Occasionally a station may be asked to relay a pro-forma message, such as the ICS-213 Shelter Report, but might not have a blank hardcopy of the form to copy the message. In that case, the relaying station can copy the message in a block format. Attached are two examples of the ICS-213 Shelter Report. One is an example of the ICS-213 Shelter Report used in Clay county. The other is the same exact message but in block format.
To copy block format, the station simply writes or types each word in the preamble and header one under the other and then writes the body of the message in paragraph format. Block format can also be used when sending a pro-forma message as text via packet or HF digital modes, when a form template is not available.
In the event that the station isn’t familiar with the ICS-213 Shelter Report, that station can still copy each word as a vertical string, even the body. Then when the station is ready to relay, that station simply reads the words in the order they were received.
This is one of the many advantages to pro-forma message, which do not require reading the individual section headings. If the transmitting station uses prowords appropriately, then the process is even more intuitive.
