VoIP Hurricane Net Control Training Presentation

VoIP Hurricane Net Control Operations

Training

VoIP Hurricane Net Control Operations

Training

KD1CY-Rob MacedoKD1CY-Rob MacedoDirector of VoIP Hurricane Net OperationsDirector of VoIP Hurricane Net OperationsKB3MSE-Matt HoppesKB3MSE-Matt HoppesVoIP Hurricane Net Control Training CoordinatorVoIP Hurricane Net Control Training Coordinator

04/12/2304/12/23 VoIP Hurricane Net Control OperaVoIP Hurricane Net Control Operations Trainingtions Training

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Net Control Operations Training AgendaNet Control Operations Training Agenda

This presentation is to get perspective net controls familiar with proper net This presentation is to get perspective net controls familiar with proper net control procedures. Topics covered include the following:control procedures. Topics covered include the following: Mission of the VoIP Hurricane NetMission of the VoIP Hurricane Net VoIP Hurricane Net Activation PolicyVoIP Hurricane Net Activation Policy Principles of Disaster CommunicationsPrinciples of Disaster Communications Net Control and Liaison Station Descriptions and capabilities.Net Control and Liaison Station Descriptions and capabilities. Checklist for Primary and Backup Net Control Stations.Checklist for Primary and Backup Net Control Stations. How to utilize the AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) VoIPWXNet chat capability.How to utilize the AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) VoIPWXNet chat capability. What the reporting criteria is and how to get the specific reporting information.What the reporting criteria is and how to get the specific reporting information. Description of National Hurricane Center products, when they are issued and Description of National Hurricane Center products, when they are issued and

what data should be read over the net.what data should be read over the net. Sources of National Hurricane Center Information.Sources of National Hurricane Center Information. Sources of Radar and Satellite InformationSources of Radar and Satellite Information


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VoIP Hurricane Net MissionVoIP Hurricane Net Mission

The VoIP Hurricane Net mission is as follows:The VoIP Hurricane Net mission is as follows: Provide real-time or near real-time measured weather data and damage reports to Provide real-time or near real-time measured weather data and damage reports to

WX4NHC, the Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center.WX4NHC, the Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center. Provide a means of interoperability for EOC’s, Red Cross/Salvation Army Provide a means of interoperability for EOC’s, Red Cross/Salvation Army

agencies/shelters and National Weather Service forecast offices to communicate agencies/shelters and National Weather Service forecast offices to communicate between each other and send appropriate data up to WX4NHC as required.between each other and send appropriate data up to WX4NHC as required.

Liaison to other net operations that maybe on EchoLink and IRLP and pass that Liaison to other net operations that maybe on EchoLink and IRLP and pass that information to WX4NHC as required.information to WX4NHC as required.

Disseminate National Hurricane Center advisories and updates as needed for Disseminate National Hurricane Center advisories and updates as needed for stations in the affected area.stations in the affected area.

The VoIP Hurricane Net meets on the *WX-TALK Node: 7203, IRLP The VoIP Hurricane Net meets on the *WX-TALK Node: 7203, IRLP Reflector 9219 system.Reflector 9219 system. The backup system is IRLP reflector 9508 with EchoLink Conference server The backup system is IRLP reflector 9508 with EchoLink Conference server

*VKEMCOMM* Node: 270177. This system is also used for listen-only *VKEMCOMM* Node: 270177. This system is also used for listen-only capability for net activations.capability for net activations.

The *WX-TALK* Node:7203 conference server can be aliased to the backup The *WX-TALK* Node:7203 conference server can be aliased to the backup system when required.system when required.

An additional backup system is the IRLP 9123/*NEW-ENG* EchoLink An additional backup system is the IRLP 9123/*NEW-ENG* EchoLink Conference server node: 9123.Conference server node: 9123.


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VoIP Hurricane Net Activation PolicyVoIP Hurricane Net Activation Policy

The VoIP Hurricane Net has the following activation policy:The VoIP Hurricane Net has the following activation policy: The VoIP Hurricane Net will activate upon activation of WX4NHC The VoIP Hurricane Net will activate upon activation of WX4NHC

provided there are EchoLink stations/nodes and IRLP nodes in the provided there are EchoLink stations/nodes and IRLP nodes in the affected area of the hurricane.affected area of the hurricane.

The VoIP Hurricane Net will self-activate if the net manager and/or The VoIP Hurricane Net will self-activate if the net manager and/or director of operations see a threat from a hurricane over an area and director of operations see a threat from a hurricane over an area and there are EchoLink station/nodes and IRLP nodes in the affected area.there are EchoLink station/nodes and IRLP nodes in the affected area.

The VoIP Hurricane Net will self-activate if approached by a region The VoIP Hurricane Net will self-activate if approached by a region affected by a hurricane requesting support.affected by a hurricane requesting support.

That support could be net controls to support their local operations for a That support could be net controls to support their local operations for a hurricane or other disaster related incident or an actual net activation on the hurricane or other disaster related incident or an actual net activation on the *WX-TALK*/IRLP reflector 9219 or backup IRLP 9508/*VKEMCOMM* *WX-TALK*/IRLP reflector 9219 or backup IRLP 9508/*VKEMCOMM* system.system.


