Keeping Logs
Each station in a net needs to keep one or more logs of station activity. The information you
need to log will depend on your function in the net. In most cases, you will only need to log the
messages you handle. The log information should include the message number, date and time
sent, who sent it to you, and who you sent it to. Logging all incoming and outgoing messages
makes it possible to track messages should it ever become necessary.
“Other information in your log might include times you checked in or out of a net, operator
shift changes, and any other significant events, such as power outages or visits from key
agency or ARES people.
Logs can be kept on paper, or on a computer. The advantage of paper logs is that they will
still be there if the power goes out or the computer dies. The disadvantages are that sloppy
handwriting can result in errors, and the logs are difficult to share with other stations.
If you are at an agency station, the logs may be considered legal documents. In this case, they
should be kept in a hard-bound book with non-removable pages.
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