Emergency Management Amateur Radio Support Service

1.          Purpose: 

The purpose of the EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AMATEUR RADIO SUPPORT SERVICE (EMARSS) is to ensure that a network of licensed, trained amateur radio personnel, with procedures, equipment inventories, and designated frequencies are in place and available to respond to any request for amateur radio assistance through or by the Lorain County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.  This plan enables agencies and organizations having emergency responsibilities to include the EMARSS program in their local emergency plans and programs.

2.          Authority/Command Structure: 

EMARSS operates under the authority of the Lorain County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, and its allowances as listed in Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5502.  Under this plan, the Emergency Management Agency is empowered to request the use of available amateur radio communications personnel that have volunteered and registered their services, along with the use of their equipment to EMARSS.  Acceptance and participation in the EMARSS program shall not be deemed as a relinquishment of individual license control. 

In Charge: 

The Sergeant-in-charge of communications at the Lorain County Sheriff’s Department shall be the lead radio coordinator in the Emergency Operations Center and shall be in charge of any/all communications during an emergency activation.  A lead radio amateur shall be appointed jointly by the EOC radio lead and the EMA Director to oversee EMARSS radio operations for any EOC and/or on-site location operations.  The lead radio amateur or his designee will be responsible for amateur radio net operations during any activation. 

Subcommittees may be appointed by using EMARSS personnel to assist with planning and/or operational requirements as deemed necessary.

3.          Participation/Membership: 

            Upon approval, any radio amateur that has been licensed for a minimum of one (1) year and is 18 years of age or older can become a participant in the EMARSS support program.  Applications will be provided by and should be submitted to the Lorain County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security for processing.  The application submittal and approval process may include, but is not limited to the following:

·       Name/address/e-mail/phone, etc

·       Provide a copy of current amateur radio/driver’s license

·       Personal references

·       Criminal background check

·       Doctor’s written permission (if medical condition exists)

·       Signing of the hold harmless/informed consent waiver

·       Proof of medical insurance 

Personnel shall be required to keep all personal information on file with the EMA/EMARSS up to date.

4.          Repeater Owner Participation: 

Private repeater owners and clubs are encouraged to participate in the program.  The following information would be needed to be part of the system: 

·       Name of repeater owner/trustee(s)

·       Address/telephone information for each

·       Repeater Call Sign/copy of current license

·       Frequencies/PL codes

·       System particulars (coverage area, backup power, wattage, etc.)

5.          Identification: 

Identification cards shall be issued to all EMARSS personnel.  At all times during activation, EMARSS personnel will display the    identification cards.  Identification cards shall be relinquished upon the request of the Lorain County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Director or designee. 

6.          Training: 

 EMARSS personnel will be required/requested to attend various training opportunities as required.  These offerings include:                   

·       Hazardous Materials Awareness* (before any field response is allowable)

·       Incident Command System*

·       Emergency Operations Center (* Net Control Operators)

·       CPR/First Aid (Voluntary) 

(* required) 

Group personnel meetings shall be held quarterly, after an incident, or as deemed necessary.  Test nets will be conducted every Sunday evening at 7:30PM.

7.         Workman’s Compensation Coverage: 

            EMARSS personnel will be covered by the provisions of the “Worker’s Compensation Act” (Ohio Revised Code 4123.031 through 4123.037) during any official* activation. 

            * “OFFICIAL” is defined as any call for amateur radio assistance that is initiated by or received through The Lorain County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.  Any use of amateur radio support when EMA is not specifically involved, such as SKYWARN or operations at or with any other civic function or organization are not part of this program.

Workers compensation and medical benefits shall be the exclusive remedy for any injury sustained in the course and scope of participation in the program.  In addition, EMARSS personnel must have medical insurance to cover the cost of any emergency that is outside of the program related medical coverage provided through workers compensation.  If medical insurance is not available, the volunteer must certify in writing that he/she will be personally responsible for the cost of any emergency or other medical care that is not covered under applicable workers compensation benefits. 

            Only EMARSS volunteers will be covered under the above provisions during an emergency activation.

8.         Requests for Assistance: 

            Requests for emergency amateur radio assistance will be received through the Lorain County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.  The EMA Director or designee shall make contact with the EOC Lead Radio Coordinator and Lead Radio Amateur to advise them of the situation.  All will report to the EOC. 

            Activation Procedures: 

            EMARSS personnel will be notified via radio, pager and/or ALERTCAST message that amateur radio assistance has been requested.  The Lead Radio Amateur will establish an emergency net for EMARSS check-ins, availability, and staging area for personnel if required.  Operational frequencies will be assigned as needed. 

          Response: 

EMARSS personnel are considered civilian volunteers.  At no time should any EMARSS member mount, display, or use emergency vehicle lighting (red, blue, or white) on their personnel vehicle.  The exception to this requirement would be when a EMARSS member serves as a part time or volunteer firefighter.  When responding at a EMARSS request, personnel will respond WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC at all times, observing all applicable traffic laws.

            AT NO TIME WILL ANY EMARSS PERSONNEL RESPOND TO ANY SCENE OR LOCATION WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF THE LEAD RADIO COORDINATOR, LEAD RADIO AMATEUR, OR THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR.  FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS REQUIREMENT WILL BE GROUNDS FOR IMMEDIATE REMOVAL FROM THE EMARSS PROGRAM.