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Weekly VoIP Hurricane Preparation NetWeekly VoIP Hurricane Preparation Net

There is a weekly VoIP Hurricane Preparation Net on Sundays There is a weekly VoIP Hurricane Preparation Net on Sundays at 0000 UTC (Saturday Evening across most of North America)at 0000 UTC (Saturday Evening across most of North America)

The net provides a forum to ask technical questions, give The net provides a forum to ask technical questions, give presentations and for net controls to practice basic net control presentations and for net controls to practice basic net control skills.skills.

Nets for actual activations can run quite differently but basic Nets for actual activations can run quite differently but basic net control protocols can be practiced through the weekly net.net control protocols can be practiced through the weekly net.


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Principles of Disaster CommunicationsPrinciples of Disaster Communications

Keep the QRM level downKeep the QRM level down Monitor established disaster frequenciesMonitor established disaster frequencies Accuracy — Avoid Spreading RumorsAccuracy — Avoid Spreading Rumors Use all communications channels intelligentlyUse all communications channels intelligently Authentication — Authenticate All MessagesAuthentication — Authenticate All Messages Strive for EfficiencyStrive for Efficiency Don't BroadcastDon't Broadcast NTS, ARES, RACES, SKYWARN, MARS leadership NTS, ARES, RACES, SKYWARN, MARS leadership

cooperationcooperation


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Net Control Stations (NCS)Net Control Stations (NCS)

NCS Stations do the following:NCS Stations do the following: Control or lead the net, NO station is recognized without the permission Control or lead the net, NO station is recognized without the permission

of the Net Control Station.of the Net Control Station. Designate other hams to run and do things as required.Designate other hams to run and do things as required.

Examples: Have backup net control/liaison stations look for weather reports Examples: Have backup net control/liaison stations look for weather reports on other EchoLink/IRLP nodes and have stations looking for other priority on other EchoLink/IRLP nodes and have stations looking for other priority emergency stations on other frequencies or be ‘liaison’ to the Net control emergency stations on other frequencies or be ‘liaison’ to the Net control Station.Station.

Dictate and control whether a net is formal or informal. Dictate and control whether a net is formal or informal. Home Stations offer the best form of Net Control Stations.Home Stations offer the best form of Net Control Stations.

Net Controls at home can typically perform net control for longer periods of Net Controls at home can typically perform net control for longer periods of time.time.

Allows “immobilized” Amateurs to participate in the VoIP Hurricane Net Allows “immobilized” Amateurs to participate in the VoIP Hurricane Net and serve a vital function.and serve a vital function.

Provide tremendous assistance to VoIP Hurricane Net operations.Provide tremendous assistance to VoIP Hurricane Net operations.


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Backup Net Control/Liaison StationsBackup Net Control/Liaison Stations

Backup Net Control/Liaison stations do following:Backup Net Control/Liaison stations do following: Assist the Net Control with ANY need at the request of the NCS.Assist the Net Control with ANY need at the request of the NCS.

Examples are:Examples are: Liaison to other net frequencies as needed.Liaison to other net frequencies as needed. Writing down information as needed.Writing down information as needed. Making phone calls as requested.Making phone calls as requested. Take over Net control as needed.Take over Net control as needed.

Home stations that are liaison stations can offer the best form of liaison stations.Home stations that are liaison stations can offer the best form of liaison stations. For similar reasons as “home” Net Control stations, home liaison stations can be vital For similar reasons as “home” Net Control stations, home liaison stations can be vital

to any VoIP Hurricane Net Operation.to any VoIP Hurricane Net Operation. A ‘Liaison’ station maybe a station at an official agencyA ‘Liaison’ station maybe a station at an official agency

Such as the National Hurricane Center (WX4NHC), NWS Forecast Office, Such as the National Hurricane Center (WX4NHC), NWS Forecast Office, State/County/local EOC, Red Cross National Headquarters etc..State/County/local EOC, Red Cross National Headquarters etc..

May be providing information to the net while requesting reports and May be providing information to the net while requesting reports and information from the net.information from the net.

Also applicable to Public Service Event and other forms of Net.Also applicable to Public Service Event and other forms of Net.


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Basic Rules of Net ControlBasic Rules of Net Control

As NCS, ALWAYS be on the frequency, if you need to leave the frequency, As NCS, ALWAYS be on the frequency, if you need to leave the frequency, have someone else take the net over.have someone else take the net over.

As NCS, ALWAYS respond to the station calling, if you are unsure who is As NCS, ALWAYS respond to the station calling, if you are unsure who is calling or if two stations were double keying, ask for more stations to check calling or if two stations were double keying, ask for more stations to check into the net.into the net.

As NCS in a formal net, you control how stations conduct themselves to you As NCS in a formal net, you control how stations conduct themselves to you as net control and to other stations on the net.as net control and to other stations on the net.

