INCREASED READINESS CONDITIONS
AND ARES NET CONDITIONS

GENERAL

The Increased Readiness Conditions described in this section are designed to parallel the standard Increased Readiness Conditions that form a part of the standard Emergency Management Plan used by the majority of cities and counties in the state of Texas. The plans have a common format which is prescribed by law and which is incorporated into the plans of each area. The approval of such plans is under the control of the State Emergency Management Department. The plans for Collin County and for the City of Plano follow these guidelines. The operations of the ARES nets follow these designations as a way of establishing net discipline and as a way of providing more effective communication with the City or County should the Emergency Management Plans be implemented.

[Condition 4]  [Condition 3]  [Condition 2]  [Condition 1]

CONDITION 4

Condition 4 is the lowest level of Increased Readiness. It marks a higher degree of disaster possibilities within the county. It simply exists to provide a presence on the frequencies and serve as a structure for potential elevation of the net into higher levels of readiness and increase net discipline. The net is conducted in a directed fashion but is open to all reports concerning weather in the area or reports of other emergency situations that may exist in a muli-hazard condition. Operations similar to that invoked during Public Service Activities is generally a good comparison for net management during Condition 4.

[Condition 4]  [Condition 3]  [Condition 2]  [Condition 1] [Return to Top]

CONDITION 3

Condition 3 identifies the condition where situations exist that present a greater potential threat than Condition 4 to life and/or property. In weather related situations, Condition 3 is equivalent to a "watch" condition. Open reporting except in the case of emergencies or the existence of extremely dangerous or vary rapidly changing conditions cease in Condition 3. The net is conducted in a limited reporting and more highly directed fashion. The NCS should manage the net in a much more highly restricted fashion with reports being taken under NCS direction only unless a true emergency exists. Instead of acting to control report taking as in Condition 4, the NCS in Condition 3 is truly in control of the development and management of all communications resources that are to be used in the conduct of the net for the duration of Condition 3 or until the net condition is reduced to Condition 4.

[Condition 4]  [Condition 3]  [Condition 2]  [Condition 1] [Return to Top]

CONDITION 2

Condition 2 exists when a very hazardous situation exists that poses a more immediate threat than Condition 3 to life and/or property. In weather related situations Condition 2 is related to a "warning" condition. No reports are to be taken or given unless the NCS specifically requests them. The only exception to this would be the report of a situation where human life or major injury is in danger. At that time the pro-word Break-Break is to be used and all other net operations will cease until the situation is under control. Upon resolution of such an emergency net operations at Condition 2 will resume. In Condition 2 the net communication is limited to only responses and requests from the NCS except in the situation described in the proceeding paragraph. The NCS can not allow random and non-requested communications to take place during this condition. The NCS must realize that the actions he or she will take in this condition can in a very real way impact the safety of those involved in the situation and can impact the responsiveness of emergency services to those in need.

[Condition 4]  [Condition 3]  [Condition 2]  [Condition 1] [Return to Top]

CONDITION 1

Condition 1 exists at a time when a major disaster has occurred. The most extreme form of net discipline is required at this time. Only the highest priority traffic or transmissions will occur. Information being handled will fit either immediate, emergency or priority classifications. Generally the handling of Heath and Welfare will not be handled by the net in this condition. Such traffic must be either delayed in its handling or handled by another net set up for that express purpose. A general request for "what's going on" is not to be handled by a net in Condition 1. Such transmissions must be handled firmly but politely by the NCS and no one else unless the NCS request assistance from another station. The above descriptions are for guidelines purposes. It is possible that certain situations may require the handling of various Net Conditions in a manner that does not exactly fit these descriptions. Such decisions are the responsibility of the NCS.

THE DECISIONS OF THE NET CONTROL STATION MUST NOT BE DEBATED ON THE AIR UNLESS A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER EXISTS WHICH IF THE DIRECTION OF THE NCS WERE FOLLOWED THAT LOSS OF LIFE, LOSS OF PROPERTY OR INJURY WOULD OCCUR. AMPLE TIME AND OPPORTUNITY WILL EXIST LATER FOR A GOOD CRITIQUE.

[Condition 4]  [Condition 3]  [Condition 2]  [Condition 1] [Return to Top]

Storm Spotter Aids

IMPORTANT! Minimum Reporting Criteria:

DO NOT report rainfall rate unless requested by NCS!

• 1/4" diameter hail or larger
• Wind in excess of 50 mph
• Sighting of a Wall Cloud or Funnel