Do you have a BUG OUT LOCATION selected?
I assume you have your disaster plan in place and your disaster supplies in place. What happens if your home is rendered uninhabitable by the disaster? What happens if your home is OK but the area where you live becomes too dangerous for you and your family to stay there? Welcome to the concept of a Bug Out Location!
If you Google the phrase "finding a perfect bug out location", you will find plenty of people who have a lot to say about the subject. Each family's situation is different. Some of you will be on your own, some will be a family of just two and some could be a family of 10 or more. Every circumstance is different. If you have not considered establishing a Bug Out Location IN ADVANCE of an actual disaster, this might be a good time to start.
=====
www.powerwerx.com
The above web location is one of the best known places on the web to get genuine Anderson Power Poles and related accessories. Some of the Anderson Power Pole items sold on the web are not genuine Anderson Power Pole items. Sometimes that is not a problem. Sometimes it is a major problem that can prevent items from mating together as they should.
A lot of the items on the powerwerx site can be a bit costly. The good news is that you can build most of them yourself and save a bundle of cash.
The most cost effective way to go about this is to have a ham radio put-together-party. The winter months are the best time to do these because most people have more free time in the winter months.
Step one is to find out who has the tools and who has the know how and experience to build the items you plan to build.
At the last one of these parties held in the Sugarhouse area, we found someone with the crimp tools, someone else with a pipe cutter, someone else with experience and tools to solder copper pipe and a couple of people with soldering irons (NOT soldering guns). We were building copper J-Pole antennas and antenna feed lines and power connectors for HT radios.
Some of the parts were procured in advance as people ordered and paid for their parts. Other parts had to be purchased by the individual owning the HT, such as the correct connector to plug into the HT to supply external power.
On the determined day everyone met at a preselected location. Those who brought the soldering irons did ALL the soldering (if you haven't done a LOT of it, you aren't going to be very good at it). One person did all the pipe cutting (the one who brought the pipe cutter). And one person did all the Power Pole crimping (the one who brought the Power Pole Crimpers). One person did all the copper pipe soldering (yep, the one who brought the copper pipe soldering equipment). Finally, one person tuned each antenna after it was finished. You guessed it, the tuning was done by the person who brought the antenna tuner.
Everybody left that day with a brand new perfectly assembled copper J-Pole antenna which was properly tuned and ready to use. I still have both of mine. One to use, one for backup.
Everyone should have the connectors and wires needed to get power from various external power sources and connect that power to your HT and your Mobile radios. Without a source of external power for your radios, you are only going to be on the air for a few hours in an actual disaster and then you will have to find a working AC power plug with 110 volts so that you can spend the next 6 to 8 hours recharging your batteries.
By the way, one of the MOST useful accessories for your HT radio is a back that replaces the standard battery and can hold enough double-A batteries to run your radio. They are available from many ham radio outlets for any radio built in the last 5 to 8 years. Further back than than and it gets a bit dicey.
73's from N7OZH
=====
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Wednesday, December 04, 2013
Emergencies and Ham Radio
Winter is here again. Time to think about winter preparedness for your car grab and go kit and also some nice ham radio projects that you can do indoors where it is warm. How about some fresh ideas for portable operating stations!
http://www.emergencyradiogokit.com/
http://survivethecomingcollapse.com/2895/emergency-ham-radio-portable-go-kit/
http://www.prepperwebsite.com/emergency-ham-radio-portable-go-kit-9-2613/
http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?330656-Emergency-Go-Kit-Examples
A reminder that we have the SkyWarn activity on December 6 and 7. A great chance to see most of the digital modes in operation and to work the radios with Extra class privileges based on the control operators license. Hope to see you there. I'll be going out on Saturday. Scroll down to see more info on this in a prior post.
There is a new tax coming our way and most will be blindsided by it.
http://freebeacon.com/administration-finalizes-obamacare-tax-over-holiday-weekend/
or go to http://goo.gl/XJPBt0
This is the strangest tax the world has ever seen. Other taxes are based on known percentages (income, sales, etc) or a fixed amount per unit (gas tax, 57 cents a gallon). This tax just sets an amount to be collected (8 Billion Dollars next year) and then tells the insurance companies at the end of the year, "Oh by the way, you sold 10% of all the insurance sold last year. You owe us 10% of 8 Billion dollars or 800 Million dollars." This is the end of the private insurance companies. Meantime, like a tax on fuel, this will end up rasing the price of EVERYTHING as the new tax is passed along to consumers.
73 de N7OZH
http://www.emergencyradiogokit.com/
http://survivethecomingcollapse.com/2895/emergency-ham-radio-portable-go-kit/
http://www.prepperwebsite.com/emergency-ham-radio-portable-go-kit-9-2613/
http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?330656-Emergency-Go-Kit-Examples
A reminder that we have the SkyWarn activity on December 6 and 7. A great chance to see most of the digital modes in operation and to work the radios with Extra class privileges based on the control operators license. Hope to see you there. I'll be going out on Saturday. Scroll down to see more info on this in a prior post.
There is a new tax coming our way and most will be blindsided by it.
http://freebeacon.com/administration-finalizes-obamacare-tax-over-holiday-weekend/
or go to http://goo.gl/XJPBt0
This is the strangest tax the world has ever seen. Other taxes are based on known percentages (income, sales, etc) or a fixed amount per unit (gas tax, 57 cents a gallon). This tax just sets an amount to be collected (8 Billion Dollars next year) and then tells the insurance companies at the end of the year, "Oh by the way, you sold 10% of all the insurance sold last year. You owe us 10% of 8 Billion dollars or 800 Million dollars." This is the end of the private insurance companies. Meantime, like a tax on fuel, this will end up rasing the price of EVERYTHING as the new tax is passed along to consumers.
73 de N7OZH
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
MARA 11-13-2013 - Winter Emergency Preparedness
Be sure to check out the Foothill Net Blog (Link on the right side of this page) for info on the November 23rd SAFE community meeting in the new Public Service Building.
Some tips and thoughts for winter preparedness.
Some tips and thoughts for winter preparedness.
All of these sites have a few things in common, but each also has its own unique tips. By looking at several different sites and lists you can better decide what is right for you.
Car kits for use around town or to a nearby city do not have to be as exotic as a car kit for a long trip on poorly traveled roads.
Mistakes in Storage May Alter Medication
Winter Weather Car and Emergency Checklist
How to Make a Winter Survival Kit
Kit Storage Locations
Winter Driving - Emergency Car Kit
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter/emergencykit.htm
Roadside emergency kit: What to carry with you
A few basic items can help you get back on the road quicker
Other tips will be discussed on the net tonight.
On the net, KF7SIJ pointed out that many cars brought to wrecker yards by tow truck have the seatbelts cut. Sometimes they "lock" in an accident. K7PB pointed out that if you are leaning against the seat belt (especially in situations where the car is not upright) you will not be able to release the seat belt due to the pressure. K7PB also pointed out that if the seat belt is locked, you probably can not reach the glove box to get your seat belt cutter. Best place for it is in the center console.
On the net, KF7SIJ pointed out that many cars brought to wrecker yards by tow truck have the seatbelts cut. Sometimes they "lock" in an accident. K7PB pointed out that if you are leaning against the seat belt (especially in situations where the car is not upright) you will not be able to release the seat belt due to the pressure. K7PB also pointed out that if the seat belt is locked, you probably can not reach the glove box to get your seat belt cutter. Best place for it is in the center console.