If there are stations that are weak and you cannot hear the stations, look for If there are stations that are weak and you cannot hear the stations, look for stations on the given node that can check on the input of the repeater to see stations on the given node that can check on the input of the repeater to see if they can be heard and have the appropriate information relayed. Also have if they can be heard and have the appropriate information relayed. Also have all other net stations do the same in case someone can relay to you as net all other net stations do the same in case someone can relay to you as net control.control.

Utilize backup net control/‘liaison’ stations wherever possible to assist you Utilize backup net control/‘liaison’ stations wherever possible to assist you in doing tasks, such as making phone calls, sending or receiving in doing tasks, such as making phone calls, sending or receiving information to served agency liaison stations, checking on other repeaters information to served agency liaison stations, checking on other repeaters for emergency info etc.for emergency info etc.


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Basic Rules of Net ControlBasic Rules of Net Control

As NCS, you must be aware of the stress the stations in the As NCS, you must be aware of the stress the stations in the affected area are experiencing.affected area are experiencing. Be patient with the stations.Be patient with the stations. Empathize with their situation and check on their health and well being Empathize with their situation and check on their health and well being

along with requesting for any information from the station in the area in along with requesting for any information from the station in the area in times of light traffic.times of light traffic.

The stations may make requests that maybe unusual. Do your best to The stations may make requests that maybe unusual. Do your best to answer those requests provided they are legal. Even if they are answer those requests provided they are legal. Even if they are somewhat beyond the scope of the net, any help provided to the station somewhat beyond the scope of the net, any help provided to the station in the affected area means they will do more to help the net further.in the affected area means they will do more to help the net further.

Keep in mind as a Net Control you will sense and feel the stress Keep in mind as a Net Control you will sense and feel the stress they are feeling being involved in the operation.they are feeling being involved in the operation. Try and control that stress and be kind and considerate to the stations in Try and control that stress and be kind and considerate to the stations in

the affected area that need our support.the affected area that need our support.


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Tactical IDsTactical IDs Tactical Call signs -- station ID Tactical Call signs -- station ID

for post/location/unitfor post/location/unit Use individual digitsUse individual digits additional must give FCC id at end of QSO. ”Net from Mobile EOC additional must give FCC id at end of QSO. ”Net from Mobile EOC

K1AAA".K1AAA". Net control every 10 minutes (and hour)Net control every 10 minutes (and hour)

Frequency DesignatorsFrequency Designators tactical ID for repeaters / channelstactical ID for repeaters / channels


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Prosigns/ProwordsProsigns/Prowords Use Unambiguous words when answering questionsUse Unambiguous words when answering questions

such as "Affirmative" or "Negative" such as "Affirmative" or "Negative" rather than "Yes" or "no", "QSL" or "Roger". rather than "Yes" or "no", "QSL" or "Roger".

Do not use slang.Do not use slang. Spelling (when needed)Spelling (when needed)

use phonetics from the ICAO alphabet onlyuse phonetics from the ICAO alphabet only


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Initial Checklist for Primary and Backup Net Control StationsInitial Checklist for Primary and Backup Net Control Stations

Be prepared to operate. Check Be prepared to operate. Check equipment, cords, antennas and equipment, cords, antennas and emergency power (if available).emergency power (if available).

Have pen, pencils, paper and any Have pen, pencils, paper and any computer logging tools ready to take computer logging tools ready to take down necessary information.down necessary information.

Have VoIP Hurricane Net operations Have VoIP Hurricane Net operations manual and reporting criteria on hand manual and reporting criteria on hand for reference.for reference.

Have links to latest NHC advisory Have links to latest NHC advisory information and local warnings and information and local warnings and hurricane info on hand to disseminate.hurricane info on hand to disseminate.

Have radar/satellite information on Have radar/satellite information on hand for review as needed.hand for review as needed.

Utilize “sample” preambles in the Utilize “sample” preambles in the operations manual as a way to operations manual as a way to maintain a steady flow and info on the maintain a steady flow and info on the net frequency.net frequency.

Assist with distinguishing what Assist with distinguishing what information is criteria for WX4NHC information is criteria for WX4NHC and what information is useful for the and what information is useful for the net but not reportable.net but not reportable.

Assign tactical ID’s if appropriate and Assign tactical ID’s if appropriate and not already specified.not already specified.

Do routine call-ups if activity is light Do routine call-ups if activity is light to verify all stations are still operating to verify all stations are still operating and there are no issues.and there are no issues.

Maintain steady flow of info and Maintain steady flow of info and traffic on the net frequency by traffic on the net frequency by providing advisory updates and local providing advisory updates and local warning information to the net as warning information to the net as needed.needed.

NCS and/or Liaison stations should NCS and/or Liaison stations should assure the delivery of all traffic to the assure the delivery of all traffic to the agency or individual requesting agency or individual requesting information.information.


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How to Access the VoIP WX Net AIM ChatHow to Access the VoIP WX Net AIM Chat

There is an AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) VoIPWXNet chat There is an AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) VoIPWXNet chat room for net controls and net management to utilize during the room for net controls and net management to utilize during the weekly VoIP Hurricane Net and Net activations.weekly VoIP Hurricane Net and Net activations.

