VHF/UHF Narrow-Band Requirements


Requirements
By January 1, 2013, all radios operating below 512 MHz. will be required to move to narrow-band operation. This impacts all Public Safety service radio systems not already on narrow band channels.  It is not too late to begin planning and budgeting for this, as it will require changing out your radios for ones that are capable of narrow band operation.

FCC Actions
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), reacting to the crowding of the radio spectrum, studied various methods to help alleviate the over-crowding on the radio bands.  With the increase of personal communications devices – from baby monitors to cell phones – there had been a veritable explosion of use of radio frequencies.  The FCC came up with the plan of “splitting” each current wide-band 25 kHz channel into two 12.5 kHz channels.  Thus, we have more radio spectrum for use, but everyone has to buy new equipment if their current radios cannot use narrow-band frequencies.

Radio Licenses
Radio licenses will need to be re-licensed for narrow-band frequencies, and agencies will not be able to “grandfather” their use of wide-band channels.  If you don’t re-license, you will probably loose your frequency to someone else and incur additional expense in re-programming all your radio gear to the new narrow-band frequency allocated to you by the FCC.

In planning/budgeting for this, you should consider radio equipment that can use your current wide-band channels and be programmed for the new narrow-band use when you get re-licensed.  That way, you can stagger your purchases and not have new radios sitting in the closet waiting for the new license and change-over to the narrow-band frequency.

All agencies will not be moving at the same time, and the new inter-operable UHF/VHF frequencies will co-exist with the old wide-band channels until 1-1-2013.

Recommendations
What we recommend is to program your new radios with both the “old” wide-band  FERN, NLEEC, HEAR, and SAR channels in one bank or group on the radio, and then program in the “new” narrow-band inter-operable channels VLAW, VFIRE, VTAC, etc., into another bank or group.  Hopefully, your new radios will have a display of a channel name and not just a channel number.  That way, when someone says “Go to FERN 1” you just go to the display for “FERN 1”.  If the channel to be used is “VFIRE 21”, just go to where it displays “VFIRE 21”.  That way there is no confusion of whether the channel to be used is wide or narrow-band.

The “old” names – FERN, NLEEC, HEAR, etc. – will not be used when the new narrow-band channels are used.  Instead, we will use the new National Public Safety Telecommunications Council channel naming convention – VCALL 10, VTAC 11-14, VFIRE 21-26, VLAW 31-32, VMED 28-29 etc.

For more information on the VHF/UHF narrow-band requirements contact Jack Cobb, DEM Communications Manager, at Jack.Cobb@state.co.us.  

DEM Weekly Update ~ January 27, 2012

Colorado Division of Emergency Management Weekly Update January 27
Topics included in the Weekly Update include:
  • 2012 Emergency Management Conference and Trivia Question
  • Kudos Board
  • Citizen Corps
  • VHF Narrow Band Information
  • Wide Area Recovery and Resiliency Program
  • Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program
  • Resources Focused on Emergency Management and Education
  • Training Information
  Please contact Micki Trost, DEM PIO, at Micki.Trost@state.co.us with any questions or comments.

Course Announcement: G290 Basic Public Information Officer

Basic Public Information Officer

The two day course is intended for the public information officer (PIO).  The emphasis is on the basic skills and knowledge needed for emergency management public information activities or as a refresher.  Mock interviews will be videotaped.  

Target Audience
Individuals who may assume a public information role in expanding emergency incidents.

Date:          April 28 - 29, 2012

Time:         8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Where:      Alpine Rescue Team Headquarters
                  28802 Rainbow Hills Road, Evergreen, CO  80439 

Register:  COTRAIN, Course #:  1024974
                  This course is first come, first served.  No charge.
                  Contact Robyn Knappe for assistance with registration at 
                  Robyn.Knappe@state.co.us
                  Lodging is available upon request by contacting Robyn Knappe. 

Recommended Prerequisites
  • NIMS IS-700
  • IS-800
  • IS-100
  • ICS-200
Contact:    Stephen Wilson at stephen.m.wilson@ulalaunch.com 
                  Robyn Knappe at Robyn.Knappe@state.co.us

View the G-290 Basic Public Information Course Flyer for more information.