Two other things. N7OVT will not be running testing sessions in December and there will be no MARA VHF net on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
Races Net Schedule
http://www.slcoares.net/races
There are state wide RACES nets on both HF and VHF/UHF. The following are the details of each net.
HF Net
Date: 3rd Saturday of odd numbered months
Time: 8:00 am
Frequency: 3920 kHz
VHF/UHF Net
Date: 3rd Thursday of even numbered months
Time: 8:00 pm
Frequency: Intermountain Intertie and other linked repeaters
Here is a list of FRS/GMRS channels and frequencies and some info on the new Midland radio "Extra Channels". Remember, all these can be programmed into your HT and mobile rigs for monitoring in an emergency. Our radios will not transmit on these frequencies but they will listen on these frequencies.
http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/FRS/GMRS_combined_channel_chart
Races Net Schedule
http://www.slcoares.net/races
There are state wide RACES nets on both HF and VHF/UHF. The following are the details of each net.
HF Net
Date: 3rd Saturday of odd numbered months
Time: 8:00 am
Frequency: 3920 kHz
VHF/UHF Net
Date: 3rd Thursday of even numbered months
Time: 8:00 pm
Frequency: Intermountain Intertie and other linked repeaters
Here is a list of FRS/GMRS channels and frequencies and some info on the new Midland radio "Extra Channels". Remember, all these can be programmed into your HT and mobile rigs for monitoring in an emergency. Our radios will not transmit on these frequencies but they will listen on these frequencies.
http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/FRS/GMRS_combined_channel_chart
-N7OZH-
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
ERC 11-12-2013
Did you pick up some Cyalume Light Sticks during the Halloween season? If not, you can probably find some at the dollar stores for cheap.
=====
Some interesting info regarding Ham Radio and Emergency Preparedness.
Ham radio operators crucial for emergency preparedness
http://tinyurl.com/q7f2ud7
Amateur Radio in Draper
http://tinyurl.com/qe63cfo
Santa Cruz Emergency Preparedness
http://tinyurl.com/d4rd9hc
Ham radio operators help hospitals in emergencies
http://tinyurl.com/qxegw66
Ham Radio and Disaster Preparedness
http://tinyurl.com/psjuad7
=====
Via N7OVT - SKYWARN - 6 & 7 DEC - HF/VHF/UHF/PSK31/ECHO LINK ETC 5PM FRI TO 5PM SAT 2200 West North Temple - Go Under Overpass and Turn Left. Here is your chance to see a lot of the digital modes in operation and even to work some of them. You can also increase your knowledge of SkyWarn. SkyWarn will be crucial to Emergency Preparedness in the event of a widespread disaster.
The utility is obvious in a weather related disaster, but also is important in "normal" disasters.
=====
Two interesting articles related to emergency preparedness.
http://tinyurl.com/pe4qyeg
http://tinyurl.com/nbaaafl
Cold Weather Clothing
It is important to use cold weather clothing properly, maintain adequate hydration and ensure nutritional requirements to ward off cold weather injuries. When wearing clothing in cold weather, remember the acronym C-O-L-D.
C: Keep it Clean; O: Avoid Overheating; L: Wear clothing Loose and in Layers; D: Keep clothing Dry
Cold Weather Injuries
Cold weather-related injuries include: injuries due to decreased temperature (hypothermia, frostbite, nonfreezing cold injury), injuries due to heaters, carbon monoxide poisoning, and accidents due to impaired physical and/or mental function resulting from cold stress. Cold weather injuries can also occur in warmer ambient temperatures when an individual is wet due to rain or water immersion.
For additional info, check out the two following web sites.
http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather
http://beready.utah.gov/beready/index.html
=====
Cold weather is here and this is a good time to put the candle back into your car emergency kit. Every vehicle should have a candle and a blanket in it. These two simple items can mean the different between life and death if you are ever stranded in a vehicle in freezing weather.
Some creams and ointments will seperate in very cold or very hot weather. Also be aware that it is illegal to transport some drugs across state lines without a prescription. Keeping them in the original bottle will usually solve that problem.
=====
Google "RMS EXPRESS" for info on another digital mode for use in emergency communications. The Digital modes are becoming a very valuable means of communication in emergency situations.
=====
73's until next time N7OZH
=====
Some interesting info regarding Ham Radio and Emergency Preparedness.
Ham radio operators crucial for emergency preparedness
http://tinyurl.com/q7f2ud7
Amateur Radio in Draper
http://tinyurl.com/qe63cfo
Santa Cruz Emergency Preparedness
http://tinyurl.com/d4rd9hc
Ham radio operators help hospitals in emergencies
http://tinyurl.com/qxegw66
Ham Radio and Disaster Preparedness
http://tinyurl.com/psjuad7
=====
Via N7OVT - SKYWARN - 6 & 7 DEC - HF/VHF/UHF/PSK31/ECHO LINK ETC 5PM FRI TO 5PM SAT 2200 West North Temple - Go Under Overpass and Turn Left. Here is your chance to see a lot of the digital modes in operation and even to work some of them. You can also increase your knowledge of SkyWarn. SkyWarn will be crucial to Emergency Preparedness in the event of a widespread disaster.
The utility is obvious in a weather related disaster, but also is important in "normal" disasters.
=====
Two interesting articles related to emergency preparedness.
http://tinyurl.com/pe4qyeg
http://tinyurl.com/nbaaafl
Cold Weather Clothing
It is important to use cold weather clothing properly, maintain adequate hydration and ensure nutritional requirements to ward off cold weather injuries. When wearing clothing in cold weather, remember the acronym C-O-L-D.
C: Keep it Clean; O: Avoid Overheating; L: Wear clothing Loose and in Layers; D: Keep clothing Dry
Cold Weather Injuries
Cold weather-related injuries include: injuries due to decreased temperature (hypothermia, frostbite, nonfreezing cold injury), injuries due to heaters, carbon monoxide poisoning, and accidents due to impaired physical and/or mental function resulting from cold stress. Cold weather injuries can also occur in warmer ambient temperatures when an individual is wet due to rain or water immersion.
For additional info, check out the two following web sites.
http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather
http://beready.utah.gov/beready/index.html
=====
Cold weather is here and this is a good time to put the candle back into your car emergency kit. Every vehicle should have a candle and a blanket in it. These two simple items can mean the different between life and death if you are ever stranded in a vehicle in freezing weather.
Some creams and ointments will seperate in very cold or very hot weather. Also be aware that it is illegal to transport some drugs across state lines without a prescription. Keeping them in the original bottle will usually solve that problem.
=====
Google "RMS EXPRESS" for info on another digital mode for use in emergency communications. The Digital modes are becoming a very valuable means of communication in emergency situations.
=====
73's until next time N7OZH
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
MARA 10-16-2013 - Misc Useful Info
NOTE: New security threat: Cash register skimmers.
This article http://www.cnbc.com/id/101115205 will alert you to a new threat in stores, cash register skimmers. The details are informative and a little scary. Being forewarned puts you at an advantage over others who do not know this info.
=====
During a prolonged disaster, you will be using scissors a LOT. How will you sharpen them when there are no stores in operation? Here are some great ideas.
https://www.google.com/#q=how+to+sharpen+scissors
The whet stone is the best, but if you do not have one or you are not good with one, then the sanding paper option is probably the best.
