| Nets – Background Share information in group setting High volume can cause disorganization Training and protocol promotes orderly communication Move as much information as possible efficiently Formal (Directed) or Informal (Open) Voice, CW, Digital, etc. County, District, Section, National, NIMS/ICS, NTS | Directed (Formal) Nets All traffic is through NCS Majority of Nets are Directed Call NCS using prescribed format and wait to be acknowledged NCS prioritizes message/communication traffic Subnets created as needed by NCS, Net Manager, Emerg Coordinator |
| Nets – Hiearchy Net Manager – ensures ready trained pool Net Operators Net Control Station (NCS) – directs and maintains order on net Liason Stations – traffic between nets; served agency, EOC, hospital | Nets – Types (created as need; often combined into one/few nets) Resource Net – Check-ins, direct to other nets, also logistics for small event Traffic Net – Standard format messages Tactical Net – Primary EMCOM, served agencies, rapid needs Logistics Net – Equipment, supplies, transportation, etc. Information Net – Announcements, QST’s, Bulletins, etc. Digital Net – Lists, text, standard forms; quicker than voice Others – Health & Welfare, Weather, Talk-in/directions, etc. |
| Open (Informal) Nets Less severe, low intensity situation Before or After primary event Station to Station traffic open NCS monitors and makes adjustments as needed Minimal chatter, Good Practices – Situation has priority | Message Precedence Emergency – immediate protection of life or property Priority – directly related to emergency but not as time critical Health & Welfare – inquiries, information, whereabouts, condition Routine – unrelated to emergency |