Activation Plan

This section defines how members are alerted and mobilised during an incident.

Activation may occur due to:

  • Natural disasters
  • Requests from emergency services
  • Planned public safety operations
  • Training exercises

Activation Authority

Activation may be initiated by:

  • WICEN-WA State Coordinator
  • Deputy Coordinator
  • Designated Incident Controller

Activation PACE

Level Method Description
PRIMARY Internet Messaging WICEN-WA App / Signal / Discord
ALTERNATE Email Distribution WICEN-WA email group
CONTINGENCY SMS Broadcast Bulk SMS alert
EMERGENCY Amateur Radio Alert Net HF activation frequency

Activation Message Format

All activation messages should follow a consistent structure.

WICEN-WA ACTIVATION

  • Event:
  • Location:
  • Activation Level:
  • Reporting Location:
  • Primary Net Frequency:
  • Online Information:
  • Next Update Time:

Example:

WICEN-WA ACTIVATION

  • Event: Bushfire Communications Support
  • Location: Wheatbelt
  • Activation Level: Standby
  • Primary Net: 7.110 MHz LSB
  • Information: https://wicenwa.org/incident
  • Next Update: 1400 WST

WICEN Status

  • Stand By
    • Members are maintaining wathc for activations
  • On Watch
    • An emergency condition may exist. While not activated, WICEN members are at a higher level of monitoring and preparing for activation.
  • Activated
    • WICEN is activated. All members should check in if not directly activated

Standby to On Watch

In the case that WICEN becomes aware of a possible need our assistance, the State Coordinator or their delagate will place WICEN “On Watch”.

On watch moves all members into a monitoring actively for activations messages. Members actively on watch should turn on and test their equipment. They should prepare their 72 hour kit.

The State Coordinator will activate a “Watch Net” on the available frequencies in the comms plan. If necessary, they will nominate a watch station who will monitor the appropriate frequencies.

Each member on watch should check in with the SC or net controller as their status (availablity, capabilities change)

The State Coordinator will activate a digital information station. The digital information station wil coordinate the distribution of information in a digital form. The DIS will hopefully update the incident page on the WICEN website with up to date information. They will also instigate the Information Beacon (APRS,JS8CALL,WINLINK) which will allow members to gather information as they are possible.

“OnWatch” to Activated

As the conditions deteriorate or as requested by a served agency, the State Coordinator or their delagate will move WICEN to “activated”

The requirements of each activation will differ and the SC will need to distribute information as to the requirements for this acivation.

Details should be quickly delivered to the DIS for distribution