VINES

Valley Informational Network for Everyone’s Safety

VINES is a cooperative endeavor begun by residents of Woodacre and intended to enhance the safety of everyone participating in the network.

Because many of us in the Valley find ourselves completely cut off from any means of communication when the power goes out, residents of Woodacre are testing a network that is intended to be a communication vehicle during a power outage.  Communication over the network is done using FRS radios, also know as walkie talkies.  The network will have a leader who will be responsible for leading drills and for communicating updates to anyone listening in with their radios.  For the network to be effective participants must be trained in the use of radios and join periodic practice to be sure folks stay proficient in their use.

All residents in Woodacre are welcome to join this network and participation is voluntary.  Each person will be asked to provide their own FRS radio, so if you already have a walkie talkie, you have what you need to participate.  If you don’t have a radio, please plan to get either a Motorola T600 (~$100 a pair) or Motorola T480s (~$60 for a single T480).  Both can be bought on Amazon.

If purchase of a radio is a hardship, then VINES will make an effort to provide one.

All who choose to participate in the network will be required to attend, possibly via zoom, an orientation to the following: operation of the radios; protocols used in their operation; and we will review the plan, for their use during a power outage.

The following are the steps taken when activating and using the network:

1. Radios are turned on when power goes off and tuned to Channel 7.
2. Individuals may choose to do a simple check in.  Ex: “This is Jack on Conifer in Woodacre.  Anyone copy me? Over.” Or simply listen in for any information coming over the network.
3. Alternatively, if someone has an emergency at their home or nearby, then they would immediately describe that and ask for help.
4. A designated person from VINES will be monitoring the local channel.  That person will be in contact with the central VERG operation and/or the Marin Fire Department and PG&E for information and updates.

Brief Instructons for the Motorola T600 radio can be found here: T600 Motorola Radio 

Brief Instructons for the Motorola T480 radio can be found here: T480 Motorola Radio

Brief Instructons for the Midland T70 radio can be found here: Midland T70 Radio

Here’s a video that provides more information on the Network and includes training on how to use an FRS radio: