https://concisemagazine.wordpress.co...g-one-another/
Lessons learned from Irma Rescue channels on Zello.
From monitoring many Zello emergency rescue accounts, I have learned that this could be a great tool for the future for people in disaster situation (If they have Internet capability)
I thought I would share a prep list for those Whom desire to assist their fellow man in tumultuous times.
Zello has provided a service that allows one to talk to a group or privately (Even encrypted) with Whom they like to. In Harvey, it was used for those Whom needed help or rescue when their primary Civil Support services were not available.
In disaster, you do not know what kind of communications you will have. Cell towers, main line phone lines, cable service, Internet, Satellite communications, and even 911 could fail to be available. It could leave one with only CB and HAM operators to rely upon.
During and after these storms, many were without such ability and the Interet was the only way to communicate. Hence Zello filled the void. For may, they just wanted to chat with others to not feel so alone. For some, it was the only lifesaving tool they had.
Some ISP Providers like Spectrum and Xfinity did, to the best of their ability, provide emergency free Internet service where they could. Kudos to you for that.
Having introduced the context, I wanted to present you with a Prep list that presents you with an avenue on how you may contribute, and how to keep out of trouble with the Internet of things.
1.First mission is information flow. Inform and coordinate with Local, State, and Federal Authorities prior to sending someone into any situation – if at all possible. For dispatchers, phone is the finest weapon you have.
As a Civilian, you are merely and augmentation service or force. The State and Local Officials are your primary support group. In cases they are over-loaded, they may ask one of your groups for help but that rarely, if ever, happens. It is question of Liability few Government officials will want to address in the fog of a real event.
Duplicate calls, duplicate rescues, and mass confusion can lead to life threatening situations if the channels are repetitive. I learned some of what I tell you here from the Cajun Navy as they have been at this awhile. They have tried to provide an example of Private Civil Augmentation.
You have to be “Trusted” to talk on their network channels which means, you fill out the form to volunteer. After which, you get passwords. Being a Non-Profit, they would like to maintain their 5013C status. This means accountability must be up-held. In fact, your information has to be cleared through the Department of Homeland Security.
2. Verification. I observed several possible pranks or traps coming over channel. Once you verify it is an actual person in an actual flooded area that does not intend to rob you or worse. There are always a few bad faith calls.
Which leads us to
3. Privatization of service. This is set by Infrastructure Categories.
4. Channel control. You will want separate channels for functioning separation of information. Many rescue groups have a main chat room where everything is handled. This is not Kosher. All the jackals and jokers come about in an Emergency situation not recognizing that If you do interfere with a rescue, you may be sent to Prison.
You never have enough dispatchers
Take your calls separate from the room with friend request to verify and if they are pranking, kick them out of the room
Have separate, encrypted channels for private information.
Never let people know where supplies, water, food, or gas is going over public channels. This is how you get raided. Also Coordinate with local Authority when shipping such things.
Try to moderate your volume to %80 percent. Some calls you can barely hear, some will wake everyone up in your neighborhood.
Keep weather checks and regular info on other channels than your work channels. Anything you can get from weather channel or AM radio in your car. This information may be useful on the ground for rescuers, but it is of no use for a rescue channel when people are asking for a weather check every 3 minutes.
Keep the channels clear. Block and report abuse. Separate the chatter. Gotta keep them separated.
5. For those on the ground who need verbal communication, the following resources are available Dispatchers:
Zello
Crowdsourse
Gas Buddy
Google maps
Apple maps
waze
wink news
ventusky maps
windfinder
FEMA APP IS AWESOME!
Local power company outage maps
Animal Control
Animal rescue shelters
Shelter apps – Local shelters, Evacuation shelters that allow pets. They are Our Family too. Check shot records too.
HAM Radio
CB Radio
Firechat
Mesh networks
Morse code
White flags on roof-tops of houses
Local nuclear plant data sites
Local water treatment plants
local chemical company plants
Local food market corporate sites (Distro – disribution info if they post it)
Uhaul, storage, UPS, FEDEX, Pipelines, Railroad, Greyhound, Hubs. Airports, Ports and Port Authority, CoastGuard, National Guatd, Attourney generals office, Governors Office,
6. As a moderator. seeking clarity of information is the key. You can be the straw that stirs the drink, or the one that breaks the chain. Some operators having stress have time and need to blow off steam with their fellows. So, when OPTEMPO slows down, let them know each-other and chat. But if emergency comes about it is “BREAK – Clear Channel”.
Give them ten seconds to speak and block them. Yet be cautious, few may be real, but they can go to one of the main popular rooms to ask.
7. Access: HUBS. You are looking for a way to somewhere, and always looking for a direct path at expense.
But what if you were traveling somewhere and got stuck at the airport? You ask where the nearest HUB is to get you closer to destination. Sometimes, flying (Or driving, or via Train or rickshaw or whatever) is better than waiting in airports. Buses and trains, private planes, Mariner charter, Cruise Ships! Support them too! Any logistic line is safe haven.
Buses, Trains, Uber, Lyft, Airbnb could find a place a block away. Do not discount Local Militias.
If you are Legit, someone needs to perk an ear up. But if you clog LOGISTIC Trains or get in the way of even the Local Sheriff, you are in the wrong unless you can stress test your case.
7. Record what you do. You can take screen shots and pictures. If you called 911, you are going to want to remember when. Sometimes calls go UN-answered so you will want to be able to show something.
8. Sheltering. They will not be checking immigration status at shelter but they may check for warrants, naturally. They will also want to know if your pets have been vaccinated.
9. Be creative. Does someone attached to machines need to be evacuated when the power goes out? Or could you just bring them a generator.
The Elderly could require a range of specialized equipment. Sometimes contacting the manufacturer helps to get equipment where it needs to go.
Baby formula, diapers, and dog food always run low in these events and as always – Fuel.
Also, listen to Frefal!
http://ferfal.blogspot.com/2017/09/r...N+ARGENTINA%29