Manitoulin ARES Plan 2017 Rev2

Radio Amateurs of CanadaAMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY SERVICE (A.R.E.S.) Emergency Communications Plan Manitoulin – North Shore Area

TABLE OF CONTENTS1. AIM2. PARTICIPANTS3. LIMITATIONS4. DEFINITIONS/ABBREVIATIONS5. POSSIBLE EMERGENCIES IN THE MANITOULIN AREA6. EMERGENCY OPERATION CONTROL GROUP AND EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER7. AMATEUR RADIO IN EMERGENCY PLANS8. DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY9. CLIENT AGENCIES10. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE11. NOTIFICATION12. PRIORITIES13. TYPES OF NETWORKS14. RESPONSIBILITIES15. APPENDICES 2

1. AIMThis plan has been prepared to provide participants and served agencies within theManitoulin District with a general guideline of the amateur radio services available in anemergency or disaster situation. An emergency is defined as a situation or an impendingsituation that by its nature or magnitude, affects the health, safety, welfare and propertyof a community, and requires a controlled and co-ordinated response.2. PARTICIPANTSThe Manitoulin Amateur Radio Emergency Service is an organization composed ofinterested individuals, trained and federally licensed Amateur Radio Operators, whosemajor objective is to provide countrywide emergency communications. A.R.E.S. is partof the Field Services Organization of Radio Amateurs of/du Canada. There are over threehundred amateurs in this part of Ontario; over one hundred amateurs in the Manitoulinarea, are members of the Manitoulin Amateur Radio Club and over twenty are registeredwith A.R.E.S.Amateurs are allocated a large portion of the radio spectrum for experimentation andpublic service. Ham radio has a long history of service in natural and man-made disasters.Unlike most radio services, amateur operators have thousands of frequencies open tothem, and numerous methods to use them. This flexibility can be indispensable in anemergency. Their technical qualifications and strict operating standards complement thisflexibility.a. Participating Amateur Radio Groups:(1) Manitoulin Amateur Radio Club Inc.(2) Sudbury Amateur Radio Club.(3) Elliot Lake Amateur Radio Clubb. Associated Groups:(1) East Algoma Amateur Radio Club(2) Parry Sound Amateur Radio ClubThere are five repeater systems on Manitoulin Island, two in Little Current, one inHowland Township, and one in Kagawong, and one in Manitowaning. Our main VHFRepeater VE3RMI covers a wide area including all of Manitoulin Island and the NorthShore from Nairn Centre to Blind River. 3

3. LIMITATIONSa. The information contained in this plan is to be used as a guide. It is not the intent ofthis plan to limit the actions of an operator who is on site and best able to assess theprevailing conditions.b. A.R.E.S. is organized to provide communications services only. Amateur radiooperators on A.R.E.S. duty are not expected to serve any other function.c. This plan is subject to alterations and/or revisions as required.d. Amateurs may be called to render public service when a competent official (1)recognizes that an emergency condition exists and (2) requests that such service berendered. In the event of a wide area emergency, when assistance is requested by theindividual Emergency Control Group, liability is assumed by the jurisdiction of therequesting official.e. Amateurs participating in non-emergency events do so at their own risk. However, theManitoulin Amateur Radio Club provides liability insurance to protect volunteersutilizing their systems for public service events.f. A.R.E.S. is a volunteer service and as such, its members are under no obligation toparticipate and there is no guaranteed response level. Members are asked to provideassistance based on their interests, abilities, and personal commitments. Should weexperience a local disaster, many of our own members can be victims and they mustensure the safety of their loved ones and their own property. The Emergency Coordinatoror designee will endeavour to the best of his or her ability to fulfill the needs of thecommunities served under this plan.4. DEFINITIONS/ABBREVIATIONS:  E.O.C.G. - Emergency Operations Control Group  E.O.C. - Emergency Operations Center  R.A.C. - Radio Amateurs of/du Canada  S.M. - Ontario Section Manager, Radio Amateurs of/du Canada  A.R.E.S. - Amateur Radio Emergency Service  S.E.C. - A.R.E.S. Section Emergency Coordinator  D.E.C. - A.R.E.S. District Emergency Coordinator  E.C. - A.R.E.S. Emergency Coordinator  A.E.C.- A.R.E.S. Assistant Emergency Coordinator  M.A.R.C. - Manitoulin Amateur Radio Club  N.T.S. - National Traffic Service 4

5. POSSIBLE EMERGENCIES IN THE MANITOULIN AREANormally, when the Police, Fire or Public Works Supervisor at the emergency siteconsiders the situation, or potential situation, is of a serious nature beyond the capabilityof the emergency services to manage or support without outside assistance, he/she willbegin the process to activate the municipality's Emergency Plan.This is done by advising the Detachment Commander of the Ontario Provincial Police,Head of Council, Fire Chief, or Municipal/Township Engineer respectively. This officialwill decide whether or not the situation calls for the assembly of the E.O.C.G. and, if so,will request the appropriate notifications take place to assemble the E.O.C.G. members.a. Natural(1) flood(2) tornado(3) blizzard(4) major brush fire(5) epidemic(6) earthquakeb. Person-caused(1) transportation accident (road, rail, air)(2) large explosion, fire(3) spill of hazardous materials(4) major utility outage (telephone, electricity, etc.)(5) Structural collapse (bridge, building, water system)*some incidents may be both (i.e. tornado causes spill of hazardous materials) 5

6. EMERGENCY OPERATION CONTROL GROUP AND EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTREAs soon as it is evident that there is an emergency, the municipality will initiate anotification of the members of the E.O.C.G. according to their Emergency Plan. Thisnormally includes Head of Council, Chief Administrative Officer, O.P.P. Co-ordinatorand Fire Chief, Public Works, Health and/or Ambulance representative, Social ServicesRepresentative, Transit representative, Emergency Planning Officer, and PublicInformation Officer. They will meet at the Emergency Operations Center, usually at themunicipal offices. On Manitoulin, each municipality will determine the E.O.C. site.Amateur radio is included in the initial notifications in the Manitoulin plan.7. AMATEUR RADIO IN EMERGENCY PLANSThe general role of amateur radio is usually described as it is in the Manitoulin plan:\"The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (A.R.E.S.) is the volunteer group withcoordinates Amateur [and G.R.S.] radio in the Manitoulin area. They are prepared toestablish emergency radio communications between Manitoulin hospitals, and tosupplement municipal communications resources. An A.R.E.S. control station will beactivated at Manitoulin O.P.P. Headquarters in a major emergency at the request ofthe Manitoulin O.P.P., A.R.E.S. contacts are listed in the appendix.\" DECLARATION OF EMERGENCYThe Mayor or Reeve advice of the E.O.C.G., may decide to declare that an emergencyexists under the Emergency Plans Act of Ontario, and may designate any area within thecity as an \"Emergency Area\". Ont. Reg: 380/04It should be noted that once this is done, all volunteers requested and registered asassisting with the emergency are deemed to be employees of the municipality under theWorkers' Compensation Act. 6

9. CLIENT AGENCIESa. All Municipalities and townships on Manitoulin Islandb. All First Nation municipalities within the District of Manitoulinc. Environment Canadad. Canadian Red Crosse. Manitoulin Ontario Provincial Police Serviceg. U.C.C.M. Tribal Police Serviceh. Wikwemikong Tribal Policej. Manitoulin Municipal Volunteer Fire Departmentsk. EMS services District of ManitoulinIn addition, the D.E.C., E.C. or his designee may activate this emergency plan on his ownauthority in anticipation of a request for emergency communications by a client agencywhen it is apparent that an emergency situation exists or is imminent. As well, activationfor non-disaster situations can take place at the request of the client agencies.10. TYPES OF ASSISTANCEA.R.E.S. can supply communication services where no established links exist orsupplement existing system(s) if they are overloaded or disabled. Amateur radio networksmay be organized to accommodate any need such as: a. Communications amongst various officials, agencies or services not normally in contact with one another. This includes a communications link to the Emergency Operations Control Group or between E.O.C.G.'s of various municipalities. b. Communications between E.O.C.G. officials and the local broadcast media. c. The Manitoulin Amateur Radio club will utilize the main emergency repeater system VE3RMI 147.270 Mhz located on the CBC tower on the Green Bush Road in Howland Township near Little Current. This repeater system will provide interagency communications to all municipalities EOC’s and emergency services across the island. This repeater will be used in an annual training exercise in conjunction with Emergency Management Ontario. 7

