units
Surveyed
Enter the number of homes or structures that were part
of this survey.
7. Counts Enter the number of observed occurrences for each
category.
8. Addresses Enter the address for critical injuries or hazards.
30/36
7 Phonetic Alphabet & Numbers
A Alpha N November
B Bravo O Oscar
C Charlie P Papa
D Delta Q Quebec
E Echo R Romeo
F Foxtrot S Sierra
G Golf T Tango
H Hotel U Uniform
I India V Victor
J Juliet W Whiskey
K Kilo X X-Ray
L Lima Y Yankee
M Mike Z Zulu
0 zero (ZEE‐row) 5 five (Fife)
1 one (Wun) 6 six (Sicks)
2 two (Too) 7 seven (SEV-vin)
3 three (Tree) 8 eight (Ate)
4 Four (FOH-wer) 9 nine (NINE-er)
31/36
8 Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale (MMI)
I Not felt Not felt except by a very few under especially favorable conditions.
II Weak Felt only by a few persons at rest, especially on upper floors of
buildings.
III Weak Felt quite noticeably by persons indoors, especially on upper floors of
buildings. Many people do not recognize it as an earthquake.
Standing motor cars may rock slightly. Vibrations similar to the
passing of a truck. Duration estimated.
IV Light Felt indoors by many, outdoors by few during the day. At night, some
awakened. Dishes, windows, doors disturbed; walls make cracking
sound. Sensation like heavy truck striking building. Standing motor
cars rocked noticeably.
V Moderate Felt by nearly everyone; many awakened. Some dishes, windows
broken. Unstable objects overturned. Pendulum clocks may stop.
VI Strong Felt by all, many frightened. Some heavy furniture moved or
overturned. Dishes, glassware, knickknacks, and books fall off
shelves. Weak plaster, adobe buildings, and some poorly built
masonry buildings cracked. Damage slight.
VII Very
Strong
Negligible damage in buildings of good design and construction.
Slight to moderate damage in well-built ordinary structures.
Considerable damage in poorly built or badly designed structures.
Some chimneys broken. Fall of plaster, loose bricks, stones, tiles,
cornices, unbraced parapets and porches. Some cracks in better
masonry buildings.
VIII Severe Considerable damage in ordinary substantial buildings with partial
collapse. Damage great in poorly built structures. Fall of chimneys,
factory stacks, columns, monuments, walls. Heavy furniture
overturned. Wood-frame houses moved on foundations if not bolted;
loose partition walls thrown out. Tree branches broken.
IX Violent General panic. Damage considerable in specially designed structures;
well-designed frame structures thrown out of plumb. Damage great in
substantial buildings, with partial collapse. Buildings shifted off
foundations. Wood-frame structures rack, and, if not bolted, shifted
off foundations. Underground pipes broken.
X Extreme Some well-built wooden structures destroyed; most masonry and
frame structures destroyed with foundations. Rail bent. Water thrown
on banks of canals, rivers, lakes, etc.
XI Extreme Few, if any, (masonry) structures remain standing. Bridges destroyed.
Broad fissures in ground. Underground pipe lines completely out of
service. Earth slumps and land slips in soft ground. Rails bent
greatly.
XII Extreme Damage total. Lines of sight and level are distorted. Objects thrown
into the air.
Ref: https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/earthq4/severitygip.html
32/36
9 Minimum Field Deployment Equipment (Go-Kit)
Purpose: Fully independent operation, Cupertino ARK or field location, unknown
environment (heat, cold, wind, rain), unknown time of day, 12-hour operation.
You must have the following to participate in a CARES field response.
Equipment – REQUIRED
1. 2m/440 HT
2. Mobile antenna ma mount or existin mobile antenna
3. Ear bud or head hones
4. Radio user anual or cheat-sheet
5. Coax adaptors
6. Charged batteries or extra batteries for 12 hours operation
7. Power cord ada tors
8. Note ad, ens
9. Clipboard (covered recommended)
10. Cell phone an charger, cigarette lighter adapto
Documentation, Identification – REQUIRED
11. CA river’s license or CA-issued ID car
12. Amateur adio license
13. Cit of Cu ertino Identification Bad e
14. Cupertino City Map, County Grid; off-line maps O
15. SCCo RACES Message Handling Procedures
Forms – REQUIRED (http://www.cupertinoares.org/ccc/forms/)
16. ICS 211 Chec -in Lo
17. ICS 214 Unit Lo
18. ICS 213 Message Forms, Short Form
19. ICS 309 Communications Log
20. COES 105 Preliminary Safety Assessment Form, Fiel
Personal Gear – REQUIRED
21. Watch or cloc
22. Flashli ht, headlam , s are batteries for 12 hours
23. Safety vest, ANSI standar , Cit -issue
24. Long pants
25. Sturdy close -toe shoes
Personal Gear – Recommended
(Some of the following items may be REQUIRED depending on the assignment)
26. Fueled vehicle alwa s kee our fuel tank at least ½ full
27. Hat broa -rim recommended
28. Seasonal acket / ain ea
29. Food for 12 hours, Water for 12 hours
30. Leather Gloves, Eye Protection
31. First Aid Kit
32. N95 reathin mas
33. Com ass Ember Watch
34. Whistle
35. FRS/GMRS radio
33/36
34/36
35/36
10 About CARES
The CARES Mission
The mission of Cupertino ARES is to recruit, maintain, and train Amateur Radio
volunteers capable of providing professional emergency communications, increasing the
City's emergency response effectiveness, and speeding the recovery effort.
Our objectives
▪ Preparedness – CARES members train to respond to a local emergency with our
equipment, training, and experience.
▪ Response – CARES members deliver backup and emergency communications to our
city, various served agencies, and our neighbors in times of need.
What we do
▪ Provide backup communications when regular resources fail or are overwhelmed.
▪ Provide the city with an early assessment of damage and casualties from Cupertino
neighborhoods to help the City focus their response during a disaster.
▪ Handle message, information, and command radio traffic for our served agencies.
▪ Provide communications for community service events and activities.
