NORTH SHORE EMERGENCY ASSN.

           EVANSTON 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION - 2006

 

                   GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

 

Thanks much for helping out with this year's 4th of July celebration.  For newcomers and returning old hands--WELCOME.  This is a real fun project that requires us to perform professionally and efficiently.

 

 

GENERAL Information:       The Evanston Fourth of July Association relies on us every year to provide communications for the parade on Central Street (daytime) and the evening fireworks display at the lakefront.  This communications duty is a vital function.

 

PURPOSES:  Our client is the 4th of July Association and their key officers and chairmen.  The priority of communications is (1) EMERGENCIES,  (2) communications between Association Officials,  (3) communications to facilitate staging of the parade or fireworks in the evening, and (4) communications along the parade route or spectator area in the evening.

 

NEW THIS YEAR: If two or more 4th of July officials wish to discuss something complicated or lengthy, do not hesitate to turn your radio over to your tag to speak directly to the other official(s).  Notify Control in advance, and be sure all the other officials are present with their tags and ready to go before doing so.  Remain with your tag to keep control of the communications as required by FCC rules.  This is especially true in the parade assembly area on the alternate frequency (.675 direct).

 

YOUR       Communicators will often work in very noisy environments.  You must be able to monitor

EQUIP-     traffic and answer promptly when called.  It is vital that you have a speaker/mic, earpiece

MENT:      or similar equipment.  If you have a tag, try to use a speaker/mic so that he/she can hear the traffic, but use your best judgment, if the noise is too high, go to an earpiece, etc.

 

Also, you will need a sturdy clipboard to carry information, blank ruled paper for taking messages, and plenty of writing implements.  Be sure you are prepared!

 

POLICE & FIRE   Both in the afternoon as well as in the evening we will have a communicator

EMERGENCIES:    tagged with a police officer.  This will be the primary interface for messages to them from us and to us from them.  If you have an emergency, notify Control and the traffic will be passed directly.  If detail is needed, you may be instructed to go direct with the police tag unit.

 

                               Daytime Event

 

THE        The daytime activity involves the parade that actually begins at Central Street and Cen-

PARADE:    tral Park Avenue, and runs east to Dyche Stadium (Ryan Field).  West of Central Park Avenue is the "STAGING" or "ASSEMBLY" area.  Parade units line up on both sides of Central Street itself, and also on the east sides only of side streets 1 block north and south of Central Street.  This is where parade entrants park and then move onto the route in the sequence of their parade numbers.

 

PARADE     4th of July Association volunteer PARADE MARSHALS help keep the parade moving MARSHALS:     in an orderly fashion.  Each PARADE MARSHAL is assigned to a group of about 10 parade entries.  The MARSHALS wear yellow vests with “Marshal” written on the front and back, and red, white and blue “Official” ribbons with name tags pinned to their shirts.  They also wear YELLOW HATS labeled “Marshal”.

 

Each PARADE MARSHAL will start with his/her group of parade entries and walk along the route with the entries to the end of the parade (Dyche Stadium/Ryan Field).

 

One of our prime functions is to assist these MARSHALS, especially with communications.  INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO EACH MARSHALS SO THAT THEY KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND HOW YOU CAN HELP THEM.  MAKE SURE TO MAINTAIN CONTACT SO THEY CAN FIND YOU IF THEY NEED HELP OR A MESSAGE COMMUNICATED.  If you are on foot and assigned to a specific location, try to stay as close to the curb as possible.

 

     The MARSHALS are instructed that if they need to attract your attention this year they are to waive their YELLOW HAT in the air.  Please watch for this signal.

 

ATTIRE:    Again this year all communicators will be issued our own caps, in distinctive red color with black letters “Radio Communications”.  In addition we may be issued a yellow vest with the word “COMMUNICATIONS” in large red letters on the front and back.

 

The point of all this is so that we can be seen by the Marshals and any other parade officials needing communications.  MAKE SURE YOU WEAR THEM!

 

SECURITY:  A vital role again this year is to assure that all intersections are kept clear of vehicles, crowd overflow, etc. so ALL intersections along the route can be immediately utilized as emergency exits in the event of a catastrophic event.  Keep an eye on all intersections and report any obstruction to Control IMMEDIATELY.  Blocking vehicles must be moved IMMEDIATELY or notify Control for a tow.

