(2) In the event of large-scale disruptions of telephone service, amateur radio can provide long-range communications. Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) and Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES) can be activated through Kittitas County Emergency Management or through the state Emergency Management Division. These organizations can provide voice communications and wireless email. The EOC should provide space, power, and access to a suitable location for antennas. 4. Information Management a. Poor information management is the nemesis of emergency management. Information that is not routed, evaluated, and utilized properly is worthless. It is imperative that the EOC have a system that provides for timely, accurate information flow. b. Incoming information can be in person, by phone, or by radio. Telephone and radio message centers must maintain a complete log. Messages not passed directly to the intended person must be complete and in writing on a standard form. The EOC Supervisor should brief the communications staff on information management and communications security. c. Everyone wants to talk to the person in charge. It is advisable for both the EOC Supervisor and the Incident Commander to have an administrative assistant to screen calls and take personal messages. The largest single distraction for the IC is the telephone. 5. Briefings, News Conferences a. Operational briefings and debriefings should not occur in the EOC. The exception would be executive briefings that the IC will conduct from time to time. Operations teams are mobilized, briefed, and debriefed at a remote location, often the staging area. b. News conferences are normally held at a designated media center, located away from the EOC. Media visits to the EOC should be strictly limited.
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