▪ Conduct training and drills as necessary to accomplish our objectives.
Criteria to become a Cupertino Citizens Corps Volunteer
▪ Must be 16 years of age.
▪ Must be sworn in as a City volunteer or Disaster Service Worker.
▪ Must be able to follow instructions.
▪ Must be able to work in teams toward a common objective.
Criteria to become a CARES Associate Member (under 18 years old)
▪ Registered Cupertino Citizen Corps Volunteer.
▪ Under 16 years: Participates in classroom meetings and training only.
▪ 16-17 years: Participates in meetings and training; exercises with parent or guardian.
Criteria to become a CARES Member
▪ Registered Cupertino Citizen Corps Volunteer, at least 18 years old.
▪ Have a valid FCC-issued amateur radio operator license.
▪ Have your own radio equipment necessary to support the CARES mission.
▪ Complete the CARES Field Responder qualification.
A successful CARES Field Responder can do the following:
▪ Program your radio
▪ Operate in a radio net
▪ Operate packet radio
▪ Pass a radio message
▪ Follow instructions
Types of CARES Field Operator assignments:
▪ Radio Operator, Field. Assigned to various field positions for the purpose of
collecting and passing information to the City EOC.
▪ Radio Operator, Shadow. Assigned to a Served Agency official to ensure they are in
radio contact with the EOC at all times.
▪ Radio Operator, ARK. Supports the Cupertino OES ARKs with communications
between the ARK ICP and the City Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
▪ EOC Support. Assigned at the Communications Van as Shift Supervisor/Comm
Team Lead, Radio Operator, EOC runner, or other support staff.
Cupertino ARK
Activation Handbook
Cupertino Citizen Corps
December 2019
Cupertino Office of Emergency Services 2 / 16
Rev: 200128.1114
Table of Contents
1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................ 2
2 LEVEL 3 ACTIVATION – ZONE REPORTING ................................................. 4
3 LEVEL 2 ACTIVATION – ZONE REPORTING WITH COMMUNICATIONS ....... 6
4 LEVEL 1 ACTIVATION – INCIDENT COMMAND POST .................................. 8
5 ARK LOCATIONS...................................................................................... 10
6 MODIFIED MERCALLI INTENSITY SCALE (MMI) ........................................ 14
7 INFORMATION SOURCES ........................................................................ 15
Rev: 200128
1 Introduction
This is a guide for starting up the Cupertino ARKs.
The primary function of an ARK is to be the “disaster communication link”
between the local community and the City, acting as an information exchange
point about existing local hazards and available disaster services. When
authorized by the EOC, the ARK can coordinate the local neighborhood
response.
The six (6) Cupertino ARKs support two specific activities:
1. Zone Reporting is for collecting local status and incident reports, and act
as a conduit for passing information from the City to the community.
2. Incident Command Posts (ICP) continue with Zone Reporting as well as for
coordinating the local neighborhood response.
The transition from a Zone Reporting to an ICP is authorized by the CCC DOC,
and depends on the type of the emergency and the needs of the community.
The DOC will determine whether we proceed with setting up an ICP.
Cupertino OES, ARK Activation Levels 3 / 16
Rev: 200128.1114
ARK Activation Levels
The transition from one activity to another is through three ARK Activation
Levels:
1. Level 3 –Zone Reporting. Responders start zone report collection; they
attempt to contact the DOC to pass local status and for instructions to
proceed with Level 2 or an ICP, or shut down Level 3 activities.
2. Level 2 – Zone Reporting with Communications. Responders have
established communications with the DOC, continue to collect incident
reports, and provide summary reports to the City.
3. Level 1 – ICP Activation with DOC approval. Responders sign in
volunteers, continue collecting incident reports, develop an action plan,
and organize teams for the local zone response.
Auto-activations
Definition: Whenever a Citizen Corps member detects items falling off their
shelf as caused by an earthquake, they should consider themselves activated.
When you are auto-activated
If this is an earthquake, the first few moments after an earthquake can be
disorientating. Once the shaking stops, do the following:
1. Take care of yourself:
▪ Determine your condition and assess your immediate safety.
2. Take care of your family:
▪ Determine the condition of your family; apply first aid if necessary.
▪ Determine the structural soundness of your home; evacuate if
necessary.
▪ Turn on your radio, listen to Radio Cupertino 1670 AM.
3. Take care of your immediate neighborhood. Offer assistance as necessary
up to the level of your training.
4. If you can respond to support the emergency:
▪ For CERT: Proceed to your ARK making observations along the way.
▪ For CARES:
▪ Activate and check into the CARES Emergency Net,
▪ Pass in a Mike-Mike Report,
▪ Perform and report on the PSA,
▪ Receive an assignment.
▪ Once at the ARK, proceed to the Level 3 checklist below.
Cupertino OES, ARK Activation Levels 4 / 16
Rev: 200128.1114
2 Level 3 Activation – Zone Reporting
Introduction
The goal of a Level 3 Activation is to establish Cupertino Zone Reporting
locations for collecting reports and determining the extent of the problems
that may exist within your reporting zone.
You may not know how bad things are in your reporting zone or elsewhere in
the City, and collecting reports from responding volunteers, block leaders, and
other residents is a good way to build the picture of your local situation.
You should also attempt to make contact with the DOC to pass an initial
situation status message. Attempt to contact them by Cell Phone or Amateur
Radio once a CARES member arrives.
Situation
1. You are the first to arrive at the ARK.
2. The ARK is LOCKED and you do not have the access code.
Things you should know before you get started
1. This Level 3 Activation Checklist includes the minimum list of tasks to
help you get your Zone Reporting location started.
2. You are the Zone Reporting Leader until you hand off this task to
someone with more experience (this is your decision).
3. Your supervisor is the Cupertino Citizen Corps DOC.
4. Your job is to complete the Level 3 checklist.
5. It is OK to start collecting volunteer check-ins and incident reports on
blank sheets of paper.
6. You are not alone! Cupertino EOC and Cupertino Citizen Corps are
here to help you get things started at this ARK.
