After Christmas Emergency Bargains & Docs

Hope everyone had a happy and safe Christmas holiday and wishing you the same for New Years.

There are lots of after Christmas sales (due to less than expected Christmas buying) and the sales include some emergency supplies.  Rite Aid drugstores have the Glow Stick Flashlight that we discussed earlier and they are on sale for just $3.99 each now.  In the same section of the store you will find LOTS of LED lights and other models may be on sale, but the Glow Stick was the only one listed in today's sale flyer.  Batteries are included.  Check them before leaving the store, some have been left turned on and their batteries are dead.

Here are some Emergency Info items on eBay that you might find interesting.


DISASTER EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS CD Over 500MB of INFO!
http://tinyurl.com/cdtly4j
$6.99
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Are You Ready? Disaster Preparedness DVD Emergency
http://tinyurl.com/bmqos9b
$8.99
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Are You Ready? Family Emergency Preparedness DVD - C333
http://tinyurl.com/ceq8gk3
$12.95

=====  This next one deals specifically and exclusively with dangerous goods.
2012 Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) Spiral Bound New
http://tinyurl.com/bpoob4w
$5.99 plus $3.55 Shipping

The 2012 Emergency Response Guidebook is a spiral bound, full size ERG that measures 5 ½" x 7 ½". The 2012 ERG contains the latest dangerous goods lists from the United Nations Recommendations, as well as from other international and national regulations. The 2012 North American Emergency Response Guidebook has sections that have been added, expanded and/or revised include:

    Addition of all new dangerous goods listed in UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (14th and 15th revised editions)
    Index list of dangerous goods in order of ID number
    Index list of dangerous goods in alphabetical order
    Rail Car Identification Chart
    Road Trailer Identification Chart
    Pipeline Safety Information
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Emergency Preparedness DVD
http://tinyurl.com/czorott
$39.99
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LED Finger Flashlight - Clear Color with White Light
http://tinyurl.com/cqkzrry
$3.99
===== FIRE STARTERS =====

How about a large variety of fire starters?  We've talked about them, here are some links to several different types.


MAGNESIUM 5 Bags For Emergency Survival Fire Starter Kit BOB Back Pack Lot New 
http://tinyurl.com/ce7zlo3
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24 Hexamine Fuel Tablets- Pocket Stove or Fire Starter 
http://tinyurl.com/bnfvgjg
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5 in 1 Survival Kit Whistle Compass Fire Starter Flint Emergency Hiking Camping 
http://tinyurl.com/cq6jx7t
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Magnesium Firestarter Bar Black Tool with Striker
http://tinyurl.com/d54ft4t
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FIRE STARTER KIT/SURVIVAL/CAMPING/HIKING/BOB LOT/MAGNESIUM/ FIRE STARTING/ 
http://tinyurl.com/bnfgu4w
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Ultimate Survival Technologies Sparkie Fire Starter--ORANGE
http://tinyurl.com/cr2aclf
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10 Boxes STRIKE ANYWHERE MATCHES Emergency Survival Fire Starter Kit Hunting Lot
http://tinyurl.com/cpvkg4n
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50 UCO Stormproof Matches Long-burning Windproof Waterproof Emergency Survival
http://tinyurl.com/cmunbo9

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How to make Char Cloth Tinder.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6zH3iIfugw
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I have not used or tested any of these.  If you have experience with any of them, please send a comment to the blog and it will be linked in.

If you have any other favorite emergency info products, send me a link in a comment and I'll approve it for the blog.

-N7OZH-

Gun Violence, Digital Modes for Emcomm, etc

A lot is being said about gun control in the aftermath of the school shooting.  As you hear various talking heads propose "solutions", there is only one question to ask:  "If this new regulation/policy/law had been in affect as of December 1st, would it have totally prevented the school shooting?  If the answer is "no", then the follow-on question is:  "Then why are we doing this?".

There is only ONE way to prevent future such tragedies and here is a post that cuts right to the heart of the matter.  This post will also inform you of several other incidents that you never heard of because the Lame Stream Media refused to report them OR lied about them.

http://www.anncoulter.com/columns/2012-12-19.html#read_more

My sentiments exactly.
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Digital modes for ham radio EmComm work is being discussed more and more.  Here are some links on digital modes that we have not discussed before.

Radio Operations Center Software
http://www.w4pcsoftware.com/

EmComm Operations Center Software
http://www.w4pcsoftware.com/EmComm_Ops.html

Simon Brown and SDR Radio
http://sdr-radio.com/

WB5RVZ Software Defined Radio Homepage
http://wb5rvz.com/sdr/

In 2011 Simon Brown (HB9DRV) sold the rights to Ham Radio Deluxe and began working on software for Software Defined Radios (SDR).  These are radios with no knobs, switches, buttons or displays.  Everything is controlled by an attached personal computer.  The links above will tell you more about SDR and give you an idea of what is available.

Basically, an SDR radio is very similar to a modern HF rig controlled by Simon's former product, Ham Radio Deluxe (HRD).  HRD is no longer Shareware, it is now a "for sale" product although there is a trial mode before you pay up.  The new HRD home page is here:  http://www.hrdsoftwarellc.com/

More info on Simon Brown selling the rights to Ham Radio Deluxe can be found here:
http://www.arrl.org/news/hb9drv-sells-rights-to-ham-radio-deluxe

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PACKET RADIO FOR EMCOMM

More and more Emergency Communications groups are practicing with Packet and HSMM-Mesh.  Most of the major ham radio manufacturers now make mobile 2Meter/70Cm rigs with built in TNCs.  All you need is a cable and a dumb terminal program to send and/or receive and/or be a digipeater in Packet mode.  You don't even have to leave your computer on or even attached to the radio to work in receive or DigiPeater modes.

A couple of our members are already experimenting with HSMM-Mesh or are in the process of acquiring the needed second hand hardware.  You can get some very inexpensive equipment on eBay for HSMM-Mesh.