 

Course Announcement: ICS 400

ICS-400 Advanced ICS Principles

ICS-400 provides training on and resources for personnel who require advanced application of the Incident Command System (ICS).  The course expands upon information covered in the ICS-200 and ICS-300 courses.  Attendance both days is mandatory.

Personnel must have completed the following Incident Command System Courses or an equivalent to these courses:  ICS-100 Introduction to ICS, ICS-200 Basic ICS, ICS-300 Intermediate ICS and IS-700 NIMS.

Date:           February 23-24, 2012

Time:           8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Location:     Kinsco
                    1530 Skyway Drive, Longmont, CO  80504

Register:      COTRAIN,  Course #:  1006001

Contact:       Robyn Knappe at Robyn.Knappe@state.co.us or 720-852-6617.

Download the ICS-400 Course Flyer for more information on this training.



Course Announcement: ICS 300

ICS-300 Intermediate ICS Principles

ICS-300 provides training on and resources for personnel who require advanced application of the Incident Command System (ICS).  The course expands upon information covered in the ICS-100 and ICS-200 courses.  Attendance both days is mandatory.

Personnel must have completed the following Incident Command System Courses or an equivalent to these courses:   ICS-100:  Introduction to ICS, ICS-200: Basic ICS, and IS-700 NIMS.

Date:          February 21-22, 2012

Time:         8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Location:   Kinsco
                  1530 Skyway Drive, Longmont, CO  80504

Register:     COTRAIN,  Course ID:  1006001
                   This course is first come, first served. No charge. No lodging.

Contact:     Robyn Knappe at Robyn.Knappe@state.co.us or 720-852-6617 

View the ICS-300 Course Flyer for more information.

Course Announcement: Disaster Sheltering for Companion Animals

Disaster Sheltering for Companion Animals is designed to help communities of any size actively and formally prepare for disasters affecting both animals and humans. Natural or man-made disasters can strike at any time, and depending on their scope and severity, the local community needs to be equipped to handle the resulting influx of dogs, cats and other small companion animals.

Dates:          March 23-24, 2012

Time:           9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Location:     Westminster Public Safety Building
                     9110 Yates Street, Westminster, CO  80031

Cost:            $180

Registration and Course Information: 
Visit the American Humane Association website for more information and to register.

Contact:      AEStraining@americanhumane.org 

Course Announcement: Management of Financial Issues Related to a Disaster

Please save February 13 for the training, the time will be 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and the location has not been determined.  Please do not hesitate to contact Melinda Johnson at Melinda.Johnson@rmpdc.org if you have any questions!  Registration will be on COTRAIN once a location has been confirmed.

Course Information
Before, during, and after a disaster, one of the major concerns for emergency management personnel is money.  Questions often arise related to who is going to pay, what needs to be tracked, what should the impacted agency pay for, what is the impacted agency responsible for, what forms need to be utilized, how long will it take to receive money, and what disaster funds are available to various agencies.  Many of these questions have continued to arise during the project focused on making the North Central All-Hazards Region Health and Medical Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) functional. 

In an effort to address questions related to financial management of disaster costs and to educate participants in the MMRS MOU, the Denver MMRS is offering a day-long Disaster Finance Symposium. Objectives of the training include:

  • Review finance components of emergencies and disasters
  • Examine the declaration process for local, state, and federal governments
  • Discuss recovery considerations
  • Determine partnerships and agencies available for assistance
  • Review local policies and procedures to ensure the best results following an emergency or disaster
  • Discuss tools, forms and communications that will facilitate efficient utilization of the North Central Region’s Health and Medical MOU 

The information presented is a collaboration of a financial symposium developed the Colorado Division of Emergency Management and information and best practices gathered from other states and hospitals that have successfully managed finances during a disaster involving healthcare agencies.  The information is intended for hospital emergency managers, hospital financial managers, local emergency managers, local government financial personnel, purchasing and logistics staff, and any other positions that are actively involved with expenditures, financial tracking, or reimbursement related to an emergency or disaster.

Course Announcement: ICS 300

ICS-300 Intermediate ICS Principles

ICS-300 provides training on and resources for personnel who require advanced application of the Incident Command System (ICS). The course expands upon information covered in the ICS-100 and ICS-200 courses.  Attendance both days is mandatory.