Cupertino OES, ARK Activation Levels 5 / 16
Rev: 200128.1114
Level 3 –Things you should immediately do:
______ 1. Start a check-in sheet using the ICS 211B Sign-in Sheet (if you
have one) or a blank sheet of paper with these columns:
a. Name
b. Address
c. Signature
d. DSW Class (CERT, MRC, CARES, other)
e. Time IN
f. Time OUT (filled in if told to shut down operations)
______ 2. Sign yourself in.
______ 3. Start an activity log using the ICS 214a (if you have one) or a
blank sheet of paper. Record significant events and activities
only.
______ 4. When other volunteers arrive, have them sign in.
______ 5. When other residents arrive, record their report and/or
observations. Include their name and contact information.
______ 6. Ask other volunteers to help with the sign-in or status report
collection activities.
______ 7. Attempt to contact the DOC by cell phone or wait for a CARES
member to arrive. Once voice communications is established by
either means, proceed to the Level 2 checklist.
______ 8. If no communications is established with the DOC, remain at
Level 3.
______ 9. If you have to leave, or if you have not received any reports for
10-15 minutes (use your own judgement),
a. Leave a note at the lockbox or the ARK when you
arrived and left (name, time, date). Tape or attach this
note to the instruction plaque on the ARK or fence by
the lockbox.
b. Drop off anything that you wrote down or collected
from anyone else at the City Hall Reception Desk and
address it to “Citizen Corps Coordinator” during the
next business day.
Cupertino OES, ARK Activation Levels 6 / 16
Rev: 200128.1114
3 Level 2 Activation – Zone Reporting with Communications
Introduction
The goal of a Level 2 Activation is to:
1. continue Level 3 activities,
2. maintain two-way communications with the DOC, and
3. pass information, requests, and status on what is happening at your
location.
Situation
1. One or more CCC members have arrived and established
communications with the EOC/DOC.
2. The ARK could now be UNLOCKED and opened after requesting the
lockbox access code from the EOC/DOC by radio.
3. Reports continue to come in from residents about situations in their
neighborhoods.
4. A few volunteers (other CCC members or untrained volunteers) are
arriving and offering to help.
Things you should know before you get started
1. This Level 2 Activation Checklist includes the minimum list of tasks to
help you expand your Zone Reporting capabilities.
2. You should continue to perform Level 3 activities.
3. You are the Zone Reporting Leader until you hand off this task to
someone with more experience (this is your decision).
4. Your supervisor is the Cupertino Citizen Corps DOC.
5. Your job is to work with those who are there to complete the Level 2
checklist.
6. You are not alone! Cupertino EOC and Cupertino Citizen Corps are
here to help you get things operational at this ARK.
Cupertino OES, ARK Activation Levels 7 / 16
Rev: 200128.1114
Level 2 – things you should do immediately
______ 1. Continue to perform the Level 3 activities.
______ 2. CARES should establish contact with the DOC to:
a. Request an activation number.
b. Get the ARK lockbox access code if the decision is to open
the ARK.
______ 3. Once opened, look for the ARK Logistics Binder (clearly marked)
on a shelf near the file boxes. Make a log entry for whatever
equipment is removed from the ARK.
______ 4. Only remove the items you absolutely need for shelter, safety,
and operations.
______ 5. For communications and volunteer sign-in, set up the following:
a. 2 table, 4 chairs, 1 generator, extension cord.
b. Tents, depending on available shade.
c. Voice and Packet communications with the EOC.
______ 6. Put out the “Emergency Reporting Station” A-Frame signs.
______ 7. Create a Status Report for the DOC, include:
a. Location of this Zone Reporting location (ARK name)
b. Inform them that this location is at Level 2
c. Number of volunteers present by type (CERT, MRC, CARES)
d. Summary of initial reports
e. State of packet radio operations
Have the CARES member send the report to the DOC.
______ 8. If a Level 1 Activation is not required, then remain at Level 2.
______ 9. If a Level 1 Activation is not required and this ARK is to be shut
down, then
a. Break down and return all material to the ARK.
b. Make a log entry for the equipment returned.
c. Make notations if any repairs are needed or supplies to be
replenished (e.g.: gas for the generator).
d. Return the ARK Logistics Binder to where you found it.
e. Lock up the ARK and return the key to the lockbox.
f. For anything that you wrote down or collected from anyone
else, drop off at the City Hall Reception Desk and address it
to “Citizen Corps Coordinator”
______ 10. If a Level 1 Activation / ICP Setup is requested by the DOC,
proceed to the following section.
______ 11. If you have to leave, for anything that you wrote down or
collected from anyone else, please drop off at the City Hall
Reception Desk and address it to “Citizen Corps Coordinator.”
Cupertino OES, ARK Activation Levels 8 / 16
Rev: 200128.1114
4 Level 1 Activation – Incident Command Post
Introduction
The goal of a Level 1 Activation is to establish a formal Incident Command Post
at this location.
The decision to set up an ICP would likely follow reports of wide-spread
damage and injuries throughout the City, or at least in your reporting area.
Citizen Corps resources will be tasked with organizing and deploying teams for
the zone response.
Moving to Activation Level 1 / ICP requires a decision by you and the DOC. The
discussion would include:
1. Confirmation that you are operational at Level 2.
2. Identify and agree on the action plan for the initial Operations Period.
3. Identify the Incident Commander (it could be you if you agree).
4. Confirm that resources are available to support ICP operations.
Situation
1. ARK Level 2 Zone Reporting is in operation.
2. Things are bad enough to proceed with the Level 1 ARK ICP setup.
3. You have established communications with the DOC and other ARKs,
and there are reports of damage in your area.
4. Reports continue to come in about situations in the surrounding
neighborhoods.
5. There are enough volunteers available to support the ICP and the zone
response.
Things the Incident Commander should know before you get started
1. The Level 1 Activation requires an Incident Commander who has a
detailed understanding of ARK processes and procedures; this
description is beyond the scope of this document. If you are asked by
the DOC to proceed with a Level 1 Activation and do not have the
desire to staff this position, request the DOC to assign an experienced
Incident Commander to your location.
