ComCon4: Threat Probable

ComCon 4: Threat Probable, First indication of a potential situation:

So you think that there might be a problem in the near future. Good for you to notice it. Take advantage and use the time to get things in as good a shape as you can. Check everything. Improve what you can. And then if there is time, do it all again. You will be surprised at the things you may have overlooked the first time.

Re-familiarize yourself with protocols so they are fresh in your mind.

Things written long ago fade from memory or become distorted. Go over all the protocols you have developed and take one last look. Are they consistent with the situation that you envision happening? Might this situation be unlike one that you have thought about in some manner? If you make a change, be sure everyone is aware and has current copies if necessary. Everyone needs to be working from the same plan.

Advise group of change to ComCon 4: Threat Probable.

People have a life to lead. Not everyone pays constant attention to the communications issues. Don't assume that they all know there is a problem. Besides, it gives you a chance to nag a bit about getting things ready. Nobody is always ready. Give them a heads up.

Verify that the group understands the situation.

I mean really understands it. Not just the words, “We have a problem”, but the story behind it. Be sure they understand what the situation implies and how it will effect them. Pay particular attention to the communications aspects. Folks get all wrapped up in one or two aspects of the event and fail to consider other ways the problem will affect them.

Verify that group have current copies of all information sheets.

Sure, you gave everybody copies of all the various information they need. But do they still have it? And is it a current version? Check it out.

Review procedures with participants.

Be sure they know how to operate the primary and secondary communications systems. You won't have time to teach them later, and they might really need to contact someone and not be able to do it. At a minimum, be sure everyone understands the primary and secondary communications systems and the protocol for when to use which one. If possible, have each person test both the primary and secondary systems.

All equipment available and operational.

Last chance to really check things out! From here on, you won't have any spare time. Things had better work because you may be very dependent on them. Be sure everything you need is where you can find it and that it all works as you expect it to. You don't want any surprises later.

Wire line manual phone check.

Check the line to be sure it is working. Find that POT (Plain Old Telephone....that is actually what it is called, a POT). You know, the one that does not need any power to work. It gets its power from the phone line. If the line works, the phone will.

Alternate power sources checked.

If you have a generator, give it a 10 minute test run. Be sure it has oil and fuel available. Much more than you think you could ever use. Batteries must be fully charged and ready to go.

Locate missing equipment.

Each kit should have a content list. When you remove something from the container, mark the list accordingly. I also put a marker on the outside of the kit. More about that when we cover Storage. It is very easy for items to stray from their home. Use this time to verify that everything is where you expect it to be. You don't need a “treasure hunt” later.

Make necessary repairs.

If you do find something wrong, fix it now. Not later. There will be no LATER. If you can't fix it, find a suitable replacement. Then be sure to update all relevant documentation. You don't want to find yourself with a new piece of gear and the instructions for the old piece.

Radios programmed with current data.

You should have noticed any changes to frequencies before now. But this is your last chance to change all the radios should there be something new or different. Especially, check the most important frequencies, tones etc. A radio that is not working correctly can be serious when you are really depending on it.

Verify all Information lists are current.

Whatever paperwork or computer files you intend to use must be current. Wrong information is worse than no information. You should have noticed any changes earlier, but this is the last chance to check them before you need them.

Phone Card valid and operational.

Test the phone card. We have one that needs to be used every 2 years. Of course we forget and we when we need it, it fails. Then we need to make other calls to get it all straightened out. Do it now, not when you really need it.

Do it again.

If you have time, consider rechecking all of the above. I guarantee you will find things you can improve. There may be a long delay between this and the next step. If a storm is coming, it might veer away for awhile and then return with you as a target. Don't let things fall apart when the threat appears reduced. A sudden shift and things can go bad quickly. Be vigilant until you are SURE the threat has subsided.