 

GAPS IN    Each parade entry is instructed to maintain a space both in front and behind of no more the width of an intersection.  Occasionally excessive gaps may develop between

THE PARADE: units in the parade.  Watch out for this, and if you spot one, look for the nearest MARSHAL.  Check with the MARSHAL on how to adjust the speed of the various units in order to close the gap - make sure you confer before giving instructions to any parade units so that different people don't wind up giving conflicting instructions!

 

Normally the lead unit is too fast and is asked to slow down and the following unit is asked to speed up.  Ask each driver to keep a sharp eye on the unit ahead or behind to minimize the gap.  It is important to BE POLITE when requesting cooperation of parade units.  (Word to the wise: a little sugar is often more effective than "officiousness".)

 

Try not to go too far from your assigned position while talking to parade units, MARSHALS, etc.  If necessary, call control, the next radio communicator down the route, or a BRAVO (bicycle) unit if more attention will continue to be needed.

 

Again this year, parade gaps are especially vital to resolve quickly.  Delay in the timely scheduled end of the parade is especially critical to avoid to assure prompt availability of Evanston Police personnel to other pressing assignments.

 

The parade must end with the last unit reaching the end of the route no later than 4:00 P.M.  If you see that a problem is not being resolved promptly, be sure to NOTIFY CONTROL IMMEDIATELY.  In worst cases, entrants may be removed from the parade or relocated to different positions.  (NOTE - N.S.E.A. is the prime resource to assure the timely conclusion of the parade to allow reassignment of police personnel and other public safety resources.)

 

NO PARADE ENTRY WILL BE ALLOWED TO START AFTER 3:30 P.M.  This applies to ALL entries, even paid marching bands.  If a late entry tries to work its way into the route after 3:30, notify Control IMMEDIATELY, and the police will be called.

 

PARADE     These are rules that have been promulgated by The Evanston EMA.  They are quoted

RULES:     verbatim below, but use common sense in applying them.  See this year’s Parade Marshal Handbook and City of Evanston ESA letter.  [Notes in italics are ours.]

 

Unacceptable Parade Activities

 

     1.   No items or materials are to be passed from the parade entrant to the on-lookers or vice versa.  This includes squirt guns, confetti, or similar materials.  [This includes such things as throwing match boxes, candy, distributing flyers, etc.  Shooting water, while technically prohibited, is probably o.k. if it doesn't get out of hand (too much water, angry spectators, etc.)  Political entries are often a problem.  If they insist on passing things out, make sure this is done only by people on foot, never from any moving vehicle!]

 

2.   No items or materials shall be passed from the on-lookers to the parade entrants. This includes squirt guns, confetti or similar materials.

 

           3.   Posters and signs should be hand-held, sticks or poles are discouraged.  [Its a lot easier to deal with this in the assembly area, along the route only intervene in the event of an actual problem.]

 

           4.   No water guns, water balloons, super-soakers or fire extinguishers.  [Use common sense here, don’t intervene unless someone is specifically upset.]

 

           5.   No smoke machines from atop floats or steam or spray misters.

 

           6.   Limited use of amplifiers, bullhorns, and compressed air-horns.

 

           7.   No fireworks; (report or non-report) will not be permitted; including “poppers”.  [Poppers will be prevalent again this year, try not to get involved with them unless a specific significant problem develops.]

 

           8.   Any unacceptable activity listed above may be cause for immediate removal from the parade.

 

     Emergency Evacuation & Access

 

           1.   All barricaded street closures shall be kept clear so that Fire & Police can respond laterally onto Central Street.

 

           2.   In case of a catastrophic situation in or during the parade, the parade will be discontinued and all parade units will be dispersed laterally to the side streets and return back to the start on smaller streets in order to keep Central Street clear.”

 

           NSEA Comments:

 

           A.   Emphasize cooperation and fun.  If a problem persists, such as a political unit refusing to stop throwing things to spectators, advise Control.  The MARSHALS have the authority to ask any unit to immediately leave the parade, although this is usually decided by the PARADE CHAIRMAN.

 

B.   Street vendors with city permits are allowed to be on Central Street again this year.  If they repeatedly get in the way of entries or there are problems with spectators, please ask them politely for cooperation.  Yes, we know they are selling “poppers”!

 

C.   Specific security concerns this year include any mist or dust being discharged.  Notify Control IMMEDIATELY and try to terminate all such activities at once.  Don’t hesitate to ask for police assistance.

 

D.   If a serious problem occurs (for example, spectators throwing fireworks on the crowd, medical emergency, etc.) don't hesitate to ask the nearest police officer, paramedic, etc. for immediate help.

