Small Incidents

A small incident can be come a large incident, and thus require transition to a “directed net” which is explained in more detail under Large Incident.

During a small local incident people may be looking for information and updates. There are a number of ways to actively seek that information.

You may be able to turn on your GMRS radio and listen for information there. A number of us keep our radios on and actively monitor.
If you own a scanner or can use a scanner being streamed via the internet you can listen to emergency services radio traffic. You may also be able to help keep others informed via radio or otherwise.
If it is a wildland fire incident or has a strong potential to become one and you have a Facebook account you can join/visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/cazhillsfire for details.
If you access to a smart phone, you can download Watch Duty from either the Apple app store or Google Play.

Sometimes information is relayed via GMRS during small incidents but mostly people’s focus is primarily listening to the scanner and reporting via the Facebook group listed above or Watch Duty, so depending on the severity of the event folks attention may be more or less strongly diverted there until internet is no longer available.

It is encouraged that anyone who listens to the scanner themselves or monitors the Facebook group to give periodic compacted updates via GMRS, especially at critical moments.

Consider that our GMRS repeaters each serve variant areas. Small incidents may be a good time to establish relays and even a net control for the sake of practice. If the incident grows to a point where it becomes a serious concern we may transition to a directed net just to help stay organized. See Large Incident.