Activation Levels

… for NC State EOC and Wake County EOC Support

(Note that this applies to Wake County Emergency Management activities as well, by substituting “Wake County” for “State” or “NC” in the following information.)
The following Activation Level definitions will allow for a structured unified response to emergency situations for North Carolina Emergency Management while providing support for civilian agency activities during emergency situations. This plan is modeled on the NC Emergency Operations Center Standard Operating Guide. It is not necessary for activation levels to occur sequentially, increasing or decreasing levels. It is the responsibility of the ECs to coordinate with NCEM and apply the Activation Level necessary to provide support.

  • Level 4 – Standby
  • Level 3 – Minimal Deployment
  • Level 2 – Moderate Deployment
  • Level 1 – Massive Deployment

Activation Level 4 – Standby:

This level of activation is to raise the awareness of AUXCOMM volunteers and to provide advance notice in order for them to prepare for a possible deployment. There is no requirement for a net to be established at level 4. Volunteers should monitor their radios if possible (see frequencies above) and check their level of preparedness.

Below are some examples:

  • Check family members
  • Check schedule and availability
  • Check batteries
  • Check ‘Go Kit’
  • Fill gas tank
  • Etc.

The AUXCOMM Coordinators may utilize the following methods to establish AUXCOMM activation in support of NC State EOC emergency communications:

  1. Announcement on local VHF repeaters:
      1. 146.880 (-600KHz offset, no PL tone) – main repeater for NC State EOC

      1. 147.105 (+ 600KHz offset, 82.5 Hz PL tone) – Backup #1

      1. 146.640 (-600KHz offset, no PL tone) – Backup #2

      1. 147.420 (simplex, no PL tone) – Ultimate backup, if no repeaters are available

  2. Announcement on HF 3923 kHz (USB) or 7232 kHz (USB) depending on availability of operators and conditions.
  3. Announcement by phone.
  4. Announcement by email.
A level 4 activation notification message will take the following format:
An AUXCOMM Level 4 Stand By Activation has been established by (coordinator name) to support the NC State EOC at (time and date). All AUXCOMM volunteers are asked to check preparations and listen to AUXCOMM State EOC frequencies. (additional information if available). Thank you for your support of the State EOC.

Activation Level 3 – Minimal Deployment

At this level of activation AUXCOMM Coordinators shall assess the need for volunteers. Coordinators may contact minimal numbers of AUXCOMM members to gather scheduling information. There is no requirement for a net to be established at level 3, however if the coordinator feels a net is required, they may call for Net Control Station (NCS) volunteers. Liaison station support may also be established. If deemed necessary the AUXCOMM coordinator may conduct equipment testing including possible testing at the EOC. Volunteers should monitor their radios if possible (see frequencies above) and check their level of preparedness.

A level 3 activation notification will take the following format:
An AUXCOMM Level 3 Minimal Deployment Activation has been established by (coordinator name) to support the NC State EOC at (time and date). All AUXCOMM volunteers who are available are asked to standby and be ready for an assignment. All available operators are asked to listen to AUXCOMM State EOC frequencies. (additional information if available). Thank you for your support of the State EOC.

Activation Level 2 – Moderate Deployment

At this level of activation at least one AUXCOMM coordinator shall be deployed at the EOC. Coordinators shall start the call up tree for AUXCOMM members to establish a 72 hour schedule. There is a requirement for a net to be established at level 3 and the AUXCOMM coordinator shall establish a schedule for Net Control Station (NCS) volunteers. Volunteers should monitor their radios (see frequencies above) and be ready to react to calls for service at the EOC or elsewhere. Special instructions shall follow if this is a RACES activation.

A level 2 activation notification will take the following format:
An AUXCOMM Level 2 Moderate Deployment Activation has been established by (coordinator name) to support the NC State EOC at (time and date). All AUXCOMM volunteers are asked to be ready for an assignment and listen to AUXCOMM State EOC frequencies. The call up tree has been activated. (additional information if available). Thank you for your support of the State EOC.

Activation Level 1 – Massive Deployment

At this level of activation AUXCOMM coordinator schedules are updated to fulfill operator and net control requirements for up to two weeks. All AUXCOMM resources shall be available to support NCEM and other served agencies. All nets and sub-nets shall observe strict net protocols until the Activation Level 1 is rescinded.

A level 1 activation notification will take the following format:
An AUXCOMM Level 1 Massive Deployment Activation has been established by (EC name) to support the NC State EOC at (time and date). All AUXCOM volunteers are asked to be ready for an assignment and listen to AUXCOMM State EOC frequencies. Please ensure your family is secure before applying for a schedule slot. (additional information if available). Thank you for your support of the State EOC.


Frank Pleshe N3FRP

AUXCOMM Coordinator

Current revision: 1.23.2013 N3FRP
Original revision: 1.0 31-OCT-2002