 

Note:  As a Communicator, make sure that you advise Control of such situations.  Keep Control informed, parade officials often turn to us for the latest information on a developing problem.

 

UNAUTHOR-  Occasionally someone will enter the parade who is not an official participant.  Official

IZED      entries have their parade sequence NUMBER on the front right side of the vehicle, and

ENTRIES:   at the end of the entry, where the NUMBER is prominent.  Unauthorized invaders on the parade route should be directed to immediately leave the route at the nearest safe place.  If necessary, escort the offender off the parade route.

 

Note:  This applies to cars, bicycles, skateboards, go-carts, etc.  2 years ago there was only 1 go-cart authorized (from Evanston High School).

 

If you are unsure if a person properly belongs on the route, check with control, and the PARADE CHAIRMAN will verify.  Don't hesitate to ask for more assistance from police officers, bravo units, PARADE MARSHALS, etc. if the offender doesn't cooperate.  Keep Control informed.

 

OTHER      Other problems from past years that we need to watch for include:  (1)  Spectators spill-

PROBLEMS:  ing out onto or impinging upon the street and blocking entrants, especially the marching bands;  (2) Spectators or vehicles blocking ingress/egress to/from side streets;  (3) dangerous use of fireworks such as throwing on the crowd from roof tops;  (4)  mechanical breakdowns of entrants;  (5) parade entries not fitting under the Green Bay Road Bridge;  (6) fighting or unruly crowd;  (7) medical emergencies with spectators/entrants;  (8) etc.

 

Again this year ALL communicators have full powers as PARADE MARSHALS.  Keep an eye open for anything which might interfere with or dampen the celebration, and, if you believe a problem exists, notify control.  Remember that you can always get back-up from Bravo/Charles/George/Tom units, and the police.  In recent years the police have maintained the new high level of cooperation to assist our people!

 

In addition, in this post 9-11 world, do not hesitate to report any other suspicious activity.  The police have been very explicit with us that they would rather have over-reporting than under-reporting.  When in doubt, NOTIFY CONTROL!

 

 

                              PLACES TO KNOW

 

1.   Information Booth: at Lawndale and Central Streets, north side of the street.

 

2.   N.S.E.A. Command Post (CONTROL): Central Street and Central Park Avenue, at the west end of the Mobil Station, south side of the street.

 

3.   Judges Stand: at Ackerman Park, McDaniel and Central Streets, south side of the street.

 

4.   Reviewing Stand (for dignitaries, such as the Mayor and Association Trustees): Between Eastwood and Green Bay, south side of the street, in front of the Evanston Theatre..

 

     5.   Portable Toilets at: Bent Park (staging area), Central Street & Central Park Avenue

Ackerman Park, McDaniel & Central Street

Ryan Field (Dyche Stadium)

 

 

TYPES OF        1.   Intersection Post.  If you are assigned to an intersection, you will be on

ASSIGNMENTS:         foot at the corner on Central Street to help monitor the parade's progress/problems.  Position yourself on the corner, near a Police Officer, if possible.

 

2.   Tag Person.  You are assigned to stay with an event official, either on foot or bike and be that official's communication with other officials.  Stick with your official at all times so they don't lose you.

 

3.   Bravo Unit.  A bicycle radio unit that covers a specific area of the parade route -- to troubleshoot problems.  You must be in shape!  Bravo units may also be assigned in the assembly area, and as TAGs with officials who do a lot of running or are on a bicycle themselves.  Radio ID example: “Five Bravo Zero One”.

 

4.   Charles Unit:  A motorcycle/motor driven cycle unit for faster response than Bravo if necessary. [“5 Charles 01"]

 

5.   George Unit:  A golf cart unit for faster response/more capacity.

 

6.   Tom Unit: A tractor unit for heavy pulling (removal of disabled parade entries for example).

 

7.   Adam Unit: An airborne unit.  (Not likely in this event.)

 

8.   Henry Unit: A horse mounted unit.  (Not likely to be available this year.)

8.   Mary Unit: A marine (boat) unit.  Used for picket duty and fireworks coordination in the evening.

 

                               Evening Event

 

The evening fireworks display and concert take place near the Clark Street beach and in the adjoining parks.  We assign TAG people to officials, have communicators in the parks monitoring the crowd, an N.S.E.A. communicator in the firing pit during the entire evening, and a boat to keep the waters adjacent to the firing pit clear.

 

REPORT ANY PROBLEMS IN THE CROWD, (FIGHTS, INJURIES, FIREWORKS, ETC.) TO CONTROL, AND THE NEAREST POLICE OFFICER. Look for large burning debris when the fireworks go off.  Call Control if fires start or the potential for injury from falling fireworks debris exists.