d. The Manitoulin Amateur Radio Club supports other repeater systems that provide full coverage throughout Manitoulin. They are as follows:  VE3RQQ 444.300 + IRLP Node 2860 – McLean’s Mt., Little Current  VE3LTR 146.670 - Kagawong Water Tower, Kagawong  VE3RXR C 145.310 – D-Star Digital McLean’s Mt., L.C.  VE3RXR B 442.050 + D-Star Digital McLean’s Mt., L.C  VE3RQQ 146.550 Simplex – Asterisk Node 2359, L.C.  VE3RII 444.175+ Asterisk Node 28505 PL 156.7Mhz e. Provide communications personnel for:  Manitoulin O.P.P. Command/Communications vehicle.  St. John Ambulance Command/Communications vehicle.e. Back-up or supplemental communications where a public-safety radio system ortelephone service may be lost, out-of-range, or overloaded.f. Observations of local conditions (weather, traffic, etc.) relayed back to public official’sg. Health and Welfare communications to the general public through the Canadian Red Cross.h. A direct link with the Environment Canada Weather Office.i. A communications network at the outer perimeter of an evacuated area.11. NOTIFICATIONOnce the municipality or other served agency determines amateur assistance is required,the following procedure is to be used to alert A.R.E.S. members: a. Requesting agency pages the District Emergency Coordinator, and other key members, through their group page. b. The members meet on the CANWARN/ARES Repeater (VE3RMI). The D.E.C. or most appropriate alternate contacts the requesting agency. Phone calls are made to all other key A.R.E.S. members. 8

c. A net controller is appointed and takes control of the VE3RMI repeater for a Resource Net. Once more details are available, he/she would indicate the nature and severity of the situation.d. Check-ins would be solicited and members would be asked to provide information onequipment and capabilities. In most cases, they would be asked to standby until our roleis clarified. They would be asked to gather necessary equipment and await furtherinstructions. Staging areas may be established to avoid congestion in critical areas.e. One person would be designated to do a call on all area repeaters to advice of the Netof VE3RMI.f. A full callout may be initiated from the A.R.E.S. roster, and/or the club directorydepending on the scale of the event.g. The D.E.C. or E.C. (as appropriate) provides coordination of the operation. He/shewould not normally be net control. A closed coordinating net would be established onanother repeater, probably on UHF.h. Other nets on other repeaters may be established to meet the needs of the emergency.i. Additional resources would be requested from other areas such as Elliot Lake, Sudbury,and East Algoma, if required.12. PRIORITIESAll communications services provided by A.R.E.S. will be prioritized on the followingbasis:a. EmergencyAn emergency is defined as any communications situation involving life and deathurgency to any person or group of persons, which is transmitted by Amateur Radio in theabsence of regular commercial facilities. 9