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Usually when I mention Harbor Freight, it is to recommend some bargain or other.  This week I am warning you against one of their products.  The current flyer features a car windshield defroster that plugs into your cigarette lighter socket (The one in my car is labeled "Not a Lighter Socket".  It is located just above the "Not An Ashtray" tray.).  I bought one of these window defrosters at Harbor Freight and then returned it.  They are on sale for $9.99, but you can get the same results for a LOT less money.  Here is how:  Just park your car with the front windshield facing the street and then go across the street and light a match.  Be sure you are at least 45 feet from the car when you light the match.  Amazing!  A lit match 45 feet away from your windshield will defrost your windshield just as fast and effectively as the $9.99 unit at Harbor Freight.  NOTE: If the wind blows your match out almost instantly, no problem, the match is still just as effective as the $9.99 Harbor Freight defroster.

Side Note:  I had an acquaintance in Alabama who cleared his windshield of snow and ice by pouring ALMOST boiling water on it.  Never did crack the windshield!  I haven't tried it yet, have any of you ever done this???  Did it work???

73s from N7OZH

Ham Radio and Emergency Survival

NOTE:  This post has been edited.  See NEW info at the end of the post.
======
More and more digital modes are being used in disaster communications.  Not just IRLP, but modes like PSK31 and PSK63 and Olivia.  Voice communications take up LOTS of bandwidth.  Digital modes use a very narrow slice of bandwidth and you can put several digital QSOs in the same space as just ONE SSB or FM voice QSO.

 Two meters and 70 CM can both do digital modes.  You just need the correct computer to radio interface.  The internet is full of them.  Some disaster nets are now accepting checkins by voice AND by EchoLink and/or PSK31.  More and more mobile rigs are being produced with Echolink built IN!

Here are a few links of interest to the digital modes.

Icom and Yaesu CAT interface Support Page
http://www.xggcomms.com/page9.htm

Ham Radio Service Manuals on CD/DVD
http://www.xggcomms.com/page4.htm

PSK31 audio levels set up page.
http://www.mymorninglight.org/ham/psk.htm

That last one is very important.  Audio levels and RF feedback are the two biggest "gotchas" in using PSK31.

To get the needed interfaces for computer to radio connections, check AES, and eBay.  The best and most reasonably priced PSK31 cables are on eBay.

Now that Baofeng and others are producing low cost hand held radios, the name brands are beginning to produce lower cost models.  Let's hope the same price war comes to mobile and HF rigs.  We would all benefit from that!

In a disaster, no matter how much emergency ham radio training you have had, you might find your self in a situation where you do NO ham radio communications and spend the entire time just trying to survive and take care of your family or coworkers.

You can always use Google to find lots of info on emergency survival and there are books on the subject.  Here is a web page devoted entirely to Emergency Survival.

http://www.SurvivalBlog.com

More info will be added to this blog on Wednesday, the 12th of December (Just 9 days before the end of the world!).

I have been researching HSMM-MESH networks and have found it to be very interesting.  There are several of these networks in use here in Salt Lake City.  This would be an ideal way to handle Stake/Ward communications during a disaster.  Temporary antennas would be needed since it is against Church policy to mount antennas on Church buildings (Liability Problems).  Also, portable antennas would allow having the Communications Center quickly relocated if the main building were damaged so severely that it could not be used.  Here are some of the most informative links I have found.


Ham radio HSMM-MESH networks

http://www.arrl-nm.org/wp/archives/3092

https://www.slvarc.org/all-articles/85-hsmm-mesh-my-first-experience
OR http://tinyurl.com/d8ycgnk

http://www.w7aia.org/Training_files/hb2011/hsmm-mesh-part-1-k7gjt&nd7p.pdf
OR http://tinyurl.com/c2ac6c7


N7OZH

MARA NET 2012-11-28

There is a seller on eBay that is selling a single programming cable that will do Kenwood, Baofang and 6 or 7 radios.  It is a USB cable and reasonably priced.  You can get details here  http://tinyurl.com/czhcxek

When there is a disaster that may affect your area, you can get a phone text message or an email.  Check the following web page for details.  http://www.emergencyemail.org/Default.asp

Friday, Nov 30th 5PM until Saturday about 5PM you can watch or participate in the NOAA SkyWarn project and contest.  NOAA is at 2242 West North Temple in Salt Lake City.  Modes of operation will include IRLP - ECHOLINK - PSK - HF - ETC.  Want to see these modes in operation, come and watch.  Want to work these modes?  Come and sign up to operate for 15 minutes to an hour or more.  Meet other ham radio operators, have fun.

CHIRP SOFTWARE - can program about 40 different radios.  Can also move data from one brand to another.  Use Google to find Chirp Software.

There is a new APRS program.  It sits on top of Map Point.  It is called PinPoint APRS.  Google it for more details.

That's it for tonight.  I'll add more over the weekend.

-O. D.-

Winter Is Coming. Really!! Honest!!

NOTE: This post was updated on 01 Nov 2012.  Scroll to end to see new stuff. -O. D.-

Tonight we are having the warmest Halloween anyone here can remember.  However, it won't last - cold weather is going to arrive.  Time to get houses, cars, grab & go kits, etc WINTERIZED.

Use Google to look up BUDDY BURNERS.  They are easy to make and very handy for light, heat and cooking in a disaster.  Start saving your small tuna cans and corrugated cardboard!

A source for more ham radio info can be found at http://www.vorts.com/amateur_radio/ .  You can also join the site and post amateur radio stuff there.  We will be placing a link to this slchamradio.blogspot.com blog on there soon.

KD7UM, Dave, gave us some good info on wire sizes last time.  Here is a summary of what he  went over.  The first number on the left is the wire gauge

16 - 22 AMPS SHORT RUN - 100 FEET  - 14 AMPS TO 15 FEET - 4 OHMS PER 1000 FEET
14 - 32 AMPS SHORT RUN - 100 FEET 6 AMPS - 2.5 OHMS PER 1000 FEET.  
12 - 41 AMPS SHORT RUN - 9.3 AMPS LONG RUNS 
10 - 55 AMPS SHORT RUN - LONG RUN 15 AMPS - 45 AMPS AT 20 FEET.  1 OHM PER 1000 FEET

Why fuse both sides of a power run?  If positive (fused) side opens, current may flow through the negative side and through coax or other wires.  Car setup.  You fuse the positive side.  A mechanic disconnects the negative side to work on the car.  When done, he forgets to reconnect your mobile rig wire that went to the neg battery terminal.  Now all the radio's negative side current flows through the car body, coax cable, etc.  Not good.

