EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS... is my hobby!
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TO: OR-NorCAL-NV ARES and other EMCOMM Stations, ARRL Officials, other EMCOMM
and Public Safety Officials; in Oregon District 5, California SV Section
Districts 1, 2...and BEYOND.
FROM: D.W. Thorne, K6SOJ, ARES SEC, SV Section (North), editor.
Assistant ACS Officer MAR III California OES
INTERNET: www.qsl.net/k6soj E-MAIL:
k6soj@arrl.net
CA OES ACS INLAND REGION WEBSITE: www.acs.oes.ca.gov/Inland
+ SHORT CIRCUITS - Brief
(important) announcements:
+
SATIRICAL SYMPHONIES -
The first in a series (it may be very short series - HI) is at the end of this
bulletin. While the SATIRICAL SYMPHONIES series is not without a few mild
“barbs”, it is intended to inform, cause us to look at ourselves, and to
entertain. Comments and/or opposing views are welcome...and might even get
regurgitated in this 5-1-2 Bulletin!
+ A TRUE
LIFE WEATHER NET EXPERIENCE FROM COLORADO -
If you feel that you are just wasting your time and are thinking of dropping
out; then, maybe, reading the first person account in the NWS-SKYWARN NEWS
section (below) will help you reconsider.
+ TEN “ERMAS” (EMCOMM
Responder - Mutual Aid) have registered!
(For more information see item below)
The data submitted reveals one heck-of-a-lot of talent and resource capability!
They are...( ERMA #, call-sign, county or other jurisdiction):
TACTICAL: (May be used during mutual aid events)
ERMA - 1: K6SOJ SV Section (north)
ERMA - 2: W1SAR Shasta County
ERMA - 3: K6ME Lassen County
ERMA - 4: KA7RAM Klamath/Siskiyou County (Relay/Monitor Station)
ERMA - 5: AD6RV Modoc County
ERMA - 6: WO6P Districts 1 and 2
ERMA - 7: WD6BXN Shasta County
ERMA - 8: KF6VYL Shasta County
ERMA - 9: KC6CLK Shasta County
ERMA - 10: K6MLA Butte County
+ FIRE UPDATES - or, “Hellzapoppin”,
(Opened at New York’s 46th Street Theater on September 22, 1938.
http://www.classicimages.com/1998/october98/olsenandjohnson.html)
+ NEW FIRE PICTURES -
Photos (some are quite dramatic) of the Blue Fire Complex are now posted
at: www.qsl.net/k6soj
(Thanks to the U.S. Forest Service and N6SVV)
+ FIRE WEBSITES -
For an impressive satellite photo of the fires in northern California,
Nevada, and southern Oregon go to:
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Newsroom/NewImages/images.php3?img_id=5100
(Thanks to Jim Kornegay, KE6MUT who sent this along).
For all you wildland firefighters, groupies, and “wanna’ be’s”;
http://www.wildlandfire.com/ is the
site you want to visit!
OTHER SITES:
http://www.nifc.gov/news/sitreprt.pdf
(National Information Fire Center Situation Report. Up-to-date.)
http://www.nifc.gov/information.html
http://www.r5.fs.fed.us/modoc/incident/blue/index.htm
http://www.r5.fs.fed.us/modoc/incident/modoc-complex/index.htm
http://www.sierrafront.net/
+ UPDATED and REVISED +
REGIONAL RESOURCE POOL OF SKILLED EMCOMM OPERATORS IS BEING COMPILED
-
Do you have what it takes to become an “ERMA”?
(EMCOMM Responder - Mutual Aid)
Here are the “ground rules”:
1. The “ERMA” program is not for everyone...but if you wish to be in a data
base for possible mutual aid “call-ups”...read on.
2. You MUST be an active and current registered Disaster Service Worker
(DSW) with at least one local EMCOMM unit. (E.g. - ARES, ACS and/or RACES,
CDF/VIP, etc.)
