Nauvoo Emergency Communications Network

Practice Sessions & Emergency Nets

01/20/2024

Monthly Practice Sessions

Each month, network members will have the opportunity to test their radios and practice their radio skills. On the first Sunday of each month, starting at 7pm, a team leader or officer will conduct a practice session. Members will use their radios from their homes and join the session by turning on their radios and selecting channel 22 (channel 30 for repeater users). These sessions will include a roll call and any information of value to the community. Participation in the monthly practice sessions is voluntary. 

Practice Session Procedures

NEC practice sessions are Undirected nets (networks). This means that they are informal and you can contact and talk with other members without waiting for any permissions. The NEC officer or team leader conducting the session is called the Network Control Station or NCS. The NCS starts the session and performs a roll call to give everyone a chance to test their radios. Additional information or training may also be provided. Once the roll call is complete, member stations can leave the session or stay on and communicate with other members if desired.

Emergency Nets

Members should use the NEC network to call for help when normal means of communication have failed; especially if you cannot reach 911. An NCS will be monitoring the network 24/7 for any calls. Members are encouraged to only turn on their radios at the top of each hour for about 5-10 minutes to request non-emergency help, and to receive situation updates. Keeping your radio turned off otherwise will help prolong its battery life. If you need help immediately, turn on your radio and transmit the word 'EMERGENCY' or '911'. The use of GMRS callsigns are not required during an emergency, just use your name to identify yourself.

Emergency Net Procedures

NEC emergency nets are also Undirected nets like practice sessions. Members can freely communicate with each other concerning the nature of the storm, disaster, etc., and request & offer assistance to other members. Please be calm, considerate and patient with each other. Emergency events can be stressful. 

The net will continue to operate as described above unless someone calls in and says '911' or 'EMERGENCY'. At this point the net becomes a Directed net, meaning that all communication must only be done by permission of the NCS. All other communication on the net must stop. The NCS will take over and give specific instructions for handling the emergency call. Everyone must wait while the NCS gets vital information from the member requesting help, especially if they need 911 services. 

If you have information about the call that you feel is important, then transmit the word 'INFO'. This  tells the NCS that you have important information. Wait until the NCS gives you permission before you transmit your name and your information. If the NCS transmits a 'QUESTION' to the net and you know the answer, then transmit the word 'ANSWER'. Wait until the NCS gives you permission before you transmit your name and your answer. 

Wait until the NCS has handled the emergency and returns the net back to undirected mode.

Please remember not to use CB lingo, 10 codes, Q codes, religious terms (like pastor, bishop) or other short-cuts during an emergency. Not everyone is familiar with them. Unnecessary confusion will result.