Oakmont Emergency Communications Task Force is actively seeking to recruit Oakmont residents to join their network of neighborhood radio Zone Communicators.
The OECTF provides access to City and County first responder support when normal communications (911, cell, internet…) are either down or overloaded during an emergency such as an earthquake. Volunteers residing in the neighborhoods, carrying low power 2-way radios, request assistance through our radio network that has direct access to the County Emergency Operations Center and REDCOM. Updates from official sources are also shared with residents through our radio network.
Unfortunately, even with 128 active volunteers, only around 50% of the Oakmont neighborhoods have radio coverage. Zone communicators can easily share and relay information to provide rapid damage and injury assessments within and between neighborhoods. If you are one of the growing number of people with a satellite equipped cell phone or satellite communicator, by having a radio you become a valuable resource in your neighborhood for texting 911.
The time commitment is minimal. A monthly radio check to practice protocol, share information and verify equipment function takes 15 minutes or less. Twice annually we conduct a communications drill to exercise our network, practice message preparation and handling and reinforce our radio protocol. Our next drill is scheduled for Saturday, October 24th from 9-11AM.
OECTF also has an annual social event (happy hour style), where you can meet and socialize with other radio volunteers. This has resulted in a valuable forum for sharing ideas and suggestions for future activities and improving our process.
Anyone interested in learning more about our team can contact us at OakmontW6OVA@gmail.com