"Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty."
-
Wendell Phillips (1811-1884)
The 5-1-2 BULLETIN - 11 September 01 - No. 71
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
+++ EXTRA +++
AS WE ALL WATCH THE AFTERMATH OF TODAY’S TERRORIST ATTACKS UPON THE UNITED STATES UNFOLD, LET US KEEP THE VICTIMS AND ALL EMERGENCY SERVICE WORKERS, BOTH PROFESSIONAL AND VOLUNTEER, IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
Early reports indicate are that landline and cellular communications in New
York City are either “down”, or “sporadic”. For those of us that
are far
removed, it is frustrating to not be able to provide direct assistance.
Rick Lindquist, N1RL, ARRL Senior News Editor, is monitoring the incident.
As soon as information about amateur radio emergency service activity in
this tragedy becomes available, it will be released either via special
ARRL bulletin, or on the ARRL website at: http://www.arrl.org/
There are, however, a few things that we can do to help:
1 - Do not transmit on or near any frequencies that are being used for
emergency communications unless you are a part of the operation.
2 - Consider a monetary donation to the American Red Cross, or another
disaster relief organization.
3- Donate blood. An EMERGENCY APPEAL has been issued by the American Red
Cross for donors to call their local Red Cross and make an appointment to
donate a unit of blood.
4 - Continue to maintain your own level of EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS.
Stay involved, equipped, trained, and informed.
As we watch the catastrophe in New York City on live television, it makes
the disasters in our area this summer seem trivial by comparison. However,
we must continue to remain vigilant. And so...here is this weeks 5-1-2
Bulletin as it was prepared last evening:
+ SV SECTION ARES TEAMS “TAKEN TO THE LIMIT” AS WILDFIRE RAMPAGE
CONTINUES
The fifth major wildfire* this year to hit the eight county service area of
Districts 1 and 2 in the Sacramento Valley section, began its disastrous run on
September 6 just north of Lake Oroville in Butte County, CA. The Poe Fire,
it has consumed over 6,000 acres; and has destroyed 26 homes, 2 commercial
businesses, numerous smaller buildings, and has prompted the evacuation of over
200 families. See full story and pics at: http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2001/09/10/2/?nc=1
More pics at: http://www.qsl.net/k6soj/poe/index.htm
Dick Cloyd, WO6P, DEC - District 2, visited the Butte County / Poe Fire
operation and reports - (lightly edited):
“Officially, as of 1330 this afternoon (Sunday, 9/9) the fire was 50% contained, regions two, three and four are very quiet. Region one, however, is active and is moving south to the lake. The other three regions, basically, cover the east, west and north flanks. Part of the NW flank re-burned the CONCOW area. Losses as of this time are; 26 homes, 8 out buildings and 2 commercial buildings.
Steve, N6NPN, (Butte/Glenn Co. EC) has the absolute handle on this incident. He makes the assignments and insures that all areas of his responsibility is covered. He says as the fire drags on, he is starting to have a little problems lining up operators. Those that he does have are operating like professionals.
Initially, he was charged to provide assistance to the Red Cross, which was taken care of. The CDF wanted an amateur radio operator at ICP in order to keep in communications with Red Cross. Steve has taken this opportunity to endear his group with the CDF. During the second day of the fire, an ARES member shadowed a CDF PIO, and passed information back and forth. This was needed because the CDF had lost communications down in one of the many canyons and pressed our guys into service.
During the first couple of days, there were five sites to be staffed. Today, they are down to four. Red Cross Hdqtrs. Chico, Yankee Hill (a multi agency staging area on HWY 70, CDF IPC in Durham, CA and the newest evacuation center in Oroville (now) at the First Methodist Church.
I feel that this is a golden opportunity for Steve to move his ARES group to CDF / VIP for support and certification. I can work with him, and point him in the right direction.
