EmDrill #6 - Emergency Drill Instructions - Thu Oct 29 8:00 pm EST (01:00 UTC/Zulu)
Key to the success of our emergency comms network is to conduct drills every 3 months or so. In this way we can iron out the wrinkles so that we will be ready when the time comes. Following are the instructions for participating in an emergency drill (or EmDrill). Let us know if you have any questions or comments: [email protected]
You are of course also welcome to bring up any questions or comments at our meetings, workshops, by phone, email text or on Telegram.
You are of course also welcome to bring up any questions or comments at our meetings, workshops, by phone, email text or on Telegram.
Here’s what you need to know:
Overview
The Net Controller will Kick-Off the drill by broadcasting one of the following Weather Reports at or about 8:00 pm EST (01:00 UTC/Zulu)
Wow!. Is it ever COLD.
Wow!. Is it ever HOT.
Wow!. Is it ever WINDY.
Anyone able to receive that Weather Report directly will then relay it to whomever they can, most notably within their local community.
In addition, an email Weather Report will be sent to the Local Net Controller (LNC) in those communities who at present cannot receive the Weather Report directly. The LNCs will then relay the Weather Report to as many of their people as they can.
The Drill will last for one week (Thu Oct 29 - Wed Nov 4) so that local groups can accommodate their local schedules.
Everyone who receives the message would then send their LNC an Acknowledgement of some sort. The LNC will then let us know the resultsfor their group (how many were reached out of how many in the group (eg 8/10).
Subsequently an overall final report will be prepared for review aand consideration in anticipation of the next drill. Here's the reports for some previous drills:
https://www.uhuru.info/emdrill-2-report.html
https://www.uhuru.info/emdrill-3-report.html
How to Participate
Are you ready? Here are the things you can do to be prepared for the drill:
The Details
Get a Radio
We currently have a bulk order in the works but the devices will not be delivered in time for the drill. If you have already placed an order we will let you know when to expect it. If you are looking to get one for the next drill in 3 months time, it is suggested you do that now so you will be ready when it happens.
https://www.uhuru.info/order-form.html
Learn to Use Your Radio
We will be continuing to conduct our regular monthly Baofeng Workshop on the third Monday of the month at 7:00 pm EDT.
Contact us for the link: [email protected]
You can also look over this website and the associated Telegram channel for videos and other information. You might start here:
https://www.uhuru.info/baofeng.html
If you need an invite to the Telegram channel check your weekly invite or send us an email: [email protected]
Work on Connecting With Each Other
The whole idea of an emergency communications network is to ensure we can stay in touch with each other when the lights go out. Everyone needs to figure out who they can reach. A paper map really helps.
Learn How to Get the Weather Report
If you or your group is ready to go the next step beyond the Baofeng Option you are invited to learn the SDR Option we are currently developing for long distance communication.
The idea is to reliably communicate a message (The Weather Report) to local setups (rigs) across the country that are relatively inexpensive and easy to establish.
The system we are developing involves software defined radio (SDR) with a digital radio platform (JS8 Call). It is relatively easy to get up and running if you are already comfortable around computers and software. There is no cost to get started. Just simply follow the instructions on this webpage and then let us know how you're making out: [email protected]
https://www.uhuru.info/sdr-js8.html
If you are already setup to receive the Weather Report then be sure to join us at the Kick-Off:
Thursday Oct 29 - 8:00 pm EDT (01:00 UTC/Zulu)
Contact us for the link: [email protected]
Establish Protocols
As the Local Net Controller, you will want to have a clear set of directions for your group
Encourage Engagement
As the Local Net Controller you will also want to encourage your members to participate in the drill. To that end we have prepared a digital postcard as that that you can use in your communications with your membership (feel free to change it as you see fit);
- an Overview of the drill
- how you can Participate
- relevant Details
Overview
The Net Controller will Kick-Off the drill by broadcasting one of the following Weather Reports at or about 8:00 pm EST (01:00 UTC/Zulu)
Wow!. Is it ever COLD.
Wow!. Is it ever HOT.
Wow!. Is it ever WINDY.
Anyone able to receive that Weather Report directly will then relay it to whomever they can, most notably within their local community.
In addition, an email Weather Report will be sent to the Local Net Controller (LNC) in those communities who at present cannot receive the Weather Report directly. The LNCs will then relay the Weather Report to as many of their people as they can.
The Drill will last for one week (Thu Oct 29 - Wed Nov 4) so that local groups can accommodate their local schedules.
Everyone who receives the message would then send their LNC an Acknowledgement of some sort. The LNC will then let us know the resultsfor their group (how many were reached out of how many in the group (eg 8/10).
Subsequently an overall final report will be prepared for review aand consideration in anticipation of the next drill. Here's the reports for some previous drills:
https://www.uhuru.info/emdrill-2-report.html
https://www.uhuru.info/emdrill-3-report.html
How to Participate
Are you ready? Here are the things you can do to be prepared for the drill:
- get a radio
- learn to use your radio
- work on connecting with each other
- learn how to get the Weather Report
- establish protocols
- encourage engagement
The Details
Get a Radio
We currently have a bulk order in the works but the devices will not be delivered in time for the drill. If you have already placed an order we will let you know when to expect it. If you are looking to get one for the next drill in 3 months time, it is suggested you do that now so you will be ready when it happens.
https://www.uhuru.info/order-form.html
Learn to Use Your Radio
We will be continuing to conduct our regular monthly Baofeng Workshop on the third Monday of the month at 7:00 pm EDT.
Contact us for the link: [email protected]
You can also look over this website and the associated Telegram channel for videos and other information. You might start here:
https://www.uhuru.info/baofeng.html
If you need an invite to the Telegram channel check your weekly invite or send us an email: [email protected]
Work on Connecting With Each Other
The whole idea of an emergency communications network is to ensure we can stay in touch with each other when the lights go out. Everyone needs to figure out who they can reach. A paper map really helps.
Learn How to Get the Weather Report
If you or your group is ready to go the next step beyond the Baofeng Option you are invited to learn the SDR Option we are currently developing for long distance communication.
The idea is to reliably communicate a message (The Weather Report) to local setups (rigs) across the country that are relatively inexpensive and easy to establish.
The system we are developing involves software defined radio (SDR) with a digital radio platform (JS8 Call). It is relatively easy to get up and running if you are already comfortable around computers and software. There is no cost to get started. Just simply follow the instructions on this webpage and then let us know how you're making out: [email protected]
https://www.uhuru.info/sdr-js8.html
If you are already setup to receive the Weather Report then be sure to join us at the Kick-Off:
Thursday Oct 29 - 8:00 pm EDT (01:00 UTC/Zulu)
Contact us for the link: [email protected]
Establish Protocols
As the Local Net Controller, you will want to have a clear set of directions for your group
- when will you conduct the drill (you have up to a week after the Kick-Off)
- how will everyone acknowledge receipt of the Weather Report (text, email, onair, etc)
Encourage Engagement
As the Local Net Controller you will also want to encourage your members to participate in the drill. To that end we have prepared a digital postcard as that that you can use in your communications with your membership (feel free to change it as you see fit);