=====
Latest Info on Preparing Water for Storage
http://www.ready.gov/water
=====
Emergency Water Supply Planning Guide
http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/pdf/emergency/emergency-water-supply-planning-guide.pdf
=====
Magnesium Fire Starter - Emergency Survival Fire Lighter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ST0kgueHTjI
=====
My Number ONE Emergency medicine.
Bacitracin Neomycin Polymyxin + Pramoxine HCL
http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=d5e782a2-a4d8-49e7-896f-eb4d0bf4b298
(shows Rite-Aid package)
Yesterday I banged my nuckle while changing out a hard drive. I then applied this stuff. If you saw my hand today you would think the injury was 4 or 5 days ago.
There is no redness, no soreness, no nothing and the skin is already partly healed over. This stuff is amazing.
Often uses white petrolatum as a carrier. Dries clear. Some brands use a clear petrolatum carrier.
=====
If you go to MoneyMailer.com, you can see all the coupons I have been telling you about and get the Harbor Freight coupons that are good for 5 months! The ones in the Harbor Freight flyers are usually only good for 30 to 60 days.
=====
N7OZH
This article http://www.cnbc.com/id/101115205 will alert you to a new threat in stores, cash register skimmers. The details are informative and a little scary. Being forewarned puts you at an advantage over others who do not know this info.
=====
During a prolonged disaster, you will be using scissors a LOT. How will you sharpen them when there are no stores in operation? Here are some great ideas.
https://www.google.com/#q=how+to+sharpen+scissors
The whet stone is the best, but if you do not have one or you are not good with one, then the sanding paper option is probably the best.
=====
Latest Info on Preparing Water for Storage
http://www.ready.gov/water
=====
Emergency Water Supply Planning Guide
http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/pdf/emergency/emergency-water-supply-planning-guide.pdf
=====
Magnesium Fire Starter - Emergency Survival Fire Lighter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ST0kgueHTjI
=====
My Number ONE Emergency medicine.
Bacitracin Neomycin Polymyxin + Pramoxine HCL
http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=d5e782a2-a4d8-49e7-896f-eb4d0bf4b298
(shows Rite-Aid package)
Yesterday I banged my nuckle while changing out a hard drive. I then applied this stuff. If you saw my hand today you would think the injury was 4 or 5 days ago.
There is no redness, no soreness, no nothing and the skin is already partly healed over. This stuff is amazing.
Often uses white petrolatum as a carrier. Dries clear. Some brands use a clear petrolatum carrier.
=====
If you go to MoneyMailer.com, you can see all the coupons I have been telling you about and get the Harbor Freight coupons that are good for 5 months! The ones in the Harbor Freight flyers are usually only good for 30 to 60 days.
=====
N7OZH
Wednesday, October 09, 2013
ERC & MARA 10-09-2013
Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Training Course - There is a 200+
page PDF document on Ham Radio Emergency communications. It is free
and can be downloaded from the site listed below. It is an amazing
document and parts of it will be used for training for some time to
come. It covers just about everything imaginable about ham radio and
emergencies including calculations for how long your emergency battery
will last with various radios at various power settings. VERY
INFORMATIVE!
I highly recommend this free manual to anyone who is involved in ham radio. It is located at:
www.fresnoares.com/downloads/Emergency_Com_Training_Course.pdf
The above reference was placed here back in September. I am repeating it because of its importance and so that it can be downloaded by those who did not get it last time.
=====
Summary:
When you show up at an emergency command center, step one is to determine who is in charge. You do not operate independently of that person. If ham radio communications have already been established, you are there to assist. If not, then you can start the ham radio communications AFTER checking in with the person in charge. In Utah they should be happy to see you show up, in some other states the attitude toward ham radio operators is less than friendly.
Your role can change often during your time on site. Sometimes you might be a leader, other times you will be a follower.
When you check in, explain that you have been assigned to set up a communications station for that location and who made the assignment. If there was no assignment, explain that hams always volunteer to provide communications in disaster/emergency situations.
When leaving, be sure that things are in as good a shape as when you arrived. DO NOT leave your area in such a condition that the served agency hopes they never see you or any other ham radio operators again.
If you are given a desk to operate from, remember that NOTHING on or in that desk is yours. Do not even use a pencil. Provide your own equipment and supplies. If there are items on the disk and a box is available, place all the items on the desk in that box and secure the box. When you leave, place the box on the desk with all its contents intact. You are a guest, not one a Attila The Hun's marauders.
If there is a debriefing session, attend it if at all possible. You will get valuable input and you will also be able to provide valuable input.
If you have a copyo of the ARRL Emergency Communications Handbook, please review chapter 17 about large scale disasters. It is VERY good information.
=====
-N7OZH-
I highly recommend this free manual to anyone who is involved in ham radio. It is located at:
www.fresnoares.com/downloads/Emergency_Com_Training_Course.pdf
The above reference was placed here back in September. I am repeating it because of its importance and so that it can be downloaded by those who did not get it last time.
=====
Summary:
When you show up at an emergency command center, step one is to determine who is in charge. You do not operate independently of that person. If ham radio communications have already been established, you are there to assist. If not, then you can start the ham radio communications AFTER checking in with the person in charge. In Utah they should be happy to see you show up, in some other states the attitude toward ham radio operators is less than friendly.
Your role can change often during your time on site. Sometimes you might be a leader, other times you will be a follower.
When you check in, explain that you have been assigned to set up a communications station for that location and who made the assignment. If there was no assignment, explain that hams always volunteer to provide communications in disaster/emergency situations.
When leaving, be sure that things are in as good a shape as when you arrived. DO NOT leave your area in such a condition that the served agency hopes they never see you or any other ham radio operators again.
If you are given a desk to operate from, remember that NOTHING on or in that desk is yours. Do not even use a pencil. Provide your own equipment and supplies. If there are items on the disk and a box is available, place all the items on the desk in that box and secure the box. When you leave, place the box on the desk with all its contents intact. You are a guest, not one a Attila The Hun's marauders.
If there is a debriefing session, attend it if at all possible. You will get valuable input and you will also be able to provide valuable input.
If you have a copyo of the ARRL Emergency Communications Handbook, please review chapter 17 about large scale disasters. It is VERY good information.
=====
-N7OZH-
Thursday, October 03, 2013
MARA 10-02-2013 - Harbor Freight Coupons, CERT Volunteer needed, Public Safety Fair, WD-40
You can see SOME of the Harbor Freight coupons here: http://tinyurl.com/nxewmch
=====
Susan is ending her tenure with the CERT program but will continue the Thursday night net on 147.50. If you are interested in the position, contact Susan. More info will be given on her net tomorrow night.
=====
There will be a public safety fair at Lowes this Saturday. Details are continaned here: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/56929790-78/fair-lake-salt-lowe.html.csp
=====
There is a discussion on SkyWarn about the need (or lack thereof) for a national VHF/UHF emergency frequency. You can read the details here: http://www.skywarnonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4347
=====
I forgot to post this a week or so ago. 13 Amazing uses for WD-40. The link is below.
http://www.rd.com/slideshows/13-amazing-uses-for-wd-40
=====
That's it for this week. More later.
-N7OZH-
=====
Susan is ending her tenure with the CERT program but will continue the Thursday night net on 147.50. If you are interested in the position, contact Susan. More info will be given on her net tomorrow night.