2. You are the ARK Incident Commander (IC) as assigned by the DOC.
3. Your supervisor is the Cupertino DOC.
4. Your job is to establish the ARK ICP and manage the local zone
response. Familiarity with all appropriate Just-in-Time training and
ARK operations material is required.
5. You are not alone! Cupertino OES and Cupertino Citizen Corps are
here to help you get things started at this ARK.
Cupertino OES, ARK Activation Levels 9 / 16
Rev: 200128.1114
Level 1 – things you should do immediately
______ 1. Develop the Action Plan with the DOC.
______ 2. Continue communications activities.
______ 3. Implement the Action Plan.
Cupertino OES, ARK Activation Levels 10 / 16
Rev: 200128.1114
5 ARK locations
Zone 1 – Monta Vista Fire Station ARK
Address: 22590 Stevens Creek Blvd
Location: In the Fire Station utility garage (right side of building as you face it)
Cross-Street: Stevens Creek Blvd and Prado Vista Ave
Parking: on Prado Vista Ave
Access: Lockbox is located on left sill of the garage. Key opens the door to your left and
then the interior door to the garage.
Zone 2 – Regnart Elementary School ARK
Closest Address: next to 1134 Yorkshire Drive
Location: inside the school field gate on Yorkshire Ave just as the road bends.
Cross-Street: Yorkshire Drive and Rainbow Avenue
Parking: on Yorkshire Drive
Access: Lockbox RIGHT of gate with Gate Key; second lockbox on the side door of ARK.
Cupertino OES, ARK Activation Levels 11 / 16
Rev: 200128.1114
Zone 3 – Garden Gate Elementary School ARK
Closest Address: next to 21103 Greenleaf Drive
Location: School yard, facing Greenleaf Drive
Cross-Street: Greenleaf Drive and N Stelling Road
Parking: School parking lot to the LEFT.
Access: Lockbox on the gate with Gate Key; Second Lockbox on the side door of ARK.
NOTE: Access is by the side door only.
Zone 4 – Lawson Middle School ARK
Closest Address: across from 10304 Vista Drive
Location: School yard, next to Track, against exterior fence.
Cross-Street: Vista Drive and Lazaneo Dr / Forest Ave
Parking: on Vista Drive
Access: Lockbox on the gate with Gate Key; Second Lockbox on the front door of ARK.
Cupertino OES, ARK Activation Levels 12 / 16
Rev: 200128.1114
Zone 5 – De Anza College ARK
Closest Address: 10400 S Stelling Road
Location: De Anza College
Cross-Street: S Stelling Road and McClellan Road
Parking: Employee parking area where ARK is located.
Access: Lockbox is located on the front of the ARK.
Zone 6 – Creekside Park ARK
Closest Address: 10505 Miller Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014
Location: North side of the Park, behind 19475 Calle De Barcelona
Cross-Street: Miller Ave and Calle De Barcelona
Parking: Creekside Park Parking Lot
Access: Lockbox on the front door of ARK
Cupertino OES, ARK Activation Levels 13 / 16
Rev: 200128.1114
Cupertino OES, ARK Activation Levels 14 / 16
Rev: 200128.1114
6 Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale (MMI)
Ref: https://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/topics/mercalli.php
I Not felt Not felt except by a very few under especially favorable conditions.
II Weak Felt only by a few persons at rest, especially on upper floors of
buildings.
III Weak Felt quite noticeably by persons indoors, especially on upper floors of
buildings. Many people do not recognize it as an earthquake.
Standing motor cars may rock slightly. Vibrations similar to the
passing of a truck. Duration estimated.
IV Light Felt indoors by many, outdoors by few during the day. At night, some
awakened. Dishes, windows, doors disturbed; walls make cracking
sound. Sensation like heavy truck striking building. Standing motor
cars rocked noticeably.
V Moderate Felt by nearly everyone; many awakened. Some dishes, windows
broken. Unstable objects overturned. Pendulum clocks may stop.
VI Strong Felt by all, many frightened. Some heavy furniture moved or
overturned. Dishes, glassware, knickknacks, and books fall off shelves.
Weak plaster, adobe buildings, and some poorly built masonry
buildings cracked. Damage slight. Trees and bushes shake visibly.
VII Very
Strong
Negligible damage in buildings of good design and construction. Slight
to moderate in well-built ordinary structures. Considerable damage in
poorly built or badly designed structures. Weak chimneys broken at
roof line. Fall of plaster, loose bricks, stones, tiles, cornices, unbraced
parapets and porches. Some cracks in better masonry buildings.
Waves on ponds.
VIII Severe Steering of cars affected. Extensive damage to unreinforced masonry
buildings, including partial collapse. Fall of some masonry walls.
Twisting, falling of chimneys and monuments. Wood-frame houses
moved on foundations if not bolted; loose partition walls thrown out.
Tree branches broken.
IX Violent General panic. Damage to masonry buildings ranges from collapse to
serious damage unless modern design. Wood-frame structures rack,
and, if not bolted, shifted off foundations. Underground pipes broken.
X Extreme Poorly built structures destroyed with their foundations. Even some
well-built wooden structures and bridges heavily damaged and
needing replacement. Water thrown on banks of canals, rivers, lakes,
etc. Rails bent.
XI Extreme Few, if any, (masonry) structures remain standing. Bridges destroyed.
Broad fissures in ground. Underground pipe lines completely out of
service. Earth slumps and land slips in soft ground. Rails bent greatly.
XII Extreme Damage total. Lines of sight and level are distorted. Objects thrown
into the air.
