The idea of “Emergency Communications for Preparedness” is nothing new. The need for communications in an emergency has been well established, and is at the root of the amateur radio service. It is incumbent upon amateur radio operators to serve the public, as an alternative communications infrastructure that communities can rely on. Combine this with the use of the Personal Radio Services, that do not require special training and equipment, and we can create a robust network that will enable us to mitigate damage and allow us to recover what was lost in a disaster.
This is the impetus behind EC4P.
EC4P is the concept that communications technology has intertwined itself with human civilization. And in order to maintain our civilization, as it is, we must fortify our communications infrastructure from a real disaster. Furthermore, from an understanding that humanity has the inalienable right to self-reliance and self-preservation, it can and should, protect itself from disasters that would threaten our communications, and civilization itself. By utilizing tools currently at our disposal, we can do our best to underpin our communications abilities, and create a citizen to citizen infrastructure, without the complexity we see in the highly advanced but vulnerable systems we use day to day.
The word “preparedness” can embody a lot of different meanings for a lot of different people, all with their own ideas and priorities. We take stock in what we value, and attempt to preserve it for the uncertain future. What is often overlooked, or more often overwhelming, is communications technologies and a plan to deploy them when they’re needed. Understanding what these technologies can do, and why they’re important, are the difference between chaos and cooperation. The truth is, most people aren’t going to devote themselves to becoming licensed amateur radio operators, so that they can build and practice their preparedness schemes around such an imperative like communications. Fortunately, there are thousands of amateurs that are willing to do just this thing. While honing their skills and learning about their equipment, they prepare themselves to provide solid communications whenever needed.
The principles of EC4P are a bridge between our communities and a larger network; combining a simple need for communication, with a robust system built and maintained by amateur radio volunteers. The amateur radio “service” has, within itself, inherent responsibilities to the public from which its privileges are derived. Licensed amateurs are uniquely positioned to legally develop, test, and implement technologies as stated by the FCC.
"The rules and regulations in this part are designed to provide an amateur radio service having a fundamental purpose as expressed in the following principles: (a) Recognition and enhancement of the value of the amateur service to the public as a voluntary noncommercial communication service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications." (Source: FCC Part 97.1)
In an effort to maintain order from chaos, laws and regulations have been put into place to serve the greater good. EC4P maintains this order, and promotes lawful communications plans while observing laws and band plans, even through disasters. It’s of the utmost importance that EC4P be conducted with integrity and the highest of moral standards. We strive to be exemplary in our service, and do so with dignity and pride, so that others may be influenced to do the same.
EC4P is open source and there is no profit motive to its organization. Citizens are encouraged to use the principles of EC4P to create their own emergency communications plans, training lessons, and skill building exercises, to share with their own preparedness community, and to spread awareness of the importance of an effective communications network pre- and post-disaster.
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