=====
There will be a public safety fair at Lowes this Saturday. Details are continaned here: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/56929790-78/fair-lake-salt-lowe.html.csp
=====
There is a discussion on SkyWarn about the need (or lack thereof) for a national VHF/UHF emergency frequency. You can read the details here: http://www.skywarnonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4347
=====
I forgot to post this a week or so ago. 13 Amazing uses for WD-40. The link is below.
http://www.rd.com/slideshows/13-amazing-uses-for-wd-40
=====
That's it for this week. More later.
-N7OZH-
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Emergency Prep Info for 09/17/2013
=== Mag Mount Antenna ===
Here is an example of the mag mount antennas that we discussed on the net last week. Very Handy!
http://tinyurl.com/pe6fv8l
=== FEMA And Your Food Supply ===
=== UPDATE 09/18/2013 - See Below ===
There is a rumor going around that a recently signed executive order directs FEMA to enter the homes of private citizens in a disaster (with or without permission) and take ALL their emergency food and water. For the "Common Good".
If someone can verify/refute this rumor please let us know. In the meantime, some folks are selling preparedness info on how to avoid this starvation fate. The fact that they are selling the info makes their motives and claims a little suspicious. However, here is a link to the info and you can decide for yourself if it is worthwhile. Don't waste time watching the video, click to leave the page and you will get the entire presentation as a text file. You can read the text file in 1/10th the time the video takes. You also get a BIG discount because you were about to leave the page. It is here.
http://www.backyardliberty.com/vsl/
UPDATE 09/18/2013 - I have read the entire executive order. I believe that the story about FEMA planning to take your food supply is pure malarky. The executive order does give various agencies the power (in a declared NATIONAL emergency) to take over the means of food PRODUCTION. This would be farms and factories. This makes sense. Going door to door to grab privately owned food would really not secure much food. (Only a very small fraction of the US population have ANY food storage) Taking over entire farms and factories and making sure they continue to operate at full capacity would produce a LOT more food.
I therefore think the hydroponic "solution" is interesting but may not be practical in Utah where we get very cold, snowy winters. Plus, I do not have a problem with the way the executive order is worded since it only relates to officially declared national disasters and only affects those involved in large scale food production.
Here is what SNOPES has to say about all this:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/ndrp.asp
The actual executive order is contained here in its entirety.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/03/16/executive-order-national-defense-resources-preparedness
=== Emergency Supplies Under $5 each ===
There are LOTS of emergency supplies available for less than $5 each. You can read about that here.
http://www.survivallife.com/2013/09/16/71-survival-items-under-5-00/
Also check out the link on the right side of the page about raising chickens for meat and eggs. I know a few people in SLC that are doing this now.
=== Saturday Morning Emergency Drill ===
Remember that at 8AM on Saturday the 21st, we will be having our annual Foothill Stake Emergency Drill. Ham Radio Volunteers are still needed.
-N7OZH-
Here is an example of the mag mount antennas that we discussed on the net last week. Very Handy!
http://tinyurl.com/pe6fv8l
=== FEMA And Your Food Supply ===
=== UPDATE 09/18/2013 - See Below ===
There is a rumor going around that a recently signed executive order directs FEMA to enter the homes of private citizens in a disaster (with or without permission) and take ALL their emergency food and water. For the "Common Good".
If someone can verify/refute this rumor please let us know. In the meantime, some folks are selling preparedness info on how to avoid this starvation fate. The fact that they are selling the info makes their motives and claims a little suspicious. However, here is a link to the info and you can decide for yourself if it is worthwhile. Don't waste time watching the video, click to leave the page and you will get the entire presentation as a text file. You can read the text file in 1/10th the time the video takes. You also get a BIG discount because you were about to leave the page. It is here.
http://www.backyardliberty.com/vsl/
UPDATE 09/18/2013 - I have read the entire executive order. I believe that the story about FEMA planning to take your food supply is pure malarky. The executive order does give various agencies the power (in a declared NATIONAL emergency) to take over the means of food PRODUCTION. This would be farms and factories. This makes sense. Going door to door to grab privately owned food would really not secure much food. (Only a very small fraction of the US population have ANY food storage) Taking over entire farms and factories and making sure they continue to operate at full capacity would produce a LOT more food.
I therefore think the hydroponic "solution" is interesting but may not be practical in Utah where we get very cold, snowy winters. Plus, I do not have a problem with the way the executive order is worded since it only relates to officially declared national disasters and only affects those involved in large scale food production.
Here is what SNOPES has to say about all this:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/ndrp.asp
The actual executive order is contained here in its entirety.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/03/16/executive-order-national-defense-resources-preparedness
=== Emergency Supplies Under $5 each ===
There are LOTS of emergency supplies available for less than $5 each. You can read about that here.
http://www.survivallife.com/2013/09/16/71-survival-items-under-5-00/
Also check out the link on the right side of the page about raising chickens for meat and eggs. I know a few people in SLC that are doing this now.
=== Saturday Morning Emergency Drill ===
Remember that at 8AM on Saturday the 21st, we will be having our annual Foothill Stake Emergency Drill. Ham Radio Volunteers are still needed.
-N7OZH-
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
WD40 and Negative Panic and How To Scare Off Bad Guys
13+ Amazing Uses for WD-40
WD-40 has far more uses than just on squeaky hinges. Find out the amazing ways this garage staple can make your life easier.
http://www.rd.com/slideshows/13-amazing-uses-for-wd-40
===== Scare Off The Bad Guys =====
Do you know what is the safest, cheapest, and easiest way to scare off just about any home burglar?
It's not a gun. Or a taser. It's actually much, much safer and simpler than that...
The source of this technique is a guy named Jack MacLean.
You see, Jack MacLean went to jail for stealing more than $130 million worth of jewels. And during his time in jail, he interviewed more than 300 fellow burglars.
What he found was that the #1 thing that would scare off every single one of these 300 burglars was not an alarm system... a dog... or light timers... but rather a really loud horn.
Yes, you heard that correctly... a very loud horn.
Every one of these burglars said if they entered a home and were greeted immediately with an extremely loud horn, they would flee immediately... even if they'd already cut the phone lines.
And here's the best part: You can buy two incredibly loud air horns for about $20. Just go to any place that sells boating supplies and check out their small air horns. They have a small gas cannister attached to a small air horn and you might want to be wearing hearing protectors when you set it off. Especially inside a building!
WD-40 has far more uses than just on squeaky hinges. Find out the amazing ways this garage staple can make your life easier.
http://www.rd.com/slideshows/13-amazing-uses-for-wd-40
===== Scare Off The Bad Guys =====
Do you know what is the safest, cheapest, and easiest way to scare off just about any home burglar?
It's not a gun. Or a taser. It's actually much, much safer and simpler than that...
The source of this technique is a guy named Jack MacLean.
You see, Jack MacLean went to jail for stealing more than $130 million worth of jewels. And during his time in jail, he interviewed more than 300 fellow burglars.
What he found was that the #1 thing that would scare off every single one of these 300 burglars was not an alarm system... a dog... or light timers... but rather a really loud horn.
Yes, you heard that correctly... a very loud horn.
Every one of these burglars said if they entered a home and were greeted immediately with an extremely loud horn, they would flee immediately... even if they'd already cut the phone lines.