2. This is primarily for Districts One and Two (SV Section); but...
3. If you are in District Three, Four, District Five (Oregon Section),
northern Nevada, SF Section, or elsewhere, you may still register as a
mutual aid responder. The data will be stored and made available to your
DEC, SEC, and/or regional ACS Officer when needed.
4. No EMCOMM operator will be dispatched without notification of, and
approval by, their local EC, RO, HAMCO, or other EMCOMM leader.
5. This is also a regional resource pool from which Mutual Aid TEAMS
(e.g.-ARESMATS), can be assembled.
6. Only one person per registration form please. (E.g - if a couple, each
one must register separately. If you can only respond together, please
indicate under: “other”.)
7. If you cannot, or are not able to, respond to field operations; but you
are available to serve as a relay station/monitor during mutual aid
incidents, you may also register. Indicate that under: “other”, and state
if you are an Official ARRL Emergency or Relay Station.
8. By registering as a EMCOMM Responder - Mutual Aid (ERMA): it is assumed
that you have the appropriate personal gear to be self-sufficient for a
minimum of 24 hours (72 hours recommended); a power source (battery or
generator) to support any radio gear that you bring; and that both YOU and
your VEHICLE are properly licensed and insured. (It is also assumed that
“ERMAs” are familiar with mutual aid plans and procedures, know and use ITU
phonetics, and are capable of handling formal (RADIOGRAM) traffic.)
9. Assignments will vary in duration; and may last from being “cancelled”
while en route, to a few hours, to a few days, or possibly longer.
Responders are only obligated for the amount of time they agree to for a
particular incident.
To register as an Mutual Aid resource EMCOMM operator or station:
http://www.qsl.net/k6soj/registration_form.htm
NOTE: It will be your responsibility to keep your information accurate by
going to the registration page and submitting an “update” as changes occur.
+ FEEDBACK -
(Please see “NWS-SKYWARN NEWS” below)
+ NET REMINDER - 5-1-2 REGIONAL ARES
AND NWS NETS
DAILY:
1200 to 1230L: Jefferson Noon Net on 7232 LSB (3987 LSB alternate)
NOTE: ALL STATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED TO MONITOR AND/OR CALL ON 146.52 MHZ DURING
THE NOON NET TO RELAY CHECK-INS OR TRAFFIC.
WEDNESDAYS:
1915 to 1930L: NWS WX SPOTTER NETS (see NWS-SKYWARN section below)
1930 to 2000L: A.R.E.S. LEADERSHIP NET on 3987 LSB (1982 LSB alternate)
ALL ARES and other EMCOMM leaders are welcome. A net roster is available
at: www.qsl.net/k6soj/nets/net.htm
+ ARES and other EMCOMM NETS
- list at: www.qsl.net/k6soj/nets/index.htm
+ THIS WEEK’S TRAINING:
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/archives/number36.htm.
Below are excerpts from that article with comments.
58. Handicapped and disabled persons will probably die unless personal family
and friends can care for them and maintain their life-support systems.
COMMENT: Many persons in these life-situations live alone. A
seemingly minor event (e.g. - a power outage) can be a life and death event for
some. Many respiratory patients are dependant upon “oxygen concentrators”,
which are power by house current and have no battery back-up. Usually a
small bottle of oxygen (about a 45 min reserve) is kept ready for back up.
But many patients may be unable to activate it.
The ARES, possibly working with their local Neighborhood Watch group, fire department, Red Cross Chapter, home health agency, church, or other community outreach group; can, AND SHOULD, develop and include in their EMERGENCY PLAN a provision to know where these persons live, and provide a mechanism to check on them immediately after a power outage.
A telephone call (if the phones are working) may suffice. If not, an actual “welfare check” home visit may be indicated. An ARES net can be used to coordinate these actions working in cooperation with local community leaders. A NCS should not only utilize amateur frequencies; but also include FRS, GMRS, public service, and, yes...even CB!
Who dares to say?: “There never is anything for us to do!”
