ESF-2: Communications A Section of the Clinton County Emergency Operations Plan - Clinton County ...
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Clinton County Emergency Management Agency
CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO
ESF-2: Communications
A Section of the Clinton County
Emergency Operations Plan
Revised
July 2021
This plan defines roles and responsibilities in order to mitigate, prepare for, respond
to, and recover from the effects of all hazards including natural disasters, manmade
disasters, and major accidents.Clinton County Emergency Operations Plan
ESF-2: Communications
July 2021
Table of Contents
Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................. 2
Agencies ................................................................................................................................................. 3
1. Primary Agency. .......................................................................................................................... 3
Introduction............................................................................................................................................ 3
3. Purpose. ...................................................................................................................................... 3
4. Scope........................................................................................................................................... 3
5. Situation. ..................................................................................................................................... 4
6. Assumptions. .............................................................................................................................. 7
7. Policies. ....................................................................................................................................... 8
Concept of Operations .......................................................................................................................... 9
8. Plan Activation. ........................................................................................................................... 9
10. EOC Coordination. ................................................................................................................. 10
11. General Operations. .............................................................................................................. 10
Roles and Responsibilities ................................................................................................................. 13
13. Clinton County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). ................................................................................ 13
14. City of Wilmington Police Department. ................................................................................ 14
15. Clinton County Emergency Management Agency. ............................................................... 14
16. Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Services (ARES) and Radio Amateur Civil
Emergency Services (RACES). ..................................................................................................... 15
Glossary............................................................................................................................................... 15
17. Definitions.............................................................................................................................. 15
18. Acronyms. .............................................................................................................................. 15
Attachments........................................................................................................................................ 16
Attachment 1 - Signature Page of Primary Agencies. ................................................................ 17
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Agencies
1. Primary Agency.
1.1. Clinton County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).
1.2. Wilmington Police Department (WPD).
2. Supporting Agencies.
2.1. Clinton County Emergency Management Agency (EMA).
2.2. Clinton County Amateur Radio Association (ARA).
2.2.1. Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Services (ARES).
2.2.2. Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES).
Introduction
3. Purpose.
3.1. The purpose of this Emergency Support Function (ESF) is developed for the coordination of
emergency communications. ESF-2 is intended to support - not supplant or duplicate - existing
communications resources and systems. It describes the systems to receive and transmit priority
emergency message traffic in support of emergency operations, procedures for communicating
during a disaster, ensures that warnings and critical event information are effectively and
appropriately delivered to the public, and addresses the following:
3.1.1. Communications interoperability among field response units.
3.1.2. Expanded coordination of communications systems.
3.1.3. Provide primary and back-up systems.
3.1.4. Communications to and from the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
3.1.5. Sources of communications augmentation.
3.1.6. Other communication systems to support emergency operations.
3.2. ESF-2 provides guidance for organizing, establishing, and maintaining the communications
capabilities necessary to meet the operational requirements of local response and recovery
efforts and to provide a flow of continuous information throughout an emergency or disaster.
4. Scope.
4.1. ESF-2 applies to communication assets including radios, E-911, voice, data links, Integrated
Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), Emergency Alert System (EAS), emergency notification
system (ENS), telephone mass notification, and amateur radio.
Page 3Clinton County Emergency Operations Plan
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4.2. This plan also addresses warning and notification procedures and polices when multiple
agencies are either involved in one incident or there are simultaneous multiple incidents that
require resource coordination.
4.3. This plan works to accurately and efficiently transfer information during an incident
describing the actions to be taken to establish and maintain communications, public warning
systems, and notification coordination for Clinton County and its local jurisdictions.
5. Situation.
5.1. Communications will be one of Clinton County’s first concerns in the focus of life-saving
activities.
5.2. Effective and efficient communications during an emergency require both interoperable and
redundant systems and methods. These consist primarily of wireless voice (radio), voice and
data wire lines, wireless telecommunications, and Internet (voice/data).
