Emergency Communications Guidelines

 The following was taken from the Idaho ERC website and provides an overview of emergency communications guidelines and considerations during a disaster. 

Church Emergency Communication Guidelines

Local emergency response efforts, including emergency communications, are conducted under the direction of local priesthood leaders. Some emergency situations result in the normal means of communications (telephones and cell phones) being unavailable.   During such emergencies local Church leaders need communications to determine the status of members and missionaries and to report to regional and area Church leaders concerning the welfare of members and to request assistance as needed.  Local Church leaders should know how and whom to contact during an emergency and what information to give and receive.  They should ensure the availability of reliable methods of backup communication.

How these matters are handled may vary in different countries and locations within countries, and are usually determined by local welfare committees.  Contact your Church leader or regional welfare specialist if you are uncertain about these matters.

Local Church leaders may call emergency communications welfare specialists to serve in stakes, wards, and branches to assist as needed.

Frequently asked questions:

Q: Why does our stake (ward) need emergency communications?

A: During a disaster local Church leaders have the responsibility to account for the welfare of their members and to report this information to their file leaders.  Local leaders also direct emergency response activities aimed at helping members recover while preventing further damage and suffering.  When disasters occur there is an immediate demand for telephone and cell phone service that generally overloads and shuts down these services.  Also, the disaster may cause physical damage to the telephone and cell phone infrastructure that will prolong service outage.  This failure of normal means of communication (wired and cellular telephones) is defined as a communications emergency.  Emergency planning should include a means of reliable backup communication.

Q: Will cell phones work in emergencies?

 

A: The cell phone is a very effective tool for personal emergencies and small-scale disasters if the telephone system is not overloaded or damaged.  In large disasters the cellular system tends to be the first to fail because of its limited capacity.  The cellular system depends on the infrastructure of the wired telephone network to interconnect its cell sites and interface with the wired phone system.  Damage or overload in the wired telephone system automatically causes failure in the cellular system.

Cell phone providers attempt to restore service as soon as possible after a disaster, but it usually takes days to make repairs and bring in portable cellular sites and generators. 

 

Q. Are satellite phones a viable option for emergency communication by wards and stakes during a disaster?

A: Satellite phones are not recommended for use by stakes or wards.  With local phones out of service, the satellite phone can only be used to call outside the disaster area.   Also, the expense of the equipment purchase and the monthly service charge does not make it a practical choice for stakes and wards.

Satellite phones may be helpful for key Church leaders to report vital information and coordinate response efforts with leaders outside the disaster area.  For this reason the Church has a limited number of portable satellite phones for discretionary use in a disaster.  For example, these phones may be issued to select leaders prior to the arrival of a hurricane.  With phones out of service, satellite phones are of no use in gathering information on the condition and needs of stake members.

Many types of disasters (earthquakes, tornado, tsunami, wildfires, flash floods, severe storms, chemical spills, terrorist attacks) do not offer enough warning to allow a satellite phone to be placed in the hands of a stake president.  It is wise to have an effective back-up communication system permanently in place in the stake.

Q: What means of communication is recommended to back up the telephone?

A: Having more than one method of backup communication is important.  Experience has shown that amateur (ham) radio is the most flexible and reliable mode of back-up communication.  In the United States there are other options available such as Citizenâ??s Band (CB), Family Radio Service (FRS), General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS), and Multiple Use Radio Service (MURS).

Definitions, Requirements, Costs (approximate):

Amateur Radio - Very broad range of capability from local to worldwide.  Requires a license (can be obtained in 2-3 weeks with minor study on average).  Cost: $20 for basic radio, to $1000 (or more).

Citizens Band (CB) - Local range approximately 35 mi. max., depending on terrain.  May be congested in large metropolitan areas.  No license required.  Cost: $30 to $100.

Family Radio Service (FRS) - Limited to typical range of 2 miles.  No license required.  Cost: $20 to $50

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) â?? Range 5 miles.  License required (no exam).  Cost $ 40 to $80.

Multiple Use Radio Service (MURS) â?? Range 5 to 10 miles.  Minimal congestion.  No license required.  Cost: $100 to $150.

 

Q: Does the Church provide funding for stake and ward communication needs?

A: No. If the stake chooses to use amateur radio, the specialists called will, in most cases, have and generally prefer to use their own radio equipment.  Use of personally owned equipment has proven to be a better choice than having the stake or ward purchase equipment.  Personally owned equipment is better cared for and more likely to be available and functioning when needed.

The Church funds a small number of communication centers located in selected bishops' storehouses.  These communications centers are equipped with amateur radio and a satellite telephone.  These bishops' storehouse based communication centers can help you with your emergency communication needs.

Q: If we don't tend to have natural disasters in our area, why would we need emergency communications?

A:  Some disasters are caused by man and may occur anywhere and without warning.  Examples are hazardous material spills, fires, and terrorist attacks.

 

Q. How does a Church leader organize emergency communications?

A: Stake presidents and bishops will be consumed with many tasks during an emergency.  They are benefited by having an emergency communications specialist to help plan and organize emergency communications and, then during an emergency be available to the Church leader to help communicate when phones are out.  This emergency communications specialist is a welfare specialist and may provide input to ward and stake welfare committees.   The specialist will also test the communication system periodically to ensure it works.  Because of required instruction and training, licensed amateur (ham) radio operators tend to make effective emergency communication specialists.

 

Q.    What does a ward or stake emergency communications specialist do?

 

A.

a.      Plan for and provide emergency communication capabilities for Church leaders to communicate with others as needed.

b.      Ensure the maintenance, functionality and readiness of communications equipment.

c.       Plan and participate in stake and ward communication networks and exercises as directed by Church leaders.

 

Q. If amateur radio is the only means of communication, how do I communicate with Church leaders and Church headquarters concerning the welfare of members?

 

A.

Contact any radio amateur outside the disaster area who is willing to make a toll-free phone call.  Have them call Church headquarters with your message, using the toll-free number, 800 453-3860.  Church operators are on duty 24 hours a day and will know to whom your report should be delivered.

Q.  With whom will a stake president want to communicate and what should be communicated during an emergency?

A:  Stake presidents will want to communicate with their bishops to obtain reports on the welfare of their Church members, scope of property damage, and to assess needs and resources.  Stake presidents will also want to communicate this information to their file leaders.  If these file leaders cannot be contacted through regular communication channels, then each stake is asked to communicate this information to and request assistance from the local bishopsâ?? storehouse emergency communications center.  To ensure the viability of this form of communication, regular (often weekly) networks ("nets") are held between the storehouse emergency communications specialist and each of the stakes.  The stake emergency communication specialist may also facilitate communication as requested by stake president, bishops with local government officials.

Q. What information should a stake provide in a report to area leaders following an emergency?

A.

a.      Nature of the disaster

b.      Welfare of members and missionaries

c.       Condition of meeting houses.

d.      Assistance needed.