b. PriorityAny important communications that have a specific time limit, official messages notcovered in the emergency category, media releases and emergency-related traffic not ofthe utmost urgency. This includes messages of welfare agencies during emergenciesrequesting supplies, materials, or instructions vital to relief to stricken populace inemergency areas.c. WelfareCommunications relating to either an inquiry as to the health and welfare of an individualin the disaster area or an advisory that indicates all is well. Welfare traffic is handled onlyafter all emergencies and priority traffic is cleared.d. RoutineMost communications in routine situations will bear this designation. In disastersituations, messages labeled Routine should be handled last, or not at all when circuits arebusy with higher- priority traffic.13. TYPES OF NETWORKSThe initial response to a request would normally be to setup a Resource type net. Othernets would be established as necessary.a. Resource NetThis net is to assemble personnel and prepare for deployment. Information on the eventwould be relayed on this frequency to those awaiting assignment. Depending on the sizeand type of situation, this may be the only net established.b. Control Group Net - Emergency Operations Control GroupIn an emergency, one of the principal functions of the E.O.C.G. is to collect and shareinformation. The communications for this group are crucial. There must be adequatemeans of communication between the emergency site and the Operations Centre, andvarious participating groups and agencies. Although the public safety agencies havereliable radio systems, amateur radio can be called upon to supplement those resourcesand off-load lower priority traffic so that only emergency messages need to be sent on theother channels. 10

c. Site Net - Command Post and Outer Perimeter CommunicationsAmateur radio can help to supplement Emergency Site Management in several ways. Ifweather is an important element in the situation, the amateur radio station at the Gore BayWeather Office can link it to the Emergency Site Team. Radio coverage in somelocations can inhibit communications out of the emergency site. The flexibility of hamradio can provide alternatives to ensure effective two-way traffic.In situations involving evacuation, amateur radio can provide a link around the outerperimeter to allow for adjustment due to factors such as wind shift, as well as to makesure residents trying to enter the zone are properly informed of the situation. This canfree-up emergency responders for other more important tasks.d. Health and Welfare NetDepending on the event, this type of net may have lower priority to those activitiesassisting with the actual handling of the emergency.Many situations, usually involving evacuation where residences are forced from theirhomes, will include the establishment of reception centers. Although the primary agencyinvolved in this type of situation would normally be Red Cross, other agencies such asthe District Social Services Department, the municipality, and St. John Ambulance mayrequire our services to co-ordinate the operation of these important activities.It is important to remember that there is a statement of understanding between RadioAmateurs of/du Canada and the Canadian Red Cross, which establishes a framework forco-operation between the two agencies for relief of disaster victims. If there are no morepressing requests, all available resources will be provided to the Red Cross to carry outtheir activities. This will be coordinated between the Red Cross CommunicationsManager and the District Emergency Coordinator (or designate). If there are otherrequests, enough personnel should be assigned to Red Cross so that essential services canbe provided until additional personnel can be allocated to them.The services A.R.E.S. may be asked to provide include:  Communications for vehicles and personnel responding to the emergency.  Registration and inquiry traffic between the local Red Cross office and reception/evacuation centres.  Communication between its Regional Headquarters in Manitoulin and its Ontario Headquarters in Mississauga.  Depending on the event, this type of net may have lower priority to those activities assisting with the actual handling of the emergency. 11

14. RESPONSIBILITIESThere shall be the following leadership positions and responsibilities in the ManitoulinAmateur Radio Emergency Service:a. District Emergency Co-OrdinatorThis is an appointment by the R.A.C. Section Emergency Coordinator to supervise theefforts of local Emergency Coordinators located in the defined district.The D.E.C. in this area is responsible for the communities on Manitoulin and the NorthShore, and the surrounding First Nations Territories.He/she shall be the primary contact for emergency services organizations and municipalofficials. And as such, shall be the A.R.E.S. representative to the Manitoulin Disaster andEmergency Coordinating Committee.In an emergency or exercise, the D.E.C. will move about the operational area, providinggood guidance, direction, and recommending changes as necessary. He/she will evaluatethe communications needs of the served agencies and respond quickly to those needs.The D.E.C. will assume overall authority and responsibility for emergency response andperformance by A.R.E.S. personnel under his jurisdiction.The D.E.C. responsibilities include: 1. Coordinate the training, organization and participation of Emergency Coordinators in the district of jurisdiction. 2. Make local decisions in the absence of the S.E.C. or through coordination with the S.E.C. concerning the allotment of available amateurs and equipment during an emergency. 3. Coordinate the interrelationship between local emergency plans and between communications networks within their jurisdiction. 4. Establish a viable working relationship with area government officials, including police, fire, ambulance and other emergency services. 5. Interface with municipal and provincial emergency Planning Officers and agencies. 6. Provide direction in the handling of emergency communications of either formal or tactical nature. 7. Recommend E.C. appointments to the S.E.C... 12