 

The fireworks shooters will start at 9:15 P.M. unless advised otherwise.  The person with the authority to start the fireworks is:

 

           Dave Sniader - President & Lakefront Director

 

In addition to Dave, others who can stop the fireworks, are:

 

           Max Ruben - City of Evanston

           Evanston Fire Chief, Fire Marshal, Capt. Jim Edwards

 

A Police and Fire Command Center will be located at the parking lot to the west of the reflecting pool (a TAG communicator will be stationed there).  A police officer is also going to be located near N.S.E.A. Control at the Lagoon Building.  If you need police or fire department assistance, and an officer is not near you, call Control unless otherwise directed that evening.

 

Again this year the live music will also be broadcast on 90.5 F.M.  This will begin at 7:30 P.M. with the band concert at the Lagoon.  When the fireworks begin, the coordinated music for the display will also be broadcast.  Once broadcasting starts, we may need signal reports, so bring a portable F.M. radio if you can.

 

Please refer to your packet for additional information regarding specific assignments, reporting times, etc.

 

If you are unsure about something, please ask.  This is truly an enjoyable project, and the Evanston 4th of July Association bestows enormous trust in us to make things happen--SO BE PROFESSIONAL AND HAVE FUN!

 

 

                           Radio Procedure Notes

 

 

LISTEN !   This event is a very noisy environment.  You MUST listen for traffic.  It is very disruptive of the net if you have to be called over and over again to receive traffic.  Make best use of ear plug, speaker mike or other radio options.

 

 

PRONUNCIATION:  Each digit of a unit number or call sign should be separately pronounced.  Note that “Oh” is a letter of the alphabet, and “Zero” is a number.

 

RIGHT:  “Five Zero Seven”

WRONG:  “Five Oh Seven”

WRONG:  “Five twenty-three”

 

 

FCC CALL   Should be stated once each 15 minutes of continuing traffic, at the end of a transmis-

 SIGNS:    sion.  If you have not transmitted for over 15 minutes, announce your call sign at the end of your next message.  Can be done in lieu of 10-4.

 

Example:   (Net Control) - “Four Nine One ...”

     (Answering) - “Four Nine One ...”

(Net Control) - “Ten Nineteen ...”

(Answering) - “Kay Aaa Bee Nine Seven Three Two ...”

 

 

EFFICIENCY:     The net can easily get overloaded.  THINK before you key.  Plan your message in advance to communicate as quickly and efficiently as possible.

 

     We will use a semi-open net this year.  This means that the words “to Control” will NOT BE USED.  To call Net Control, simply announce your unit number.  To call another unit (during open net), use normal protocol, ie., “Five Zero Three to Five One Nine”.

 

     All of this is designed to make calling as brief as possible in order to maximize the amount of traffic that can be accommodated.  Try to keep efficiency in mind at all times.

 

TYPES      Open Net:  Each radio unit may call any other unit.  The net is open unless otherwise

 OF                   declared by Net Control.

NETS:

Example:   (Calling unit) - “Five Zero Three to Five Eight Four ...”

(Answering) - “This is Five Eight Four, go ahead ...”

 

Be sure to listen closely to the net before transmitting to avoid covering other traffic in progress, messages on direct, etc.

 

Semi-Closed Net: Same as Open Net except the words “to [from] Net Control” are never spoken.  See above.

 

Closed Net:  Control will declare when the net is CLOSED. This is normally done when radio traffic becomes heavy, therefore, abbreviated protocol is utilized.  Units may only call Control.  This is done by stating your unit number only.  Control will acknowledge each caller by unit number.

 

Examples:  (Calling Unit) - “Five Five Five ...”

(Calling Unit) - “Seven Two Nine ...”

(Net Control) - “Seven Two Nine, stand by, Five Five Five ...”

 

If it becomes necessary, request permission to communicate with another unit directly.  Do so only when really necessary, however.

 

(Calling Unit) - “Five Six Five, request Five Five Zero, direct ...”

     (Net Control) - “Five Five Zero ...:

(Answering) - “Five Five Zero ...”

(Net Control) - “Five Five Zero, go direct with Five Six Five ...”

 

PRIOR-     EMERGENCY: An immediate threat to life or property.

 ITIES:                    Supersedes all other traffic.  All other units must immediately stand by. (Example, “Two Four Three, EMERGENCY.”)

