There are all kinds of exercises for the communications volunteers in government service that a civil defense director or emergency services coordinator can authorize the Radio Officer to utilize to keep the interest of and train these volunteers. These are a few examples, some may
be hours or even days long: Any emergency preparedness exercise. Bicycle races. Major sporting events. Fairs. Parades. Special community events.
Question: Doesn't the FCC one-hour rule for the RACES preclude any drill or exercise that exceeds one hour?
Reply: Several jurisdictions have a long history of participating in hours-long events and do not run afoul of the one-hour rule. How? Avoid designating it formally as a RACES exercise. The net is not activated as a RACES net but as the special event net or other appropriate title.
The one-hour rule is to prevent the use of RACES for on- going activities that should otherwise be provided for by government radio systems such as Police, Fire, Local Government and similar Radio Services. It was never intended nor interpreted to prevent RACES personnel from public service participation. What is important is that the local government disaster preparedness official authorize the activity and provide Workers Compensation coverage (in California) for the entire participation period. The allows the jurisdiction to stimulate the interest of its responders and provide valuable training opportunities.
Question: Doesn't the FCC one-hour rule for the RACES preclude any drill or exercise that exceeds one hour?
Reply: Several jurisdictions have a long history of participating in hours-long events and do not run afoul of the one-hour rule. How? Avoid designating it formally as a RACES exercise. The net is not activated as a RACES net but as the special event net or other appropriate title.
The one-hour rule is to prevent the use of RACES for on- going activities that should otherwise be provided for by government radio systems such as Police, Fire, Local Government and similar Radio Services. It was never intended nor interpreted to prevent RACES personnel from public service participation. What is important is that the local government disaster preparedness official authorize the activity and provide Workers Compensation coverage (in California) for the entire participation period. The allows the jurisdiction to stimulate the interest of its responders and provide valuable training opportunities.
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