Anderson Power Poles
  SMALL piece of solder in with wire.  Crimp and then melt the little piece of solder.
  Anderson rep says to crimp, not solder.
  Recommended crimp is on the side with the seam.
  If you are using REALLY small wire, cut some short pieces of wire and add them into the connector.  Now the crimp has more to "grab" and there will be a better hold on the wire.

Recreation Outlet has the butane stoves and the fuel.  Now $13 for the stoves!!!

Harbor Freight
  $10 Lineman's pliers & Crimping Tool.  Works great on Anderson Power Poles.
  2 pliers in the one package.

A word or two about Harbor Freight flyers that you get in the mail.  Many of them overlap.  Don't throw the current one away just because a new one showed up.  Each flyer will have a few items in it that are more expensive in the other flyer.  Case in point - early October flyer had the 27 LED lights for $2.49.  The late October flyer had them for $2.99, but the earlier flyer is still valid (it expires in late November).

I hope we all are learning things from the East coast storm named "Sandy".  There are many lessons to be learned from the things that are going on there.

===== UPDATE =====  01 Nov 2012 =====

Generrators failed at two major hospitals in New York during FrankenStorm Sandy.  The generators were located on the roof, but the fuel tanks and pumps were in the basement.  One hospital had the fuel room protected by submarine doors.  Didn't help.  Read the story here:  http://tinyurl.com/appts2m

This is amazing when you realize what the testing procedure is for hospital backup power in New York.  "Another expert in disaster planning, Dr. Dan Hanfling, said in an email that the failure of the back-up power at NYU Langone "is certainly unexpected."

Hospitals, he said, are required by the Joint Commission, a hospital accreditor, to have back-up power capabilities. They are required to "load test" those systems a few times each year. (Update 10/31: The Joint Commission says it requires tests 12 times a year for 30 minutes and once every three years for four hours.)"

===== Emergency Prep Photos =====

Here is a picture of the "Hot Hands" device from Emergency Essentials that I told you about.

It provides about two hours of heat and can then be "regenerated" for future use.

*****

Here is a handy 10 foot emergency cord I purchased on eBay.  Battery clips on one end and a cigarette lighter receptacle on the other end.

Below is the same device after I modified it with Anderson Power Poles.  Now we have battery clips to Anderson, Anderson to Cig Receptacle and a 9 foot extension cord with Anderson Power Poles on both ends.  One device becomes three and all three can be used with multiple other cords and adapters that I have which are also equiped with Anderson Power Poles.

Grab & Go Kit Suggestions/Ideas

Thanks to KD7UM for letting us know that Recreation Outlet in SLC has the butane stoves and the fuel.  Now $13 for the stoves at Recreation Outlet.

Harbor Freight Alert:  Looking for something a little less expensive that those $50 Anderson Power Pole crimpers on the web?  Go to Harbor Freight and get a $10 Lineman's pliers & Crimping Tool.  There will be 2 sets of  pliers in the one package.  Works on power poles just fine.  Thanks to KD7UM for that tip, also.

Grab & Go kit lists can get a bit on the long side.  I use them as guidelines, not hard and fast lists.


South County ARES Grab and Go Kit Check List

Also available in PDF format at http://k6mpn.org/grab-n-go.pdf

    2 meter HT plus 12 hours worth of batteries (a dual band 2M/440 is better)
    Consider a waterproof bag to protect it from the elements
    1/2 wave gain antenna for better performance and a magnetic mount antenna
    AC to DC adapter and auto cigarette lighter plug cable to power HT
    Remote speaker/microphone or headset
    Headphones with correct connector to plug into radio, for use in noisy areas
    Extra coax for antenna and connectors and adapters for radio
    Thomas Guide Map book or other maps
    Repeater listing frequency Directory
    Users manual for your radios or cheat sheets
    Message forms, writing pads, pens and clipboard
    SCARES badge, copy of FCC license
    Appropriate clothes for the weather, terrain and duration.
    Dress to stay warm and dry.
    Hat, sunglasses and sunblock during warm sunny weather.
    Food, water, and needed medicines for at least 12 hours
    First Aid Kit, First Aid and CPR training?
    Night time gear, flash, light extra batteries and bulb, reflective vest, flares in vehicle
    Small tool kit, gas and water shut off tools

EXTRA ITEMS
    Second radio with 12 hours of battery power
    Base station antenna i.e.. J-pole and mounting hardware
    50 feet of coax with connectors
    Scanner radio and frequency list of local public safety agencies
    Large 12 volt battery, Gel or deep cycle, charger, 100 feet of AC power cord,
    large gauge
    Poster paper, markers and tape for signs
    Hard-hat for your head

Here are some other interesting Grab & Go suggestions.

http://www.fabulousrocketeers.com/WA4DQS_Go_Kit_Ideas.htm

http://www.qsl.net/kc0nrk/go-bags.html
http://www.athensarc.org/gokit.asp
http://www.dcarc.net/go/index.php/ares/15-ares/84-davis-county-amateur-radio-emergency-service-grab-and-go-kit

Another handy item for your grab and go kit is a couple of 3-way electrical adapter (for 2 prong outlets).  These are available at Ace Hardware, Home Depot, and Harbor Freight, among others.


Turn a headlamp or flashlight into a wide area light.

1.  Aim a flashlight at the ceiling.

2.  This portable lamp is just a gallon milk jug filled with water, with a headlamp pointing into it. It's a clever repurposing trick that creates a great soft light perfect for reading, writing or illuminating indoors or out.

http://www.slcfoothillnet.blogspot.com/

I still think the BEST wide area light is an LED Lantern.  Ebay has dozens of different kinds.  Read the descriptions carefully to avoid problems.

Here is an LED lantern that I bought on the web for $12. It has 24 very bright LEDs and runs on 4 D Cell batteries.  Very, very bright light.

