Departments > Victoria Emergency Management Agency > Auxiliary Communications

What is the Auxiliary Communications Team?

VEMA’s Auxiliary Communications team uses various communications resources to support the City's Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). The EOC would be opened in times of extraordinary emergency. Amateur radio is used to provide backup communications between the Victoria EOC and, in order of priority, the Provincial Regional Emergency Operations Centre (PREOC), other municipalities and their EOC's, the incident site(s), local Emergency Social Services and local Reception Centres. This group trains regularly and members participate in public service events to maintain equipment and practice operating procedures.

Why is it needed?

Communications needs increase dramatically in any emergency of disaster. This, coupled with possible communications system damage, creates a situation where there is a need for extra, or auxiliary communications to be made available.

In Victoria, as in other communities around the world, Amateur Radio has been enlisted as one of the volunteer based organizations that will assist local governments in a large emergency. The City of Victoria supports a group of radio operators who would provide auxiliary communications in time of need. This group uses amateur, public safety, and commercial radios. This equipment may be personal or City owned equipment. Note: one must be a licensed Amateur Radio Operator to use Amateur Radio equipment unattended.

Equipment

The Auxiliary Communications team has a growing cache of radios and other equipment. Currently, there is a communications vehicle equipped with a number of different radios. As well, the group has a small supply of semi-portable and hand-held radios, as well as a small supply of antennas.

Team members use a training facility at Victoria Fire Station #1. This centre is equipped with a radio room, training room, backup power, small kitchen, and other supplies designed to sustain operations in any number of incidents. The group is active at the City’s EOC and has a permanent Amateur Radio station.

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