Formal Declaration of Communication Emergency

1. Formal Declaration of Communication Emergency • During natural disasters and other emergencies, certain amateur frequencies may be needed by hams supporting relief efforts. During such times, the FCC may issue a formal declaration of communication emergency. An FCC declaration of a temporary state of communication emergency may include any special conditions and rules to be observed during the emergency, including frequencies to be used only by hams participating in the emergency. (See §97.401(b)) • After the FCC has declared a communications emergency you must avoid those frequencies dedicated to supporting the emergency unless you are participating in the relief effort.

2. Frequency Use • The effect of a declaration by the FCC is to legally restrict a frequency to emergency-only communication. (See §97.401(b)) If the FCC has not made a formal declaration of a communication emergency, no one has the exclusive use of a frequency.

3. Responding to Emergency Calls • If you are in contact with another station and an emergency call is heard, you must stop your contact immediately and take the emergency call. • If you hear someone reporting an emergency, you should assume the emergency is real and act accordingly. • Emergency traffic (messages) has priority over all other amateur communications. Priority must be given to stations providing emergency communications at all times and on all frequencies! (See §97.101(c))

4. Making an Emergency Call • You may come upon an emergency such as a car accident. When you need to initiate an emergency call on amateur radio, you should say "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday" followed by "any station come in please" and identify your station. “Mayday” is recognized as the universal emergency voice distress signal.

5. Making a False Emergency Call • Making a false emergency call is serious business with severe penalties possible. You could have your license revoked, be fined a large sum of money, or even be sent to prison. (It may also be a serious violation of state law as well.) Making a false call is just not worth it!

6. Communicating with other Radio Services • Many amateur radios may be easily modified for extended frequency coverage. Amateurs may communicate with stations operating in other radio services outside of the ham bands under two conditions. First, when specially authorized by the FCC such as in the declaration of a temporary communications emergency, or second, when there is an actual emergency. (See §97.111(a))

7. Tactical Call Signs • When you help the authorities during an emergency, they may not understand amateur call signs. They may prefer that you use “tactical call signs” such as "command post" or "weather center" during an emergency. One reason for using tactical call signs is because they are more efficient and help coordinate public-service communications. The FCC permits the use of these call signs, but you still need to comply with regular station ID requirements.

8. Check-Up Time! Now let’s try the questions from this group. You should make a note of any that you miss for later review.

9. T8A01 • What information is included in an FCC declaration of a temporary state of communication emergency? • A. A list of organizations authorized to use radio communications in the affected area • B. A list of amateur frequency bands to be used in the affected area • C. Any special conditions and rules to be observed during the emergency • D. An operating schedule for authorized amateur emergency stations

10. T8A01 Answer - C • §97.401(b) • (b) When a disaster disrupts normal communication systems in a particular area, the FCC may declare a temporary state of communication emergency. The declaration will set forth any special conditions and special rules to be observed by stations during the communication emergency...

11. T8A02 • Under what conditions are amateur stations allowed to communicate with stations operating in other radio services? • A. When communicating with the space shuttle • B. When specially authorized by the FCC, or in an actual emergency • C. When communicating with stations in the Citizens Radio Service • D. When a commercial broadcast station is reporting news during a natural disaster

12. T8A02 Answer - B • §97.111(a) • (1) Transmissions necessary to exchange messages with other stations in the amateur service, except those in any country whose administration has notified the ITU that it objects to such communications. The FCC will issue public notices of current arrangements for international communications; • (2) Transmissions necessary to exchange messages with a station in another FCC-regulated service while providing emergency communications; • (3) Transmissions necessary to exchange messages with a United States government station, necessary to providing communications in RACES; and • (4) Transmissions necessary to exchange messages with a station in a service not regulated by the FCC, but authorized by the FCC to communicate with amateur stations. An amateur station may exchange messages with a participating United States military station during an Armed Forces Day Communications Test.

13. T8A03 • What should you do if you are in contact with another station and an emergency call is heard? • A. Tell the calling station that the frequency is in use • B. Direct the calling station to the nearest emergency net • frequency • C. Disregard the call and continue with your contact • D. Stop your contact immediately and take the emergency call

14. T8A03 Answer - D • Emergency traffic ALWAYS has priority over routine communications.

15. T8A04 • What are the restrictions on amateur radio communications after the FCC has declared a communications emergency? • A. The emergency declaration prohibits all communications • B. There are no restrictions if you have a special emergency certification • C. You must avoid those frequencies dedicated to supporting the emergency unless you are participating in the relief effort • D. Only military stations are allowed to use the amateur radio frequencies during an emergency

16. T8A04 Answer - C • When the FCC declares a communications emergency, part of that declaration includes frequencies available to stations assisting in that emergency situation. If you are not a helping out in the emergency, you should not transmit on the designated frequencies!