Date:            February 14 - 15, 2012

Time:            8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Location:      South Metro Fire Administration Headquarters
                     9195 E. Mineral Avenue, Centennial, CO  80112

Register:       COTRAIN, Course ID #:  1005860
                      This course is first come, first served, No Charge. No lodging.

Target Audience:
Individuals who may assume a supervisory role in expanding emergency incidents.

Recommended Prerequisites:
NIMS IS-700, IS-800, ICS-100, ICS-200


For more information download the ICS 300 Course Announcement flyer or contact Robyn Knappe at 720-852-6617 or Robyn.Knappe@state.co.us.


 

DEM Weekly Update ~ January 20

Colorado Division of Emergency Management Weekly Update January 20
Topics included in the Weekly Update include:
  •  2012 Colorado Emergency Management Conference Registration
  • Emergency Management Program Guide for Colorado
  • Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Specific Task Books
  • Emergency Management Academy Reminder
  • Kudos to Share 
    • Steve Steed, Teller County Emergency Manager
    • Carolyn Bluhm, City and County of Denver, OEM and HLS Community Relations Specialist
    • Lori Hodges, CDEM Field Manager
    • Jack Cobb, CDEM Communications Manager
    • CDEM Elected Officials Guide for Disasters and Emergencies
  • Denver CERT - It is Time to Grow
  • Job Announcements
  • Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program
  • Resources Focused on Emergency Management and Education
  • Training Information
  Please contact Micki Trost, DEM PIO, at Micki.Trost@state.co.us with any questions or comments.

DEM Weekly Update January 13, 2012

Colorado Division of Emergency Management Weekly Update January 13
Topics included in the Weekly Update include:
  • Scholarship application for 2012 Colorado Emergency Management Conference
  • CEMA Certification Committee isRecruiting Members
  • Job Opening with the Federal Emergency Management Agency
  • Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program
  • Resources Focused on Emergency Management and Education
  • Training Information
  Please contact Micki Trost, DEM PIO, at Micki.Trost@state.co.us with any questions or comments.

Scholarship Application for Colorado Emergency Management Conference

Scholarship Purpose:   
The purpose of this scholarship is to provide funding to pay the registration fee ($150.00 in 2012) for an emergency manager (EM), an employee or volunteer working with a voluntary organization involved in emergency response, or a student to attend the Colorado Emergency Management Conference.  This scholarship program is funded by proceeds derived from the silent auction held at the Colorado Emergency Management Conference and/or contributions from the Colorado Emergency Management Association (CEMA).

Procedure:   
To be eligible for this scholarship, an applicant must be:

  • working EM in Colorado or staff
  • working with a voluntary organization – e.g. members of VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters)
  • a student enrolled in an EM or Homeland Security program in Colorado 

Application:
The completed Colorado Emergency Management Conference Application must be received by email at CEMAapplications2012@gmail.com  on or before February 3, 2012.

Due Dates: 
  • Applications sent out no later than:                 January 9, 2012
  • Submit completed application no later than:     February 3, 2012
  • Scholarship recipients notified no later than:    February 10, 2012
  • Colorado EM Conference:                              March 6 – 8, 2012

Download the Colorado Emergency Management Conference Application for details on the process.

CEMA Certification Committee Recruiting Members


The Colorado Emergency Management Association (CEMA) Certification Committee is looking for new members.

If you are a CEMA member and would like to volunteer to be on the Certification Committee, please contact Jim Lancy at 720-898-6876 or jlancy@arvada.org.

The time commitment involves one meeting each quarter.  Meetings are held in person and by phone, allowing folks from all over the state to participate without having to drive out of area.

DEM Weekly Update January 6, 2012

Colorado Division of Emergency Management Weekly Update January 6

Topics included in the Weekly Update include:
  • 2012 Colorado Emergency Management Conference
  • Job Opportunities Available
  • Share Your Comments on the National Preparedness Report
  • Joint Budget Council Update
  • Creating Usable Web Sites
  • 2011 DEM Customer Survey
  • Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program
  • Resources Focused on Emergency Management and Education
  • Training Information
  Please contact Micki Trost, DEM PIO, at Micki.Trost@state.co.us with any questions or comments.