And here's the best part: You can buy two incredibly loud air horns for about $20. Just go to any place that sells boating supplies and check out their small air horns. They have a small gas cannister attached to a small air horn and you might want to be wearing hearing protectors when you set it off. Especially inside a building!
===== Lightning Protection =====
We are getting lots of little rain storms lately and I hope everyone is practicing lightning safety. If you have an outdoor antenna, you want to disconnect it and ground it anytime there are high winds or lightning within 15 miles.
===== NEGATIVE PANIC =====
Consider a plane crash, for example, such as the one that occurred some years ago at a Canary Islands airport, when a KLM plane and a Pan Am aircraft collided on the runway.
A psychologist interviewed many of the Pan Am survivors, including a Dallas couple in their 70s, named Jim and Delores McKenzie.
When the disaster occurred, it was a fiery mess of mangled metal. To anyone watching from the outside, it was obvious that anyone inside should evacuate immediately.
But as Delores McKenzie reported in her follow-up interview, she didn't panic in the normal sense. And she certainly didn't rush to get out of the plane.
Instead, she simply sat in her seat... stunned.
She thought she was going to die. But she was not afraid. Though religious, she did not pray.
Luckily for Delores, a few moments later, her husband Jim got up from his seat and yelled at his wife to follow him. If he hadn't done this, Delores McKenzie says she would have died that day.
And here's the amazing thing...
As Delores McKenzie made her way to the exit that day, following her husband's orders, she remembers passing the couple they were traveling with. They weren't obviously hurt. But they weren't moving either.
Instead they simply sat in their seats, hands folded in their laps, staring straight ahead.
And it wasn't just Delores McKenzie's friends who sat still, stunned... unable to move, because of "negative panic."
As the McKenzie's calmly walked towards the exit, they saw many other passengers doing the exact same thing... just sitting there... frozen by "negative panic."
Today, Delores McKenzie believes that if she had simply yelled at her friends and the other passengers, many more might have made it out of the plane alive.
But Delores McKenzie was not thinking rationally. It simply never occurred to her to do anything but follow her husband's order.
This is a classic example of the disastrous effects of "Negative Panic."
Something similar occurred after the recent Boston Marathon bombings...
A Florida runner told his local newspaper, after returning home from the disaster, that: "We heard something and everyone froze wherever they were, even in the street. No one knew what was going on. It took about a half hour before news reports began filtering in."
Again, this is the essence of "Negative Panic."
It causes people to basically freeze... even in the face of incredible risk and danger.
And here's the important point...
Most people think they know how they'll respond in a crisis.
But in reality, most people react very differently than they expect. And the problem is, understanding how your body and your brain will react in a crisis situation is absolutely critical to your survival.
#1. To understand how your mind and body react in a crisis, and how to master control of both of those things... and:
#2. To know exactly what steps you must take. In other words to have a plan.
The first thing you must do is recognize that in almost any crisis you may have to deal with "Negative Panic" and the corresponding "Disbelief" stage. Simply recognizing that these stages exist will make you more likely to be able to move past them, to deal with the situation.
It's a very simple strategy, used by the Green Berets, the FBI, and police officers around the country... and it's called "Combat Breathing" in some circles... and "Tactical Breathing" in others.
Here's how to do it.
First, breathe in for a regular count of four.
Next, hold your breath for a count for four.
Then, exhale for a count of four.
And finally, count to four before starting the sequence over again.
That's it.
I know, it sounds incredibly simple, but the next time you feel highly stressed... or even the slightest bit panicked, give it a shot for just a minute.
"It keeps you very calm. You don't start to hyperventilate or panic. Everything just kind of goes in slow motion for you. You say, OK, here's what's going on, I can handle this... it's not that bad."
Amanda Ripley did an excellent job of reporting on this in her crisis survival book, called The Unthinkable.
=====
Until next time,
73 from N7OZH
Wednesday, September 04, 2013
MARA 09-04-2013 Ham Radio Emergency Communications Training Course - 200+ page PDF manual for FREE!
ICE - In Case of Emergency - Have you put a contact in your phone for ICE? If you are injured in an accident or disaster, emergency responders will check your phone for an ICE entry to check on your medications and to find out your emergency contact info.
ARPSE - Please check ARPSE.NET. There are a large number of events coming up in September that are in need of Ham Radio operators to help with communications.
BATTERY CHECK/CHARGE SCHEDULE - It is a good idea to establish a regular schedule for checking your batteries and charging your batteries. There is nothing worse than having discharged batteries when you suddenly need to use the device that has the bad batteries.
CYALUME LIGHT STICKS - It is also a good idea to check the expiration dates on your stored light sticks. They generally are good for full power for about 4 years and then they begin to give less than full light for less than the advertised time. The expiration date is usually on the wrapper around the stick.
The ones from Emergency Essentials are NOT toxic. The little bracelet/necklace ones that show up at parties, concerts and specialty stores around Halloween often ARE toxic. Most of those are made in China and ARE toxic.
LIGHTNING PROTECTION - We have been getting surprise storms lately. Be sure to disconnect your outside antennas and be sure all your lightning protection is in place.
HARBOR FREIGHT - One of the ongoing Harbor Freight sales features the following two products which are VERY handy in an emergency when there is no power:
Butane Pencil Torch $7.99
Butane Micro Torch $8.99
CENTRAL LOCATION - Our stake has been experimenting with finding a central location from which a mobile rig could communicate with all the hams in the stake. The current "best spot" just also happens to be the highest location in the Stake.
This is a very good thing to know BEFORE the disaster hits. Experiments with FRS radios from the same location have not been as successful.
SEPTEMBER is national Emergency Preparedness Month. A good time to check your supplies and plans and update where necessary. Also a good time to get extended family members and neighbors involved. Better to have them do their own emergency preperations rather than to have to feed and take care of them later.
Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Training Course - There is a 200+ page PDF document on Ham Radio Emergency communications. It is free and can be downloaded from the site listed below. It is an amazing document and parts of it will be used for MARA training for some time to come. It covers just about everything imaginable about ham radio and emergencies including calculations for how long your emergency battery will last with various radios at various power settings. VERY INFORMATIVE!
I highly recommend this free manual to anyone who is involved in ham radio. It is located at:
www.fresnoares.com/downloads/Emergency_Com_Training_Course.pdf
That is it until next week.
-N7OZH-
ARPSE - Please check ARPSE.NET. There are a large number of events coming up in September that are in need of Ham Radio operators to help with communications.
BATTERY CHECK/CHARGE SCHEDULE - It is a good idea to establish a regular schedule for checking your batteries and charging your batteries. There is nothing worse than having discharged batteries when you suddenly need to use the device that has the bad batteries.
CYALUME LIGHT STICKS - It is also a good idea to check the expiration dates on your stored light sticks. They generally are good for full power for about 4 years and then they begin to give less than full light for less than the advertised time. The expiration date is usually on the wrapper around the stick.
The ones from Emergency Essentials are NOT toxic. The little bracelet/necklace ones that show up at parties, concerts and specialty stores around Halloween often ARE toxic. Most of those are made in China and ARE toxic.
LIGHTNING PROTECTION - We have been getting surprise storms lately. Be sure to disconnect your outside antennas and be sure all your lightning protection is in place.