To access the chat room do the following:To access the chat room do the following:1.1. Add your AOL Screen name to your buddy list.Add your AOL Screen name to your buddy list.

2.2. Right click on your name and choose the selection that says either chat Right click on your name and choose the selection that says either chat and then select “Buddy Chat” or a selection that simply says “Send and then select “Buddy Chat” or a selection that simply says “Send Chat Invitation”.Chat Invitation”.

3.3. A chat invitation box will appear. In the Chat Room row you will see A chat invitation box will appear. In the Chat Room row you will see text that says “chat” and a long #. Replace the long number so it reads text that says “chat” and a long #. Replace the long number so it reads “chatvoipwxnet” without the quotations and click send.“chatvoipwxnet” without the quotations and click send.

4.4. You will then be brought into the chat room. You may need to click an You will then be brought into the chat room. You may need to click an accept to the invite after you do step 3.accept to the invite after you do step 3.


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Sysop Control of the IRLP/EchoLink Conference SystemSysop Control of the IRLP/EchoLink Conference System

System can be controlled easily through the EchoLink side of the system.System can be controlled easily through the EchoLink side of the system. To control the system do the following:To control the system do the following:

Type .sysop <password>Type .sysop <password> If you have put in the correct password, the system will reply with the statement “By If you have put in the correct password, the system will reply with the statement “By

Your Command”.Your Command”. Be sure to enter the period before the word sysop or the sysop password will be Be sure to enter the period before the word sysop or the sysop password will be

passed over the system. If this happens, please notify the net management team that passed over the system. If this happens, please notify the net management team that this has happened so the password can be changed.this has happened so the password can be changed.

If you type in the .sysop <password> and you did not get a reply from the system, If you type in the .sysop <password> and you did not get a reply from the system, you have not obtained sysop access. Try again and make sure you have the correct you have not obtained sysop access. Try again and make sure you have the correct password.password.

Once you have access you can mute, unmute, kick and disconnect stations. Once you have access you can mute, unmute, kick and disconnect stations. Some examples follow below:Some examples follow below: .mute kd1cy or .mute stn6390 (stations listed as stn and the number are IRLP nodes.).mute kd1cy or .mute stn6390 (stations listed as stn and the number are IRLP nodes.) For muting of links or repeaters be sure to include the –R or –L if linked via echolink For muting of links or repeaters be sure to include the –R or –L if linked via echolink

such as .mute KD1CY-L or .mute KD1CY-Rsuch as .mute KD1CY-L or .mute KD1CY-R To unmute stations do .unmute kd1cy or .unmute stn4159.To unmute stations do .unmute kd1cy or .unmute stn4159. You may also disconnect or kick nodes off the system by doing .kick kd1cy, .kick You may also disconnect or kick nodes off the system by doing .kick kd1cy, .kick

stn4260 or .disconnect vk3rtl-r.stn4260 or .disconnect vk3rtl-r.


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Assuring Proper Audio/Config Settings on Your EchoLink/IRLP Node or Station

Assuring Proper Audio/Config Settings on Your EchoLink/IRLP Node or Station

Net Controls need to make sure their EchoLink PC station or Net Controls need to make sure their EchoLink PC station or EchoLink/IRLP node has loud enough and crisp enough audio.EchoLink/IRLP node has loud enough and crisp enough audio.

You can check and make sure your audio is correct by doing the following:You can check and make sure your audio is correct by doing the following: On the EchoLink side, connect your node or PC to the *ECHOTEST* On the EchoLink side, connect your node or PC to the *ECHOTEST*

conference server, node #9999.conference server, node #9999. If you’re on an EchoLink node, listen to the audio to check for quality. If you’re If you’re on an EchoLink node, listen to the audio to check for quality. If you’re

on a PC, listen to the audio and make sure when you talk, the meter touches into on a PC, listen to the audio and make sure when you talk, the meter touches into the yellow when you speak. Adjust volume levels in EchoLink by going into the yellow when you speak. Adjust volume levels in EchoLink by going into Tools->Adjust Volume->Microphone.Tools->Adjust Volume->Microphone.

For IRLP, you can check into any IRLP Reflector channel from 9990-9999 and For IRLP, you can check into any IRLP Reflector channel from 9990-9999 and talk and the audio will be played back for you with channels 8 and 9 being. talk and the audio will be played back for you with channels 8 and 9 being. Channels 9998/9999 are GSM channels.Channels 9998/9999 are GSM channels.

Please be sure to disable conferencing on an EchoLink PC/node by going into Please be sure to disable conferencing on an EchoLink PC/node by going into Tools->Preferences->Connections. Make sure allow conferences is not checked.Tools->Preferences->Connections. Make sure allow conferences is not checked.

If you are coming in through an EchoLink or IRLP node/link and the audio If you are coming in through an EchoLink or IRLP node/link and the audio needs work or conferencing needs to be shut off, you will need to work with the needs work or conferencing needs to be shut off, you will need to work with the node owner to make sure the audio levels/conferencing configuration can be node owner to make sure the audio levels/conferencing configuration can be corrected.corrected.