I have 11 digital photos of some members of the ARES team, and some of the burned area to send to you. (NOTE: These will be posted soon at: www.qsl.net/k6soj)
Here are some names of operators that are actively involved with the POE incident: KC6UFE, Bill Hagen; N6NPN, Steve Kapps; W6TWI, Tim Wels; KG6HMJ, Mike Madden; KI6MX, Ed Everett; KE6LW, Barry Barnes; KG6AYD, Rich; KF6YKQ, Chuck; KG6FBY, Jeff; N6AYP, Randy; N6MLA, Dan; KF6WNG, Michelle; N6LED, Ben; WA6ZRT, Gene; W6GSK, Jim; K6DWO, Barbara; K6GNQ, Jim; KE6IIZ, Dave; N6XEL, Paul; KG6EKH, Justin and KF6AKE, Dave....just to name a few.
The three mutual aid operators from Tehama County are: KF6KDD, Jake (Tehama
EC); Richard, KF6ZGY; Mike, KG6EOO; and (last but not least) from Siskiyou
County: George, AB6UE. Steve thanked me for the MA that was provided.”
---------------------
EDITOR’S COMMENT - Thanks Dick for an excellent assessment and report.
It is heartwarming to see all the “KF” and “KG” call signs involved!
To date, fires have blackened over 216,604 acres in northern California, according to the NIFC: http://www.nifc.gov/news/sitreprt.pdf
As of 31 August ARES members have logged over 1,118 hours of volunteer time in Districts 1 and 2 alone! (This does not include the Poe Fire which will be included in September’s stats.)
1,118 hours! At $9.20 per hour that comes out to a monetary equivalent of: $10,285.00. And, that does NOT include all the time spent in training, other preparation, personally owned equipment provided, mileage, or other expenses!
*The major fires in Districts 1 and 2 only:
Lassen County: Devil Fire - 4,069 acres
Modoc County: Blue Fire - 34,000 acres
Trinity County: Oregon Fire - N/A
Trinity County: Hyampom Fire - N/A
Butte County: Poe Fire - 7,850 acres
+ SPECIAL MESSAGE -
From Jerry Boyd, K6BZ Sacramento Valley Section Manager:
“I want to thank all ARES team members, who are also registered with the California Department of Forestry ‘VIP’ Program, for their diligence during this particularly hot, dry, windy fire season. You have provided a valuable public service during Red Flag Fire Watches and Warnings by patrolling areas susceptible to wildfires during and reporting fires, hazardous conditions, and/or suspicious activity. There is no way to calculate how many lives, or how much property, may have been saved by your commitment."
+ MUTUAL AID ALERT PROCEDURE - (Update)
SV Section Districts 1 and 2, (and beyond).
1 - As soon as a potential need for MA is identified, the SEC, DEC, or SM will
send an MA ALERT (via e-mail) to all affected EC’s, AEC’s, ERMA’s, and a
few other key players. Currently, there are 44 recipients on the list to
receive District 1 and 2 MA ALERTS.
2 - If the situation is emergent, MA ALERT will be by telephone.
3 - All available stations tune to and monitor 7232 LSB (day), 3987 (night), and VHF frequencies as defined in the SV Section MA Plan.
4 - Check your e-mail every two hours if possible for updates.
5 - A “radio watch” will be maintained on HF net frequencies if possible during waking hours. (24 hr. watch if necessary)
+ NET REMINDER - 5-1-2 REGIONAL ARES AND NWS NETS
NOTE: Net Participation has held up very well during the summer months...
by... “the regulars”.
HOWEVER: There are some who have “drifted away”...and we need you
back!
AND: To those who have never participated in any of the nets listed below,
please join us...we all have something to learn and gain from each other.
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
+ DEVIL FIRE SLIDE SHOW WITH SOUND!