HARBOR FREIGHT - One of the ongoing Harbor Freight sales features the following two products which are VERY handy in an emergency when there is no power:
Butane Pencil Torch $7.99
Butane Micro Torch $8.99
CENTRAL LOCATION - Our stake has been experimenting with finding a central location from which a mobile rig could communicate with all the hams in the stake. The current "best spot" just also happens to be the highest location in the Stake.
This is a very good thing to know BEFORE the disaster hits. Experiments with FRS radios from the same location have not been as successful.
SEPTEMBER is national Emergency Preparedness Month. A good time to check your supplies and plans and update where necessary. Also a good time to get extended family members and neighbors involved. Better to have them do their own emergency preperations rather than to have to feed and take care of them later.
Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Training Course - There is a 200+ page PDF document on Ham Radio Emergency communications. It is free and can be downloaded from the site listed below. It is an amazing document and parts of it will be used for MARA training for some time to come. It covers just about everything imaginable about ham radio and emergencies including calculations for how long your emergency battery will last with various radios at various power settings. VERY INFORMATIVE!
I highly recommend this free manual to anyone who is involved in ham radio. It is located at:
www.fresnoares.com/downloads/Emergency_Com_Training_Course.pdf
That is it until next week.
-N7OZH-
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
MARA 08-21-2013 - Cool Tricks
A dedicated headphone/earphone for your radio can be very expensive and some of them are also not very reliable. Also, when they fail you will find that the repair cost is about 70 to 90 % of the cost of a brand new set. (Voice of experience here).
The solution? Build an interface that allows you to use an inexpensive computer headset. You can read about it HERE with pictures. It is an easy project. When the headset fails, spend another $10 and get a new computer headset, not another $65 to replace the dedicated Ham Radio model.
=====
While we are on the subject of Do-It-Yourself, here are some more Ham Radio kit sources.
http://www.foxdelta.com/
http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/
http://www.ac6v.com/kits.htm
http://www.w1wc.com/kits/ <=This one is an AMAZING Resource.
http://www.hamkitt.com/
http://www.nikkemedia.fi/juma/
http://www.eio.com/p-37565-velleman-mk189-12v-car-battery-monitor.aspx
(Other kits also on this site, go to general listing).
Did you know you can work the world with a 1.5 Volt AA battery and a QRP kit that fits in the palm of your hand?
http://www.buycheapr.com/us/result.jsp?ga=us73&q=qrp+ham+radio+kits
Lots of kits here, including QRP Kits.
http://fivedash.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1
http://www.cqc.org/kits.htm
This last one includes keyers and beacons - LOTS of kits.
There are TONS of kits out there and they are inexpensive, educational, and USEFUL. Originally almost all ham radio was in kit form. In the sixties and early seventies, HeathKit was the king of the hill.
Try a kit - you WILL have lots of FUN!
=====
Additions to your Grab And Go kits.
Utah expects most of its disasters to be due to earthquakes or very strong wind events. In either case, there will be lots of strange and harmful pieces of particulate material floating around in the air. People usually get cuts during a disaster or during the recovery. Open cuts and airborne germs - a disastrous combination. Many of the pathogens in the air after a disaster are also harmful if breathed in.
Does your grab and go kit include simple over the counter disenfectants and topical antibiotics? These can be lifesavers after a disaster and we are not talking about a lot of money. You can add these items to all the grab and go kits in your entire family for a few dollars.
If you do not already have the needed supplies - there is no time like the present to get started.
N7OZH
The solution? Build an interface that allows you to use an inexpensive computer headset. You can read about it HERE with pictures. It is an easy project. When the headset fails, spend another $10 and get a new computer headset, not another $65 to replace the dedicated Ham Radio model.
=====
While we are on the subject of Do-It-Yourself, here are some more Ham Radio kit sources.
http://www.foxdelta.com/
http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/
http://www.ac6v.com/kits.htm
http://www.w1wc.com/kits/ <=This one is an AMAZING Resource.
http://www.hamkitt.com/
http://www.nikkemedia.fi/juma/
http://www.eio.com/p-37565-velleman-mk189-12v-car-battery-monitor.aspx
(Other kits also on this site, go to general listing).
Did you know you can work the world with a 1.5 Volt AA battery and a QRP kit that fits in the palm of your hand?
http://www.buycheapr.com/us/result.jsp?ga=us73&q=qrp+ham+radio+kits
Lots of kits here, including QRP Kits.
http://fivedash.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1
http://www.cqc.org/kits.htm
This last one includes keyers and beacons - LOTS of kits.
There are TONS of kits out there and they are inexpensive, educational, and USEFUL. Originally almost all ham radio was in kit form. In the sixties and early seventies, HeathKit was the king of the hill.
Try a kit - you WILL have lots of FUN!
=====
Additions to your Grab And Go kits.
Utah expects most of its disasters to be due to earthquakes or very strong wind events. In either case, there will be lots of strange and harmful pieces of particulate material floating around in the air. People usually get cuts during a disaster or during the recovery. Open cuts and airborne germs - a disastrous combination. Many of the pathogens in the air after a disaster are also harmful if breathed in.
Does your grab and go kit include simple over the counter disenfectants and topical antibiotics? These can be lifesavers after a disaster and we are not talking about a lot of money. You can add these items to all the grab and go kits in your entire family for a few dollars.
If you do not already have the needed supplies - there is no time like the present to get started.
N7OZH
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Foothill Area Net and RACES VHF Net Info
A correction to tonight's net. The 24 packs of Crystal Geyser water at 3 for $10 is not at Rite Aid, the deal is at Sprouts on 216 South 700 East. RiteAid has ArrowHead water at $3.88 per pack of 24.
=====
The VHF RACES net last Thursday was most interesting. LOTS of people did not get acknowledged which means they did not get logged.
Various repeaters were linked together and repeater trustees and repeater engineers were online to handle problems. Even with all that talent on standby, the checkin success rate was, in my opinion, not very good. Lots of people DID get checked in but lots of people were never acknowledged.
All of us heard numerous people checking in with good clear signals and no "doubles" and they still were not acknowledged which means that the Net Control Station simply did not hear them.
This leads me to question just how useful and effective the Utah VHF RACES net is going to be in an actual emergency when repeater engineers and trustees may not be available. There are still NCS stations that know the linking codes for the repeaters, but if the system is "hit or miss" with all that high powered help online, how well can it possibly work in a real disaster when not all of the high powered help will be available?
I hope they get the problems worked out and I want to be sure to note that the HF net on odd numbered months works MUCH better because there is no VHF/UHF repeater linking involved. Maybe it is time to include EchoLink in the RACES net. (Of course that assumes that the internet will be functioning during a disaster).
If you have had other (more positive) experiences with VHF/UHF RACES nets in Utah, feel free to post a comment here. Comments are moderated, but all "on topic" comments are usually approved.
-N7OZH-
=====
The VHF RACES net last Thursday was most interesting. LOTS of people did not get acknowledged which means they did not get logged.
Various repeaters were linked together and repeater trustees and repeater engineers were online to handle problems. Even with all that talent on standby, the checkin success rate was, in my opinion, not very good. Lots of people DID get checked in but lots of people were never acknowledged.
All of us heard numerous people checking in with good clear signals and no "doubles" and they still were not acknowledged which means that the Net Control Station simply did not hear them.