Here is one that looks almost identical.  Bought it on eBay for $5.47.  Only difference I could see in the eBay listing was that the less expensive one used AA batteries rather than "D" cells.

The only visible difference is the color.  They both have a little compass on top and a handle that folds down.   However, there are two BIG differences.  The second one is about 3 inches tall whereas the first one is over 7 inches tall.  The batter cover on the second one is so cheaply done that when AA batteries were inserted, one of the locking tabs on the light broke off, leaving just one tab to hold the cover on.  Looks are deceiving.  Ask questions of the seller before bidding.  Some of them purposely leave off important details.

MARA 09/12/2012 - Ham Emerg Radio

Here are some nice UTC clocks that also show your home time zone. The first one listed, actually clock #2, shows UTC and all six US time zone. Click on one of the six time zones (such as MDT for Utah) and that becomes the featured time zone displayed next to the UTC time. Pretty slick!

http://k6ib.com/clock/clock2.html
http://k6ib.com/clock/clock6.html
http://k6ib.com/clock/clock1.html
http://k6ib.com/clock/clock3.html
http://k6ib.com/clock/clock4.html
http://k6ib.com/clock/clock5.html

Finally, for some more great ham radio programs, check out the author's web site.
http://k6ib.com/

RADIOS WITH MODERN TECHNOLOGY We are finally seeing technology advances in ham radio. For years, the computer to radio interface has been serial cables (RS-232C) even though NO current computers come with serial ports any more. There have been some USB cables on sites such as eBay, but nothing from the manufacturers.

Now the new radios are coming out with USB jacks on them so that you can use a common USB cable (inexpensive) to connect your computer to your radio. Progress. FINALLY!!!

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH.
We talked about three areas of personal preparedness improvement with respect to Ham Radio.
1) Batteries
A) Gel Cells
B) AA HT Batteries
C) Article in QST about batteries.

• a) avoid line loss as much as possible
• b) enough power to receive but NOT enough to transmit is a problem
• c) Wire resistance is Cricital. Larger wire is better.

2) Antennas - three you must have.

• A) Outdoor
• B) HT (better than the one that came with your radio)
• C) Emergency Portable

3) Grab and Go Kit

• A) One that works in Winter and Summer
• B) Adapters to connect anything to anything. (What is enough? When you can hook ANY radio to the metal rear bumper of a 64 Chevy Camaro for an antenna - seriously!)
• C) Some emergency Food.

eBay - Type "Emergency" in search box - get over 66,000 hits.  Food, fire starters (several kinds), clothing, manuals, etc.  (Also try "Emergency" in Google, KSL Classifieds, Amazon, etc.)
NOTE: The above exercise on eBay turns up LOTS of sellers pushing magnesium shavings.  Prices are very reasonable and this saves having to shave some off your magnesium emergency fire starter.

Don't forget "Buddy Burners" and "Char Cloth" for emergencies, also.  If you are not familiar with these, Google will turn up some excellent info and even videos on YouTube.

A #10 can containing a roll of toilet paper soaked with lighter fluid - lots of heat and light for a long time.  Works just as well with kerosene, Coleman fuel, White Gas, and regular Gasonline.  Make sure the can of flammable liquid is moved a long ways from the can before lighting a match.  Also make sure that your hands are dry and that all flammable liquid has been removed from your hands and clothing before striking that match.  Otherwise you will be on the 6 o'clock news in a very bad way.

Be sure to track your hours when you serve in an emergency.  The Red Cross, church groups, and others can report your service as community service for credit.

Search eBay for "Butane one burner stove" -  they sell for $99 in SLC Stores but the SAME stove is $17.00 on eBay.  I bought one locally and two off of eBay.  They are even the same BRAND!

To keep track of disasters in utah, go to http://inciweb.org/state/46/.

Training a few weeks ago talked about the problems of gasoline that has Ethanol.  There are places to get gasoline without Ethanol and one of them is Craig's Service Station 904 So 1300 East.  Just across the street from East High School on 13th East on the west side of the street.

Google "Ethanol Tester" and you can even find plans to build your own Ethanol tester.

73's until next week.
-N7OZH-

MARA 08/22/2012 - Ham Emerg Radio

Sept is National Emergency Preparedness month.

Colorado Hams Provide Disaster Communications.
On page 73 of the current QST magazine is this amazing story. You can read the original story in the Denver Post HERE.

The ham radio ATV stations gave fire fighters something they are not used to, views of the fire from front and back in real-time video!

AMAZING story of Ham Radio Operators at Ground Zero on the day the twin towers fell!
There are many excellent tips here on what to expect in a major disaster. The article is on page 77 of QST. You can read the long version on this website - www.w2ik.info

The Ultimate Disaster.
Imagine what it would be like to work a prolonged MAJOR disaster with no electricity, no running water, no gas,no cell phones and no internet. There is an excellent article on page 98 of the current issue of QST that discusses just such a scenario. The main point is to put together NOW what you need - before it is needed - and store it someplace safe.

As for training, while just having Amateur Radio operators available is an asset to public safety, you can increase your credibility by taking additional training such as the ARRL Amateur Radio Communication courses. HERE

You can also go online to FEMA, which has two types of FREE online training courses that you can take. The National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses, of which there are 16, can be found at www.fema.gov/emergency/nims.

Next is the FEMA Independent Study Program (ISP) courses of which there are over 100! There is an ISP course to fit your personal situation and needs at training.fema.gov/IS/crslist.asp.

All this additional training adds to your credibility as a disaster communications operator. The training will also help you to better understand what the police, fire or EMS needs, and why, during a disaster.

Do you know how to signal a helicopter for a safe landing? In most situations, when a medivac copter lands, it needs someone on the ground giving standard signals to indicate where to land safely.

Remember, if you fail to plan, you have planned to FAIL!

FINALLY, you should probably bookmark www.InciWeb.org. They have Incident Listings for every state for every type of disaster. Right now the majority of the listings relate to forest fires. This is one to check on a regular basis and certainly before deploying to see which roads are open and which are closed.

=====
N7OZH - 73

MARA 08/15/2012 - auto siphon and water NOT to drink.