17. T8A05 • What is one reason for using tactical call signs such as "command post" or "weather center" during an emergency? • A. They help to keep the general public informed • B. They are more efficient and help coordinate public-service communications • C. They are required by the FCC • D. They increase goodwill and sound professional

18. T8A05 Answer - B • Tactical callsigns are not a substitute for amateur callsigns, but they can be used to help coordinate communications when you are providing communications support for non-hams.

19. T8A06 • What is legally required to restrict a frequency to emergency-only communication? • A. An FCC declaration of a communications emergency • B. Determination by the designated net manager for an emergency net • C. Authorization by an ARES/RACES emergency coordinator • D. A Congressional declaration of intent

20. T8A06 Answer - A • §97.401(b) • (b) When a disaster disrupts normal communication systems in a particular area, the FCC may declare a temporary state of communication emergency. The declaration will set forth any special conditions and special rules to be observed by stations during the communication emergency. A request for a declaration of a temporary state of emergency should be directed to the EIC in the area concerned.

21. T8A07 • Who has the exclusive use of a frequency if the FCC has not declared a communication emergency? • A. Any net station that has traffic • B. The station first occupying the frequency • C. Individuals passing health and welfare communications • D. No station has exclusive use in this circumstance

22. T8A07 Answer - D • No station has exclusive use of a frequency in the absence of a declared communications emergency. However, even though this is not one of the choices for this question, you must yield the frequency to emergency traffic - with or without an FCC declared emergency.

23. T8A08 • What should you do if you hear someone reporting an emergency? • A. Report the station to the FCC immediately • B. Assume the emergency is real and act accordingly • C. Ask the other station to move to a different frequency • D. Tell the station to call the police on the telephone

24. T8A08 Answer - B • You must always assume that a person who says he or she has an emergency does, in fact, have an emergency. If that turns out not to be the case, it can be dealt with later by the FCC, but you should never refuse to yield the frequency just because you are not sure.

25. T8A09 • What is an appropriate way to initiate an emergency call on amateur radio? • A. Yell as loudly as you can into the microphone • B. Ask if the frequency is in use and wait for someone to give you permission to go ahead before proceeding • C. Declare a communications emergency • D. Say "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday" followed by "any station come in please" and identify your station

26. T8A09 Answer - D • The universal emergency signal for phone is "Mayday!"

27. T8A10 • What are the penalties for making a false emergency call? • A. You could have your license revoked • B. You could be fined a large sum of money • C. You could be sent to prison • D. All of these answers are correct

28. T8A10 Answer - D • All of these answers are correct. Falsely declaring an emergency could buy you a whole lot of trouble, and it just isn't worth it!

29. T8A11 • What type of communications has priority at all times in the Amateur Radio Service? • A. Repeater communications • B. Emergency communications • C. Simplex communications • D. Third-party communication

30. T8A11 Answer - B • §97.101(c) • (c) At all times and on all frequencies, each control operator must give priority to stations providing emergency communications, except to stations transmitting communications for training drills and tests in RACES.

31. T8A12 • When must priority be given to stations providing emergency communications? • A. Only when operating under RACES • B. Only when an emergency has been declared • C. Any time a net control station is on the air • D. At all times and on all frequencies

32. T8A12 Answer - D • §97.101(c) • (c) At all times and on all frequencies, each control operator must give priority to stations providing emergency communications, except to stations transmitting communications for training drills and tests in RACES.

33. Group T8B Group T8B covers preparation for emergency operations, RACES/ARES, safety of life and property, and using ham radio at civic events. It also emphasizes that compensation for such activities is prohibited.

34. Emergency Communications • Emergency communications is a major public service of ham radio, and every ham can help, regardless of license class. There several simple things you can do to be prepared for an emergency situation where your assistance might be needed. They include: • Check at least twice a year to make sure you have all of your emergency response equipment and know where it is. • Make sure you have a way to run your equipment if there is a power failure in your area. • Participate in drills that test your ability to set up and operate in the field.

