What does the Precinct Comms do?

Walkie Talkie          chgetready

The Precinct Comms is the communication specialist, who is in charge of learning how to use walkie talkies or HAM Radio, and conducts the regular communication drills with your Precinct Block Captains and CERTS. (weekly works best)

Determine what time and day of the week will work best for your weekly check- in.
The FRS walkie talkie, use the channels 8-14.  Resist using the sub channels as they only block the sender from hearing other users.

The GMRS channels require a FCC License that is around $60.00, however, the channels are very clear. Channels 1-7 and 15 and up are GMRS Channels.  There are rules that govern the airwaves, so be clear as to their usage since fines may be issued where respect of usage is compromised.


Precinct Comms Duties will include training the Precinct Block Captains and CERTS how to use the walkie talkies and also how to use and report the Emergency Ribbon System with their neighbors.

It is of utmost importance that proper radio usage is learned and taught.  If the radio is held at the wrong angle, the signal will be compromised.  Hold it upright, not tipped, as the signal is like a plate connected on top of the antenna and if it is tipped the signal will shoot into the air and down into the ground.

Practicing correct handling and usage will determine whether the message is successfully transmitted and received.  This is critical, since in an emergency, time is matters.

A Precinct Block Captain/CERT Team check in roster that includes the Block Captain #, names, phone #'s and e-mail addresses is very helpful for contact and also to keep track of your regular drills.  Encourage your BC to report to another BC or the Precinct Leader if they will not be available during the drill that week.

Personal accountability to the Precinct Team effort also strengthens unity.

It is really fun to report in every week, same time, same channel.  It creates the synergy of unity in your neighborhood.

Take a look at a simple script that is available for you to begin practicing with so that your BC and CERTS get familiar with their radios and the reporting process.

Consider taking a HAM Radio course.  Transmission is much clearer getting and receiving  information to and from your Precinct to the District or the City Comms. 

HAM Radio Training
  http://www.wikihow.com/

Walkie Talkie Communication Education

Walkie Talkie Communication Education
 

Block Captain Reporting 2013 chgetready

The call: “Block Captain 10, This is Precinct 3, Over”

The answer: “ This is Block Captain 10, Go Ahead”

The response: “ Contact Medical on channel one four, Over”

The acknowledgement: “Block Captain 10 changing to one four for Medical contact, Roger, Out”

Let's re-cap what happened

** The Precinct Communications Specialist used “THIS IS” to identify himself and “OVER”,  he expects a reply.

**The answering Block Captain 10 said “THIS IS” followed by his call sign “BLOCK CAPTAIN TEN”, then acknowledged he was listening and ready to receive by using the pro-words “GO AHEAD”.

**The Precinct Communications Specialist instructed Block Captain Ten to contact the medical team on another channel – channel number 14. (Spoken as “ONE FOUR” not “FOURTEEN” – this is clearer) The pro-word “OVER” was used to indicate that the transmission ended and he expected a reply.

**Block Captain 10 acknowledges by repeating the command he is following, “BLOCK CAPTAIN TEN CHANGING TO ONE FOUR FOR MEDICAL CONTACT”.  He uses the pro-word “ROGER” to communicate that he received and understood the message.  “OUT” meaning he’s done and does not expect a reply.

Copyright CHGetReady

Rules for Walkie Talkie/Radio Usage

Block Captain Reporting        CHGetReady

   

•  Listen Closely
•  Wait till channel is clear
•  Speak only if necessary
•  Think what you are going to say...be precise
•  Keep it brief
•  Use plain language
•  Use echo method-repeat back what you heard to verify
•  Use This is....to identify yourself
•  Speak slowly and clearly to transmit your information
• Consider the scribe on the other end
•  No slang or jargon, use pro-words instead
  Use Pro-Words

      This is ……identifies who is about to talk

Over……message is complete from the other end and it is your turn to speak

Go Ahead…..you are ready for the other person to speak

Roger……you received the last message

Out…..you are done and expect no relay

FRS Channels 8-14

GMRS Channels 1-7, 15 and up –Requires FCC License

Consider Geography when you are considering your radio choice

Stay on main channel – DO NOT USE PRIVACY CODES – separates user from network

Push to talk / PTT button on side of radio

Communication PTT button pause, talk, pause, let go of PTT to listen (pause accounts for delay of radio)

Hold radio with antenna up (signal is plate like, side to side not up and down) and 4-5 inches away from the side of the face

Copyright CHGetReady