September is national emergency preparedness month. Time to add needed objects to your kits and supplies.

The following are easy ways to heat small meals, water and to produce heat on cold days or nights.

1. FOLD-UP STOVES
2. STERNO

You can make a candle out of tuna type can, some vegetable oil, and a paper towel or string/cord for a wick. Place some oil in the can. Lay the strip of paper towel or string/cord along the slanted lid. Light and enjoy. The best way to make one of these is to not cut the lid all the way off when you open the can. This assures you will not lose it and also forces it to lay at the correct angle to hold the "wick".

UNSAFE WATER IN THE HOME 1. Water bed contents. Water bed plastics are not food grade safe. The added chemicals can be poisonous.

2. Vehicle Radiator water - Don't even think about it. Between the rust and the anti-freeze you will die a horrible death.

Tincture of iodine will kill all pathogens except CRYPTOSPORIDIUM PARVUM.

CHLORINE BLEACH - WORKS OK ON MOST TAP WATER, NOT SO GOOD ON WATER COLLECTED OUTDOORS. IMPURITIES BOND WITH THE CHLORINE RENDERING IT USELESS - SET THE WATER SIT FOR AT LEAST 5 MINUTES BEFORE ADDING THE CHLORINE. BE CAREFUL NOT TO STIR UP THE SEDIMENTS WHEN USING THE WATER.

I've been talking about the AUTO SIPHON for a long time. You can see it here and watch a video of how it works. HERE

More later.
73 de N7OZH

Emergency Preparedness and also Harbor Freight.

If your household gets the ValPack coupon mailer, you might want to dig it out of the trash and open it. Near the front is a set of SUPER Harbor Freight coupons. Lower prices than in ANY of their mailers and emails. For example, in their current 16 page brochure the Trickle Chargers are on sale for $5.99. In the ValPack coupons they are $4.99. Solar Charger is $159.99 in the 16 page mailer, but only $149.99 in the ValPack package.

You can see the entire 16 page mailer by using the link below. The nice thing about seeing it online is that you can rest your mouse over one of the coupons and it will "enlarge" to where it is VERY EASY to read. The printed ones are sometimes so small that they require a magnifying glass.

You can see the 16 page interactive mailer HERE.

There is also an email one page brochure that you can see HERE.

The ValPack mailer is not available online. However it may be available on their web site which is HERE.

The current issue of the Ensign magazine has an EXCELLENT article on dealing with major disasters. It is on page 22. The information is VERY handy.

On eBay the newest Baofeng radio is going for just $36.00. Amazing. Don't know what this is going to do to Kenwood/Yaesau/Icom/Alinco/Etc.

More later.

-N7OZH-

MARA 08-01-2012

A new resource for those who are professionally or seriously involved in community level Emergency Preparedness. SituationWare
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Twitter is down at the moment so our usual pre net Tweet did not go out at 8PM. I'll try again a little later. You can follow us HERE.

That address is twitter.com/MARA_SLC
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Twitter is back up. Just Tweeted tonight's net reminder.
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For those who do EchoLink...
Hamradio-Ticker ‏@Hamradio_Ticker
RT @HamTwitNet: #hamtwitnet in just under an hour on w5raw-r echolink node 387265. @KD0LOS is your friendly NCS. If you have time, hop on…
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Not all memory chips (SDHC, Thumb Drives, etc) are what they claim to be. Now there is software that will allow you to check what you buy and find out if you got what you paid for. Demand a refund if you were gyped. Check HERE.
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I've mentioned "Figure 9" rope tensioners before in relation to guying an emergency antenna. Here is what they look like. They sell these locally at Ace Hardware for less money than the eBay sellers are asking. Google these things to see how they work. More info HERE.

Google "rope tensioner" to get more info and see other types. Some are plastic and work just as well.
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If you are on the Harbor Freight mailing list, you should have recently received a BIG flyer with LOTS of stuff on sale. Two items worth mentioning are the LED Head Lamps and the Battery Trickle Chargers. The Trickle Chargers are on sale for $5.99, down from $12.99. I have several of the LED head lights and I am going to get more while they are on sale. I use mine at least once a month and sometimes more. I have used them in a power outage and they are FANTASTIC. Get AT LEAST one per family member. Consider extras for the cars and your office.
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MARA Net 07-25-2012

Thanks to all those who participated in the July 24th parade or races or fireworks displays with ham radio. That is how we get better at what we do, that is how we serve the community and that is how we keep amateur radio on the minds of service providers.

I have often recommended Automatic Siphon hoses as sold by Emergency Essentials (BePrepared.com/Utah). Someone bought an automatic siphon hose at Harbor Freight and said that it smelled awful and was poorly constructed. NEVER buy or use ANY siphon hose on your water supply unless it is made from food grade plastic. Emergency Essentials also has food grade garden hoses (25 foot or 50 foot) for filling your water storage containers.

You can light a propane stove using a magnesium fire starter. You do not need to shave off any magnesium, just use something to scrape on the flint bar and you can light your camp stove. Thanks to KC7ZVA (JEFF) for this handy bit of information.

KJ7ABC - SUSAN - Informed us about a 10 INCH FAN that runs off of D CELL batteries, NI/MH RECHARGEABLE batteries, AC and 12 V DC. It is made by O2 COOL (www.o2-cool.com) and is a very handy emergency fan.

It is HIGHLY recommended that you add a Porta-Potty to your emergency supplies. In an actual emergency, there may not be any running water!!!

KD7UM, Dave, informed us about a battery booster (DC to DC converter) that can take the output of a battery that is slowly going lower and lower in voltage and boost it to a constant 12 to 35 volts. It is sold on eBay by seller "LINEDAYS2012" and costs less than $10 with shipping. Right now it is item # 270963078608 on eBay.

Handy item to have - a grease pencil, a plastic clipboard and a piece of clear plastic. Clip the clear plastic on the clipboard. Now you can lift up the clear plastic and take notes in bad weather. Then flip the clear plastic protective sheet back down. Easy to erase with a finger or cloth/paper napkin. GREAT in bad weather.