35. Emergency Power • When you hear the term “emergency power” for your equipment, you probably think of a big generator. That is certainly one source of emergency power, but any of the following could also be used as an alternate source of power to operate radio equipment during emergencies: • The battery in a car or truck • A bicycle generator • A portable solar panel

36. Calling for Help • There is only one time when may you use your amateur station to transmit a "SOS" or "MAYDAY" signal, and that is when there is immediate threat to human life or property. (See §97.403)

37. Using Other Radio Services • As a Technician licensee, you will be licensed to operate only on amateur frequencies. However, you can use non-amateur frequencies or equipment to call for help in a situation involving immediate danger to life or property because under FCC rules, in a genuine emergency you may use any means at your disposal to call for help on any frequency. (See §97.403, 97.405(a),(b))

38. Using Modified Amateur Equipment • Many amateur transceivers can be easily modified to transmit outside of amateur frequencies. However, unlicensed operation outside of amateur frequencies is generally illegal, and using modified equipment on other radio services may also be illegal. The one major exception is that you can you use a modified amateur radio transceiver to transmit on, say the local fire department frequency, only in a genuine emergency. If there is a true emergency, you may use any means at your disposal to call for help on any frequency. (See §§97.403, 97.405(a),(b))

39. RACES • RACES is an acronym for “Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service.” It is one of two major emergency service organizations. The primary function of RACES in relation to emergency activities is to serve local, state, and federal government emergency management agencies. RACES does not support non-governmental organizations. In order to become a RACES member and participate in RACES activities, you must first register with the responsible civil defense organization. (See §97.407(a))

40. ARES • ARES is an acronym for “Amateur Radio Emergency Service” and it is the other major emergency communications organization. • Unlike RACES which supports only government agencies, the primary function of ARES in relation to emergency activities is to support both public and private agencies such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army, or the National Weather Service.

41. ARES Membership • The only thing required for you to join an ARES group is that you must have an amateur radio license. Once you join an ARES group, you will probably have the opportunity to receive additional training. • (NOTE: At the time this outline was being prepared, many ARES-supported organizations are also requiring completion of certain FEMA courses. However, if you see a question on your test about ARES participation, assume that the only requirement is an amateur license.)

42. Communicating During an Emergency • During a public service event casual conversation between stations should be avoided since idle chatter may interfere with important traffic. • Hams love to talk so much that we even have a special name for it – rag-chewing! But when there’s work to be done, hams should stick to business.

43. Business Use of Amateur Radio • Always remember the rule that says you cannot use amateur radio for business. For example, if a reporter asks to use your amateur radio transceiver to make a news report, you should advise the reporter that the FCC prohibits such use. Don’t compromise your license!

44. Check-Up Time! Now let’s try the questions from this group. You should make a note of any that you miss for later review.

45. T8B01 • What can you do to be prepared for an emergency situation where your assistance might be needed? • A. Check at least twice a year to make sure you have all of your emergency response equipment and know where it is • B. Make sure you have a way to run your equipment if there is a power failure in your area • C. Participate in drills that test your ability to set up and operate in the field • D. All of these answers are correct

46. T8B01 Answer - D • All of the choices are excellent ways to prepare for an emergency.

47. T8B02 • When may you use your amateur station to transmit a "SOS" or "MAYDAY" signal? • A. Only when you are transmitting from a ship at sea • B. Only at 15 and 30 minutes after the hour • C. When there is immediate threat to human life or property • D. When the National Weather Service has announced a weather warning

48. T8B02 Answer - C • §97.403 • No provision of these rules prevents the use by an amateur station of any means of radiocommunication at its disposal to provide essential communication needs in connection with the immediate safety of human life and immediate protection of property when normal communication systems are not available. • By the way, "Mayday!" is the universal voice signal for an emergency, and "SOS" is the universal Morse code signal.

49. T8B03 • What is the primary function of RACES in relation to emergency activities? • A. RACES organizations are restricted to serving local, state, and federal government emergency management agencies • B. RACES supports agencies like the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and National Weather Service • C. RACES supports the National Traffic System • D. RACES is a part of the National Emergency Warning System

50. T8B03 Answer - A • Races is an acronym for "Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service." This service is regulated by the FCC with input from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to provide amateur radio communications for government agencies during an emergency.