5.3. Widespread damage to commercial telecommunications infrastructure is possible.
5.4. The following are possible situations for Emergency, Interoperability, and Public Information
and Warning communications;
5.4.1. Emergency 911.
5.4.1.1. Emergency calls for service are received by the 911 centers and dispatched to
the appropriate response agencies.
5.4.1.2. There are two (2) Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) for 911 in Clinton
County.
5.4.1.3. The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office located on the southern outskirts of
Wilmington is the emergency communications center for all non-Wilmington-based local
law enforcement and fire service calls from the County.
5.4.1.4. The Wilmington Police Communications Center located in downtown Wilmington
in the city municipal building is for calls from within the City of Wilmington.
5.4.1.5. No local fire or EMS departments have dispatch capability.
5.4.1.6. Both dispatch centers have the capability to roll over to one another to act as
back-up.
5.4.1.7. Emergency communications are heavily dependent on the commercial
telephone and data networks. Technical failure or damage to that infrastructure could
hamper communications to responders and the public.
5.4.2. Interoperability.
5.4.2.1. When the EOC is activated, primary communications during times of an
emergency will be done through the use of normal day-to-day methods. Communications
will be maintained in the CCSO Dispatch Center on a 24-hour basis with continuous
updates provided through ESF-13, as required by the event. Should primary
communications fail, redundant amateur radio systems may be activated.
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5.4.2.2. Equipment and supplies are provided organically through owning organization
current stocks.
5.4.2.3. Emergency and disaster events often require local agencies to augment their
communications capability. Additional or special communications equipment may be
needed to supplement or replace standard communications operations during special
events or power outages. In severe situations, augmentation may be required from State
sources or other agencies acting in a support role.
5.4.2.4. There are several radio systems in Clinton County. They include:
5.4.2.4.1. Multiagency Radio Communications System (MARCS) used by:
5.4.2.4.1.1. All State departments.
5.4.2.4.1.2. All local law enforcement.
5.4.2.4.1.3. All local fire and EMS districts.
5.4.2.4.1.4. Clinton Memorial Hospital.
5.4.2.4.1.5. Clinton County EMA.
5.4.2.4.1.6. Clinton County Engineer’s Office.
5.4.2.4.1.7. Clinton County Highway Department.
5.4.2.5. A limited cache of MARCS radios are maintained by EMA for use when needed in
the field.
5.4.2.6. Amateur radio groups ARES/RACES serve as mutual aid resources for the
County and may provide auxiliary communications to assist affected jurisdictions. They
can be activated through EMA/EOC.
5.4.3. Public Notification and Warning.
5.4.3.1. Emergency information to the public may include information about evacuations,
sheltering in place, protective actions, etc.
5.4.3.2. Some jurisdictions have outdoor warning sirens which can be used to notify
nearby residents of an incoming tornado. These sirens are maintained by their owning
jurisdiction and are tied into a computer system located in the Wilmington Police
Department Emergency Communications office. The designations of the sirens are as
follows:
5.4.3.2.1. Siren 1001 - Station 2 (Wilmington).
5.4.3.2.2. Siren 1002 - South Nelson (Wilmington).
5.4.3.2.3. Siren 1003 - Holmes School (Wilmington).
5.4.3.2.4. Siren 1004 - Holmes School (Wilmington).
5.4.3.2.5. Siren 1005 - City Park (Wilmington).
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5.4.3.2.6. Siren 1006 - North Nelson (Wilmington).