 

PRIORITY:  An urgent matter needing prompt attention, but not an emergency.  (Example, "Two Four Three to Eight One Nine, PRIORITY.")

 

(ROUTINE): All other traffic, which must yield to EMERGENCY and PRIORITY traffic.  No priority is stated when transmitting ROUTINE traffic.

 

NET             Net message dispatches contain information directed to all units in the net (such

MESSAGE         as a missing child description.)

DISPATCHES:    

Net Control will usually give advance warning that a Net Message Dispatch will be broadcast.  (Can be by announcing "10-68".)  Get out paper and pencil and be prepared to copy the message.

 

Net Message Dispatches normally require an acknowledgment from every unit in the net.  Units begin acknowledging receipt of the Dispatch in numerical order, following the end of the Message.

 

Be aware of where your unit number is in the order, so you can promptly acknowledge receipt of the Net Message Dispatch during your turn in the order.

 

Example: (Control) "End of 10-68."

     "104, 10-4".

                "134, 10-4".

                "289, 10-4".

                "467, 10-4".

                "584, 10-4".

 

USE OF10 CODES:      Is for efficiency in high traffic conditions.  However, if in doubt use of plain English is never wrong.

 


                10 Codes used by N.S.E.A. are:

 

 10-1   Receiving poorly            10-44      I have a message for         

 10-2   Receiving well                  10-45   All units in range please report

 10-3   Stop transmitting               *10-46   Disabled vehicle

 10-4   O.K./will do/received           *10-47   Mutual aid EMERGENCY

 10-5   Relay                           *10-48   I'm assisting car, take info

 10-6   This unit busy                  *10-50   Traffic accident

 10-7   Out of service, off air         *10-55   D.U.I.

 10-8   In service, on air              *10-57   Hit and run

 10-9   Repeat                          10-60   What is next message #?

 10-10  Transmissn completed stndng by  10-62   Unable to copy, use phone

 10-11  Talking too rapidly             10-63   Net directed to          

 10-12  Visitors present            *10-64      Message for local distribution

 10-13  Weather/road conditions         10-65   Awaiting your next msg/assignment

*10-14  Your location & status?         *10-66   Net message cancellation

 10-16  Make pick-up                    10-67   All units comply

 10-17  URGENT                          *10-68   Net message dispatch, stand by

 10-18  Anything for this unit?                 to copy

 10-19  Return to base/home             10-70   FIRE

 10-20  Location                        10-73   Speed trap at           

 10-21  Telephone                       10-75   You are causing interference

 10-22  Report in person            10-76      Enroute

 10-23  Stand by                        10-77   Negative, no contact

 10-24  Assignment completed            *10-78   Arrived at location

 10-25  Can you contact        ?        10-81   Reserve hotel room

 10-26  DISREGARD                       10-82   Reserve room

 10-27  I am moving to ch.               10-84   My telephone number is        

 10-28  Identify your station           10-85   My address is            

 10-29  Time is up for contact      10-89      Radio repairman needed

 10-30  Does not conform to FCC rules   10-90   I have TVI/intermodulation

 10-33  EMERGENCY                       10-91   Talk closer to microphone

 10-34  Trouble here, help needed       *10-96   Mental subject

 10-35  Confidential                    *10-97   10-7 at home

 10-36  Time                        *10-98      10-8 at home

 10-37  Tow truck needed            10-99      Mission completed,

 10-38  Ambulance needed                all units secure

 10-39  Message Delivered               10-101  I have been stopped by the police

 10-41  Please move to ch.                       at           

 10-42  Traffic accident            10-200     Police needed at           

 10-43  Traffic tie up                  *10-601  UHF repeater down

                                                                              

*Not from "National CB 10 Code" (S9 magazine original CB 10 Code.)

 

10-48:  Get location, description & plate.  Call back in 5 minutes & verify all is o.k.  If unit is not 10-8 in reasonable time, call back.  If no answer after reasonable # of calls/time, CALL POLICE!

 

                          APCO PHONETIC ALPHABET:

 

A - Adam        B - Boy         C - Charles          D - David       E - Edward

F- Frank             G - George    H - Henry         I - Ida              J - John

K - King             L - Lincoln          M - Mary        N - Nora        O - Ocean

P - Paul             Q - Queen     R - Robert        S - Sam         T - Tom

U - Union       V - Victor      W - William          X - X-Ray       Y -Young

                                Z - Zebra

 

Just say the letter, and then the word.  Do not use "as in".  Example:  "Smyth, S...Sam, M...Mary, Y...Young, T...Tom, H...Henry."