Cupertino OES, ARK Activation Levels 15 / 16
Rev: 200128.1114
7 Information Sources
Contact Numbers
9-1-1 Alt: Fire, Ambulance, other Emergencies………….…...408-299-3233
CCC, EC: Ken Ericksen (cell/text) ......……………...................408-215-8459
EOC/DOC: Bob Cascone (cell/text) .………………...................408-515-2899
CARES EC: Jim Oberhofer (cell/text) ………….……………….…..408-839-8798
Cupertino Information Commercial Radio Stations
For Cupertino-specific instructions on the state of the emergency, check this
station first:
Radio Cupertino 1670 AM Listen here first
Emergency Alert System (EAS) Stations
The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a national public warning system used
during both national and regional emergencies to provide the public with life-
saving information quickly. Specific commercial broadcast stations participate
in this system. Listen to one of the following EAS statio ns whenever there is an
emergency in progress:
KCBS 740 AM Local Primary #1, EAS Station
KSOL 98.9 FM Local Primary #1s, EAS Station
KQED 88.5 FM Local Primary #2, EAS Station
KJSO 92.3 FM Local Primary #2, EAS Station
KFBK 1530 AM CA State Primary EAS Station
Things to bring to the ARK
Bring your “go kit”, which should include:
1. Current CCC ID
2. Vest
3. Protective clothing
4. Heavy closed-toe shoes
5. Hard hat
6. Goggles
7. N95 mask
8. Whistle
9. Leather gloves
10. Personal first aid kit
11. Water and food
12. Sun block as needed
13. Pens (2)
14. Pad of 8.5” x 11” paper
15. Flashlight and Batteries
16. AM Radio (portable)
17. Tape (i.e.: blue painters’ tape)
18. This booklet
19. Whatever else you may need
Cupertino Citizen Corps
Field Communications
Handbook
March 2022
2 / 24
Table of Contents
Contents
1 CONTACT INFORMATION ...................................................................3
2 CHANNELS AND FREQUENCIES ...........................................................3
3 EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM, STATIONS OF INTEREST ........................3
4 RADIO OPERATIONS BASICS ...............................................................4
4.1 IN GENERAL ..................................................................................4
4.2 OPERATING ON THE CERT RADIO NET ................................................4
4.3 PASSING MESSAGES .......................................................................6
5 MOTOROLA TALKABOUT T600, FRS RADIO ........................................8
5.1 INTRODUCTION..............................................................................8
5.2 COMMON T600 FRS RADIO CONTROLS .............................................9
6 OTHER FRS RADIOS ..........................................................................10
6.1 MOTOROLA TALKABOUT T5000,T5500,T5550 ................................10
6.2 MOTOROLA TALKABOUT T5900,T5920,T5950 ................................10
6.3 COMMON T5000 FRS RADIO CONTROLS ...........................................11
7 FIELD RADIO PACK............................................................................12
7.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................12
7.2 GMRS RADIO ..............................................................................13
8 MIDLAND MXT115, GMRS RADIO.....................................................16
9 PHONETIC ALPHABET & NUMBERS...................................................20
10 MODIFIED MERCALLI INTENSITY SCALE (MMI).................................21
Rev: 220314
Notes
23 / 24
22 / 24 3 / 24
1 Contact Information
Telephone Numbers
Fire, Ambulance, other Emergency 9-1-1, or
Cupertino Public Works Support (After 408-299-2507
Union Pacific Railroad, Gate Crossing 800-848-8715
2 Channels and Frequencies
Function Ch/Tone Notes
Monta Vista ARK 1 /21 (136.5Hz)2w, Zone 1
Regnart ARK 2 /22 (141.3Hz)2w, Zone 2
Garden Gate ARK 3 /23 (146.2Hz)2w, Zone 3
Lawson ARK 4 /24 (151.4Hz)2w, Zone 4
DeAnza ARK 5 /25 (156.7Hz)2w, Zone 5
Creekside ARK 6 /26 (162.2Hz)2w, Zone 6
EOC Trailer 7 /27 (167.9Hz)2w, Trailer
CERT TAC 8 8 /0 0.5w
CERT TAC 9 9 /0 0.5w
CERT TAC 10 10 /0 0.5w
CERT TAC 11 11 /0 0.5w
CERT TAC 12 12 /0 0.5w
CERT TAC 13 13 /0 0.5w
CERT TAC 14 14 /0 0.5w
Comm 469 TAC 15 15 / 35 (225.7Hz)50w, ICP, EOC
CUP CERT/GMRS 20R / 31 (192.8Hz)50w, Repeater
SJ CERT/GMRS 22R / 16 (114.8Hz)50w, Repeater
3 Emergency Alert System, stations of interest
KCBS 740 KHz LP1, National Primary EAS Station
KFBK 1530 KHz CA State Primary EAS Station
KLIV 1590 KHz Public AM Station, a CNN affiliate
WQGH344 1670 KHz Cupertino Community Radio
4 / 24
4 Radio Operations Basics
4.1 In General
1.Operating a radio is about 90% listening and 10% talking.
2.If you are too busy to pay attention to what is happening
on the radio, then assign this task to someone else.
3.To transmit a message:
i.Listen first, wait for a pause, and then…
ii.Press and hold the radio’s PTT (Push-to-Talk) button.
iii.Take a deep breath and pause before speaking.
iv.Speak slowly and clearly.
v.Keep your messages as short and succinct as
possible.
vi.Talk in plain English… no 10-codes (10-4,10-20)
4.Do not shout. If station cannot hear you, move to another
location.
5.When you’re done, release the PTT, and then wait.
4.2 Operating on the CERT Radio Net
1.We always want to know who is on the channel, where you
are, what you are doing, and if you are OK. We do this by
choosing a radio channel for this ARK on which we all will
operate. See the channel assignments earlier in this
guide.
2.A Radio Net is a moderated conference call conducted
over two-way radio on a specific channel.
3.The Net Control Operator is the person who runs the net.
4.Every station on the channel will use a name. This name
could be your neighborhood street, or it could be assigned
by the ARK such as Team 3, First Aid, Search 4, etc. If
you or your team was not assigned a name, then use your
first name.
5.Check In to the local ARK Radio Net if you are at home
and have a radio, or if you are assigned a task at the ARK.
