Welcome to the FAQ page of the Disaster Communications Service. Here you will be able to find answers to the frequently asked questions for our volunteer disaster relief communications Organization.
The Los Angeles County Disaster Communications Service Proudly serving the community since 1951
Below you will find information about the most frequently asked questions for the Los Angeles County Disaster Communications Service. .
Read on...
How do I become a member of DCS?
We welcome new members. If you live in the County of Los Angeles and have an interest, please read on at Join Our Ranks Page HERE.
I am not an Amateur Radio Operator, can I still volunteer in a different capacity?
Yes! There are many opportunities to volunteer with DCS. Non Hams can answer the phones, send and receive faxes, work the message center, maintain the incoming and outgoing messages and incident logs, pickup and deliver messages to and from an Emergency Operations Center and/or assisting radio operators in copying messages. There are also opportunities to update computer records, record minutes of meetings, prepare messages that can be sent as attachments. There are positions available at all levels throughout the county as well as the staff level.
IIs there a recommendation on using standarized connectors on my equipment?
The State recommended standard connector, a sample of which is shown on the website of our fellow communications Organization in Orange County. click here
How do I know if my district station or DCS as a whole has been activated or is in emergency operation status?
The main DCS repeater is activated anytime a District or DCS as a whole, has been activated. Monitor the repeater at K6CPT.
If another district is activated must I wait until my district station has been activated before I may get involved?
No, If your District is not activated you may monitor K6CPT for information on who to contact to share your availability.
I understand that all communication must follow the chain-of-command. Does this mean that I must present the information requested to my DCO and wait for an answer to come back from him/her on my request?
All DCS communications must follow the chain-of-command. If you are working an event you will be notified of who you are working with and how to get the information passed to them.
If you have a specific question that was not answered, please feel free to email us or if
you would prefer to speak with us voice to voice please call our office at (323) 980 - 2246.
You may also reach us via mail at:
Los Angeles County Emergency Operations Bureau
County Emergency
Operations Center
Attn: Jeff Jablonsky, DCS Coordinator
1275 North Eastern Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90063
