About Us
Who is IECG?
The Inter-mountain Emergency Communications Group (IEGC) is a grass-roots project to train and build a network of residents in the Burney/ Fall River Mills and surrounding areas that would provide real time info to all residents in the time disaster or emergency using readily available radios. Think you would be a good fit? Get in touch for more information!
Our History
Seeing a need for an energetic, dedicated communication network that would come into action when other means fail, (cell phone, internet etc), in this area, we formed our organization to provide sensible solutions. We'll consistently grow when everyday citizens learn to operate & communicate with each other and local officials to pass accurate and timely info during a crisis. This group was started in 2018 by a local amateur radio operator, Keith Farley W6POC, who operates two mountain top repeater stations in the Burney Fall River Mills Valley area.
Our Mission
We focus on training and de-mystifying the use of point to point and repeater radios for the maximum positive effect for our community. Our members are all volunteers who will provide training and coordination so that during the time of crisis factual and timely information is passed to as many people as possible. These volunteers will provide the momentum that will help us be ready when wildfire or other crisis hits the Inter-mountain area.
What is it that the IERG does?
What is IECG and what does it do?
The Inter-mountain Emergency Communications Group, IECG, is an all-volunteer group of residents of the Burney/Fall River area that includes the smaller communities sprinkled around us that have one common goal....safety of ourselves and our neighbors during a crisis. In a crisis communication becomes critical and it is usually the first thing to go. Cell phones, the internet, and landlines can be disrupted. In today's world, we depend heavily on digital information. that was shown in a recent fire in the Susanville area, the Hog Fire, July 2020, normal lines of communication were knocked out in the first hour of a wildfire and left that area without ANY communications. All the digital and fiber-optic lines were destroyed. How did the information get passed? Radios. Point to point radio and use of repeaters kept information flowing and evacuations smooth. This is what first responders rely on and so can we as everyday citizens. It is easier than you think. What we do is train each other to use simple radios and make a commitment to our community to be there to help if the need arises.
What Can I do as an individual?
Simply volunteer and make a commitment to your community. A little time, a little effort and a lot of satisfaction. Maybe some fun too. Get your neighbors involved and it is perfect for high school age folks.
What do I have to do?
Ideally, you would want to get your FCC radio license. It is really simple. Study a little and take a test. This gives you legal access to UHF and VHF radio frequencies that can access the mountain top repeaters and communicate all over the Burney basin and Fall River Mills Valley area.
There are other types of radios that you can use, but they have a very low power output and have a limited range. There are currently no repeaters available east of Redding for the GMRS/FRS radios.
The amount of learning is up to you. Almost all are available on-line at no cost to you. Then hands-on training on the air and BAM, you're a community asset.
Who runs this group?
Currently, Keith Farley heads the IECG. He is retired Navy and has a strong background in community service. Keith is also a licensed amateur radio operator with a focus on emergency communications. Keith would like to have help with training and getting people on the air. Drop him an email at the "Contact Us" link.
Can a plan like this work?
In a word, YES! Most towns and almost all cities have an emergency back up plan in place. Redding, Shingletown, Anderson and Red Bluff to name a few have plans that fit into local first responder plans.
How would this plan work?
The idea here is to "Keep It Simple". A network of radio operators located through-out the area would come on the air when a threat or crisis comes up. They would then monitor the radio and or scanners for information pertinent to the event and pass it on to the other stations. This info could include traffic problems, updated evacuation info, location of emergency vehicles. Even whats happening outside your window.
Sounds like a lot of responsibility......
Well it is and it isn't. If you are in a position to help then do so. If you're not then don't. If your property or life is threatened then get the heck out of there, don't waste time on radio reports. You will always be number 1. If you're in a position to observe and report so other may be kept informed then do that. It is up to you. Safety is prime!!
I really don't know much about talking on the radio.........
If you're willing to learn we're willing to teach. The trick is to be as brief as possible and include only the details. Its' easy once you get used to it.
Help us to defray operating costs.
IECG operates 2 repeaters in our area.
$15.00
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve equipment. Currently, there is need of a solar back-up system on the Haney mtn, repeater site. This will free us from having to pay PG&E Your generous donation will fund our mission.
Wish List, Things Needed to Make Things Run.
To make the communications network run it takes money, not a lot, but some.
- The Haney Mtn. repeater costs about 70.00 a year for PG&E.
- Haney Mtn site needs a back-up power system . Solar is the best option. Panels, wiring, storage batteries and, a charge controller. Perhaps you have a system or parts of a system you no longer use.....donate them here.
- The maintenance on the radios for the most part is donated by some very smart and talented amateur radio folks. However, the parts have to be paid for. Up until now a few of us have been paying out of pocket and that is not sustainable. Donate to the parts and radio fund.
- IECG needs to expand it's capabilities and include the GMRS/FRS radio frequencies for people who don't' have or don't want to get licensed. That's' a big one. About 700.00 for the radio. We'll see about a business sponsor/underwriter for that outlay.
- If you can make a contribution, please do. See the link above. Any contributions will be acknowledged by letter.