Community Emergency Network

What is a Community Emergency Network?

A Community Emergency Network is a concept for use of AUXCOMM survivable and flexible communications network which public responders and residents can use when the normal infrastructure is disabled or overloaded. It consists of a two-way radio infrastrcuture and a 211-style Access Point (AP) that facilitates public responders, including volunteers, in there effort to provide services in need.

How does it work?

Using a cooperative effort between various organizations, including licensed amateur and GMRS radio operators, when cell phone, internet, or other systems are not reliably available. Volunteers man a 211-style access point that can field questions, gather situational awareness, and communicate with multiple parties to coordinate a community response.

Operators are trained on communications infrastructure and emergency response operations and facilitate closely with public safety personnel potentially including organizations like emergency management, AUXCOMM, Red Cross, CERT, ARES, REACT, FEMA, etc.

The network participates in on-going training and drills to gain confidence and experience operating in emergency situations.

Additional Information Technical Needs

Amateur and GMRS station installed at a local Emergency Operations Center (EOC) or AP. Typically dual licensed operators (Amateur or GMRS) are used.

Relay or Monitoring stations use radio equipment to receive emergency messages on pre-determined frequencies.  Messages are relaid those messages to a net control station or directly to the EOC or AP. Stations also use radio equipment with digital packet systems such as APRS or AX.25 to allow exchange of positional information, text messages, and radio identification information.

What it is Not

• A replacement for the normal 9-1-1 connection to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).

• A substitute for current state and nation wide amateur radio groups (ARES, RACES) that provide backup communications for public safety and emergency management.

• Community Radio watch programs are not a replacement for normal emergency communication resources. When available, the public should use 9-1-1 or police/fire/sheriff’s office  non-emergency numbers. The following community programs are intended solely as a backup communications solution when normal systems fail or are overloaded.

• A Community Emergency Network Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) 

• A RED CROSS Amateur Radio Groups 

• An ARES or RACES formal monitoring and relay points 

• CERT teams 

• County Emergency Operations Centers

• Emergency Calls for Assistance