Communications/Air Raid Siren
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Air Raid Siren
Wendy and Casey, while doing an inventory of the Emergency Hut, found this Siren Procedures document. The original dates from August 2004. It has been edited to reflect current procedures.
Update: July28 2019. We're reviewing this again, and an email has gone out to the 'smaller' BCERT group for editing commentary. The goal is to reduce people dashing to the pool and to encourage participation in the radio groups.
Background
In the 1980's after the BCMWC was established, the Board and community recognized that there should be a way to alert all Canyon residents in a quick, efficient way when an emergency effecting the entire community has occured. An 'air raid' type siren was located at the pool. This location is approximately the center of the Canyon property. It maximizes the efficiency of the sound transmissions and minimizes the distance individuals wold need to travel to congregate. The Siren fell into disuse and was repaired by Ross Noguchi ( et al ) in the Summer of 2018
When to use
The siren will be used when there is a need to notify individuals in the Canyon that an emergency has occurred that may effect everyone, to account for the safety of all and coordinate resources to address the situation. Emergencies, such as a fire outside the canyon, may not be obvious to those in the Canyon until notice is given.
How to use
To activate the siren, there are two (2) buttons located on the outside of the pool building on the Fern Avenue backside that can be accessed through the fence. The top black start button is depressed and released. Let the siren Wail for 10 seconds, then depress the bottom red button to stop the siren. After 10 seconds of quiet, depress the top black button again, repeating this pattern 3 times.
Who can use
Any responsible person may activate the siren. The individual who activates the siren must remain at the site to inform individuals why why they activated it. Remember you are summoning everyone in the Canyon so only use it when you feel everyone needs to know the information you are passing on. This is NOT a toy
What should you do when you hear the siren?
The siren is summoning your Neighborhood Coordinator (NC) to go to the pool area to receive information and coordinate appropriate response activities. You are welcome to join or replace your NC; they may be out of the canyon. But not everyone should dash down - there isn't enough room and folks in the different neighborhoods are our 'eyes in the field'
Please check-in as quickly as possible after making sure your immediate needs have been taken care of.
It is best to radio, walk, use bicycles, or other means that will not block the road, as there may be emergency vehicles on they way into the Canyon.
Turn on your walkie-talkie to BU1 - or 'Butano 1' as we say. An alternative channel, also monitored is BU-R - 'Butano Repeater.' If you have a regular walkie talkie BU1 is CH18 / Code 17 on a lot of them. ( join in on the Community Radio Check first Saturday each month at 10 )
Why go to the pool area?
Butano residents have a good history of working together in times of emergency. Meeting in once central location allows each of us to not only take care of our family but also our Canyon family. The Emergency Response Team asks all reporting to make a mental note of what they have seen on the way such as a road in bad condition, a chimney collapsed, a tree down, someone in need of help, etc. The Emergency Response Team will be using radio communications as well. We can collect information on the conditions in the canyon quickly and prioritize responses as needed. Several of your neighbors have taken the training on the use of ham radio and will be able to get information to emergency personnel outside of the canyon on our needs or lack of them.
What if I can't get to / don't want to go to the the pool?
Stay as safe as you can where you are. Your Neighborhood Coordinator will get in touch with you to determine your status and what you may need. If you have a FRS / Walkie Talkie or similar equipment tune to channel 1, no code to listen for and to give information.
I'd rather leave the Canyon
If your decision is that it is appropriate to leave the Canyon, please let others know and leave emergency contact information posted in an obvious place such as on your front door.