LOCAL COMMUNICATION RESOURCES FOR EMERGENCIES

Major naturally-occurring and man-made disasters are possible, perhaps even likely, in our region.  We are vulnerable to harm from earthquakes, fire, floods, volcanic eruption, severe winter storms, and terrorist attack. It is becoming increasing apparent that we can't (and probably shouldn't) depend on government assistance in the early days or even weeks after a catastrophic event. 

For years your neighborhood organization has been gradually developing resources and plans to facilitate some level of local assistance and communications in the event of a major emergency. However, these efforts will be much more likely to help if you and your family are familiar in advance with the preparations which have been made.

  • NEIGHBORHOOD WALKIE-TALKIE NETWORK
    In 2005 the WHCCA board purchased and tested short-range "walkie-talkie" devices that can be provide emergency communication between different regions of the neighborhood, and a link to one or more short-wave radio hubs, in the event of an emergency resulting in loss of telephone and internet service.

Al Patterson, a long-time neighborhood resident and recognized expert in emergency communications has periodically advised the WHCCA board of directors and maintains a sophisticated, solar-powered and battery-backed long-range emergency radio communication system within the neighborhood.  In the event of a serious emergency, the walky-talkie network should also be able to provide nominal communication with the outside world via the Patterson connection.

In 2005, 10 devices (Radio Shack 22 ch GMRS/FRS two-way radios, model 21-1904) were distributed to residents in various parts of the neighborhood.  Others who want to be able to communicate with this informal network during and after an emergency are advised to purchase a similar unit, and should review and practice the following:

Walkie Talkie Procedures and Settings

1. Know where your walkie talkie is, be familiar with how to use it, and keep a fresh battery with it.  A suggested common location is hanging on the garage wall in a sealed zip-lock bag next to the entrance door to your house.  Use it occasionally to maintain familiarity and maintain fresh batteries, but always return it to the same location.  Occasional tests will be announced in the Whispers neighborhood newsletter.

2. Keep the radio set on Channel 15, code 10 when stored. Know how to set these parameters for emergency use and keep the instructions with the radio (thus the value of a zip-lock bag).

3. Listen for 5 minutes at the top of each hour.  During an emergency, don't broadcast more than necessary to conserve batteries, but listen periodically to stay in touch with others on the net.

4. Take action, get help. Assist your neighbors as possible with physical aid and by forwarding messages to other walkie talkie users and/or to a short wave hub.  Al Patterson* and hopefully other short-wave operators will be monitoring the walkie talkie frequencies and will also be in communication if possible with  outside emergency services.

WHCCA-distributed units (list updated 9-19-05):
  15010 SE 47th Street
  15019 SE 46th Way
  4747 153rd Avenue SE
  15438 SE 47th Street
  15832 SE 47th Place
  15910 SE 46th Place
  15808 SE 45th Street
  16303 SE 48th Street
  4663 161st Avenue SE
  4628 161st Avenue SE
*15615 SE 45th Place (Al Patterson, 643-1905, allenp@crytopsafe.com)