5.4.3.2.7. Siren 1007 - High School (Wilmington).
5.4.3.2.8. Siren 1008 - Denver School (Wilmington).
5.4.3.2.9. Siren 1009 - Southwinds (Wilmington).
5.4.3.2.10. Siren 1010 - Davids Drive (Wilmington).
5.4.3.2.11. Siren 1011 - Community Market (TBD).
5.4.3.2.12. Siren 1012 - Sabina.
5.4.3.2.13. Siren 1013 - DHL.
5.4.3.2.14. Siren 1014 - R&L Center
5.4.3.2.15. Siren 1016 - Wilmington College Fife (Wilmington).
5.4.3.2.16. Siren 1017 - Wilmington College Main (Wilmington).
5.4.3.2.17. Siren 1018 - Downtown Fed Sig Siren (Wilmington).
5.4.3.2.18. Siren 1114 - R&L Center (Liberty Township).
5.4.3.2.19. Siren 1115 - Port William.
5.4.3.2.20. Siren 2001 - Wayne Township (Lees Creek).
5.4.3.2.21. Siren 2002 - Cuba (Washington Township).
5.4.3.2.22. Siren 2004 - New Antioch (Green Township).
5.4.3.2.23. Siren 2008 - Clinton-Massie School (Adams Township).
5.4.3.2.24. Siren 2009 - Clinton-Warren Joint Fire District (Clarksville).
5.4.3.2.25. Siren 2010 - Vernon Township.
5.4.3.2.26. Siren 2011 - Adams Township Garage.
5.4.3.2.27. Siren 2012 - Nike Center (Adams Township).
5.4.3.2.28. Siren 2013 - Vernon Township Vortex.
5.4.3.2.29. Siren 3003 - Martinsville.
5.4.3.2.30. Siren 3007 - New Vienna.
5.4.3.2.31. Siren 2014 - Blanchester Vortex.
5.4.3.3. Notification of threatening situations may also come from the National Weather
Service via NOAA weather alert radios. Each local school district in Clinton County has
weather alert radios. Local NOAA weather channels for Clinton County include:
5.4.3.3.1. SAME #039027 (Covington, KIH42, 162.550).
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5.4.3.3.2. SAME #039027 (Dayton, WXJ46, 162.475).
5.4.3.4. SW Ohio radio and television broadcasting stations will also be used to provide
warning to the jurisdiction.
5.4.3.5. Emergency Notification System is in use for the county and provides tailored
weather alerts and notifications.
5.4.3.5.1. The use of a mass (telephone) notification system by emergency response
personnel will be required when a quick-onset incident, such as a hazardous
materials spill, occurs. The system can be activated by EMA, CCSO, WPD, Clinton
County Health Commissioner, and City of Wilmington Water Department.
5.4.3.5.2. EMA serves as the account administrator.
6. Assumptions.
6.1. Local government has organized, equipped, and maintains capable communication systems
necessary to meet daily and emergency response and recovery operations.
6.2. Communications may be seriously restricted or nonexistent due to widespread damage to
communications and power system failures.
6.3. Initial reports may be fragmented and provide an incomplete picture concerning the extent
of damage.
6.4. Even if no infrastructure damage occurs, the nature of most disasters will quickly overwhelm
the capacity of the regular communications systems in place.
6.5. Use of redundant communications or notification systems may be required.
6.6. Damage to communications equipment may hamper the level of response and recovery
operations.
6.7. The following are assumptions for Emergency, Interoperability, and Public Information and
Warning communications;
6.8. Emergency 911.
6.8.1. Jurisdictions will need accurate and timely information on which to base their
decisions and focus their response actions.
6.8.2. Normal forms of communications may be severely interrupted during the early phases
of an emergency or disaster.
6.8.3. The loss of some or all telephone/data service will reduce or eliminate the
effectiveness of the 911 dispatch centers.
6.9. Interoperability.
6.9.1. Clinton County Sheriff and the City of Wilmington dispatch centers will continue to
operate as long as they remain functional.
6.9.2. There are pre-identified frequencies that will be used for primary direction and control.
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6.9.3. Agencies such as law enforcement and fire and EMS units in Clinton County maintain
operational control of their own communication systems while coordinating with the EOC
during emergencies.
6.9.4. The management and logistics of communication support is highly situational and is
dependent upon flexibility and adaptability.
6.9.5. Emergencies may require communications capabilities beyond normal capacities of
equipment of local government.
6.9.6. Amateur radio operators have the ability to set up field communications to support or
augment public safety operations.
6.9.7. Weather and other factors may impair the ability to deploy mobile or transportable
communications equipment into the affected area.
6.10. Public Notification and Warning.
6.10.1. Some people who are directly threatened by a hazard may ignore, not hear, or
misunderstand the warnings.