TRAINING BULLETINS that appear in this bulletin are archived at:
www.qsl.net/k6soj
+ NWS-SKYWARN NEWS
Jim Reynolds, KD7MLO, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, Medford NWS
Gary Peterson, N7GK, Asst. Medford SKYWARN Coordinator
D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ, Asst. Medford SKYWARN Coordinator
+ A TRUE LIFE
WEATHER NET EXPERIENCE FROM COLORADO -
If you feel that you are just wasting your time and are thinking
of dropping out, then, maybe the following message will help you reconsider. The
original message was sent to Jeff Ryan (NØWPA) as head of the PPFMA (Pikes Peak
FM Association).
“I am Chris Kelly, K0PF, of Loveland, CO. I wanted to send both the Pueblo
Hams and the Pike's Peak Club my thanks for something you may not know happened.
You may recall that June 20, 2001 was a very active severe weather night. Tornados and heavy hail pounded DIA (Denver International Airport - ed.) in a storm that moved south across the Black Forest region and Elbert County. Near the town of Elbert is a Boy Scout Summer Camp, and that night, in a fairly remote part of that camp, I was directly under that storm with 24 scouts and 8 adult leaders.
We had watched the gathering storms since mid-afternoon, but at about sunset, we received word that tornados had been spotted about 10 miles north of us. We gathered our scouts, prepared with rain gear and day-packs, under our temporary shelter, and briefed everyone on our plans for seeking protection in a nearby low area in case tornadoes came closer.
You can imagine the scene with very dark skies, rain starting to fall, huddled under a 10x20 foot tarp awning with a hissing propane lantern providing minimal comfort in a worrisome time. The younger scouts, eyes wide with concern, were partnered with older scouts and adult leaders as we tried to assess the danger and determine the best response. There was no storm-proof shelter nearby.
Enter the ham radio. My son, K0PFT, and I had brought several radios with us to camp, and we quickly got three of them into action. The first was programmed for the Scout Camp VHF frequency, to monitor for the storm's progress at various points around the camp. The second was programmed for the National Weather Service NOAA Weather Radio at 162 MHz to hear their announcements. The third radio was programmed for the Pikes Peak repeater on 146.970, on which the Weather Net was operating, including information directly from the Pueblo weather radar. Among our adult leaders was a former US Air Force Meteorologist who was able to blend these data with local observations to understand our situation.
As the storm passed overhead, we had lightning, large hail and heavy rain, and while the scene was tense, the good and steady flow of news from the Weather Net provided important information and frankly, comfort, for that small group out in the woods. We were not able to check into the net, perhaps because the repeater was using PL tones we did not know about. Nevertheless, that night the weather net was a valuable assistant to us in helping us understand the weather situation, and to let even the youngest scouts know that we were not as isolated as it seemed.
After passage of the cell, radar data indicated that the storm was moving into Calhan. This meant that the cell had passed directly over us, since the earlier report of tornados was in Kiowa, and we were located directly on the line between these two towns. The hail stopped, then the rain, and we were able to send the scouts off to their tents by about 10:30 PM, still excited, but much less worried than earlier. Several adults remarked that they were amazed at the coverage and capabilities of ham radio. It was clear to them that while we are called "amateurs", the operations of the Severe Weather Net and the information on that net are professional caliber.
As the evening calmed, we were able to watch a spectacular lightning display off to the south, which, due to the heavy, low clouds was a totally silent show. It was one of the most unusual and memorable nights of my life.
I want to thank the volunteers who run this net. You may never know how many people are out there listening and using the data provided. Your service is NOT just to the National Weather Service, and ham radio in it's finest tradition is still providing public service through these nets.”
73,
Chris Kelly, K0PF
Loveland, Colorado
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!FREE! - ARES / SKYWARN software is available at:
http://www.qsl.net/k6soj/projects/index.htm
MEDFORD NWS SKYWARN PAGE HAS CHANGED TO: www.qsl.net/mfrskywarn
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.
MEDFORD NWS WX SPOTTER NET WEDNESDAY NIGHTS.