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Handling Reports and the Reporting CriteriaHandling Reports and the Reporting Criteria

There is a specific reporting criteria that is similar to most SKYWARN There is a specific reporting criteria that is similar to most SKYWARN reporting criteria that should be utilized when sending reports to WX4NHC.reporting criteria that should be utilized when sending reports to WX4NHC.

The reporting criteria is posted on the VoIPWXNet web site at The reporting criteria is posted on the VoIPWXNet web site at http://www.voipwx.net and click reporting criteria from the main menu.http://www.voipwx.net and click reporting criteria from the main menu.

To send in the reports go to http://www.voipwx.net and click on the To send in the reports go to http://www.voipwx.net and click on the reporting form which will appear in the main menu or go to reporting form which will appear in the main menu or go to http://www.wx4nhc.org and then click on online reporting form.http://www.wx4nhc.org and then click on online reporting form. Reporting forms are taken offline from the various web sites when the net is not Reporting forms are taken offline from the various web sites when the net is not

active to prevent spammers from putting false reports or erroneous information.active to prevent spammers from putting false reports or erroneous information. If the reporting form link is not visible, contact net management for the link to If the reporting form link is not visible, contact net management for the link to

the reporting form on the voipwx.net web site and to turn the link to the the reporting form on the voipwx.net web site and to turn the link to the webform on for the main menu of the voipwx,net web site.webform on for the main menu of the voipwx,net web site.

After the training session, net controls may want to add the reporting form link After the training session, net controls may want to add the reporting form link as a favorite in case the link to the form has not been turned on to the web site.as a favorite in case the link to the form has not been turned on to the web site.

Let’s take a moment to go through the reporting criteria and the criteria Let’s take a moment to go through the reporting criteria and the criteria notes and then the two entry forms for data.notes and then the two entry forms for data.

Net Controls should try and get as much information as possible if the Net Controls should try and get as much information as possible if the Amateur is at a safe location and has time to provide the information.Amateur is at a safe location and has time to provide the information.


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Be sure to select the right ocean for the voipwx.net webform and get the Be sure to select the right ocean for the voipwx.net webform and get the town and state of the reporting station and fill out the correct date and time town and state of the reporting station and fill out the correct date and time for the report.for the report.

Have a map available to look up the location and possibly provide the Have a map available to look up the location and possibly provide the county of the report. This will also allow you to spell the location correctly.county of the report. This will also allow you to spell the location correctly.

With estimated or measured wind reports, try and get an approximate wind With estimated or measured wind reports, try and get an approximate wind direction and a sustained and peak wind gust if the Amateur has the direction and a sustained and peak wind gust if the Amateur has the information.information.

If the Amateur has a weather station, be sure to get the wind direction, If the Amateur has a weather station, be sure to get the wind direction, sustained wind and peak wind gust, barometric reading (if available) and sustained wind and peak wind gust, barometric reading (if available) and rain gauge total for the event (if available).rain gauge total for the event (if available).

If the Amateur is reporting tree and power line damage, ask for the diameter If the Amateur is reporting tree and power line damage, ask for the diameter of the trees or tree branches, whether its wires down or whole utility poles of the trees or tree branches, whether its wires down or whole utility poles and the diameter if utility poles are reported blown down.and the diameter if utility poles are reported blown down.

Have the Amateur estimate the winds sustained and in gusts if any damage Have the Amateur estimate the winds sustained and in gusts if any damage is reported.is reported.


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If the Amateur is reporting structural damage to a home, If the Amateur is reporting structural damage to a home, business, school, shelter or other structure, try and get as much business, school, shelter or other structure, try and get as much information as possible provided the station has the time and is information as possible provided the station has the time and is at a safe location. Some key points to ask:at a safe location. Some key points to ask:

If the roof is damaged, the type of roof and how much damage If the roof is damaged, the type of roof and how much damage (is it a flat roof, flat tar roof, is it shingles blown off the roof as (is it a flat roof, flat tar roof, is it shingles blown off the roof as a few example questions.)a few example questions.)

Is there any structural damage to doors, windows or walls of the Is there any structural damage to doors, windows or walls of the structure.structure.

Are there any known injuries or deaths.Are there any known injuries or deaths. Is there any need for immediate assistance.Is there any need for immediate assistance.


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If a tornado, funnel cloud or waterspout is reported, ask the If a tornado, funnel cloud or waterspout is reported, ask the Amateur where its located and the direction of travel possibly Amateur where its located and the direction of travel possibly giving landmarks or major routes in the area of where its being giving landmarks or major routes in the area of where its being reported. Also, give any damage that can be seen from the reported. Also, give any damage that can be seen from the Amateur’s location if they are in a safe place.Amateur’s location if they are in a safe place.

For storm surge flooding, determine a rough depth to the For storm surge flooding, determine a rough depth to the flooding and any damage to coastal homes, docks, boats and flooding and any damage to coastal homes, docks, boats and other structures.other structures.

