RB423 was the LAST sequential bulletin in the 400 series. The next sequential bulletin was EMCOMM Bulletin #EMC021 on 4/1/96

Bulletins after 423 were expanded to a broader usage and are addressed as EMCOMM.

EMCOMM bulletins 001-020 were sent parallel to the RACES Bulletins in 11996 and EMCOMM bulletin 021 was the first on 4/1/96 with the cessation of the RACES bulletins as such.

Reason: over time it became apparent that the term "RACES" does not fully communicate as to the nature of the Emergency Communications units in the 1990's. While RACES is still an important element of Amateur Radio, there are expanded uses of Amateur Radio that transcend some of the 40 to 50 year old concepts of what "RACES" is or was.

It was discovered that using the term "Emergency Communications Unit" or EMCOMM was generic and better understood. California decided to name it's state OES EMCOMM unit as the Auxiliary Communications Service.

Packet stations find the on-going bulletins addressed as EMCOMM@ALLUS $EMCOMBUL.###

This and other bulletins are in response to the many queries seeking help. Often the best answer is to ask questions which helps the caller find the answers within their own knowledge. Examples:

Is the "RACES" or "ARES" function supplied by a local club? If so, to what extent is the club involved in the selection and appointment of the person who works with the local government agency?

Stay IN your car or get OUT? During a natural disaster, making the wrong decision can be dangerous. Here are some survival tips for the general public and disaster workers alike from GEICO.

• EARTHQUAKE - stay IN the car. Stop driving as soon as possible, but not under buildings, overpasses and utility wires. The car will shake vigorously, but you're safest inside. Proceed cautiously when the quaking stops, avoiding bridges and other elevated structures that could be damaged.
  
• TORNADO - get OUT of the car! It can be overturned by strong winds. Find shelter in a building or lie flat in a ditch or depression with your arms over your head. Never try to outrun a tornado.
  
• BLIZZARD - stay IN the car. If stranded, use the engine for brief periods of heat. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, leave a window open slightly and keep the exhaust pipe clear of packer snow. Use simple movements to keep the blood flowing to your extremities, but don't overexert. Leave the dome light on at night to help rescuers find you, and sleep in shifts if there are others with you.
  
• FLOOD/HURRICANE - get OUT of the car. Most deaths in flash floods (one of the biggest dangers in a hurricane) happen in cars. Water can be deeper than it appears and strong currents can sweep your car away. Deep puddles can conceal missing sections of a road or bridge.

RACES BULLETIN DESIGNATOR CHANGES 4/1/96 TO EMCOMM $EMC.### Numbering following Bulletin 423 will begin w/EMCOM.021 (EMC021)

Why are Amateur Radio licensees prevalent in ACS/RACES units?

Response: Due to areas of focus, traits and interest:

In our efforts to provide information to those who are involved with emergency communications, sometimes we lose sight of the fundamental 'push' that causes us to do this work. Here is a perspective we can all use beneficially.

Seven part series on Emergency Management.

Query: What is an "Operational Area"?

Response: An Operational Area (OA) is an organization for emergency management. It is more or less synonymous with a county, yet different. The OA is a functional organization, and NOT a jurisdiction. Its boundaries are normally those of a county (Sec 8559 CA Gov. Code). An OA is not necessarily a county government; it could be several cities, or a city and a county, a county government; or several county governments that undertake to coordinate the flow of mutual aid and information within the defined area. The OA is the backbone of a statewide emergency management system. Operational Areas in California serve 58 counties and geographical sub-units such as the Tahoe Basin.

If you are undertaking the management role of volunteers for the first time there are several factors you should understand. Not all volunteers do the same thing, are capable of doing the same thing, nor is it desirable they all do the same thing in communications. On one hand, you need people who do a repetitive function under close supervision. Others perform repetitive duties with little or no supervision. On the other hand you need (or should have) people who lead, solve problems, plan ahead in the short term, those who are good at long term planning and preparing standard operating procedures.

Every organization has its "A" team and "B" team -- or its first string and second string people. This isn't a subject to be  whispered or discussed only behind closed doors. It's something that every volunteer and their managers should face up to in the open.  Being on the first string is really a frame of mind, an attitude, and a high commitment to the team and its mission. It is not really a skill level. Many an expert doesn't have the team spirit  just mentioned. The ability to progress to a higher skill level is based on a positive and proactive frame of mind. They like their job.

Unconcern about travel distances goes hand in hand with the bulletin on commitment. The overwhelming majority of experienced and committed  volunteers give little thought to driving distances. This is because we gain satisfaction out of what we are traveling to and from. Too often, I'm afraid, managers measure distances by their own standards. Try a new practice -- don't!
 
How far is relative. Distance is measured by one's personal life style, experience and pocketbook. Driving five miles can be far for one person while a hundred miles is not really far for another. For these reasons I urge managers to never, ever assume that any distance is too far for a volunteer. Let the  volunteer be the judge of how far is "far."

Adopted from industry, the following supervisors checklist for new workers can apply to government workers -- both paid and unpaid. It is suggested that particular attention be placed in applying these guidelines to the unpaid staff. They can only help improve your organization.

1. Get ready to receive the new worker:
____  Assure that the written application is complete, law enforcement check successfully accomplished, photographs taken and I.D. card processed.
____  Review his/her work experience, education, and training.
____ Have an up-to-date description of his/her job or a list of duties.
____ Have his/her workspace and supplies ready.