Communications 

The Communications area needs to be set up in a quiet place, away from noise and distractions, but close enough to remain in constant contact with the rest of the Hub. 

Establish a quiet space/separate room to set up the communications area. This could be for phone communication if available, or VHF radio if the telecommunications network is down. 

Instructions on using the Civil Defence VHF radio are kept with the radio, in the Hub kit. 

Contact the Emergency Operations Centre via phone, text message, email or radio and tell them that the Hub is open. 

The Emergency Operations Centre may want to know: 

• The impacts of the emergency in your community. 
• Do you have power, phone or email? 
• Are roads blocked, or houses damaged? 
• Are there people injured or in need of help? 
• What further assistance you need. 

Only provide a brief summary of key issues to the EOC unless asked for more specifics. Refer to the Hub Status Report in the Information Coordination section. 

Pass on all information received to the Information Coordination team, such as how many groups are out, how you might be able to contact them, when they are due back etc. 

Maintain contact with any groups out gathering information. 

Monitor communication channels while the Hub is open so no messages are missed. 

This includes listening to broadcast radio to hear what public messaging is being shared with the country or region. 

Keep a record of all incoming and outgoing messages – include details such as who the message is from, the date and the time it was received. 

Pass on all information received to the Information Coordination team, such as how many groups are out, how you might be able to contact them, when they are due back etc. 

Maintain contact with any groups out gathering information.