The net training topic in November introduced P.A.C.E. Plans. If you would like to review the text of that training follow this link.
As it relates to our goup, the P.A.C.E. Plan for the Northwest Cache Valley Net (Benson Stake area) is diagrammed below. If an emergency occurs that affects our area, communications between our net members will follow this plan.
For the net members who are Ward Communication Specialists, communicating the status of missionaries, members and meeting houses to me, and on to the Stake Presidency, will be coordinated over the easiest mode possible. If the cell networks are operable, phone calls and text messages will be used. If those modes are not operable, we will progress through the plan levels as needed.
I have cell and email contact information for most of the net members, but if you are not sure if I have your contact information please send it in an email to greg.fabricius@gmail.com.
There will be circumstances where a lot of information needs to be communicated at once. In those instances, to free up the cell or radio modes of communication for life-safety traffic, it is helpful to have the means to attach the information as a file to a text message, or an email, when using the Primary and Alternate levels of the plan. The Emergent level for data messages requires the use of amateur radio frequencies. If you are not licensed or do not have the equipment for packet communication, the P.A.C.E. Plan for data messages will stop at the Contingency level, which is courier (hand delivery).
I encourage all licensed radio operators to program the applicable frequencies found in the Contingency and Emergency levels into your radios, and create your Winlink account. You can become familiar with this program by sending messages via the internet, even if you do not have the radio interface equipment. Review the original post detailling the process of setting up Winlink here.
**Note: GMRS frequencies are outside of the amateur radio band and many radios will not allow you to transmit on those frequencies, even though you can program them for monitoring.
Also, to use the GMRS band a no-exam license is required through the FCC. The cost to apply for a license is $35 for a 10 year term. The license allows all persons in your immediate family to use the GMRS system under that one license. There are many low-cost GMRS radios on the market, making this a feesible option for your personal P.A.C.E. plan, and with the network of GMRS repeaters in use in Cache Valley you can use handheld GMRS radios efficiently as a backup for your family communications, as well as in the Contingency level of the NWCV Net plan.
Here is that diagram of the NWCV Net P.A.C.E. Plan. Please contact me if you have any questions.
