Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
and sheer numbers in volunteers to support the special events plan. They should not
be discounted and should be considered depending on the venue and the event
response objectives.
Communications
When planning for special events, communication equipment and abilities is criti-
cal. A clear communications plan should be established and tested before the dates
of the special events including testing equipment in the special event venue. This
allows the planners, managers, and operators to discover where dead zones are and
what limitations the equipment has. It may be necessary to build in redundancies
for communications by using other technologies.
When selecting the equipment for the special event, the appearance of the
operators within the special event venue should be considered. These operators may
be directed to function in a more low-profile status than a uniformed response
group. For this purpose, smaller, more compact radios with unobtrusive earpieces
or throat microphones can be considered. However, if the group is to function in an
overt fashion such as fast response fire or EMS response teams, normal radios may
be appropriate. The JOC/CP may utilize portable radios or, if possible, use more of
a base station-style radio if operating out of a mobile command post or if space is
available in the JOC/CP. The use of repeaters may help boost the signals for radios
and should be considered.
The frequency channels used for communications should be clearly defined
within the IAP for all operators, managers, the JOC/CP, and municipal dispatch.
The level of security for the radio encoding should be determined by the emergency
managers and public safety professionals The frequencies do not need to be known
by all surrounding regular agencies. Should communications need to occur between
internal venue response and external responding resources, the JOC/CP may initi-
ate this request. If bandwidth is available, a dedicated special event frequency can be
utilized by those operating within the special event venue with the local common
frequencies being available to the special event planners, managers, and operators.
At times, normal radio traffic may neither be available nor appropriate. Consider
the ambient sound surrounding an operator that is functioning at a rally or concert
as examples. When information is passed during loud ambient times, the mes-
sage may be lost because of the sounds. Using email or SMS (text) messages may
function as an alternate source of communicating should the primary option fail.
Communication plans may include alternate radio frequencies or cellular phone
numbers to use should the primary lines of communications fail. With the preva-
lence of Smart phones in communities, email may be accessible as a form of com-
munication but is not as reliable as direct radio or cellular phone communications.
Email may be considered for establishing information before an event or having a
digital version of the IAP accessible by the operators. If any technologies are to be