This leads me to question just how useful and effective the Utah VHF RACES net is going to be in an actual emergency when repeater engineers and trustees may not be available. There are still NCS stations that know the linking codes for the repeaters, but if the system is "hit or miss" with all that high powered help online, how well can it possibly work in a real disaster when not all of the high powered help will be available?
I hope they get the problems worked out and I want to be sure to note that the HF net on odd numbered months works MUCH better because there is no VHF/UHF repeater linking involved. Maybe it is time to include EchoLink in the RACES net. (Of course that assumes that the internet will be functioning during a disaster).
If you have had other (more positive) experiences with VHF/UHF RACES nets in Utah, feel free to post a comment here. Comments are moderated, but all "on topic" comments are usually approved.
-N7OZH-
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
MARA 08/14/2013 FIRE STARTERS & MORE
As a kid you probably started dry leaves on fire using a magnifying glass. You can now use the same principle to start a camp fire using a MUCH larger lens. Here is an eBay ad showing an example and a movie showing how quickly it works. Click HERE. (A NEW window will open.)
The RACES Net is tomorrow night, August 15th at 8 PM. For more info or to join RACES, go HERE. (This is the SL County ARES web page.)
On Saturday, August 24th, the SLCO ARES group is having a J-Pole Building Party. More info on the RACES page linked to in the previous paragraph.
There are 4 MAJOR events listed on the www.arpse.org web site that are in need of ham radio operators. Please check out the page and sign up if you can help.
If you are in need of ham radio batteries, or any type of batteries, check out the NiCad Lady HERE. They have batteries for ham radios, cell phones, electric razors, electric toothbrushes and lots more. They also rebuild battery packs for devices that are no longer in production.
N7OZH
The RACES Net is tomorrow night, August 15th at 8 PM. For more info or to join RACES, go HERE. (This is the SL County ARES web page.)
On Saturday, August 24th, the SLCO ARES group is having a J-Pole Building Party. More info on the RACES page linked to in the previous paragraph.
There are 4 MAJOR events listed on the www.arpse.org web site that are in need of ham radio operators. Please check out the page and sign up if you can help.
If you are in need of ham radio batteries, or any type of batteries, check out the NiCad Lady HERE. They have batteries for ham radios, cell phones, electric razors, electric toothbrushes and lots more. They also rebuild battery packs for devices that are no longer in production.
N7OZH
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
ERC Net 08/13/2013
Many groups have augmented their ham radio operators with FRS/GMRS radios. Here are the frequencies for the 22 channels used by FRS/GMRS. Notice that they are just above the Amateur 70cm band frequencies. This means that you can program these into your dual band HT and then be able to scan the FRS/GMRS bands to listen for folks calling for help after a disaster. You can't transmit on these frequencies, but you can listen on them. Thanks to Dave Anderson, K7ORB, for this list. Dave's blog is HERE.
FRS/GMRS Radios
M FREQUENCY M FREQUENCY .
1 462.5625 Shared 12 467.6625 FRS Only
2 462.5875 Shared 13 467.6875 FRS Only
3 462.6125 Shared 14 467.7125 FRS Only
4 462.6375 Shared 15 462.550 GMRS Only
5 462.6625 Shared 16 462.575 GMRS Only
6 462.6875 Shared 17 462.600 GMRS Only
7 462.7125 Shared 18 462.625 GMRS Only
8 467.5625 FRS Only 19 462.650 GMRS Only
9 467.5875 FRS Only 20 462.675 GMRS Only
10 467.6125 FRS Only 21 462.700 GMRS Only
11 467.6375 FRS Only 22 462.725 GMRS Only
If you have a scanner radio, it is also a good idea to program these into your scanner.
=====
ERC is fortunate to have among its ranks many ham radio operators who can do VHF, UHF, HF and Digital Modes. Some can do CW. All of these modes will be in use during an actual disaster and having operators who already have the equipment and know-how to work these modes is a MAJOR plus. For the rest of you, consider expanding your horizons to include modes above and beyond the ones you currently work.
=====
Make sure your grab-and-go kit and everything in it has your contact information with it or on it. This is especially true of your radios. In a disaster, items get loaned or operators get switched out. Having your contact info on your gear can mean the difference between getting your stuff back and never seeing it again.
=====
Along that same line, consider ham radio insurance. It is very inexpensive and will replace everything including the computers used to control your radios. There are two main companies providing this type of insurance. One is endorsed by the ARRL and one is not. The rates and coverage are different and you are encouraged to check out both companies and pick the one that is best for you. Just Google Ham Radio Insurance and you will get a great list of providers.
The VERY BEST discussion of ham radio insurance (direct or as a rider on your home/car insurance) is located HERE. Everybody should read this. You will learn something from reading this brief overview and it is very well researched and written.
The VERY BEST discussion of ham radio insurance (direct or as a rider on your home/car insurance) is located HERE. Everybody should read this. You will learn something from reading this brief overview and it is very well researched and written.
=====
Finally, it you scroll down to the ERC entry on this blog for 07/10/2013 you will find the information we discussed last month on useful ham radio scanning modes that will be VERY useful in a disaster. Nobody can remember how to get into and out of all these modes, so you need a "cheat sheet" that will summarize the information for you. You can build your own from your radio's user manual or you can obtain one of those sold on eBay and by AES and by other resellers.
Until next time - N7OZH
=====
Until next time - N7OZH
=====
Wednesday, August 07, 2013
MARA 08/07/2013
Hello,
Tonight's net and blog will be brief because I've been under the weather since Sunday and still do not have any strength or endurance.
There is a new manual out that details how to set up the SignaLink ham radio digital interface. It has LOTS of good information and is located HERE.
There is an Emergency Communications Training Manual that is now online. It is over 200 pages and contains a wealth of information. It makes a great study guide, reference manual or live course manual. You can access it HERE.
www.arpse.org has 10 new events listed that are in need of ham radio help. Probably the biggest one is the Wasatch 100 on September 6th. Ham radio operators have been life savers on this event. There is also an event I've never heard of before called the TriathaMom. You can also search events by category and location now.
In past years when our Stake taught ham radio classes for new hams, we produced a CD for the students with all sorts of reference information that was of interest to new hams. It seems like we need to produce a CD relating to Ham Radio Emergency Communications. I am open to suggestions to topics and links you would like to see included. Some items under consideration include:
ProSigns
Q-Codes
Digital Modes of Operation
Emergency Power for Ham Radio
Grab & Go Kits
Shelter In Place Kits
How to cut down on battery drain during an emergency
Fire Starters.
How to build a fire that lasts a LONG TIME.
LED Lights
Auxiliary Power Cords
Emergency First Aid
Dealing with Downed Power Lines
CPR Methods
Emergency Meds
ETC.
Any and all suggestions are appreciated. There is lots of room on a CD and we don't want to leave anything off that could be of use to Ham Radio Operators. Send your suggestions to walter@cms-track.com.
YOU MUST include the term Ham Radio in the subject line or your email will be burried in the midst of thousands of pieces of spam and never seen.
That's if for tonight!
N7OZH
Tonight's net and blog will be brief because I've been under the weather since Sunday and still do not have any strength or endurance.
There is a new manual out that details how to set up the SignaLink ham radio digital interface. It has LOTS of good information and is located HERE.
There is an Emergency Communications Training Manual that is now online. It is over 200 pages and contains a wealth of information. It makes a great study guide, reference manual or live course manual. You can access it HERE.
www.arpse.org has 10 new events listed that are in need of ham radio help. Probably the biggest one is the Wasatch 100 on September 6th. Ham radio operators have been life savers on this event. There is also an event I've never heard of before called the TriathaMom. You can also search events by category and location now.
