Become a DCERN Communications Specialist
DCERN Communications Specialists Provide Core Communications During an Emergency

What is a DCERN Communications Specialist?  Communication Specialists are DCERN members  who have volunteered to go on the air during an emergency, to provide information and to relay messages for others.  DCERN Communications Specialists help ensure that there is a reliable core of people on emergency channel 1 during an emergency.  The training required to become a Communications Specialist is minimal:  What's mostly required is a good radio, fresh supply of batteries, and a willingness to help.

We suggest that DCERN Communications Specialists also become National Weather Service Skywarn Spotters.  Skywarn spotters provide valuable weather data to the National Weather Service during storms.  Many any emergencies are weather related, and Skywarn training provides you with a good base of knowledge about severe weather.  And though DCERN you can expand the range of information you provide to the National Weather Service. 

To become a DCERN Communications Specialist, please email or call us at 202-986-9275.  To learn more about Skywarn, click here.

You can download the DCERN Communication Specialist Guidelines here.

Thank you for volunteering to be a DC Emergency Radio Network Communications Specialist. Your role is to turn on your FRS/GMRS radio in an emergency and offer information or assistance to people who need help: You are the backbone of the DC Emergency Radio Network. Here are the general guidelines for DCERN Communication Specialists.

1. In an emergency where normal communications or power may not be working, turn on your radio and tune it to channel 1, the emergency channel. Although you may have phone service or electricity, your neighbors down the block or a mile away may not. When in doubt, turn on your radio.

2. Broadcast your name, general location, what you observe, and say that you are listening. "This is Mark Jones at Reno and Fessenden Streets, NW. I am monitoring emergency channel number 1. Right now our area is without power and there are numerous downed trees." Repeat this, or updated information, as needed — about every half hour is appropriate.

Even if you don’t hear anyone yourself, it’s a good idea to broadcast what you know. Other people in the network still may be able to hear you. When you respond to call try and address your response to a particular person so that person knows they’ve been heard.

3. If somebody calls for help or information, do what you can, but make sure that you provide as accurate information as possible. If you do not know the answer to a question, say so. Be sure not to promise any assistance that you aren’t sure you can provide.

4. Don’t get in harm’s way.

5. If you go outside during the emergency be sure to take your radio. Cell phone networks can fail for a variety of reasons. You might want to keep a charged radio in your car.

6. If you’re also involved with another emergency-related organization, such as ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service), REACT (Radio Emergency Associated Communication Teams) , Skywarn (National Weather Service volunteer weather spotters), or your local police, you can also serve as an information relay with those organizations. After the emergency, let these groups know how you have coordinated between DCERN and them.

These guidelines will be updated and revised periodically. Please visit www.nationalsos.com or www.dcradio.org for the most up to date information on what you should do in an emergency.