For river/stream/urban flooding, determine the depth of the For river/stream/urban flooding, determine the depth of the flooding, what roads are affected, what rivers or streams are out flooding, what roads are affected, what rivers or streams are out of their banks or if its flooding caused by poor of their banks or if its flooding caused by poor drainage/excessive rainfall in the area.drainage/excessive rainfall in the area.


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Remember, gauge the situation on the Amateur’s ability and amount of time Remember, gauge the situation on the Amateur’s ability and amount of time to give you more specific information.to give you more specific information.

Make sure their well-being is not in danger and that you are concerned about Make sure their well-being is not in danger and that you are concerned about their well-being and very much appreciate that they are giving you this their well-being and very much appreciate that they are giving you this information in a potentially dangerous situation.information in a potentially dangerous situation.

If the report meets criteria but is incomplete, fill out the reporting form and If the report meets criteria but is incomplete, fill out the reporting form and state in the report that you tried to obtain as much info as possible and no state in the report that you tried to obtain as much info as possible and no further information is available.further information is available.

Use judgment in determining whether the report should be filed online. Use judgment in determining whether the report should be filed online. There may be cases where the report is so incomplete it should not be filed There may be cases where the report is so incomplete it should not be filed at all or shouldn’t be filed until more details are known.at all or shouldn’t be filed until more details are known.

Ask WX4NHC if the report should be filed online or go direct with the Ask WX4NHC if the report should be filed online or go direct with the Amateur giving the report when WX4NHC is on the system and copy down Amateur giving the report when WX4NHC is on the system and copy down the report and request whether the report should be put in the online form.the report and request whether the report should be put in the online form.

This is one of the most difficult tasks of net operation.This is one of the most difficult tasks of net operation.


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National Hurricane Center Advisory and UpdatesNational Hurricane Center Advisory and Updates

The National Hurricane Center issues advisories and tropical cyclone The National Hurricane Center issues advisories and tropical cyclone updates at different time intervals depending on the intensity of the updates at different time intervals depending on the intensity of the hurricane and its proximity to land areas.hurricane and its proximity to land areas.

There are three different products all net controls/backup net controls and There are three different products all net controls/backup net controls and liaisons should understand:liaisons should understand: Tropical Cyclone Advisories (Includes Public and Marine advisories, a Tropical Cyclone Advisories (Includes Public and Marine advisories, a

Technical Discussion and Tropical Cyclone probabilities.)Technical Discussion and Tropical Cyclone probabilities.) Tropical Cyclone Position EstimatesTropical Cyclone Position Estimates Tropical Cyclone UpdatesTropical Cyclone Updates

We will break down each of these products and teach how important it is to We will break down each of these products and teach how important it is to know when each product is issued and to be monitoring and updating the net know when each product is issued and to be monitoring and updating the net with the key information from these products as they issued.with the key information from these products as they issued.

It is important to pass on the latest information to the net. Stale information It is important to pass on the latest information to the net. Stale information via the net can result in confusion and can hurt the integrity of the net. via the net can result in confusion and can hurt the integrity of the net.

The source of the upcoming slides on National Hurricane Center products is The source of the upcoming slides on National Hurricane Center products is via the following web link:via the following web link: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnhcprod.shtml http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnhcprod.shtml


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NHC Tropical Cyclone Advisory Issuance & DescriptionsNHC Tropical Cyclone Advisory Issuance & Descriptions

Advisory packages include a public advisory, a marine advisory, a technical Advisory packages include a public advisory, a marine advisory, a technical discussion and wind speed probabilities.discussion and wind speed probabilities. Public advisories are typically the only advisories read over the air.Public advisories are typically the only advisories read over the air. When first issue, the advisory can be read in abbreviated form at the Net Control’s When first issue, the advisory can be read in abbreviated form at the Net Control’s

discretion as required if traffic on the net is heavy. Should also be read periodically in discretion as required if traffic on the net is heavy. Should also be read periodically in abbreviated form if traffic on the net is light.abbreviated form if traffic on the net is light.

Other parts of the advisory package can be used as a precursor for watching for the Other parts of the advisory package can be used as a precursor for watching for the issuance of the public advisory which can be read over the net.issuance of the public advisory which can be read over the net.

Advisories are typically issued by the National Hurricane Center every 6 hours when Advisories are typically issued by the National Hurricane Center every 6 hours when no coastal watches and warnings are in effect.no coastal watches and warnings are in effect.

When coastal watches/warnings are in effect, advisories are typically issued every 2-When coastal watches/warnings are in effect, advisories are typically issued every 2-3 hours.3 hours.

Special public advisories are issued anytime there are significant changes in the Special public advisories are issued anytime there are significant changes in the system or changes in watch/warning information.system or changes in watch/warning information.

The end of each advisory contains when the next scheduled advisory is expected.The end of each advisory contains when the next scheduled advisory is expected. Net Controls should make sure they are monitoring for the next advisory when they Net Controls should make sure they are monitoring for the next advisory when they

are not busy fielding reports and utilize their backup net control/liaison to monitor are not busy fielding reports and utilize their backup net control/liaison to monitor for new information from the National Hurricane Center.for new information from the National Hurricane Center.


