062223 Z JUNE 03 FM MIKE POTTER/NNN0EHG - NAVY MARINE CORPS MARS EMERGENCY ASST FOR THE PACIFIC AREA (15 WESTERN STATES) nnn0ehg@private 503-319-4944 George & Rich: Why do you think I have been talking to you about what NMC MARS can do. We have VHF & HF communications expert volunteers who can handle both voice & digital comms. You are right by saying that Cell, Land Line, & possibly Sat. links are prone to failure or disruption by those who would do us nasty things. We are presently operating a 24/7 ecom net on 20, 40 & 80 meters just for the scenario you are describing. We have firm, trained & regularly practiced links with USCG, USCG Aux, CAP, SHARES, FEMA, NDMS, Army & AF MARS, Amer RC, NWS/NOAA and several other local emergency management agencies. Our mission is to provide auxiliary communications in the event of disaster or interruption until the standard modes are back on line and working. We have NO intention of replacing any of these traditional communication links. Please give me a call and we can discuss emergency communications, its challenges and solutions. By combining all our various resources into a working matrix the needs of the Country and the DHS can be met. Mike Potter 503-319-4944 nnn0ehg@private -----Original Message----- From: owner-crime@private [mailto:owner-crime@private]On Behalf Of Tao, Greg Sent: Friday, June 06, 2003 2:48 PM To: crime@private Subject: RE: [CRIME FW: Wireless Communications during disaster?] I agree with what has been said about the pitfalls of relying on cellular phones in an emergency. Many of us can remember Randy explaining at the following CRIME meeting how the service was slammed in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Public circuits with finite capacity are inherently subject to unavailability during congestion in unusual circumstances. I can even remember not being able to make a business call on a regular phone shortly after the OJ criminal verdict was announced. I also agree with those who have mentioned the potential usefulness of Amateur Radio. So does anybody know how robust Nextel's walkie-talkie system is? At face value, it seems like an interesting backup communication system. Greg -----Original Message----- From: Brian Varine [mailto:witchdr@private] Sent: Friday, June 06, 2003 12:26 PM To: crime@private Subject: Re: [CRIME FW: Wireless Communications during disaster?] First you need to figure out what type of communications you need to begin with and what the mission is. Cell phones are great if they work but in a disaster the network has a habit of becoming overwhelmed. I'm not aware of an entire cellular/PCS network going down over a large area so they seem to be robust enough to stay online. If you get the digital systems they are secure enough for tactical information. FRS work for short range tactical comms. The Coast Guard should have some type of VHF radios correct? Don't forget you also have considerable comm's assets within the Air and Army National Guard. The beauty of Guard units is they can be tasked by the Governor and deployed rather quickly. FEMA has an incredible about of Comm's gear that you might be able to tap. They have everything from satellite uplink trucks to portable trunked radio systems. As others have mentioned, HAM radio is a great asset for comms. During the floods of 96/97 HAM's did a considerable amount of patching messages. I believe the Civil Air Patrol even has the ability to provide communciations in emergencie.
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