This does a few things:
i.let’s the ARK’s Net Control know who is on the Net
21 / 24
10 Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale (MMI)
I Not felt Not felt except by a very few under especially
favorable conditions.
II Weak Felt only by a few persons at rest, especially on
upper floors of buildings.
III Weak Felt quite noticeably by persons indoors,
especially on upper floors of buildings. Many
people do not recognize it as an earthquake.
Standing motor cars may rock slightly.
Vibrations similar to the passing of a truck.
Duration estimated.
IV Light Felt indoors by many, outdoors by few during the
day. At night, some awakened. Dishes,
windows, doors disturbed; walls make cracking
sound. Sensation like heavy truck striking
building. Standing motor cars rocked noticeably.
V Moderate Felt by nearly everyone; many awakened. Some
dishes,windows broken. Unstable objects
overturned. Pendulum clocks may stop.
VI Strong Felt by all, many frightened. Some heavy
furniture moved or overturned. Dishes,
glassware, knickknacks, and books fall off
shelves. Weak plaster, adobe buildings, and
some poorly built masonry buildings cracked.
Damage slight.
VII Very
Strong
Negligible damage in buildings of good design
and construction. Slight to moderate damage in
well-built ordinary structures. Considerable
damage in poorly built or badly designed
structures. Some chimneys broken. Fall of
plaster, loose bricks, stones, tiles, cornices,
unbraced parapets and porches. Some cracks in
better masonry buildings.
VIII Severe Considerable damage in ordinary substantial
buildings with partial collapse. Damage great in
poorly built structures. Fall of chimneys, factory
stacks, columns, monuments, walls. Heavy
furniture overturned. Wood-frame houses moved
on foundations if not bolted; loose partition walls
thrown out. Tree branches broken.
Ref: https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/earthq4/severitygip.html
20 / 24
9 Phonetic Alphabet & Numbers
A Alpha N November
B Bravo O Oscar
C Charlie P Papa
D Delta Q Quebec
E Echo R Romeo
F Foxtrot S Sierra
G Golf T Tango
H Hotel U Uniform
I India V Victor
J Juliet W Whiskey
K Kilo X X-Ray
L Lima Y Yankee
M Mike Z Zulu
0 zero (ZEE-row)5 five (Fife)
1 one (Wun)6 six (Sicks)
2 two (Too)7 seven (SEV-vin)
3 three (Tree)8 eight (Ate)
4 Four (FOH-wer)9 nine (NINE-er)
5 / 24
ii.confirms you have your radio set correctly with the
correct Channel and Tone for your ARK.
Example
If you are…You would say…
Sam This is Sam, Net Control at Creekside ARK.
Any Zone 2 FRS stations, please check in now.
Bob Creekside ARK, this is Bob at Bollinger and
Miller, checking in.
Creekside ARK:OK Bob, I have you checked in.
Angie Creekside ARK, this is Angie at Hyde
neighborhood, checking in.
6.Check Out of the local ARK Radio Net when you need to
leave the net or back at the ARK. This does a few things:
i.Let’s the ARK’s Net Control know you are leaving the
Net
ii.We won’t worry about you anymore!
iii.Checking out does not mean that you may be done
with your participation, just that Net Control will no
longer look for you on the Net.
Example
If you are…You would say…
Bob Creekside ARK, this is Bob, I need to leave the
net, Checking out.
Creekside ARK:OK Bob, acknowledged.
Angie Creekside ARK, this is Angie back at the ARK. I
am checking out.
Creekside ARK:Hi Angie, acknowledged.
TEAM 3 Creekside ARK, this is TEAM 3. We are back at
Creekside ARK:TEAM 3, acknowledged. Are you checking out
6 / 24
4.3 Passing Messages
Preparing the Message
1.Before transmitting, think of the message you want to
send.
i.Organize your thoughts.
ii.If necessary, write the message down.
iii.Keep your message brief; there could be others on
the channel with messages as well.
2.Do not pass victim or patient names over the ra dio unless
asked for the name; these are public airwaves.
NOTE: There may be exceptions to this policy, such as
matching up lost children with parents. Make sure the
CERT Coordinator or Incident Commander approves any
exceptions before starting.
3.If necessary, use the ICS 213 Message Short Form, phone
message pad, or a piece of paper to create your message.
Passing a Message
1.Listen: Make sure the frequency is clear or Net Control is
not talking to someone else who you might not hear.
2.Notify the ARK Net Control Operator that you have a
message to pass. The Net Control Operator will tell when
to pass the message.
3.To pass very short, simple messages, you send the entire
text, and the receiving station may simply say “copied” or
they may read the text back to you.
4.For longer messages, say the message in logical phrases
of about 4 to 7 words, without repetitions.
5.Talk slowly. The receiving station needs to write this
message down.
6.Say Break when pausing and release the PTT key while
you wait for the receiving station to write down your
message and acknowledge you.
7.Always release the PTT key if you stop talking.
19 / 24
To select a Privacy Code
This is a 2-step process:
NOTE: For CCC ARK operations, we will use ~(for CTCSS)and
the tones listed in the front of this guide.
(i) Set the tone type
1.Press and release the Menu button to a place the
radio in “Menu” mode.
2.Use the Microphone Channel Up ▲or Channel Down ▼
button to scroll through the menu options until the LCD
display shows Pt, then press the Monitor/Scan
button to select it.
3.Use the Channel Up ▲or Channel Down ▼button to select
the privacy tone type you would like to use:
a.oF for OFF –no tone is used
b.~for CTCSS –analog tone is used… set this one
c.for DCS –digital tone is used… NOT this one
4.Press the Monitor/Scan button to confirm your
selection.
The ~(for CTCSS) or (for DCS) icon will show on
the LCD display, according to your selection.
(ii) Set the Privacy Code
5.Then, use the Channel Up ▲or Channel Down ▼button
to scroll forward or backward through the available Privacy
Codes until the desired Privacy Code is shown on the LCD
display.
6.When the desired Privacy Code is shown on the LCD
display, press the Monitor/Scan to confirm your
selection.
NOTE: you must press Monitor/Scan to save your choice.