The Medford NWS WX SPOTTER NET is on Wednesdays at: 1915L on 147.26+ (CTCSS:
123.0) Mt. Ashland / WX7MFR/R); SIMULTANEOUSLY ON: 146.55 SIMPLEX (Siskiyou and
Klamath Counties); AND 146.97- the Likely repeater (Modoc County).
FROM 1920 to 1929L: on 3987 LSB (1982 LSB alternate), relays and other checkins will be accepted and forwarded. ALSO, a packet WX SPOTTER NET is being developed to run concurrently SKYWARN will be activated on these frequencies during severe weather events.
The NWS PACKET NODE ON MT. ASHLAND is on 145.030 MHz, ID is: skywrn. NWS 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. The “connect” to NWS packet bbs (direct) 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.
Questions? contact Gary, N7GK < gpederson@orednet.org >
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 < gpederson@orednet.org
> via e-mail or on 147.26+ (123.0) Mt. Ashland.
Check in to the JEFFERSON NOON NET daily at 1200L on 7232 // 3987 LSB for announcements regarding anticipated severe WX.
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
+ COMING ATTRACTIONS ...
SATIRICAL SYMPHONIES
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT? THE SERIES CONTINUES
HOW PREPARED ARE YOU? - A FUN QUIZ
+ ANNUAL ARRL/ARES SIMULATED
EMERGENCY TEST (SET)
October 6-7, 2001 See September QST (p.53). Or: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/setguide.html
+ EMCOMM 2002
April 20-21 2002 - Bishop Quinn High School, Palo Cedro, CA.
www.emcomm2002.net
+ EMCOMM 2002 MOBILE UNIT EXPO -
To all ARES teams, clubs, and private individuals:
In order to promote preparedness, (and have some fun) we are
planning a “Car Show”! Urrr, make that a: “Mobile Unit Show and
Competition” for EMCOMM 2002! A competition, complete with awards, for
privately owned and sponsored (i.e. non-agency) mobile EMCOMM units. There will
be two categories:
CLASS ONE - Best ARES or CLUB owned mobile EMCOMM station.
(Includes “non-publicly-funded” RACES/ACS or CDF/VIP mobile units.)
CLASS TWO - Best INDIVIDUALLY owned mobile EMCOMM station.
AWARDS will based upon: design, function, appearance, innovation, multi-agency
capability, and use of re-cycled and/or surplus gear.
Although EMCOMM 2002 is still eight months away...we are announcing this NOW, in
order to allow plenty of time for you, your ARES team, or your EMCOMM oriented
club, to get your entry ready!
Watch the 5-1-2 Bulletin, or check: http://www.emcomm2002.net for updates
and more information as the time approaches.
+ PREVIOUS EDITIONS OF THE 5-1-2
BULLETIN ARE ARCHIVED AT:
www.qsl.net/k6soj
+ The “5-1-2 BULLETIN” -
Copyright (c) 2001 - D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce and re-circulate items from this
bulletin providing appropriate credit is given to the “5-1-2 REGIONAL ARES
BULLETIN” and/or the author or originator of the material.
Send corrections, updates, etc. to: k6soj@arrl.net
+ PLEASE REMEMBER TO CONSERVE ENERGY!
-----------------------------------
SATIRICAL SYMPHONY - No. 1
FREE SUMMER CONCERTS at Riverdale Park
Next Saturday’s concert will feature the:
“American Recital Excellence Symphony”
The “A.R.E.S.” was founded in 1935, its members all know each other, they
practice together weekly, and their music is performed while, they all play from
the same piece of music.
The following Saturday a concert will be performed by the:
“County Harmonic Appliance Operators Society”
The “C.H.A.O.S.” has never actually been organized, its members don’t
really know each other, (some of them have never met), they have never practiced
together, they haven’t tuned up their instruments lately, they play without
using any sheet music, and since they have no conductor, whoever gets there
first gets to be the leader.
NOTE: Both of these concerts may be heard on your local repeater
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