FOR NEXT TIME - Please be thinking about handy items you can add to your emergency supplies (ham radio related or not) to share with the rest of us. More next time.
N7OZH -O. D.-
73
=====================

Ham Radio Events

A reminder that there is some great Emergency Preparedness info and Ham Radio info located at http://slcfoothillnet.blogspot.com That site/blog is maintained by Dave, KE7ORB.

===== Disaster/Fire/Emergency Info on the web =====

www.WILDLANDFIRE.COM

www.INCIWEB.ORG

www.NIXLE.COM

=====

Ham Radio Operators with HT units are needed to help with the July 24th Parade. This gets you close to the parade and lets you do some valuable community service.

For more info on this and other opportunities for ham radio service, check out http://arpse.org

The organizers of DX University (tm) are pleased to announce that the next session of DXU will be held at Ruby's Inn in beautiful Bryce Canyon, UT. The session will be held on Friday, July 27, 2012 in conjunction with the 2012 ARRL Rocky Mountain Division Convention.

Professors selected from the faculty of DXU will present information targeted at the beginner through intermediate DXer, but the seasoned DXer will be surprised at the number of tips and tricks he/she will learn.

About one month until the 2012 Rocky Mountain Division Convention in Bryce Canyon, Utah! Have you registered yet? The last day to pre-register is July 13 (securely online or via paper). A superb event filled with activities, vendors, forums, prizes, and much more awaits you this July 27-29. ARRL Emergency Preparedness and Response Manager Mike Corey KI1U will be the event's special guest.

Complete details including an event schedule can be found at http://www.utahhamfest.org

===== Upcoming Hamfests, Tailgates & Conventions =====

July 27-29 2012 ARRL Rocky Mountain Division Convention (Bryce Canyon, UT)

Aug 3-4 Albuquerque Duke City Hamfest (Albuquerque, NM)

Aug 19 Denver Radio Club Hamfest (Golden, CO)

Sep 1 Alamogordo Amateur Radio Club Hamfest (Alamogordo, NM)

Sep 23 Boulder ARC BARCfest (Longmont, CO)

Nov 3 285 TechConnect Radio Club Fall TechFest (Lakewood, CO)

===== LINKS =====

Upcoming special event stations:

http://www.arrl.org/special-event-stations

Upcoming contests: http://www.arrl.org/contest-calendar

Operating awards: http://www.arrl.org/awards

NOTE: Special Event stations can result in some very nice looking and colorful Certificates to hang on the wall in your shack or operating position.
=====
Thanks to Dave, KD7UM who gave tonight's training on the subject of "PRIORITIES" as they relate to disasters and disaster preparedness.

N7OZH

US Army Survival Manual and MORE

The US Army Survival Manual, one of the best emergency preparedness manuals on the planet is available for free download here. It sells on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and eBay for $6.00 to $29.00. Click the link above and it is free. More to come.

Emergency Links (Including Ham Radio)

MARA SLC has a twitter page! You can follow this with your smart phone or your computer. We send out a tweet each Wednesday night about the upcoming net. You can see it here: http://twitter.com/MARA_SLC Tonight's tweet was just posted and it just hit my phone. I know it came in, because my phone makes a beep note when new tweets arrive.

1. Off Grid Survival - Lots of info on survival and good Ham Radio Info. http://offgridsurvival.com/hamradio-2/

2. How to make char cloth - http://tinyurl.com/bn56mwb
Boy Scouts all learn how to make and use Char Cloth. It is a GREAT fire starter and is easy to make using old clothes or rope. http://tinyurl.com/bn56mwb

3. Making CharCloth using an Altoids Tin and then starting a fire with it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G3oq-dwim4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqhwGpIpDV0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6zH3iIfugw&feature=related

4. Emergency Amateur Radio Communication Kit by KH7O - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmnnf0xUWNM
This ENTIRE section is filled with info on how to make grab and go boxes for your radio and power supply. Lots of GOOD info here.

While looking at the YouTube info, be sure to look at the links on the right side of the page for related links and additional information. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and you will usually find that there are more pages with similar useful information.

Be sure to see last week's post on this blog for the MARA net frequencies and times - Thanks to Dave, KD7UM, for this helpful info.

ADDITIONAL SOURCES

Smith & Edwards - North of Salt Lake City - Lots of good stuff for Emergency Preparedness plus lots of amazing stuff you can't live without but you'll never even know it exists until you go to Smith & Edwards.

Emergency Essentials - Located at 6356 South State Street on the West side of the street. BePrepared.com/Utah

Puritan's Pride - Fantastic source for vitamins and similar products at Great Prices! - www.Puritan.com

The Vermont Country Store - www.VermontCountryStore.com - some things for emergency preparedness and LOTS of fun stuff and nostalgic things from your past. You'll go back to this one again and again PLUS they are a great resource around Christmas Time for things you can't get in the stores here.

-N7OZH-

MARA 05/30/2012

There is packet traffic on 145.05. Some info at PEAK, IMED, SMTN ON 145.05.

Every Thursday there is a net at 9PM on 147.50 SIMPLEX. Info regarding CERT and other issues for the general Sugarhouse area.

WWW.ARPSE.ORG - There are a number of events going on in June that need Ham Radio operators for communication. The next one is on June 2nd. It is a good idea to check ARPSE monthly. If you need ham radio operators for an event, your info can be posted on ARPSE.ORG.

Emergency essentials is now across from Fashion Place Mall in the old Comp-USA bldg.

Large selection of LED flashlights, LED lanterns, etc. at Big Lots on 2nd South. Also check out Big 5 Sports and, as always, Harbor Freight.

A 24 page flyer arrived today from Harbor Freight. Just about everything is on sale. Their 27 LED Worklight/Flashlight is on sale for $2.99. The trickle battery chargers are also on sale. There is also a 20% discount coupon that can be used on many items at Harbor Freight. If you are not getting their monthly 24 page sale brochure with lots of discount coupons, you can sign up at HarborFreight.com. If you are in the store you can fill out a Preferred Customer Card. This gets you discounts that are not available to people who do not get the flyer.

A pack of 100 Eleven Inch black or white cable ties are on sale for $1.49.