18 / 24
Menu Options
The MXT115 radio has a “Menu” mode that provides access to the
features and functions shown in the chart below.
Pt Privacy Tones -Use this option to set the privacy code.
Pr Transmit Power Level -Use this option to change the
transmit power level to Hi or Lo.
Sq Squelch Sensitivity -Use this option to adjust squelch
sensitivity.
Rb Roger Beep -Use this option to set the option for the
Roger Beep.
CA Call Alert Tone -Use this option to select the Call Alert
tone.
bP Silent Operation -Use this option to set the option for the
keypad audible “beep” tones.
rP Repeater Channels -Use this option to turn on or off
Repeater channels.
Db Display Background -Use this option to select the color of
the display background.
Basic Menu Controls
Press Menu button to put the radio in “Menu” mode.
Microphone Channel Up ▲or Channel Down ▼button to scroll
through the menus or selected options.
Press Monitor/Scan button to select a menu or
confirms a submenu choice.
PTT: Briefly pushing the Push to Talk button will take the radio
out menu mode.
The following is an example of how the menu system works. All
other menu choices work identically using the Menu, Channel
Up/Down, and Monitor/Scan controls.
7 / 24
8.Do not resume transmitting until the receiving station
acknowledges the last transmission with something like
“OK” or “continue” or something similar.
9.Speak clearly and slowly. As a pacing guide, ghost write
the message as you say it (not necessary to actually write
it down again).
10.Use the message passing prowords and the phonetic
alphabet to spell items that cannot be understood rel iably
by pronouncing them.
11.End the message with “End of Message”.
Example
If you are…You would say…
Team 3 Creekside ARK, this is TEAM 3 with a
message for you.
Creekside ARK OK Team 3, wait… what is your message?
Team 3 Creekside ARK, A large tree is blocking the
road… Break.
Creekside ARK OK, continue
Team 3 … in front of 1236 Bollinger Road… Break
Creekside ARK OK, continue
Team 3 … west of Miller Avenue. Break.
Creekside ARK OK, continue
Team 3 Traffic is blocked both directions. End of
Message.
Creekside ARK Team 3, Acknowledge.
8 / 24
5 Motorola Talkabout T600 , FRS Radio
5.1 Introduction
17 / 24
Power On/Off
1.To turn the radio ON: turn the On/Off Volume knob
clockwise. You will hear a tone when the radio is on.
The LCD display will show all icons for one second and
then display the most recently selected channel.
2.To turn the radio OFF: turn the knob counter clockwise.
The LCD display will go blank when the radio turns off .
Selecting the Active Channel
1.Be sure the radio is turned on (See Power On/Off).
2.Press and release the microphone Channel Up ▲ or Channel
Down ▼ button to scroll through the available channels.
3.The Channel icon on the LCD display will show the active
channel.
Transmitting and Receiving
1.Be sure the radio is turned on (see Power On/Off)
NOTE:For maximum clarity, hold the microphone 2 to 3 inches from
your mouth when speaking.
2.To transmit, press and hold the Push-to-Talk (PTT)button on the
microphone and then speak into the microphone in a normal
voice.
The TX icon will show continuously on the LCD display
while transmitting.
3.To receive a call, release the PTT button on the microphone.
The RX icon will show on the LCD display when your
radio is receiving a transmission.
4.If necessary, turn the volume knob clockwise or counter
clockwise to increase or decrease the radio volume.
Locking the Keypad
1.Press and hold the Call/Lock button for three seconds.
The Keypad Lock icon will show on the LCD display
when the keypad is “locked.”
2.Repeat to unlock the keypad.
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8 Midland MXT115, GMRS Radio
The MXT115 GMRS 15 channel, 15-watt radio with 8 Repeater channels.
Controls and Indicators
1.LCD Display
2.On/Off Volume
3.Microphone Jack
4.USB Charging Jack
5.Menu -Press to access menu
6.Weather -Press to access weather mode
7.Call / Lock -Press to send a call signal, or long press (2 sec) to
lock the keypad
8.Monitor / Scan -Press to enter scan mode, or long press (2 sec)
to enter monitor mode
MXT115 Microphone controls
1.Channel Up ▲
2.Channel Down ▼
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5.2 Common T600 FRS Radio Controls
The following describes how to operate the Motorola T600 radio:
Charging the FRS Radio
1.Two radios can be attached to one charger.
2.Open the mini-USB cover on the side of the radio
3.Connect the charger cable. Plug in the charger.
4.The radio battery indicator (upper right) will show solid when
completely charged.
Turning the radio on and off
5.Press and hold the button (top-left) to turn the radio On or
Off.
6.The radio chirps and the display briefly show all icons available
on your radio.
Set the Volume
7.In the middle of the radio, find the +and -buttons. Press the +
button to raise the volume and the -button to lower the volume.
8.The volume number will show and increment every time you
press either of these buttons.
Select a Channel
9.With the radio on, press the button
once. The current channel flashes (larger
upper number on the display, 4 in this
example).
10.Press the (-) or (+)buttons to select the
channel.
11.Press (PTT)to save the channel setting.
Select the Tone Code
12.With the radio on, press button twice or until the tone code
flashes (smaller lower number on the display, 9 in this example).
The current tone code (lower number)flashes.
13.Press (-) or (+)buttons to select the tone code.
14.Press (PTT)to save the tone code with this channel.
Talking and Listening
15.To talk, press and hold the Push-to-Talk button. Take a breath.
Hold the radio 2 to 3 inches away from your mouth when talking.
16.When you finish talking, release the Push-to-Talk button.
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6 Other FRS Radios
6.1 Motorola Talkabout T5000, T5500, T5550
6.2 Motorola Talkabout T5900, T5920, T5950
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5.The battery pack will need periodic charging since the PCM
does draw a small current to operate.
6.The LFP battery charger LEDs mean:
a.RED: battery is under Constant Current (CC).
b.GREEN:battery is under Constant Voltage (CV).
c.Once GREEN, the battery is around 80-90%
capacity, but NOT full. Charge for at least 3 hours to
get the battery to 100%.
