Purpose
To provide essential communications capability for emergency management personnel, relief agencies, and local officials in Philipsburg and the Moshannon Valley at times when conventional means of communication are not available.
Inbound Information Flow
| Sender | Mode | Type of Information |
|---|---|---|
| Local field observers | GMRS repeaters | Field observations of weather, streams, dams, bridges, roadways, traffic. |
| Local shelter managers | GMRS repeaters | Shelter occupancy status. Requests for staffing or supplies. Requests for emergency assistance. |
| County 911 centers | 911 system repeaters | EMS and fire dispatch messages. |
| Personal station operators | Rattlesnake repeaters Rockton repeaters | Reports of regional, statewide, national, or global events. |
| Clearfield County 911 Center | Rockton repeaters | Requests for field observations. Occupancy status of shelters. |
| Center County 911 Center | Rattlesnake repeaters | Requests for field observations. Occupancy status of shelters. |
| PEMA Headquarters | Rattlesnake UHF repeater | Requests for field observations. |
Outbound Information Flow
| Type of Information | Mode | Recipient |
|---|---|---|
| Field observations | GMRS repeaters | Local emergency management personnel |
| Field observations Requests for emergency assistance | Rockton repeaters | Clearfield County 911 Center |
| Field observations Requests for emergency assistance | Rattlesnake repeaters | Centre County 911 Center |
| Field observations | Rattlesnake repeaters | NWS Office – State College |
| Field observations | Rattlesnake UHF repeater | PEMA Headquarters – Harrisburg |
| Essential information (e.g. evacuation routes, road closures) | GMRS repeaters | Local residents |
Design Philosophy
- Configuration of the station and equipment should be fixed and well documented. Operating the station should be like operating an ambulance or a fire truck. Everything should be in its place, properly configured, and ready to use at a moment’s notice.
- An operator’s manual should be maintained in the station for each piece of essential equipment. Each manual should list all of the settings needed to properly configure the equipment.
- All essential equipment should operate on 12VDC power and it should be selected and configured with an eye toward minimizing power consumption to ensure that the station can maintain operation using battery power during an extended power outage.
- Due consideration must be given to the comfort and safety of station operators, who may be working 8-to-12 hour shifts during an emergency. All equipment must be properly grounded. 12VDC LED lamps should be provided to ensure proper illumination. Blankets, a first aid kit, and a supply of drinking water and nonperishable snack foods should be maintained at all times.
Near-Term Objectives
| Objective | Status |
|---|---|
| Repaint the office and finish cleaning the attic to facilitate the installation of feed lines and antennas. | Completed |
| Receive donations of used equipment. | |
| Select and purchase equipment needed to implement VHF, UHF, and GMRS communications. | |
| Install antennas and feed lines in the attic. | |
| Install furniture, supplies, and equipment in the office. | |
| Create an operator’s manual for each piece of essential equipment. | |
| Obtain additional funding to enable the purchase of LED lighting, headsets, a first aid kit, backup batteries, a P25-capable scanner, solar panels, a solar charge controller, and related items needed to enhance the station’s capabilities, comfort, and safety. | |
| Assist the American Legion in obtaining funding for a standby generator to provide emergency power to the EmComm station and the second-floor mass care shelter. |