TO: OR-NorCAL-NV VHF and HF ARES Stations;
SECs, DECs, ECs, AECs in Oregon District 5 and,
California SV Section (north) Districts 1, 2.
ARRL Officials, other HF EMCOMM stations; and
EMCOMM and Public Safety Officials elsewhere.
Editor: D.W. Thorne, K6SOJ, ARES SEC, SV Section (North)
ACS Officer MAR III California OES
INTERNET: www.qsl.net/k6soj
THE “5-1-2 BULLETIN” - 13 FEB 01 - No. 41
AMATEUR RADIO EMCOMM VOLUNTEERS... GIVING SOMETHING BACK...WHILE ALSO...
EXPANDING THEIR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE... ENJOYING GREAT CAMARADERIE...AND...
HAVING FUN AT THE SAME TIME!”
29th CONSECUTIVE DAY OF STAGE III POWER ALERTS
(News report via KGO RADIO 810 kHz AM San Francisco today)
THIS WEEK:
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
* - BUTTE COUNTY ARES ACTIVATED FOR WINTER STORM EMCOMM
* - VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
* - WEATHER BULLETINS - WEBSITE
* - EMCOMM 2001 - UPDATES
* - REGIONAL NET REMINDER
PLUS:
1 - TRAINING - WHAT CAN WE EXPECT?
2 - THE NEW ARRL EMCOMM COURSE - A REVIEW
3 - NWS SKYWARN IS BEGINNING TO SNOWBALL
4 - NEW OES ACS INLAND REGION WEBSITE
5 - IF YOU HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT ...
6 - COMING ATTRACTIONS
7 - NET ROSTER - UPDATED: 12/29/00
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
ARES ACTIVATED FOR WINTER STORM EMCOMM IN BUTTE COUNTY
The Butte County ARES team was activated on Sunday, February 11.
Local ARES team members, backed up by ARES operators from Tehama and Shasta
counties, have been active on a "24/7" basis, and are supporting the
American Red Cross effort with auxiliary communications.
Ken White, KC6RSS, EC reports that 24" of accumulated snow from the recent
storm has up to 150 families "snowbound" in areas of Butte County.
Commercial power was out in some areas and damage to buildings and trees
has been reported.
Survey, assessment and relief efforts were still under way on Monday to
either evacuate those persons, or take needed supplies in to those in
need. There is now concern about potential flooding problems if a
"quick thaw" should occur.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT:
CONGRATULATIONS...TO BILL FRAZIER, KC7REK (our “webmaster extraordinaire”).
Bill was awarded a 20 YEAR PIN by the AMERICAN RED CROSS at an Volunteer
Appreciation Dinner on February 8. Bill is a national “disaster
reservist” and active in his local chapter. “FB”...and, “way
to go”... Bill!
CURRENT NWS WEATHER BULLETINS AND WARNINGS ARE NOW EASILY
AVAILABLE VIA A LINK ON OUR HOME PAGE AT: www.qsl.net/k6soj
*** EMCOMM 2001 UPDATE ***
ONLY *** 45 *** DAYS UNTIL EMCOMM 2001 !
Saturday, March 31, 2001
Bishop Quinn High School
Palo Cedro, California (just east of Redding)
-----------------------------------------------
*** REGISTRATION NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE ***
www.qsl.net/k6soj (“bookmark”
it)
Pre-registration is requested but not required. But, we would like to know
who and how many are coming. Pre-register by going to the above website and
registering online. The $3.00 registration fee is ONLY payable at the door
on March 31. Registrations are beginning to flow in...from as far south as
San Diego County! NOTE: There are no doubt many EMCOMM
operators or public officials that do not receive this bulletin. IF YOU
KNOW of anyone who you think would be interested in
EMCOMM 2001...please feel free to pass on the information and assist them in
getting pre-registered. Thank you.
--------------------------------------------
*** LAST CALL***
IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND EMCOMM 2001 AND WISH TO PURCHASE AN EMCOMM 2001 T -
SHIRT... YOU MUST ORDER SOON!!! ONLY 7 DAYS LEFT...