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Sample of Reading an Abbreviated AdvisorySample of Reading an Abbreviated Advisory

From the VoIP Hurricane Net Operations manual, here is a sample of From the VoIP Hurricane Net Operations manual, here is a sample of reading the key elements of an advisory in abbreviated form:reading the key elements of an advisory in abbreviated form:

This is KD1CY, Net Control for the VoIP Hurricane Net. We will now read This is KD1CY, Net Control for the VoIP Hurricane Net. We will now read a brief summary on the latest conditions for Hurricane Frances, At 8 PM a brief summary on the latest conditions for Hurricane Frances, At 8 PM EDT, 0000z, the center of Hurricane Frances was located near Latitude 25.1 EDT, 0000z, the center of Hurricane Frances was located near Latitude 25.1 North/75.4 West or about 300 miles east of Daytona Beach Florida, Frances North/75.4 West or about 300 miles east of Daytona Beach Florida, Frances is moving toward the west-northwest at 10 MPH and this expected motion is moving toward the west-northwest at 10 MPH and this expected motion will continue with a turn toward the north later tonight. Maximum Sustained will continue with a turn toward the north later tonight. Maximum Sustained winds are 105 MPH with higher gusts; little change in strength is forecast winds are 105 MPH with higher gusts; little change in strength is forecast for the next 24 hours. Hurricane Force Winds extend outward up to 105 for the next 24 hours. Hurricane Force Winds extend outward up to 105 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 250 miles from the center. Minimum Central Pressure is 980 MB or 28.80 250 miles from the center. Minimum Central Pressure is 980 MB or 28.80 inches.inches.

Above sample reading can be broken up into two parts if required. Above sample reading can be broken up into two parts if required.


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NHC Tropical Cyclone Position Estimate DescriptionNHC Tropical Cyclone Position Estimate Description

Tropical Cyclone Position Estimates are issued between 2-hourly Tropical Cyclone Position Estimates are issued between 2-hourly intermediate advisories whenever a tropical cyclone with a well-defined intermediate advisories whenever a tropical cyclone with a well-defined radar center is within 200 nautical miles of land-based radar in the United radar center is within 200 nautical miles of land-based radar in the United States. States.

These estimates give the following:These estimates give the following: Center location in map coordinates.Center location in map coordinates. Distance and direction from a well-known point.Distance and direction from a well-known point.

If you note advisories being issued at 2 hour intervals in the public advisory, If you note advisories being issued at 2 hour intervals in the public advisory, look for these tropical cyclone estimate products. look for these tropical cyclone estimate products. They are short and provide the latest position of the system.They are short and provide the latest position of the system. Should replace abbreviated advisory reading at 15 minute time intervals if traffic Should replace abbreviated advisory reading at 15 minute time intervals if traffic

on the net is light.on the net is light. Gather the maximum sustained wind information and minimum central pressure Gather the maximum sustained wind information and minimum central pressure

information utilizing the previous full public advisory.information utilizing the previous full public advisory.


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NHC Tropical Cyclone Update NHC Tropical Cyclone Update

Tropical Cyclone Updates are brief statements issued in lieu of Tropical Cyclone Updates are brief statements issued in lieu of or preceding special advisories to inform of significant changes or preceding special advisories to inform of significant changes in a tropical cyclone or to post or cancel watches or warnings.in a tropical cyclone or to post or cancel watches or warnings.

If issued, these updates should be read on the net if traffic is If issued, these updates should be read on the net if traffic is light and then read periodically as required.light and then read periodically as required.

When issued, net controls should see if a special advisory will When issued, net controls should see if a special advisory will be issued and be on the lookout for the advisory and be be issued and be on the lookout for the advisory and be prepared to obtain that advisory to update the net.prepared to obtain that advisory to update the net.


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Sources for National Hurricane Center Advisory InformationSources for National Hurricane Center Advisory Information

The National Hurricane Center main page has links to advisory and The National Hurricane Center main page has links to advisory and graphical information. The link to the NHC web site is listed below:graphical information. The link to the NHC web site is listed below: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

The NHC web site can be slow under heavy web traffic and advisories tend The NHC web site can be slow under heavy web traffic and advisories tend to come out faster via other web links.to come out faster via other web links.

Additional web links that contain advisory and tropical cyclone updates and Additional web links that contain advisory and tropical cyclone updates and are quicker to post them to the web site include the following links:are quicker to post them to the web site include the following links: http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/

Look for the name of the system and for the public advisory/intermediate advisory, Look for the name of the system and for the public advisory/intermediate advisory, tropical cyclone position estimate or update.tropical cyclone position estimate or update.

http://www.wundergound.com/tropicalhttp://www.wundergound.com/tropical Will carry the advisories under the name of each system along with satellite and other Will carry the advisories under the name of each system along with satellite and other

helpful links.helpful links. http://twister.sbs.ohio-state.edu/text/tropical/atlantic/advisories/http://twister.sbs.ohio-state.edu/text/tropical/atlantic/advisories/

Check the date and time and click on appropriate link and look for data on the system Check the date and time and click on appropriate link and look for data on the system we are actively monitoring.we are actively monitoring.