6.10.2. Functional needs populations may require special attention to ensure a workable
warning system is established.
6.10.3. Police and fire organizations should/may be available to provide additional warning
capabilities for the public.
7. Policies.
7.1. Each primary and support agency will maintain written agreements in the form of
Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) as necessary with any other agency that is required in
support of this plan.
7.2. Each agency and requesting jurisdiction is responsible for any costs associated with use of
this plan.
7.3. Each agency is responsible for maintaining their policies and Standard Operating Guidelines
(SOGs) regarding this plan.
7.4. All agencies with responsibilities in this plan will keep track of their department finances to
include, but not limited to, timesheets (including any overtime), compensation amounts, material
and supply costs, et cetera when activated by the EOC.
7.4.1. Agencies will forward this information on to the EOC, as requested, for estimating cost
of the incident as a whole, as well as any cost recovery efforts if applicable.
7.5. Communication transmission priorities are as follows:
7.5.1. Dispatch.
7.5.2. Warning.
7.5.3. Protective Actions.
7.5.4. Evacuation Progress.
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7.5.5. Decontamination Requirements.
7.5.6. Shelter of Population.
7.5.7. Staffing and Supply Requirements.
7.5.8. Routine Operations and Public Information.
7.6. All communications to the field from the EOC or the 911 Center should support the Incident
Command System (ICS) and should be directed through the Incident Commander (IC) or, if
established, the designated on-scene Communications Officer.
7.7. During a multi-agency emergency response, the various code systems used for brevity
should be discontinued. “Plain Language” should be used to ensure comprehension during
transmission.
7.8. Warning processes may be activated from any of several points in the system to include
dispatch centers, Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Wilmington Police
Communications (outdoor warning sirens), and the National Weather Service (NWS). All warnings
activated should be coordinated through the EOC (if activated).
Concept of Operations
8. Plan Activation.
8.1. The plan is activated through the Clinton County EOC by any requesting agency having
response or recovery responsibilities including a local political jurisdiction, an Incident
Commander, or as forecasted by Clinton County EMA.
8.2. Activation may or may not be contingent on a Declaration of Emergency by Clinton County
Board of Commissioners.
8.3. Activation may or may not be further contingent on a Declaration of Emergency by Clinton
County Board of Commissioners.
8.4. The Clinton County EMA may request state-level assistance through the Ohio Emergency
Operations Center (if not activated, then through the OH EMA Watch Office) if local resources are
unavailable.
9. Notifications.
9.1. Dispatch centers, police and fire chiefs, and ARES will be contacted by the EOC Director to
perform coordination activities when the EOC is operational. This typically happens through radio,
cell phone, or automated messaging calls. If ARES support is required, it will be coordinated
through the EOC.
9.2. The public will be notified of emergency warning through either the mass notification system
used by dispatch centers and EMA. When weather related (i.e. tornado), outdoor warning sirens
will be used to notify the public in those jurisdictions.
9.2.1. Under rare circumstances and for a specific one-time event involving a forecasted
threat, outdoor warning sirens could be leveraged as an additional method of notification.
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Use of outdoor warning sirens for a non-weather threat would require advance messaging
with the public, and used in tandem with the ENS and alternate methods.
9.3. The media will be alerted using the ESF-15 plan – Public Information. Citizens will be able to
call 2-1-1 for information and referral services to additional resources.
10. EOC Coordination.
10.1. Any affiliated agency within this plan may be asked to come into the EOC (in person or if
running virtually) and act as a liaison for the function. This person needs to be able to make
quick, decisive, and effective decisions for the incident as a whole and have full authority to do
so on behalf of the agency.
10.2. The ESF-2 Representative in the EOC will serve as the liaison between the Primary and
Supporting Agencies and the EOC.
11. General Operations.
11.1. The following are general concept of operations for Emergency, Interoperability, and Public
Information and Warning communications;
11.2. Emergency 911.
11.2.1. Because effective communications is a critical component of emergency
management, the use of interoperable and redundant systems among all response elements
is essential; therefore, information received by dispatch centers assists the EOC to:
11.2.1.1. Maintain documentation of the event.
11.2.1.2. Establish and maintain a common operating picture of the event.
11.2.1.3. Develop and disseminate public warnings.
11.2.1.4. Formulate, execute, and communicate operational decisions made at an
incident site and among response departments.