“max”...to get your check or money order into the mail!
*** DEADLINE ***
Your payment MUST be RECEIVED by FEBRUARY 22. This year we are offering a JET
BLACK, heavy-weight, pocket-type, with the “EMCOMM 2001” logo
EMBROIDERED in SILVER above the pocket.
Price(s):
$15.00 (tax included) for L and XL.
$16.00 (tax included) for XXL.
Be sure to state how many T-shirts you want; and BE SURE TO INCLUDE THE
SIZE (S) DESIRED Send a check or money order, payable to:
D.W. Thorne
Mail to: D. W. Thorne, P.O. Box 99, Macdoel, CA 96058
The curriculum and class schedule is in it final planning stages.
When ready, it will be announced here, and on the SV (north) ARES Website.
We now have tentative commitments from seven (7!) agencies to bring
mobile or airborne EMCOMM units for display. (Redding PD,
Shasta-Trinity CDF, Siskiyou County SAR, American Red Cross, California OES,
Trinity County Amateur Radio Club, and CHP H-14.)
UPDATES? Check www.qsl.net/k6soj
often
REGIONAL ARES NETS
WEDNESDAYS:
1900 to 1930L - The OR-NorCAL-NV Regional ARES is on 3987 LSB (1982 LSB
alternate)
1930 to 2000L - A.R.E.S. LEADERSHIP NET on 3987 LSB (1982 LSB alternate)
DAILY:
1200 to 1230L -Jefferson Noon Net on 7232 LSB
TRAINING BULLETINS that appear in this bulletin are also archived at:
www.qsl.net/k6soj
(PLUS A “PLETHORA” OF ADDITIONAL TRAINING MATERIAL)
------------------------------------------------------------------
1 - TRAINING -
(NOTE: The article: “DISASTER / MAJOR EMERGENCY -- WHAT CAN WE EXPECT?
by
Lt. Dan Blackston, Chula Vista Police Department” appeared in its entirety in
BULLETIN # 36 (January 9) and is archived at www.qsl.net/k6soj.
Continued now are excerpts from that excellent article with comment
-------------------------------------------------------------
#10. “Citizens will volunteer, but their commitment will usually be
short-term.” COMMENT: In my thirty-five years in disaster and emergency
response work, both professionally and as a volunteer, I have yet to be on an
assignment where this phenomena did not occur. Leaders in all disciplines
(amateur radio is no exception) will have to cope with this problem . It
is addressed in the Sacramento Valley Section Mutual Aid Guide (the entire guide
is available at the website mentioned above.) as follows:
“The THIRD RESOURCE are the amateur operators who just ‘show up’.
This phenomena, known as ‘convergence’ is common in emergency and disaster
situations. These helpers are usually undisciplined and unfamiliar with
ARES procedures and the emergency plan; and they often cause more problems than
they solve. However, there are exceptions, so it is important that
each individual be evaluated and judged on his or her own merits. This can
be time consuming, so it is suggested that you delegate that task to an
AEC (or possibly a visiting EC.) Those that are selected to work should be
given an orientation to the ARES plan and procedures, and be briefed on the
incident. Then, they must be registered with ARES and the served
agency. REMEMBER:
1. Only skilled, disciplined, equipped and registered ARES personnel
should respond in mutual aid situations; and all personnel should be directed to
a command post or staging area to “sign in”. If not already
registered, every volunteer must be registered with the “served
agency”, before they are assigned to the field. Be sure to
have the registration forms or logs readily available.
2. Responding teams should be given clear directions to the command center
or staging area. Inform them of a “talk-in frequency” (it could
be shared with operations, but ideally it will be a frequency dedicated to
logistics.)
3. As a general rule, an ARESMAT (ARES Mutual Assistance Team) should come
with its own leader(s). (The ICS recommends a 1 to 5 ratio). A team may be
given a specific task and utilized as a team. Or, individuals may be
assigned to work with your team members, or (once oriented to the operation)
they may be given independent assignments.”