8. Coordinate the reporting and documenting of A.R.E.S. activities in the district of jurisdiction. 9. Act as a model communicator as evidenced by dedication to purpose, reliability, and understanding of emergency communications. 10. Have a thorough understanding of the locale and role of all vital government and volunteer agencies that could be involved in an emergency. 11. Act as backup for local areas without an Emergency Coordinator, or in the absence of an E.C. 12. Initiate policy and procedural changes, both within the Amateur Radio field organization as well as the served agencies, required to facilitate the activities of A.R.E.S. in the jurisdiction. This includes solicitation of funding from served agencies, other government agencies, as well as local amateur radio clubs. 13. Establish an emergency communications plan for the communities and agencies that will effectively utilize A.R.E.S. members to cover the needs for tactical communications.b. Emergency CoordinatorWorking closely with the District Emergency Coordinator, the E.C. prepares for, andengages in the management of communications needs in disasters.Policy and procedural matters are developed in conjunction with both the D.E.C. andAssistant Emergency Coordinators. The E.C. will be in charge of any local exercise oremergency situation. The D.E.C. provides the leadership function in any multijusdictionalsituation.Emergency Coordinator responsibilities include: 1. Promote and enhance the activities of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (A.R.E.S.) as a voluntary, non-commercial communications service for the benefit of the public. 2. Manage and coordinate the training, organization, and emergency participation of interested amateurs working in support of the communities, agencies or functions designated by the D.E.C., S.E.C., and Section Manager. 3. In conjunction with the D.E.C., maintain a viable working relationship with all private agencies, and federal, provincial, county, and municipal governments in the jurisdictional area, which might need the services of A.R.E.S. in an emergency. Specifically in Manitoulin, this includes the organization and operational capabilities of the VE3OPP (Police Headquarters) and VE3RCL (Red Cross) stations. 4. Establish local communications nets run on a regular basis and periodically test those networks by conducting realistic drills. 5. Establish an emergency traffic plan, including Welfare traffic, utilizing the National Traffic System as one active component for traffic handling. 13

6. Establish an operational liaison with local and section nets, particularly for handling Welfare traffic in an emergency situation. 7. Do all that is possible to further the favorable image of Amateur Radio by dedication to purpose and a thorough understanding of the mission of Amateur Radio. 8. Be conversant in National Traffic System routing and procedures as well as have a thorough understanding of the municipality and role of all vital government and volunteer agencies that could be involved in an emergency.The E.C. should be free to move about the operational area, providing good guidance,direction, and making changes as necessary. He/she cannot be tied down to an operatingposition. The E.C. will function as second in command to the D.E.C. in a multiplejurisdictional response. In the D.E.C.'s absence, the E.C. will assume control of theresponse.c. Assistant Emergency Co-OrdinatorsTheir duties are to aid the E.C. in the performance of his/her duties.(1) Training and Recruiting Officer  Recruit a sufficient number of members to handle anticipated emergencies,  Develop and maintain a current membership qualifications and equipment list,  Establish training requirements for A.R.E.S. members,  Coordinate all training activities.(2) Red Cross Communications Officer  Work with the D.E.C. and/or E.C. to determine the communications needs of Red Cross in an emergency and to help to assist in the prioritization of the A.R.E.S. response,  Be responsible for the activation and operation of the Red Cross Station,  Provide all liaison with Red Cross officials,  Ensure the appropriate resources are available to relay traffic via HF either for a local or distant emergency, and be familiar with NTS nets and procedures,  Provide the necessary technical support for A.R.E.S., interface with the technical personnel of the area emergency services and client agencies,(3) CANWARN Officer  Provide liaison with Environment Canada and the CANWARN  Program,  Ensure the readiness of the VE3RMI station to handle an emergency situation,  Activate the Manitoulin Weather Office station in an A.R.E.S. event. 14