Gordon Smith will have a ham radio testing session this Saturday. 8 am to 8:45 am to register City County bldg at 2001 North State Street (corner of 21st south and state street) Test is in North Bldg room n3005

Go to WWW.SLCCERT.ORG to get info on CERT training schedules and locations.

CERT training is ESSENTIAL in a disaster. Each community will need LOTS of CERT trained individuals to help those who have no training and no emergency supplies and no emergency training. Notify your neighbors of the need and encourage them to take the training.

BATTERIES PLUS ON 3300 SOUTH AND BATTERY SPECIALISTS 3500 SO MAIN STREET - excellent source for Gel Cells. Battery Specialists has lower prices I am told.

KE7ORB has a great emergency blog located at http://slcfoothillnet.blogspot.com.

Finally, here is some info provided by KD7UM on MARA nets and other info.

www.mara.net

http://mercurynorthwest.org/index.php

http://www.mercuryalberta.ca/Mercury_Alberta/MARA.html

http://www.ldsradio.ca/

Nets I check into:

Monday 2130 MT 3965 KHz - MARA Northwest - great net for a roundtable

Saturday 0730 MT 3920 KHz - MARA Rocky Mountain - roll call and roundtable On even numbered months the Utah State RACES net starts here at 0800 MT

Saturday 0830 MT 3878 KHz - MARA Utah Net

Saturday ~0845 MT 3878 KHz - MARA Southern California

Saturday 0900 MT 7178 KHz - MARA Western Net

Saturday ~0915 MT 3937 KHz - MARA Northwest Saturday net

Tuesday 2100 MT Welfare Square Net 147.56 MHz except second week they meet on 145.45R 100 Hz

That's enough for now, more later. -N7OZH-

Emergency Preparedness Links

Apr 24, 2012

The $50 dual band radio is here.

http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/9749

The first reviews are less than enthusiastic, but the rest seem very positive. Additional info is contained in the next link along with links to download literature, manuals, etc.

http://www.uv3r.com/Index.html

There was an excellent article in the Deseret News today on building an inventory list of the items in your house in case of a disaster. The list will be CRUCIAL in getting the maximum value for the items contained inside your house and garage. The article is here:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765570993/Total-recall-New-free-ways-to-make-home-inventories-pay-off.html?pg=3

During the Great ShakeOut on the 17th of April, LOTS of public safety organizations were VERY active. Even the special trunked radios were being used. Modern scanners can track trunked systems, but your ham radio cannot. On a trunked system, you may hear a conversation consisting of 5 different people each saying just one sentence each and not realize that each person was on a different frequency. Your trunked scanner will follow the trunked frequency hops but your ham radio cannot.

The Red Cross in SLC was active during the entire exercise. I found it interesting that they participated in the exercise with an assumption that their headquarters building was destroyed in the disaster.

News about long term food storage. Some Emergency food (Sam Andy in the example) has been found to be good after 30 years. Modern food storage has a longer shelf life than the older stuff. 1. Better handling and packaging 2. Long range testing has now been done.

=====

There is a DCF net on Sunday on IRLP & ECHOLINK (449.425 )

The Red Cross net starts on that frequency at 7PM. It is usually over by 7:20 or 7:40. The DCF net starts immediately after the Red Cross net.

=====

For something interesting, Google "ENELOOP BATTERIES" and also look up "DOUBLE BAZOOKA HF ANTENNA".

For some interesting preparedness info, check out the Cottonwood web site http://chgetready.com/ This is a very well done and very useful web site for emergency preparedness right down to the block captain level.

Finally, here are some more web pages with emergency prep info.

Car survival and emergency kit http://beready.utah.gov/beready/family/documents/BRUCarSurvivalandEmergencyKit.pdf

Tips for preparing children http://utah.ptfs.com/awweb/awarchive?item=16728

(Here is the same info in a PDF) http://utah.ptfs.com/awweb/awarchive?type=file&item=16728

7-part Emerg Prep handout http://ussc.utah.gov/publications/roots_earthquake_low.pdf

Utah students at risk. http://ussc.utah.gov/students_at_risk.html

That should be enough for today. -N7OZH-

ERC Net for 03/13/2012

The following links were added 03/14/2012. They include some fascinating tips and techniques.

=====
From the "XYZ For Dummies" series...
http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/operating-your-ham-radio-in-an-emergency.html

Public Safety, Ham Radio, and Homeland Security
http://transition.fcc.gov/pshs/services/amateur.html

Emergency Amateur Radio Communication Kit by KH7O (Video 2 Min 28 Seconds)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmnnf0xUWNM

Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness (Video 4 Min 43 Seconds)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLA8p-N3ujA

Emergency Ham Radio Portable Go-Kit Revealed (Interesting Pictures)
http://sanantoniohams.org/blog/?p=2534

San Antonio Hams
http://sanantoniohams.org/

Installing Ground Rods the Easy Way
http://www.hamradio.me/installations/installing-ground-rods-the-easy-way.html
=====

Hams are needed to help out with the Scouting For Food project on Saturday, March 24th. All the details can be found at WWW.ARPSE.ORG. There are events listed there through Oct 20 as of today. The signup for the Days of '47 Parade are there on page 4 and several have already signed up. Lots more are needed. Scouting For Food could probably use almost double the number they have signed up.

The nation has had some very unexpected weather this year and I'm sure there will be more weather emergencies as the year goes along. In spite of the tornadoes we have already had, tornado season hasn't even started yet!

Here is a drill for this week. The disaster is over and the 145.45 repeater is down. So are most of the repeaters in the valley. Lots of traffic is on simplex voice, plus packet and other digital modes.

Some of the newer hams may not know what to do with the 145.45 repeater down. How can you contact them or answer their questions? This is when you want to remember some of the things you learned when studying for your Tech Exam. The 145.45 repeater TRANSMITS on a frequency of 145.45, but it LISTENS on 144.850, 600 KiloHertz down from the transmit frequency.

