ACS-CERT Combined Radio Communications Plan

For several years now we have been encouraging our Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members to obtain their FCC Technician Licenses. We showed them the need to use Amateur Radio Frequencies to communicate at times when normal communications are likely to be impaired.

Well, it's worked...

I'm happy to report that a significant number of CERT members in Los Angeles now have their Tech Licenses -- enough that I have written a new combined Radio Communications Plan for all the volunteers for the Los Angeles Fire Department. The Plan follows LAFD communication protocols and is currently being approved by the LAFD Staff.

The new plan includes both the existing frequencies used by the LAFD Auxiliary Communications Service, and additional frequencies for the CERT radio operators. It also includes instructions for using FRS radios at each incident so all responding CERT members, FCC licensed or not, will be able to communicate back to the CERT Incident Radio Operator.

The plan includes sufficient frequencies and alternate frequencies that the LAFD volunteers should be able to maintain adequate communications even if there are multiple incidents within a Battalion, or multiple Battalions involved in a larger emergency.

We realize this plan is just a beginning, but it will be a good start.

When all else fails, Amateur Radio Works.

Your Moderator

Jonathan Zimmerman K6JGZ
LAFD ACS-CERT Liaison
Battalion 14 Communications Unit Leader