LFP Battery DO’s
1.Charge the battery every 8 to 10 weeks to keep the cells well
equalized and balanced, and ensure that the battery is
operable.
2.Charge the battery after any extended use.
3.Use only a LFP-compatible charger, such as the one
provided with this radio pack.
LFP Battery DON’Ts
1.DO NOT rely on the battery voltage or charger LEDs as an
indicator or remaining battery capacity.
2.NEVER use an AGM or Lead Acid battery charger as this
could damage the battery.
3.DO NOT operate the radio with the charger plugged in. This
will reduce the life of the battery.
4.DO NOT plug the battery into another battery or any other
12V power supply.
Battery Charging
1.Turn off the radio and radio pack meter.
2.Open the green radio pack parts bag and retrieve the LFP
battery charger.
3.FIRST: Connect the LFP battery charger barrel connector to
the Radio Pack plug marked LIFEPO4 BAT CHGR.
This must be done first to wake up the charger .
4.SECOND: Plug in the power adapter to a power strip
connected to commercial power or a generator.
5.See charger LED description above.
6.Always charge the battery for at least 3 hours.
7.When done, disconnect the battery charger and return it to
the green radio pack parts bag.
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6.Press the “1” side of the rocker switch (between the AMPS
and VOLTS display) to check the state of the Radio Pack
battery. There is no need to leave this on.
Shutdown
NOTE: Leaving the radio or meter on will drain the battery.
1.Turn off the radio.
2.Turn off the meter display.
3.Disconnect the coax cable from the radio pack.
4.Depending on the ARK,
a.Monta Vista ARK: coil and secure the coax; place it
inside the garage door.
b.All other ARKs: remove the mag mount from the
ARK roof. Leave the antenna attached. Stow inside
the ARK high on the ARK container wall.
5.Leave the microphone attached. Coil the microphone cable
as shown so that the cable is not pinched when you close
the lid.
6.Reattach the radio pack top.
7.Close and lock the radio pack lid. Be careful not to pinch the
mic cable. Return to the CERT Field Radio Pack.
About the LiFePO4 (LFP)Battery
1.This pack uses a LFP battery that does not behave like an
AGM Battery.
2.The battery open circuit voltage range is 10.0 to 14.6vdc.
3.The battery has a built-in Protection Circuit Module (PCM)
that will prevent the battery from over charging or from being
discharged too far.
4.The battery will output a steady voltage around 12.8vdc until
very little capacity remains. At about 10.0vdc, output voltage
will be cut off to protect the battery.
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6.3 Common T5000 FRS Radio Controls
Almost all FRS/GMRS hand-held radios have the same basic
operating controls. The following describe how to operate these
radios:
Turning the radio on and off
1.Turn top-left knob clockwise to turn the radio on and counter-
clockwise to turn the radio off.
2.The radio chirps and the display will briefly show all feature icons
available on your radio.
3.For T600 FRS radios: Press and hold the button (top-left)
to turn the radio On and Off.
Set the Volume
4.Press and hold (MON)(monitor button) while rotating top-left
volume control until you reach a comfortable listening level.
Selecting the Channel
5.With the radio on, press the (MENU)button.
The current channel flashes (larger number
on the display, 22 in this example).
6.Press the (-) or (+)buttons to select the
channel.
7.Press (PTT)to save the channel setting.
Selecting the Tone Code
8.With the radio on, press (MENU)button until the tone code
flashes (smaller number on the display, 99 in this example). The
current tone code flashes.
9.Press (-) or (+)buttons to select the tone code.
10.Press (PTT)to save the tone code with this channel.
Talking and Listening
11.To talk, press and hold (PTT). Take a breath. Hold the radio 2 to
3 inches away from your mouth when talking.
12.When you finish talking, release (PTT)(press to talk, release to
listen).
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7 Field Radio Pack
7.1 Introduction
This CERT Field Radio Pack is a self-contained system for deploying
communications into the field with Citizen Corps resources.
The CERT Field Radio Pack is made up of the following
components:
1.GMRS Radio Pack. This case contains the following:
a.Hardened Power Systems (HPS) radio case; a 30
Caliber water-proof enclosure; built-in a 6Ah
LiFePO4 (LFP) battery.
b.GMRS Base Radio; Midland MXT115 GMRS radio.
2.Motorola T600 FRS radios, qty 4 or 8 .
3.Radio pack parts support bag. Contains the (i) GMRS
battery charger, (ii) FRS chargers, 1 for each pair of radios,
(iii) GMRS and FRS radio manuals, (iv) backup radio
antenna and auto power adaptor.
4.Antenna.
a.For the Monta Vista ARK, an external fixed mount
6dB gain antenna mounted on the Fire Station roof.
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b.For all other ARKs, a UHF Mag Mount and 6dB gain
NMO mount antenna stored in the ARK.
7.2 GMRS Radio
The Midland MXT115 radio, HPS case, and internal 6Ah LFP
battery, makes this package self-contained.
Radio Enclosure Controls
1.External headphone jack with a switch to turn off the external
speaker.
2.Battery charger port for the LiFePO4 battery charger.
3.Main switch that turns off the meters, but allows the radio to
work.
4.Power ports:
a.To Batt: direct connection to the battery
b.Aux: controlled by the center switch
c.3 AMP: USB port for powering or charging
peripheral devices
Setup
1.Retrieve the CERT Field Radio Pack from the ARK.
2.Remove the GMRS Radio Pack. Open the lid and set aside.
3.Set up the GMRS Antenna at Monta Vista ARK
a.Locate the coax cable just inside the garage door.
4.Set up the GMRS Antenna at all other ARKs
a.Retrieve the GMRS mag mount antenna from the
ARK. Make sure the antenna is screwed to the mag
mount base.
b.Using a step ladder, carefully place the mag mount
antenna on top of the ARK close to where you will
be operating. Make sure the space where you want
to attach the antenna is clear of debris.
5.Connect the antenna coax to the GMRS radio.