The following corrections and updates have been made to the 3rd edition of the Emergency Communications Level 1 online course. The changes summarized here reflect previous changes as well as more recent ones. All of these changes have been incorporated in the online course as of August 1, 2008.
The course book is a transcript of the Emergency Communications Level 1 online course at a given point in time. Publications of course content are not updated as frequently as the online courses. This Notes Page summarizes any updates to printed course material that have occurred since the most recent printing.
The corrections and updates summarized here are included in the Emergency Communications Level 1 course book which will be re-issued Summer 2008 as the 3rd edition, 3rd printing.
Content Changes in the Learning Units
LU 4
p. 23 – The change was made to include “an Assistant DEC” and “an Assistant SEC”.
“Some larger Sections, like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Florida, are further divided into two or more Districts. In this case, each District is guided by a District Emergency Coordinator (DEC) and Assistant DEC, working directly under the SEC and/or Assistant SEC. (See diagram below.)
LU 4, cont.
On p. 24, information about RACES is updated.
“At one time, Civil Defense agencies could obtain a "RACES station license" that would allow non-ham agency personnel to use Amateur frequencies under limited conditions. These licenses are no longer issued, and cannot be renewed. Operators of any RACES stations must be licensed Amateurs, and must follow the RACES rules at all times.
“Over the years, both "Civil Defense” (known as “Emergency Management" in most states) and the way it utilizes Amateur radio operators have changed dramatically. There are fewer RACES only operators today. Increasingly, RACES-registered operators also belong to ARES, and can "switch hats" when the need arises. Emergency management officials like this arrangement since it provides more flexibility, and gives them more direct control over their ham radio volunteers.”
LU 16
An addition was made to the section of Generator and Power Safety pointing out the tendency of carbon monoxide to settle and cause problems in basements or other enclosed areas.
Generator and Power Safety
“Take some care in the placement of generators so that they will not be a problem for others. Engine noise can make it difficult for shelter residents and volunteers to get much needed rest, and for anyone trying to do their job. Exhaust fumes should not be allowed to enter the building or nearby tents or vehicles. Carbon monoxide tends to settle, so exhaust components should be carefully located so that fumes cannot settle into inhabited basements or other enclosed areas below the generator. A position “down-wind” of any occupied location is best. Even when vehicles are not included, internal combustion engines are still the number one cause of carbon monoxide poisoning in the United States. Propane powered engines produce as much or more CO as gasoline or diesel engines.”
LU 17
In Unit 17 several changes were made to the section about “Water”, which begins on p. 106. In the first paragraph the amount of water needed per person has changed. In the fourth paragraph of this section, on p. 107, the CDC recommendations for purifying water for drinking replace the previous information. In the fifth paragraph a reference link has been added as a resource for information about disinfecting water.
“Safe water supplies can be difficult to find during and after many disasters. You will need at least three to five gallons of water each day just for drinking, cooking and sanitation. In extremely hot or cold conditions, or with increased physical activity, your needs will increase significantly. Most disaster preparedness checklists suggest at least one gallon per person, per day.”
“The CDC says you can use plain, unscented household chlorine bleach. After filtering out any particulate by pouring it through several layers of densely woven cloth, put 1/8 teaspoon of chlorine bleach in a gallon of water, mix well, and allow it to sit for thirty minutes. If it still smells slightly of chlorine, you can use it. It will not taste great, nor will the chlorine bleach kill cysts like Giardia, but it may be enough.
If you have no other means, boiling for at least five minutes will kill any bacteria and other organisms, but will not remove any particulate matter or discoloration. Boiling will leave water with a “flat” taste that can be improved by pouring it back and forth between two containers several times to reintroduce some oxygen.”
For more information on disinfecting water go to
LU 18
Information about frequencies has been changed in the section on Aviation Radio, p. 114.
Aviation Radio
“AM radios operating in the 108-136 MHz band are used in aircraft and in certain limited vehicles and ground stations. FCC licenses are required for all stations. Emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) are automatic devices that transmit a distress signal on 121.5 and 406.0 MHz. Marine Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB) transmit a digital identification code on 406.0 MHz and a low-powered homing signal on 121.5MHz. The new land-based Personal Radio Beacons (PRB) transmit on 121.5 MHz . While it is unlikely that you will ever need to use an aircraft band radio except where it is provided by the served agency, it is good to be familiar with the radio service. Monitoring these frequencies for ELT, EPIRB, and PRB signals and distress calls is always a good idea. The 121.5 MHz satellite alerting system will end in February 1, 2009.”
Student Activity Changes
LU 4
The second student activity in this unit has been modified by deleting reference to the two-meter band in part C.
2. Go to the ARRL Web site (www.arrl.org/FandES/field/pscm/foreword.html) section entitled “Public Services Communications Manual.” Find the answers to the following questions:
A. Is ownership of emergency-powered equipment a requirement for joining ARES?
B. Who can authorize RACES operation?
C. If the President was to invoke his War Emergency Powers, could there be any restrictions on Amateur Radio operation?
D. What are the two primary components of ARRL’s public service field organization?
LU20
A Student Activity has been added to LU 20.
Describe how you would handle the following situation:
You are traveling through a rural area right behind a tornado, reporting damage and casualties to the local fire and police agencies as you go. Cresting a hill, you see a tank trailer overturned on the road ahead. No one else is around. A variable wind is blowing the leaking fumes in several directions unpredictably. You cannot see the placards on the truck from where you are.
Share you answer with your mentor.
Question Changes
LU 7
Review question #5 is replaced with the following question:
5. What should you do if someone in authority asks you to move your station?
LU 17
Question #2 about purifying water was changed to reflect the change in the text on p. 107.
Review Question #2 revision
2. Which of the following is true about using unscented household chlorine bleach to purify water?
LU 22 and 23 were printed in reverse order in the 1st and 2nd printings of the course book. This has been corrected in the 3rd printing.
Appendix A – ( Answer Key to Lesson Review Questions)
LU 7, answer to replaced question #5 is A
LU 17, answer to revised question #2 is D
LU 17, answer to question #5 is D
LU 17 answer to question #6 is C
LU 23 answer to question #2 is C
Appendix C - Updated reference links:
The reference links have been tested and revised and/or updated when necessary.
LU 1
LU2
LU3
LU4
LU 5
LU 6
LU 7
LU 8
LU 9
LU 10
LU 11
http://training.fema.gov/IS/crslist.asp
LU 12
LU 13
LU 14
None
LU 15
LU 16
LU 17
LU 18
LU 19
LU 20
Additional related links:
LU 21
LU-22
LU 23
The Real World
Books
An important new book reference is the ARRL FCC Rules and Regulations for the Amateur Radio Service. (See below.)
Software