11.2.1.5. Facilitate departmental awareness and understanding of the event.
11.2.1.6. Enable emergency management personnel to develop, coordinate, and execute
requests for assistance.
11.3. Interoperability.
11.3.1. Through monitoring communications systems, coordinating the repair of damaged
systems, providing backup and auxiliary communications assets, and notifying relevant
departments of status, this plan enables effective and interoperable communications.
11.3.2. On-scene responders will communicate with IC by a designated radio frequency at
the scene. Internal procedures for mapping communications between on-scene personnel
are addressed in organizational Stand Operating Procedures (SOPs). Each department or
agency having a radio system will designate personnel to operate their system and maintain
communication with the EOC.
11.3.3. Patching between non-MARCS radio systems is not possible at either dispatch
center.
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11.3.4. Clinton County Sheriff’s Office maintains a list of frequencies used throughout the
county.
11.3.5. Primary means of communication in the EOC will be through telephone when
possible. If telephones are inoperable, information should be relayed by radio.
11.3.6. Plain language will be used so that multiple agencies are better able to interact and
understand each other.
11.3.7. ARES and local amateur radio operators groups, who report to the Clinton County
EOC upon notification of activation, will secure and make operable their own and the EOC's
communications equipment and supplies necessary to carry out required emergency
activities.
11.3.8. If voice and data systems are not available, paper logs will be used to record events,
communications and messages, damage assessment, situation reports, resources
requested, utilized, et cetera.
11.3.9. Communications with the media will be coordinated by the County Public Information
Officer (PIO).
11.4. Public Notification and Warning.
11.4.1. Public warning systems are designed to allow authorities to warn the public of
impending or current emergency affecting the area. Warnings will typically contain alert,
notification and critical information. Public warnings may be issued for severe weather,
hazardous materials release, boil advisory, or any other threat to life, property, and safety. In
addition to methods of public decimation already mentioned;
11.4.1.1. Emergency warnings may originate at the Federal or State levels which would
require activation of the EAS or IPAWS.
11.4.1.2. EAS is activated locally through the Clinton County Sheriff’s Communication
Center.
11.4.1.3. IPAWS is activated locally through the ENS by EMA.
11.4.1.4. The EOC should provide public information to Dispatch Centers to provide the
public with emergency information (See ESF-15 for more information on public
information).
11.4.1.5. When 2-1-1 is established, dispatchers should direct non-emergency calls to 2-
1-1 relieving the burden of dispatchers.
12. Specific Operations.
12.1. Phased Approach. Effective emergency communications happen in phases. This section
describes specific actions that every agency/department that have roles and responsibilities
need to take in each phase.
12.2. Mitigation.
12.2.1. Ensure protection of communications equipment from possible hazards.
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12.3. Preparedness.
12.3.1. Identify public and private communication facilities, equipment, and personnel
located throughout the jurisdiction.
12.3.2. Maintain existing equipment and ensure alternate and back-up communication
systems are available, including back-up power, and are in working order.
12.3.3. Develop mutual aid agreements including 24-hour equipment repair.
12.3.4. Maintain updated communications resource inventories of supplies, equipment, and
personnel including supplemental and replacement resources, as well as warning and
notification paths.
12.3.5. Develop/review procedures pertinent to emergency communications including
augmentation of resources.
12.4. Response.
12.4.1. Direct and control their own communications system(s) including managing,
monitoring, and tracking their own resources.
12.4.2. Document the incident to include initial notifications.
12.4.3. Assess communications systems, needs, and notify the public.
12.4.4. Coordinate communications systems with other agencies/jurisdictions.
12.4.5. Coordinate with the County EOC.
12.4.6. Prioritize and/or coordinate the acquisition and deployment of communication
resources to establish temporary communications capabilities within the affected area based
on critical need.