Two Job Opportunities Available with the Denver Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security

The Denver Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security has posted two job opportunities. 
  1. Deputy Director
  2. Emergency Exercise and Training Coordinator

The job descriptions and qualifications are listed on the Denver Human Resources page. Each of these postings are open until January 19.  Go to the Denver Job Information page for more information or to apply.

Please share this information with anyone who may be interested or in your agency newsletters.

Training Course: ICS 400 Advanced ICS Principles


ICS-400 provides training on and resources for personnel who require advanced application of the Incident Command System (ICS). The course expands upon information covered in the ICS-200 and ICS-300 courses. Attendance both days is mandatory.
Personnel must have completed the following ICS courses or an equivalant to these courses:
  • ICS 100: An Introduction to ICS
  • ICS 200: Basic ICS
  • ICS 300: ICS Intermediate
  • IS 700 NIMS 
Course Date:          January 16-17, 2012

Course Time:          8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. each day

Course Location:    Florence Police Department
                                  300 West Main, Florence, CO  81226

Target Audience:    Individuals who may assume a supervisory role in expanding
                                  emergency incidents.

Registration:           COTRAIN, Course ID #1006001  
                           This course is first come, first served. 
                            No charge. No lodging.

Course Contacts:

Robyn Knappe at robyn.knappe@state.co.us or 720-852-6617
Scott Morrill at smorrill@gunnisoncounty.org or 970-641-2481

Download the ICS 400 Course Flyer.

Training Course: Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Train the Trainer

Community Emergency Response Team Train the Trainer Course
 

Course Dates:     January 25, 26, and 27, 2012
 
Course Time:      8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Course Descripton:     

The course introduces potential instructors to the CERT curriculum, covers administrative issues and prepares trainers to teach the class by demonstrating instructional methods.  This course is required for all citizen instructors prior to teaching a class.  Typically, CERT instructors act in a volunteer capacity.

Instructors come from a variety of disciplines that include emergency management, fire, law enforcement, and EMS; or citizen volunteers attending at the request of their sponsoring local CERT program.
 

Attendees that successfully complete the prerequisites and the course are added to the Colorado CERT Trainer database maintained by The Office of Preparedness located in the Division of Homeland Security.


Course Location:      

Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office HQ - Training Room 
13101 East Broncos Parkway, Centennial, CO 80112 
Parking is FREE

Course Registration:    COTRAIN, Course ID #1031180

Target Audience:  Future CERT course instructors
 

Additional Requirements/Prerequisites:  
Certificate of Completion of the classroom CERT course and hands-on exercise (waivers only for Law Enforcement, Firefighters, and EMS Personnel); Certificates of completion -ICS 100 and 700; Background Check; Signed Train the Trainer Agreement; and a sponsoring agencies approval.

Please note that lunch is NOT provided, however, there are numerous locations nearby and an adequate lunch break will be provided.  For more information download the course flyer or contact: Cathy Prudhomme or  720-852-6650.


Future CERT training information:
Denver CERT Program will also be having a CERT Train The Trainer (TTT) Course on weekends and evening hours for people who work and can’t make the weekday course.  It will be in May 2012 and information will be out in late January.

During the Denver CERT TTT program they will be working with the trainers to help build a program within their community, business and faith based organizations. This class will be the beginning of a growing process. As a Program Manager, Denver will be there to help you create your CERT program for your organization and make it a successful one. Denver will be asking its participants to have the same  prerequisites as the state program has to maintain continuity in Colorado. 

For more information about the Denver CERT Program contact  Carolyn Bluhm.

Training Course: Hospital All-Hazards Course (Pueblo)


Colorado Medical Community 


Dates Offered:  January 10-11, 2011
 
Times Offered: This is a 4-Hour Course offered in the following sessions (please register for one): 
  • JANUARY 10 - 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  • JANUARY 10 - 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.  
  • JANUARY 11 - 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  • JANUARY 11 - 1:00 p.m - 5:00 p.m.                       
Course Location:  Pueblo City-County Health Department
                            3rd Floor, Conference Room C
                            101 W. 9th Street, Pueblo, CO 81003


This course is hosted by the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program and Pueblo City-County Health Department.
  
Class size limited to 35 per session.
There is no cost to attend.

RSVP to Loraine Greenwood by electronic submission; Fax-(719)583-9902; or E-Mail - loraine.greenwood@co.pueblo.co.us.