Bill Frazier our webmaster par excellence’ has too much spare time - HI
http://members.tripod.com/westsound/wildfire.htm
+ FEEDBACK -
A letter from: “THE CANYON STATE” -
(This letter first appeared in the CA OES EMCOMM-BULLETIN)
"Here in Arizona, we are fortunate not to have annual disasters. Yes, an occasional flash flood, a wildfire, or a serious snow storm does occur, but most of our "emergencies" are the result of a breakdown of communications....phone service, cellular service....etc.
In order to offer on going training and nets, we have put together a team....Gila County EMARC. This is an acronym for Emergency Management Amateur Radio Communications and is a "merger" of three services......RACES, ARES, and SKYWARN. Members check in on each local net.
In a local emergency....or a communication need, that does not escalate to the County Office of Emergency Management, the units function as an ARES unit. If the incident escalates, some of the members are switched to RACES frequencies for interagency support while other continue offering supplemental communications to Red Cross and Salvation Army services as ARES members. If the incident is weather related, a portion of the members activate a SKYWARN net with the Regional office of the National Weather Service. All members are well versed in the various protocols of each public service discipline so regardless of their assignment they are comfortable with their mission.
We have, following the concept of California ACS, also included non-amateur members. These include computer operators, and logistic and record keeping personnel as well as simply "runners".....those who can take a message and hand carry it to the person that needs the information.
At this time, there are no active REACT organization at the local level so until this happens....and it will as FRS becomes more popular in this area, we have not included this. We do however, have people monitoring local CB frequencies 9 and 19 during weather related emergencies.....or even a serious traffic accident that closes a highway. This has proven beneficial in warning truck drivers to pull off in a populated area, rather than get caught in highway traffic and contribute to the "on scene" congestion.
Even without the large scale disasters in Arizona, it is my hope that at sometime the State will adopt a plan along the same guidelines as California ACS. Right now, the "turf battles" of individual "Emergency Service" teams have been a detriment to that happening.
Keep up the good work.....I enjoy the insight.”
Chuck Heron District Emergency Coordinator, Gila County ARES Member Gila County RACES SKYWARN Operator and Observer, Arizona Sector's 5 and 6.
+ 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.
Below are excerpts from that article with comments.
63. “Emergency equipment will not be able to reach some locations because of
traffic jams. Tow trucks will be at a premium. Parked or abandoned vehicles will
block streets, and emergency responders will be the worst offenders.”
COMMENT: I like to think that Lt. Blackston is wrong when he says “emergency responders will be the worst offenders”. Let’s all make sure that he IS wrong. Be careful where you park your rig. Be sure it is out of the way and in a safe place. And don’t park where you may get blocked in. If you don’t know where to park...ask someone. Oh yes, lock your vehicle. Thieves are often out looking for an easy rip-off during emergency operations. Have an extra set of keys to your vehicle and entrust them to a friend or hide them somewhere in case you loose yours. Suggest that your keys be kept on a chain that is attached to your belt.
TRAINING BULLETINS that appear in this bulletin are archived at:
www.qsl.net/k6soj
+ NWS-SKYWARN SECTION
Jim Reynolds, KD7MLO, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, Medford NWS
Gary Peterson, N7GK, Asst. Medford SKYWARN Coordinator
D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ, Asst. Medford SKYWARN Coordinator
-------------------------------------
!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);
(NOTE: As of 29 August the 146.26+ repeater is operational.) 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 check-ins 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 >
Check in to the JEFFERSON NOON NET daily at 1200L on 7232 // 3987 LSB for
announcements regarding anticipated severe WX.
+ ARRL/ARES SIMULATED EMERGENCY TEST (SET)
October 6-7, 2001 See September QST (p.53)... Or: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/setguide.html
+ 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 ...
WHAT does “Amateur Radio”...mean to YOU?
MORE... “SATIRICAL SYMPHONIES”
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT? THE SERIES CONTINUES
HOW PREPARED ARE YOU? - A FUN QUIZ
+ EMCOMM 2002
April 20-21 2002 - Bishop Quinn High School, Palo Cedro, CA. www.emcomm2002.net
+ 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!