Updated advisory links are now posted right to the VoIPWXNet web site.Updated advisory links are now posted right to the VoIPWXNet web site.

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

http://kamala.cod.edu/TPC/

http://twister.sbs.ohio-state.edu/text/tropical/atlantic/advisories/


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Links to Radar and Local Warning Information for the Affected AreaLinks to Radar and Local Warning Information for the Affected Area

The following are links to local radar, satellite and warning information to The following are links to local radar, satellite and warning information to assist with tracking of the hurricane:assist with tracking of the hurricane:

Every radar site (delayed by 10 minutes) is available via this link:Every radar site (delayed by 10 minutes) is available via this link: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/radar_tab.phphttp://www.nws.noaa.gov/radar_tab.php

Satellite information is available via this link:Satellite information is available via this link: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/satellite.shtmlhttp://www.nhc.noaa.gov/satellite.shtml

Warning information is available via the following sites:Warning information is available via the following sites: http://kamala.cod.edu/svrhttp://kamala.cod.edu/svr for local Tornado and flood warnings. for local Tornado and flood warnings. http://kamala.cod.edu/SPChttp://kamala.cod.edu/SPC for SPC Tornado Watches and discussions for SPC Tornado Watches and discussions http://twister.sbs.ohio-state.edu/severe.htmlhttp://twister.sbs.ohio-state.edu/severe.html for various watch and warning for various watch and warning

informationinformation http://www.nws.noaa.gov/http://www.nws.noaa.gov/ select the state and click go for watch/warning info. select the state and click go for watch/warning info.

As time allows Net Controls/backups can pass along this data keeping in As time allows Net Controls/backups can pass along this data keeping in mind the main goal is to gather weather and damage reports and connect mind the main goal is to gather weather and damage reports and connect agencies together and to provide these agencies with the data if required.agencies together and to provide these agencies with the data if required.

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/radar_tab.php

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/satellite.shtml

http://kamala.cod.edu/svr

http://kamala.cod.edu/SPC

http://twister.sbs.ohio-state.edu/severe.html

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/


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Radar and Local Warning

Information for the Affected Area Radar and Local Warning

Information for the Affected Area Net Controls may have access to WeatherTap, EMWIN, Net Controls may have access to WeatherTap, EMWIN,

StormLab, Gibson Ridge and other premium or local sources StormLab, Gibson Ridge and other premium or local sources for warning information for the affected area of hurricanes.for warning information for the affected area of hurricanes. Net Controls can utilize those resources as required provided they are Net Controls can utilize those resources as required provided they are

timely and precise.timely and precise. This presentation gives a sampling of the links and resources This presentation gives a sampling of the links and resources

that are available.that are available. There maybe other resources that may be of use to the Net There maybe other resources that may be of use to the Net

Controls not mentioned in this presentation and provided those Controls not mentioned in this presentation and provided those resources are timely, they can be utilized as well.resources are timely, they can be utilized as well.

The VoIP Net Management team is working on making more The VoIP Net Management team is working on making more resources to pertinent severe weather information available via resources to pertinent severe weather information available via the web site, http://www.voipwx.netthe web site, http://www.voipwx.net


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Questions and Comments on This NCO Training SeminarQuestions and Comments on This NCO Training Seminar

This NCO training seminar is a work in progress and more This NCO training seminar is a work in progress and more changes and work will be done to this seminar as things change changes and work will be done to this seminar as things change and as we get feedback.and as we get feedback.

Now that we are at the end of this seminar, we’d like to ask for Now that we are at the end of this seminar, we’d like to ask for any questions or comments on this session.any questions or comments on this session.

A list of contacts for the net and the VoIPWXNet web site is A list of contacts for the net and the VoIPWXNet web site is listed on the last slide.listed on the last slide.

VoIP Hurricane Net Contact Us

VoIP Hurricane Net Contact Us

KD1CY-Rob Macedo – [email protected] Macedo – [email protected] Net OperationsDirector Net OperationsK2DCD-Dennis Dura – [email protected] Dura – [email protected] Director Net OperationsAssistant Director Net OperationsKB3MSE - Matt Hoppes – [email protected] - Matt Hoppes – [email protected] Control Training CoordinatorNet Control Training CoordinatorKB1KQW-Jim Palmer – [email protected] Palmer – [email protected] and Activation Net Control ScheduleWeekly and Activation Net Control ScheduleKC5FM – Lloyd Colston – [email protected] – Lloyd Colston – [email protected] Information OfficerPublic Information OfficerVK3JED – Tony Langdon – [email protected] – Tony Langdon – [email protected] CoordinatorTechnical Coordinator

http://www.voipwx.net http://www.voipwx.net

VoIP Hurricane Net Control Training Presentation

Documents

Transcript of VoIP Hurricane Net Control Training Presentation