15. APPENDICESa. Key Personnelb. Possible Station LocationsAppendix \"a\" - Key PersonnelONTARIO NORTH MANAGERAl Boyd - VE3AJB27 Red Mill RoadLittle Current, Ontario P0P 1K0Home (705)-368-2779Cell: (705)-869-8284Email: [email protected] EMERGENCY COORDINATOR (EC) - MANITOULIN &NORTH SHORE AREA – KILLARNEY SECTORJim McLean - VE3LJM390 Maple Point roadKagawong, Ontario P0P 1J0Home (705)-282-0789Cell: (705)-282-7984Email: [email protected] EMERGENCY COORDINATORS – MANITOULIN &NORTH SHORE AREARobert Manley – VA3KYK18 Poplar StreetKagawong, Ontario P0P1J0Home: (705)-282-0096Email: [email protected] Niles – VE3YYK540 Hardwood Rd, Box 7089McKerrow, Ontario P0P1M0Home: (705)-869-4972Email: [email protected] 15

Patric Dopson – VE3HZQ6000 Onwatin Lake RoadHanmer, Ontario P3P1J5Home: 705-969-6602Email: [email protected] STATION LOCATIONS1. Permanent Stations  Manitoulin E.O.C.G. – O.P.P. Headquarters (VE3OPP)  Manitoulin Fire Communications (VE3RMI)  Manitoulin Red Cross (VE3RCL)  Manitoulin Weather Office (VE3WWL)  Manitoulin Health Centre Hospitals  Little Current Hospital Emergency Room  Mindemoya Hospital Emergency Room  Manitoulin Volunteer Fire Dept Stations  Municipal Township Offices3. Other Key Locations  Manitoulin Police Command Vehicle (VE3OPP)  Central Ambulance Dispatch EMS  Ontario Provincial Police Regional Office  St. John Ambulance Command Vehicle (VA3SJA) 16

4. District E.O.C. Sites a. Townships  N.E.M.I. Township – Little Current  Assiginack Township – Manitowaning  Tehkummah Township – Tehkummah  Central Manitoulin Township – Mindemoya  Billings Township – Kagawong  Gordon/ Barrie Island Township  Town of Gore Bay – Gore Bay  Burpee Township – Evansville  Robinson Township – Silverwater b. Towns and Villages  Little Current  Manitowaning  South Bay Mouth  Tehkummah  Sandfield  Mindemoya  Providence Bay  Spring Bay  Gore Bay  Kagawong  Evansville  Silverwater  Meldrum Bay  Espanola  Nairn Centerc. First Nation Territories  Whitefish River First Nation  Sucker Creek First Nation  Sheguiandah First Nation  Wikwemikong First Nation  M’Chigeeng First Nation  Sheshegwaniganing First nation  Coburn Island First Nationd. Other  Misery Bay Park – (35KM west of Gore Bay, 2KM south of Hwy 540) E.O.C. located at interpretive centre.  Gore Bay Airport (auxiliary EOC) 17

Disclaimer: To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurateand has been obtained from reliable sources as of the date of publication and is intendedsolely to provide general guidance on matters of interest for the personal use of thereader, who accepts full responsibility for its useLast Update: Dec 06, 2017Jim McLean VE3LJM, District Emergency Coordinator- Manitoulin, EmergencyCoordinator – Albany and Killarney Sector, Field Service’s Radio Amateurs of CanadaAllan Boyd VE3AJB Section Manager Ontario North (ONN), District Director OntarioNorth/East Field Service’s Radio Amateurs of Canada(Original Date Created: Wednesday, September 20, 1995) 18