An important capability of Amateur Radio that makes it particularly effective in disaster communications is the inherent flexibility of having available multiple operating modes that can utilize a wide range of frequencies. Perhaps even more important is the fact that ARES operators are trained to exercise good operating discipline while conducting communications during an emergency or disaster. And most Amateur Radio operators are resourceful in overcoming the loss of commercial power; erecting temporary antennas to replace those damaged by ice or high winds, and dealing with other communications infrastructure losses that are likely to occur during a disaster.

The Amateur Radio operator faced with a disaster situation may benefit greatly from operating guidelines that outline the best practices learned from previous incidents. These guidelines should be part of their ARES training and utilized during preparation exercises like the annual Simulated Emergency Test (SET). A list of 10 general operating guidelines are presented here that should be familiar to all Amateur Radio operators, not just those who are active ARES volunteers.

  1. Minimize interference. In a disaster, many of the most crucial stations will be weak in signal strength. It is essential that all other stations remain silent unless they are called upon. If you’re not sure you should transmit, don’t. Our amateur bands (particularly HF) tend to be very congested. If you want to help, study the situation by listening. Don’t transmit unless you are sure you can help by doing so. Don’t break into a disaster net just to inform the control station you are there if needed.

  2. Monitor established disaster frequencies. Many localities and some geographical areas have established disaster frequencies that operators monitor for possible calls. If there is an ARES Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) applicable to the area, these are likely to be listed in it. When you are not otherwise engaged, it is helpful simply to sit and listen on such frequencies. “SOS” sent using Morse code is universally recognized, but has some legal aspects that should be considered where the need is not truly crucial. On voice, one can use “Mayday” (universal, the phone equivalent of SOS). In an emergency, it may be appropriate to break into a net or conversation with the word “emergency.”

  3. Avoid spreading rumors. During and after a disaster situation you may hear almost anything on the air. Unfortunately, well-intentioned but poorly informed operators might transmit misinformation. Rumors are started by expansion, deletion, amplification, or modification of words, exaggeration, or interpretation. All addressed transmissions should be officially authenticated as to their source. These transmissions should be repeated word for word and only when specifically authorized. In a disaster or emergency situation, be sure you are part of the solution and not part of the problem.

  4. Authenticate all messages. Every message that purports to be of an official nature should be written and signed by the appropriate agency official. Whenever possible, amateurs should avoid initiating disaster or emergency traffic themselves. We do the communicating; the agency officials we serve supply the content of the communications.

  5. Strive for efficiency. Whatever happens in an emergency, you will find hysteria and some amateurs who are motivated by the thought that they must be “sleepless heroes.” Instead of operating your own station full-time at the expense of your health and efficiency, it might be better to serve a shift at one of the best-located and best-equipped stations. This station will be suitable for the work at hand and staffed by relief shifts of the best-qualified operators.

  6. Select the operating mode and frequency band to suit the need. The merits of a particular band or mode in a communications emergency should be evaluated impartially with a view to the appropriate use. There is, of course, no alternative to using what happens to be available, but there are ways to optimize available communications.

    The well-balanced disaster organization will have phone, code, and data mode capabilities available in order to utilize all of the advantages. Of course, one must make the best use of whatever is available, but a great deal of efficiency is lost when there is lack of coordination between the different types of operation in an emergency. Absolute impartiality and a willingness to let performance speak for itself are prime requisites if we are to realize the best possible results.

    Each operating mode has certain advantages:


    1. Voice Mode

      1. More practical for portable and mobile work.

      2. More widespread availability of operators.

      3. Faster communication for tactical or “command” purposes.

      4. More readily appreciated and understood by the public.

      5. Allows direct official-to-official and phone-patch communication.

    2. Code (CW) Mode

      1. Less interference in most amateur bands.

      2. Simpler transmitting equipment.

      3. Potential for greater accuracy in record communications.

      4. Longer range for a given amount of power.

    3. Digital Modes

      1. Greater overall speed in record communication than some of the other modes.

      2. Many data modes use error detection/correction protocols to improve accuracy.

      3. Data modes offer the potential for message store-and-forward capability to move messages from point A to point Z via numerous automatically controlled relay points.

      4. Less interference in most amateur bands.

  7. Use all communications channels intelligently. While the prime objective of emergency communications is to save and protect lives and property, Amateur Radio is a secondary or backup communications means; normal public safety channels are primary and should be used if available. Emergency channels other than amateur frequencies should be utilized without fear of favoritism in the interest of getting the message through.

  8. Don’t broadcast. Some amateur stations in an emergency situation have a tendency to emulate broadcast techniques. While it is true that the general public may be listening, our transmissions are not and should not be made for that purpose. Broadcast stations are well equipped to perform any such service. Our job is to communicate on behalf of, not with, the general public.

  9. Communication support. Within the disaster area itself, ARES is primarily responsible for communications support to our served agencies. For timely and effective response, ARES Emergency Coordinators (ECs) need to establish working relationships with key officials in their Served Agencies before an emergency or disaster happens. The assigned ARES operators will then know how to best respond to meet the needs of the Served Agencies.

  10. Limitations of Amateur Radio in Disaster Communications. During a disaster or emergency the need may arise for patient information to be sent via Amateur Radio. Patient privacy is a serious concern of health care and public health professionals and is protected through the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). In the rare case that patient information is requested to be sent via Amateur Radio, while it is not the role of the radio operator to determine what is and is not permitted under HIPAA, it may be appropriate for the operator to remind their immediate supervisor or the originator of the message that there can be no expectation of privacy because encryption of information sent via Amateur Radio is not permitted under Part 97 rules.