In past years when our Stake taught ham radio classes for new hams, we produced a CD for the students with all sorts of reference information that was of interest to new hams. It seems like we need to produce a CD relating to Ham Radio Emergency Communications. I am open to suggestions to topics and links you would like to see included. Some items under consideration include:
ProSigns
Q-Codes
Digital Modes of Operation
Emergency Power for Ham Radio
Grab & Go Kits
Shelter In Place Kits
How to cut down on battery drain during an emergency
Fire Starters.
How to build a fire that lasts a LONG TIME.
LED Lights
Auxiliary Power Cords
Emergency First Aid
Dealing with Downed Power Lines
CPR Methods
Emergency Meds
ETC.
Any and all suggestions are appreciated. There is lots of room on a CD and we don't want to leave anything off that could be of use to Ham Radio Operators. Send your suggestions to walter@cms-track.com.
YOU MUST include the term Ham Radio in the subject line or your email will be burried in the midst of thousands of pieces of spam and never seen.
That's if for tonight!
N7OZH
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
MARA 07-31-2013 - Plan 9, LDS Emergency Plans, Fire Corps, LED light bulbs.
My new LED light bulb arrived in the mail today. $5.99 and it seems to put out more light than the 50 watt bulb it replaced. It is the 108 LED model You can see the details HERE. They also have 236 LED models that are much brighter.
=====
The Utah Department of Health in conjunction with Be Ready Utah have introduced Plan 9 listing the 9 essential items to help you shelter-in-place in an emergency. They are:
1. WATER - One gallon per person per day. Store in a cool, dark place and replace every six months. You can use the old water in the garden or in the clothes washing machine.
2. FOOD - A supply of 3-5 days of food per person. Ready to eat canned meat, fruit and vegetables. Things that do not require cooking. Canned or boxed juices. Powdered milk and soup. Crackers, granola and trail mix. The powdered milk will consume some of your water supply.
3. CLOTHES - One change of clothes and footwear per person. Consider packing blankets, rain gear, and outerwear in case of inclement weather.
4. MEDICATIONS - Collect three days worth of any prescription medications you are taking. Be sure to note expiration dates so you don't keep them past their date.
5. FLASHLIGHT - Keep a bright flashlight in case there is no electric power. LED lights are the best. Consider getting a lantern-style LED light for hands-free use. DO NOT use candles! They are a fire hazard and are easy to lose track of when the lights come back on.
6. CAN OPENER - Make sure it is a manual can opener in case there is no power. The more food items you have with pull top openings, the less you will need to use this item.
7. RADIO - A battery powered radio for listening to news and weather. Consider buying a crank operated radio. Don't forget extra batteries.
8. HYGENE ITEMS - Just the basics like soap, toilet paper and a toothbrush. Hand soap can be used as tooth paste. Moise towelettes can be very useful in these situations.,
9. FIRST AID - Basics such as antiseptic, gloves, bandages and non-prescription medicines. You can buy these at most drug stores and many grocery stores. Emergency Essentials has them. The Red Cross sells them.
=====
THE FIRE CORPS
Fire Corps is the key component of Citizen Corps that supports and supplements resource-constrained fire and EMS departments through the use of citizen advocates for non-operational activities.
Fire Corps
1050 17th Street NW, Suite 490
Washington, DC 20036
info@firecorps.org
www.firecorps.org
Phone (202) 887-4809
FAX (202) 887-5291
=====
As mentioned in yesterday's blog entry, the LDS Church has prepared some information on Stake and Ward Emergency Preparedness, building usage, communications, etc. The link is HERE. It will open in a NEW window.
You should find the following sections of particular interest to ERC and MARA members.
=====
The Utah Department of Health in conjunction with Be Ready Utah have introduced Plan 9 listing the 9 essential items to help you shelter-in-place in an emergency. They are:
1. WATER - One gallon per person per day. Store in a cool, dark place and replace every six months. You can use the old water in the garden or in the clothes washing machine.
2. FOOD - A supply of 3-5 days of food per person. Ready to eat canned meat, fruit and vegetables. Things that do not require cooking. Canned or boxed juices. Powdered milk and soup. Crackers, granola and trail mix. The powdered milk will consume some of your water supply.
3. CLOTHES - One change of clothes and footwear per person. Consider packing blankets, rain gear, and outerwear in case of inclement weather.
4. MEDICATIONS - Collect three days worth of any prescription medications you are taking. Be sure to note expiration dates so you don't keep them past their date.
5. FLASHLIGHT - Keep a bright flashlight in case there is no electric power. LED lights are the best. Consider getting a lantern-style LED light for hands-free use. DO NOT use candles! They are a fire hazard and are easy to lose track of when the lights come back on.
6. CAN OPENER - Make sure it is a manual can opener in case there is no power. The more food items you have with pull top openings, the less you will need to use this item.
7. RADIO - A battery powered radio for listening to news and weather. Consider buying a crank operated radio. Don't forget extra batteries.
8. HYGENE ITEMS - Just the basics like soap, toilet paper and a toothbrush. Hand soap can be used as tooth paste. Moise towelettes can be very useful in these situations.,
9. FIRST AID - Basics such as antiseptic, gloves, bandages and non-prescription medicines. You can buy these at most drug stores and many grocery stores. Emergency Essentials has them. The Red Cross sells them.
=====
THE FIRE CORPS
Fire Corps is the key component of Citizen Corps that supports and supplements resource-constrained fire and EMS departments through the use of citizen advocates for non-operational activities.
Fire Corps
1050 17th Street NW, Suite 490
Washington, DC 20036
info@firecorps.org
www.firecorps.org
Phone (202) 887-4809
FAX (202) 887-5291
=====
As mentioned in yesterday's blog entry, the LDS Church has prepared some information on Stake and Ward Emergency Preparedness, building usage, communications, etc. The link is HERE. It will open in a NEW window.
You should find the following sections of particular interest to ERC and MARA members.
Emergency Communications
During an emergency, normal means of communication may become
inoperable. Communication needs should be addressed in ward and stake
emergency plans.
Wards and stakes should have a plan in the event of an emergency.
Plans are prepared by ward and stake welfare committees under the
direction of the bishop or stake president. Plans should be updated
periodically.
Guidelines for Ward and Stake Emergency Plans
Ward and Stake Emergency Plans
Guidelines for Ward and Stake Emergency Plans
Meetinghouses as Emergency Shelters
Following a disaster, the use of a meetinghouse as a community emergency shelter is occasionally needed. Permission is granted by the stake president, after consulting with a member of the Presidency of the Seventy or the Area Presidency. Following approval, the priesthood leader should contact his Church physical facilities representative (PFR).
Much of the information in these church sponsored documents are a radical departure from the policies of prior years. Notice, for example, in the last entry that ward and stake buildings are no longer automatically volunteered for use as emergency shelters but must be negotiated for.
There are also new policies regarding stakes and wards buying ham radio gear or accepting donations of ham radio gear.
If your ward or stake does not have an active emergency plan in place, it might be very helpful to make the unit leaders aware of this LDS Church web site. EVERY stake and ward is supposed to have a plan in place and that plan includes communications procedures.
Until next time...
N7OZH
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