By Molly Bull, Senior Communications Manager, Microsoft Disaster Response
If you’ve ever been to Portland, Oregon, you likely witnessed not only a city of roses, but a city of cyclists.
Portlanders seem to be as likely to have a bicycle as they would a pet. So it’s no wonder that bicycles have become one of the key ways the city has rallied around preparedness efforts. This past July at Portland’s Disaster Relief Trial’s third annual event, supported by FEMA Corps team Blue 5 with FEMA Region X, participants showcased how bikes can support the transportation of supplies in response to a natural disaster.
Cargo bikes are just one of the solutions the city has identified for disaster preparedness.
Like supplies such as food and water, access to information is essential during emergencies. Managed by the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management (PBEM) a program called Basic Earthquake Emergency Communications Node, or BEECN (pronounced “Beacon”), provides places Portlanders can go to report severe damage or injury, or ask for emergency assistance, if phone lines and usual methods of communication are down. There are 48 site locations throughout Portland each with an equipment cache and assigned volunteers trained to deploy within 24 to 48 hours following an earthquake.
Basic Earthquake Emergency Communication Node (BEECN) sites. Search by zip code.
The program originated in 2012 when former Mayor of Portland, Sam Adams, was inspired by community preparedness programs he’d seen in the greater Seattle area.
“The program came together quickly,” says Jeremy Van Keuren, NET Program Specialist for PBEM. “Earthquakes are an imminent hazard in the Pacific Northwest, and building the BEECN program directly serves our community by helping people send and receive critical information from designated sites in their neighborhoods during emergencies when landlines and services are disrupted. Following an earthquake, it will likely take a long time to get utilities going again so people should familiarize themselves with the BEECNs in their local area.”
He adds, “Portlanders should also be sure to plan for 2 weeks’ worth of personal emergency supplies. Resources like food, water, and medical services won’t be found at BEECN sites as they are intended as communication points only.”
Here is the way the BEECNs work:
Each site has an equipment cache associated with it which trained volunteers will deploy.
Volunteers use a handheld UHF (ultrahigh frequency) radio to talk with an amateur radio operator (also called ham radio operator) at the nearest fire station.
The amateur radio operator will then relay messages to the city’s Emergency Coordination Center (ECC).
Source: Portland Basic Earthquake Emergency Communications Node (BEECN) Guidelines.
Message traffic is intended to be two-way. This means that the ECC can send response and resource information to neighborhoods through BEECNs, while neighborhoods can talk with local government to report damage or injuries and request help.
The equipment and supplies in each of the 48 BEECN sites is checked at least once a month, and 3 exercises are run annually. The next exercise is planned for mid-October and program owners are always looking for volunteers.
"The training can typically be done in an hour or less," says Dan Douthit, Public Information Officer for PBEM. “We’ll train new volunteers on the deployment and use of BEECN equipment. No prior radio operation experience is required – we’ll equip you with what you need to know.”
(Please visit the site to view this video)
Click the short video above for a 3-minute BEECN overview.
The Portland BEECN program is a great example of community-focused preparedness planning, utilizing local resources and recognizing the challenges that may be posed by the geography. In recognition of National Preparedness Month, we wanted to share initiatives like BEECN and West Seattle Emergency Communication Hubs (previous post), which illustrate the importance of information in time of emergency.
Be sure to update and test your personal preparedness plan this month, and find out if there are neighborhood or community plans in your area. #NatlPrep