12.4.7. Activate all necessary personnel to meet communications needs. If needed, a
designated Communications Unit Leader (COML) or someone filling that role may be
assigned to coordinate communication functions between Dispatch, IC, or EOC.
12.4.8. Follow established procedures for communicating with personnel in the field and
activating public warning systems.
12.4.9. Ensure information transmitted is timely, clear, acknowledged, and understood by all
receivers.
12.5. Recovery.
12.5.1. Phase down operations as appropriate.
12.5.2. Perform tasks necessary to expedite restoration and recovery.
12.5.3. Participate in After Action meetings and reports as requested.
12.5.4. Evaluate response and make necessary recommended changes to ESF-2.
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Roles and Responsibilities
13. Clinton County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).
13.1. Coordinate the activities of Primary and Supporting Agencies within ESF-2 to fulfill
operational objectives.
13.2. Ensure ability to provide continued service as the PSAP for incoming emergency calls.
13.3. Activate warning systems, including telephone mass notification, and the EAS in
cooperation with Clinton County EMA.
13.4. Ensure Dispatchers are setup with an account to transmit emergency messages via Clinton
County Emergency Alerts (coordinate through EMA).
13.4.1. In the event of account access denial or internet outage, the EMA Director will be the
alternate method for sending out alerts via CCEA.
13.5. The broadcast network then disseminates the warning issued by Clinton County to all TV
and radio media outlets.
13.6. Receive information from the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) which is the State of Ohio
point for the National Warning System (NAWAS) and operates the Ohio portion of NAWAS.
13.7. Upon receipt of a NAWAS warning, the OSHP post in Clinton County will notify the Clinton
County Sheriff’s Dispatch Office.
13.8. Other warnings will be sent through the Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS)
to law enforcement agencies in the warning area.
13.9. The sheriff’s dispatcher will also provide warnings to village law enforcement, fire and EMS
districts, and the City of Wilmington Police Communications Center.
13.10. The Clinton County EMA will disseminate the warning to the other organizations as
necessary.
13.11. Maintain operation of the public safety radio communications systems needed to fulfill a
total communication capability within the County.
13.12. Notify and maintain a communications link (radio, telephone, texting, or any means
available) to the Clinton County EOC.
13.13. Advise and update EOC on field operations and provide status of response efforts.
13.14. Support mutual aid communications for all of Clinton County.
13.15. Provide reports of activities to ESF-5 for inclusion in situation reports.
13.16. Request ESF-15 to activate 2-1-1 services to alleviate dispatchers taking public questions
rather than emergency calls if necessary.
13.17. Provide telephone service providers with a restoration priority list for telephone service
following a major disaster, coordinate list with EOC.
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13.18. Assist in the development of the After-Action Report. This report is a detailed, written
analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of county-level emergency response and short-term
recovery activities based upon extensive research of the event and interviews with participating
assessment, response, and short-term recovery personnel.
14. City of Wilmington Police Department.
14.1. Ensure ability to provide continued service as the PSAP for incoming emergency calls.
14.2. Activate warning systems, including public notification and warning though the mass
communication system, in cooperation with Clinton County EMA.
14.3. Maintain city radio system(s).
14.4. Notify and maintain a communications link (radio, telephone, texting, or any means
available) to the Clinton County EOC.
14.5. Advise and update EOC on field operations and provide status of response efforts.
14.6. Support mutual aid communications for all of Clinton County.
14.7. Request ESF-15 to activate 2-1-1 services to alleviate dispatchers taking public questions
rather than emergency calls if necessary.
15. Clinton County Emergency Management Agency.
15.1. Identify communications facilities, equipment, and personnel located throughout the
County and region.
15.2. Maintain EOC and EOC communication readiness including equipment, trained personnel,
and redundant communication paths.
15.3. Maintain an ESF representative in the EOC to liaison with agencies or jurisdictions
regarding communication needs.
15.4. Refer to EOC manual for specific actions of ESF representatives and communication
branch positions.
15.5. Assist with the identification of alternate communications systems; provide
Communication Unit Leader (COML) or Technician (COMT) under the ICS structure as available.