2 -A Review of the NEW ARRL EMCOMM Continuing Education Course
by: Jerry Boyd K6BZ
Section Manager-Sacramento Valley
I recently had an opportunity to take and complete the ARRL's on-line EMCOMM
CE course. The current offering is the Level I module, with Levels II & III
(Advanced and
Management) to be offered in the future. Each student has an assigned mentor to
assist him/her if needed.
There are test questions after each block of instruction to give the student
feedback as to his/her progress. There are actual scored tests after each of the
main sections of the course. There is an established minimum passing grade.
Having an extensive background in public safety and EMCOMM enabled me to
complete the course rather quickly. HOWEVER, that is not to imply that I didn't
learn anything from it. On the contrary, there was new information presented AND
my aging memory was refreshed on some points I had forgotten due to lack of
use--such as formal message traffic handling.
The course includes some activities which must be completed and sent (via
e-mail) to the mentor for review. My mentor reviewed each submission in a very
timely manner, thus allowing me to continue on and not get hung up waiting.
The ARRL is presently devising a system to allow presentation of this course
(and testing) in the field rather than just on-line. Hopefully that approach
will also reduce costs to the student as the on-line version is $40.
In summary, it is a worthwhile course to take....particularly for those new
to EMCOMM, but even for us "old dogs" who've been there and done that.
3 - SKYWARN NEWS:
Jim Reynolds, Chief Warning Coordination Meteorologist, Medford NWS
Gary Pederson, N7GK, Asst. Medford SKYWARN Coordinator
D.W. Thorne, K6SOJ, Asst. Medford SKYWARN Coordinator
-----------------------------------------------
SKYWARN is the National Weather Service program of trained volunteer spotters
reporting severe weather The ARRL/ARES has a national “memorandum of
understanding” (MOU) with the NOAA/NWS.
WX SPOTTER LIST (See APPENDIX No. 1 at end of this bulletin). This list is
updated as changes or corrections occur. Feel free to print out a copy.
IF YOU ARE A NWS WX SPOTTER and you are not listed; OR, if your listing is
incorrect, please send the corrected information to: k6soj@arrl.net.
(If you are outside the nine county Medford NWS service area, please state your
NWS region or zone office).
-----------------------------------------------
*** UPDATE *** WEEKLY Medford NWS SKYWARN NETS: Sundays at 1930L on
the
Mt. Ashland 147.26+ repeater (WX7MFR/R). It is also relayed via 146.55
SIMPLEX
(Siskiyou and Klamath Counties); on the Likely 146.97- repeater (Modoc
County)and on the REGIONAL ARES frequency of 3987 LSB. (1982 LSB alternate).
SKYWARN may also be activated on these frequencies during severe weather events.
------------------------------------------------
*** PACKET NODE NOW OPERATIONAL ON MT. ASHLAND ***
145.030 mHz, ID is: skywrn. NWS Medford is asking for SKYWARN and ARES
packet stations to connect and let them know your location, the type of antenna
and power you use to access the Mt. Ashland node.
Questions? contact Gary, N7GK < gpederso@orednet.org
>
The connect to NWS packet bbs is 145.090 and the ID is NWSMFR. Then
connect
to NWSBBS, e.g., c nwsmfr. Then, c nwsbbs. The NWSMFR at nws mfr is a
node.
-------------------------------------------------
NWS WEATHER SPOTTER CLASSES:
March 31, 2000 at EMCOMM 2001. Palo Cedro, California
-------------------------------------------
NOTE: Medford NWS will offer additional classes starting in April or May.
Watch this spot and/or check in to the SKYWARN and/or ARES nets for updates and
announcements.
The NWS/Medford “service area” consists of nine counties: Coos, Curry,
Douglas, Klamath, Jackson, Josephine, Lake, (OR); Modoc and Siskiyou (CA).
If you have any questions about the SKYWARN program, contact: Gary/N7GK < gpederso@orednet.org
> via e-mail or on 147.26+ (Mt. Ashland).
