Plan
your messages - don't just say it
w/o thinking it out!
Keep
calm - send all messages slowly
and clearly - be ready to spell
message text phonetically, if
requested.
Speak
slowly across the microphone -
not directly into it! If you must
speak directly into your mike -
hold it 6 inches from your mouth.
Communicate
facts!!! - not rumors -
authenticate information before
communicating it!!
When
at emergency assignment - keep
radio on & tuned to the
proper emergency frequency at all
times.
Do
not interrupt a transmission on
the net to correct information
that you believe is incorrect -
when there is an opening after
the transmission call the NCS and
give the facts you have been
given including the source of the
information..
Don't
carry on conversations once the
emergency net has been called
into operation.
If
you hear a conversation on the
frequency which is being used for
the emergency net and you do not
hear the NCS, break in to
indicate that the frequency is
being used for an emergency net.
You may break in and inform those
stations they are on a frequency
being used for emergency purposes
and suggest a frequency that
might be clear for their use.
Do
keep a log of your major
communications with outside
agencies (e.g.. Red Cross shelter
reports; requests for information
or contacts with location
officials; personnel or equipment
requests with authentication to
include name & title of
requester).
Practice
setting & clearing
frequencies on your radio(s)
periodically so that you are
proficient in these procedures
without the use of the radio
manual.
All
telephone numbers listed in this
handbook are to be treated as
confidential - not to be given
out to anyone!!
If
the emergency net operates with
tactical call signs (using the
location names to identify
stations versus using each
operator's call sign constantly)
operators must still adhere to
the end of transmission and the
10 minute rule during contact.
If
a RACES net is called, RACES
stations may only communicate
with other RACES stations. non
RACES stations may not use the
RACES frequencies.
Do
not operate an H/T with it
hanging on your belt or strapped
to your body.
Have
your identification with you at
all times -this includes your
ARES and RACES cards.
Speak
in plain language! - do not use
CW or "Q" signals in
voice communication.
Never
leave your radio equipment
unattended. Have a friend, family
member, or a shelter worker watch
over it for you. If necessary,
move the gear to the
administrative area for
safe-keeping until you are ready
to resume your duties.
Ask
someone to monitor the radio for
you if you must be away from your
station. Be sure to tell them
your call sign and the location
tactical call sign so they know
if that location is being called.
