Emergency Operations Playbook¶

Justin, Texas Mesh Network (JTXMesh)

This playbook defines how JTXMesh is used during emergencies, disasters, or infrastructure outages.

It is designed to support local coordination, situational awareness, and community resilience.

🎯 Purpose¶

JTXMesh emergency operations exist to: - Maintain local communications when normal systems fail - Support CERT and community coordination - Share situational awareness and welfare information - Reduce panic and misinformation

This network does not replace emergency services.

🚦 Activation Triggers¶

Emergency operations may be activated when: - Cellular service is degraded or unavailable - Internet access is disrupted - Severe weather threatens the area - Power outages affect the community - CERT or local groups request mesh support

Activation may be informal or announced over the mesh.

🧭 Operational Modes¶

Normal Operations¶

Casual messaging allowed
Testing and experimentation permitted
Standard channel usage

Emergency Operations¶

Non-essential traffic discouraged
Emergency channels prioritized
Increased discipline on airtime and content
Focus on facts, not speculation

📡 Message Priorities¶

Life Safety
Injuries
Immediate danger
Welfare & Status
“OK / NOT OK” checks
Infrastructure Status
Power, roads, flooding
Coordination
CERT, volunteers, logistics
General Information

🧱 Node Expectations¶

Fixed Nodes¶

Remain powered if safe to do so
Avoid unnecessary reboots or config changes
Serve as relay points

Mobile Nodes¶

Limit transmissions
Avoid excessive GPS updates
Disable unused channels

🚫 What Not To Do¶

Spread rumors or unverified reports
Transmit emotional or inflammatory messages
Flood the network with pings or tests
Share sensitive personal information

🧯 Deactivation¶

Emergency mode ends when: - Infrastructure stabilizes - Coordinators announce stand-down - Normal operations resume organically

Operators should return nodes to standard configs after the event.