----------------------------------------------
REGIONAL ARES WEATHER AND ROAD NETS (ARESWARNS) for SV Districts 1 and 2 are on
the MUTUAL AID FREQUENCIES of 7232 LSB (daytime) and 3987 LSB (nighttime).
1982LSB (nighttime alternate). Up/down QRM. OREGON District 5, and
all ARES stations elsewhere, are CORDIALLY INVITED to participate. During
a SEVERE WEATHER EVENT, the HF WARN meets hourly AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HOUR,
until all information and traffic is passed, (more often as needed).
LOCAL ARES WARNS are activated by a local EC or AEC per your local plan.
Check with your EC for more information about your area. It is recommended
that they meet at the TOP OF EACH HOUR, and include a local HF - VHF station for
relay / interface duty with the regional net.
-----------------------------------
Check in to the JEFFERSON NOON NET daily at 1200L on 7232 // 3987 LSB for
announcements regarding anticipated severe WX.
-----------------------------------
***NEW*** CURRENT NWS WEATHER
BULLETINS AND WARNINGS ARE NOW ON A LINK ON THE HOME PAGE AT: www.qsl.net/k6soj
4 - ***NEW*** OES ACS
INLAND REGION WEBSITE:
www.acs.oes.ca.gov/Inland/
5 - IF YOU HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT OR SOMETHING OF INTEREST TO
REPORT about your ARES team or other EMCOMM unit...and would like it posted in
the 5-1-2 BULLETIN...send it to: k6soj@arrl.net
6 - COMING ATTRACTIONS...
*** WHAT CAN WE EXPECT? SERIES CONTINUES
*** CW. QRP. HAS IT ANY PLACE IN EMCOMM?
*** EMCOMM 2001 - MARCH 31, 2001 - PALO CEDRO, CALIFORNIA ***
*** FIELD DAY 2001 - JUNE 23-24
7 - NEW ROSTER - UPDATED - December 29, 2000
A current 5-1-2 ARES Regional Net Roster is at:
www.qsl.net/k6soj/nets/net.htm
ECs and AECs: WE NEED YOUR HELP - BE A NET CONTROL OPERATOR!
(NOTE: ALL ARES Leadership personnel (ECs, AECs, DECs, and SECs), and ARRL
OES and ORS, from any District and/or Section are welcome to check in as
visitors. If you wish to be on the discussion list (second round), just indicate
that when you check in.)
IF YOU ARE A PRIVATE OR GOVERNMENT PUBLIC SERVICE AGENCY, OR JUST A "MEMBER
OF THE PUBLIC"; AND YOU NEED EMERGENCY OR DISASTER RELATED
COMMUNICATIONS...JUST CALL UPON "5-1-2". WE'RE OPEN...24 HOURS A DAY!
APPENDIX No. 1
NWS MEDFORD SKYWARN
AMATEUR RADIO WX SPOTTERS
UPDATED - 04 FEB 01
SISKIYOU COUNTY:
SY02 - W6NPS (French Creek)
SY25 - KE6JCT ( Ft. Jones)
SY31 - KD6PCE (Mt. Shasta)
SY37 - KE6MZP / KE6SXT (Kidder Creek)
SY39 - AB6UE / KD6WZC (Hammond Ranch)
SY42 - K6SOJ / KE6MZT (Macdoel)
SY48 - N7LRV / KC7QIG (Scott Bar)
SY49 - W6FKI / KD6DGX (Mt. Shasta)
SY75 - KG6CSM (Montague)
MODOC COUNTY:
MO35 - K7NCE (Alturas)
MO37 - N6SSQ / N6SVV (Alturas)
MO38 - AD6RV (Lookout)
KLAMATH COUNTY:
KL04 - KD7JEC / KK7VO (Keno)
KL07 - KA5EZM (Klamath Falls)
KL21 - WA7IZU (Klamath Falls)
KL38 - KC7ODE / KC7ODD (Klamath Falls)
KL43 - N7YBZ (Chiloquin)
JACKSON COUNTY:
JA14 - N7GK (Ashland)
JA32 - KK7OI (Talent)
update: 04 FEB 01 - K6SOJ
