B C A R E S

BOULDER COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO

EMERGENCY SERVICES, INC.

C/O OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

BOULDER PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING

1805 33^RD STREET

BOULDER. COLORADO 80301

(303) 441-3390

BOULDER COUNTY

AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY SERVICES

DISASTER COMMUNICATIONS PLAN

HANDBOOK

James R. Andrews

Editor, WAØNHD

Revised 12/96 - Len Koppl, KDØRC

Revised 2/05- Peter Goldman

NOTE: This entire PLAN or any portions may be photocopied in unlimited quantities, provided an acknowledgment is given of the source and the authors. Copies of this PLAN are available free of charge on diskette.

FOREWORD

Many amateur radio operators (HAMS) in Boulder County have made personal commitments to provide communications assistance to the public safety agencies, Red Cross and general public in the event of a disaster occurring in the county. Boulder County Amateur Radio Emergency Services (BCARES) is the local organization that coordinates these disaster activities by hams. This plan book is intended as a handbook for BCARES members. The appendices are additional resource material for officers and net control operators.

The first BCARES PLAN was written by Dave McClune, WBØZID, in 1984-85. The second BCARES PLAN book was written by Jim Andrews, WAØNHD, in 1990. Two reasons mandated that the 1985 plan be revised and expanded. The first was the “Digital Communications Revolution” which occurred in amateur radio in the late ‘80s. The introduction of packet radio now provides the pubic safety agencies and the Red Cross with hard copy messages from computer terminals connected via amateur radio. Hard copy significantly improves the readability and reliability of messages. The second reason was the lessons earned from 3 major forest fires, including the disastrous “Black Tiger” fire of July 9, 1989 that destroyed 44 houses and other structures.

This third revision of the BCARES PLAN was brought about by the “Video Revolution” in amateur radio. Hams are now transmitting their own live color TV pictures. The public safety agencies in Boulder County have been very impressed with the possibilities of using TV for emergency management, particularly for forest fires and crowd control situations.

Portions of this third PLAN have been reprinted from the previous PLANS. Contributors to this edition were Len Koppl, KDØRC, BCARES Chairman, Bob Schneider, NØOUX, BCARES Vice-Chairman, Rich Ferguson, KAØDXM, Colorado Section ARES Emergency Coordinator, and Jim Andrews, WAØNHD, BCARES Video Coordinator.

FOREWORD.. 2

INTRODUCTION.. 5

PURPOSE: 5

HISTORY and ORGANIZATION: 5

ACTIVATION: 5

COMMUNICATIONS CAPABILITIES: 5