15.6. Request to provide auxiliary communications through amateur radio operators.
15.7. Supply MARCS radio cache, if available, to supplement communications. Prioritize the
deployment of resources based on availability and critical need with EOC staff.
15.8. Request additional communications resources from regional, state, or federal sources
using mutual aid sources.
15.9. Activate warning systems, including public notification and warning, through the mass
communication system in cooperation with the dispatch center.
15.10. Activate ESF-15 Public Information Plan, the County Public Information Officer (PIO),
establish the Joint Information Center, and activate 2-1-1 hotline for disaster-specific callers.
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15.11. Gather communications damage assessment concerning telecommunications outages
and restoration times coordinated with the 911 coordinator.
15.12. Provide individual administrative user accounts to dispatchers for the Clinton County
Emergency Alerts System.
16. Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Services (ARES) and Radio Amateur Civil Emergency
Services (RACES).
16.1. Assist local, state, and federal agencies and relief organization with radio communications
by providing the ability and means to transmit messages and information in and out of a disaster
area when needed.
16.2. Establish a centralized point (County Control Station, or CCS) from which amateur
operations can be controlled and administered.
16.3. Assign each served agency and/or individual area a Control Station (CS) to communicate
with the CSS and serve as a control for local operations.
16.4. Designate Official Traffic Stations (OTS) as required for the handling of formal radio traffic.
16.5. Coordinate amateur radio frequencies used in the county.
16.6. Provide a communications network operated by qualified and licensed radio amateurs in
accordance with established plans.
Glossary
17. Definitions.
17.1. Communication - Transmission, emission, or reception of signs, signals, writing, images,
and sounds or intelligence of any nature by wire, radio, optical, or other system.
17.2. Communications Links - Modes of communication such as a radio, telephone, texting, or
any method that would transmit information.
17.3. Communications Logs - Forms used to collect information transmitted through radio
communications.
17.4. Mutual Aid Agreement/Memorandum of Understanding - Document that outlines roles,
responsibilities, and financial obligations of partnering entities.
17.5. Primary Agency - The agency that has the mission, role, or statutory obligation to provide a
service or capability to within a particular jurisdiction.
17.6. Support Agency - An organization or agency designated to assist a specific primary agency
with available resources, capabilities, equipment, or expertise in support of an emergency
response or recovery operation.
18. Acronyms.
18.1. ARES – Amateur Radio Emergency Services.
Page 15Clinton County Emergency Operations Plan
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July 2021
18.2. CCEA - Clinton County Emergency Alerts.
18.3. COML – Communications Unit Leader within the ICS structure.
18.4. COMT – Communication Unit Technician within the ICS structure.
18.5. CS - Control Station.
18.6. CCS - County Control Station.
18.7. EAS – Emergency Alert System.
18.8. EMA – Emergency Management Agency.
18.9. EOC - Emergency Operations Center.
18.10. EOP - Emergency Operations Plan.
18.11. ESF - Emergency Support Function.
18.12. FCC – Federal Communications Commission.
18.13. IC - Incident Commander.
18.14. ICS - Incident Command System.
18.15. IPAWS – Integrated Public Alert and Warning System.
18.16. JIC - Joint Information Center.
18.17. LEADS – Law Enforcement Automated Data System.
18.18. MARCS – Multi-Agency Radio Communication Systems.
18.19. MOU - Memorandum of Understanding.
18.20. NAWAS – National Warning System.
18.21. NOAA – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
18.22. NWS – National Weather Service.
18.23. OSHP – Ohio State Highway Patrol.
18.24. PIO - Public Information Officer.
18.25. PSAP – Public Safety Answering Point.
18.26. RACES – Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services.
18.27. SOGs – Stand Operating Guidelines.
Attachments
Attachment 1 - Signature Page of Primary Agencies.
Page 16Clinton County Emergency Operations Plan
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July 2021
Attachment 1 - Signature Page of Primary Agencies.
Ralph D. Fizer, Jr. Date
Sheriff, Clinton County Sheriff’s Office
Ron Cravens Date
Chief, Wilmington Police Department
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