When those new hams key up on the 145.45 frequency, nobody tuned to 145.45 will hear them because of the offset. On your radio there is some way to put your radio in "Reverse" mode which causes it to switch the Transmit and Receive frequencies. Now you are listening on 144.850 and transmitting on 145.45. If anyone within simplex range is trying to reach others on 145.45, you can communicate with them by placing your radio into the Reverse mode.

Remember how to do that? It is very easy on most mobile radios, they have a single button for reverse although on some mobile radios (and just about ALL handi talkies) it is a two button operation involving the Function key + the reverse key.

Once you get everybody checked in and onto a free simplex frequency, you can get out of the reverse mode by pressing the same key or keys you used to get into reverse mode.

Once everybody is on the same frequency, you can, with a few button presses, remove the offset altogether and just place your radio in the simplex mode, while still on the 145.45 Frequency.

You should have a "cheat sheet" in your grab and go that tells how to get into VFO mode, enter a frequency, offset and PL Tone and save it into memory. There are several portable repeaters that will come online in an actual emergency but they almost certainly will NOT operate on any of the repeater frequency pairs you have programmed into your radio.

If you do not know how to put in a new pair (maybe even one with an odd split) you aren't going to be able to communicate.

More next week.

-N7OZH, O. D. Williams-

FCC approves licensing surveillance robots in 70 cm band

There is more info on the FCC web site. Here is the gist of the order. Thanks to ND5Y for posting this on QRZ.com.

In this Order we grant, subject to certain limitations outlined below, applications for authorization filed by the public safety agencies listed in the attached Appendix to deploy and operate the surveillance robot known as the “Recon Scout” for public safety purposes.1 The Recon Scout is a remote-controlled, maneuverable surveillance robot manufactured by ReconRobotics, Inc. (ReconRobotics), which transmits real-time video surveillance data.2 In granting the applications, we deny the Petition to Deny Applications filed against each of the subject applications by the ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio (ARRL), the series of pleadings entitled Petition to Deny Applications/Conditional Authority and First Amended Petition to Deny, which Mr. James Edwin Whedbee (Whedbee) filed against these applications, as well as all associated challenges filed in related pleadings against these applications.3

ND5Y
QRZ Ham Member
======
Amateur Radio Newsline has a website located at www.arnewsline.org. More ham radio info here.
======
HAM HAPPENINGS: SARL LEAP YEAR CHALLENGE

Hams are invited to take part in the South Africa Radio League-sponsored Leap Year Challenge on Wednesday February 29th. The challenge starts at 00:01 and ends at 23:59 South Africa Time. Modes acceptable include phone, CW and digital activity on all bands including HF, VHF, UHF and microwaves.

The objective is simply to make as many contacts as you can on this day. The rules permit you to work a station once only regardless of band, mode or call sign.

Logs go by e-mail to zs4bfn (at) netactive (dot) co (dot) za and must be received by midnight Friday March 2nd, 2012. A South Africa Radio League membership is up for grabs for the log received with the most QSO’s made.

Also this reminder: If you do not take part, you will have to wait until 2016 to put the date February 29th into your logbook! (SARL)
=====
DX

In DX, Albania will be on the air during the 2012 CQ WPX SSB Contest. This with word that TA1HZ will operate from that nation as ZA1TC for the period of March 23rd to the 26th that includes the contest weekend. During his spare time outside the contest he will try to work some PSK31, especially on 30m band. Details and QSL info is on www.qrz.com.

Lastly, HA5PP will be active from Malta as 9H3PP on May 26th and 27th during the CQ WW WPX CW Contest as a Single-Operator Single-Band entry. Activity outside of the contest will be on 6 and 12 meters, and possibly s 17 meters as well. QSL via HA5PP.

(Above from various DX news sources)
====

Emergency Freqs and Records Safety

There are some emergency frequencies that have been agreed on internationally. It would be wise to program these into your HT radios and mobile VHF/UHF rigs. Check the manual for your radio. Some of them cover at least a portion of the HF bands. You will not usually hear anything of the HF bands on your HT/Mobile unless ONE of the following two conditions are met.

1. One of the HF stations is close by.
2. You have an outside antenna that you can connect to your radio.

I know that the second one works because I have noticed several HT/Mobile reviews where the radio tuned HF when connected to an outside antenna. It does not even have to be an HF antenna, just a long wire will work fine and you will get some stations using your outdoor HT/Mobile antenna.

If your radio can tune the HF bands, the following are some frequencies you might want to program into your radios.

14.265 - SATERN (Weather disasters)
14.300 - Maritime Mobile Service Net (This is one of three global "Center Of Activity" disaster frequencies set aside by the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU).

Others include:
7.045 and 3.720 Mhz (IARU Rgion 2 nets).
14.265 and 7.265 and 3.977 Mhz (SATERN Nets)

The International Radio Emergency Support Coalition (IRESC) is also active on EchoLink node 27817.

The idea here is not to communicate on the HF frequencies, you must have an HF radio and antenna to do that. The goal is to be able to monitor HF traffic for a wider perspective on the scope of the disaster and to learn about needs and resources in a wider area.

14.300, 18.160 and 21.360 MHZ are the three global Center of Activity (CoA) frequencies.

Of course, IRLP will be going strong in almost any disaster.
===
Now, how to keep your records intact in an emergency and how to avoid identity theft. Unless your state requires it, do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead put "Photo ID Required" in the signature block. If your state rerquires them to be signed, then sign then and write "Photo ID Required" above your signature.

When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "FOR" line. Just put the first 4 and last 4 digits. If your credit card account includes a member number, use that instead.

Put your work phone number on your checks instead of your home phone. Same for the address info. Best of all is a PO Box. NEVER have your SS# printed on your checks.

Place the contents of your wallet/purse on a photocopy machine and scan both sides. Now if there is a problem, you have the account numbers and the 800 numbers to call to report a theft of your card.

If your cards are stolen, file a police report. This proves to credit providers that you were diligent. Place a fraud alert on your cards and also file a fraud alert with the SS Administration.

Notify the 3 credit card agencies of the problem.

Equifax 1-800-525-6285
Experian 1-888-397-3742
Trans Union 1-800-680-7289

Social Security Fraud Line = 1-800-269-0271

That's all for today.

N7OZH
===