11. Preventing false alerts
A false alert is any activation of the beacon, intentional or otherwise, that does not result from a situation of grave and imminent danger.
Be sure to do the following to help minimize false alerts:
Register your beacon. This does not reduce false alert rates; however, when the beacon is properly registered, the situation can usually be resolved with a phone call.
Be careful with whom you leave your beacon. Make sure that they know how to use it, and that they understand the ramifications of causing a false alert. A lot of false alerts are generated by curious individuals. If you notice the beacon is flashing the red or green LED and “beeping” periodically on its own, this likely means it has accidentally been activated and needs to be shut off and reported.
Do not stow beacon while other gear is in contact with the keypad.
The
NOTE: If you report a false alert and the authorities have not received the signal, do not be concerned. This may mean that you were able to deactivate the beacon before transmitting the signal.
12. False alert
A false alert must be reported to the search and rescue authorities.
False alerts in the US that are rectified must be reported to the US Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) to let them know that the situation has been corrected and everything is fine. Responsibly reporting these events to the AFRCC or your proper authority will not incur a penalty, but deliberate misuse or not notifying the proper authority may incur a severe penalty.
Reporting
Should there be a false alert for any reason, it must be reported to the nearest search and rescue authorities. The information that should be reported includes:
//The PLB
//Time and date
//Duration and cause of activation
//Location of beacon at the time of activation
To report false alert in the United States, contact the AFRCC:
United States Air Force Rescue | Tel: |
Coordination Center (AFRCC) |
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