09/06/2024

September is National Preparedness Month, and ARRL is working to help radio amateurs have a plan for family resilience. Many hams enjoy public service as part of their operating. Being ready to activate for a served agency through the ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service¨ (ARES¨) involves not only being licensed and trained, but also prepared and equipped.

ARRL Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, suggests that hams and their families have a "go-bag". He says there are a few things to consider: "You need to be able to function while activated, so that means you need a kit for your needs and a kit for your radio needs. If your family is impacted by the situation, they also need to have some gear at the ready."

On the ARRL website, there's an Emergency Prep Kit Checklist[1]. It lists the common items such as food and water for several days, a first aid kit, medications, chargers for your devices and other useful items.

Having a kit for your radio is useful as well. "Go kits will vary based on function and need for the field," said Johnston. "Most kits should include a dual band HT and/or mobile radio with antenna, a power supply and all necessary cables and connectors. Every kit should include note pad or paper of some type as well as pens or pencils. You should have a power source and power cables. If you are working HF then you will need an HF radio and antenna, and if you want digital capabilities, then a computer with software preloaded will be desired."

Other things you may want will include tape and tools, spare batteries, headphones, flashlights of some sort, cell phone chargers, and a multimeter. Other items that won't fit in a bag but may be needed include a generator, a working surface like a small folding table, a chair, and some type of shelter.

Need a bag for your go kit? Consider the ARRL Gray Canvas Backpack[2]. $30.00 in the ARRL Store.


[1] https://home.arrl.org/action/Store/Product-Details/productId/2012007374
[2] https://home.arrl.org/action/Store/Product-Details/productId/133853

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þ Synchronet þ Whiskey Lover's Amateur Radio BBS

Re: National Preparedness Month: Have a Go Kit
By: ARRL de WD1CKS to QST on Fri Sep 06 2024 07:36 pm

I am now 54 years old and I have always felt that we will rely on amature radio operators in the future. I wanted to take the test in the past, but never took the time to learn Mores code which is laziness on my end. When the requiremnt was elinated, I didn't feel I was worthy enough to get a license. For all these years we have had opertors that took the time and effort to pass these classes and learn Morese code to do so. Maybe this is a poor excuse for not obtaining a license, but I do have the up most respect for everone that has learned this precious art. In no way am I a doomsdayer, but I do believe that history repeats itself. We will need these skills in the future in some form or fashion. Thank you to all that have taken the time to learn these skills and to keep the HAM operations alive.

Who knows, I never thought that I would get back into BBSing and here I am. I might just explore HAM radio licensing again. (-:

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þ Synchronet þ MicroBurst II BBS - 30 Years Later!

09/13/2024

September is National Preparedness Month[1]. In coordination with our partners at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service¨ (ARES¨)[2] is producing a series of weekly articles to help radio amateurs and their families stay safe.

See previous stories:

https://www.arrl.org/news/resilience-through-amateur-radio-for-national-prepare dness-monthÿ[3]

https://www.arrl.org/news/national-preparedness-month-have-a-go-kitÿ[4]

For a ham or any other public safety responder, whether paid or volunteer, it is not uncommon to be called out to provide assistance during disasters.ÿ We often do not know when we will be called or exactly what the call will involve. We also do not know how long we may be deployed.ÿ In the last edition, we focused on our go kit and the tools we should have to deploy as an amateur radio volunteer.ÿ But have we made sure our family is prepared for these times, whether we are deployed or will be staying home?

As the theme of this month suggests, ARRL Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, says it comes down to being prepared. "Make a plan with your family and ensure basic supplies are available including water, food and first aid capabilities. Do you have a generator or alternate power capabilities and do your family members know how to use it?ÿ Have a communications plan, including backup communications, with family members and friends," he said.

Johnston says to ensure your family knows where to go if they must evacuate for some reason. Always remember your family and your health and safety should always come first.

"Remember that there may be a time that you are the victim.ÿ There may be a time that you must turn down a request for assistance because you must take care of your family first.ÿ Ask if you can be put in a slot later down the roster to allow time to get your family to safety or have everything settled to ensure your family is cared for before deployment," said Johnston.

ARRL recognizes the tremendous work ham radio volunteers put into serving their communities. "If your mind is not on the mission, you may be putting yourself and others at risk.ÿ Therefore, you should ensure your family's wellbeing before, during and after a major event," Johnston continued.

Learn about how to become an ARES Volunteer on the ARRL website at www.arrl.org/ares[5].ÿ

Learn more about how to keep your family safe at www.ready.gov[6].

ÿ


[1] https://www.ready.gov/september
[2] http://www.arrl.org/ares
[3] https://www.arrl.org/news/resilience-through-amateur-radio-for-national-preparedness-month
[4] https://www.arrl.org/news/national-preparedness-month-have-a-go-kit
[5] http://www.arrl.org/ares
[6] http://www.ready.gov

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þ Synchronet þ Whiskey Lover's Amateur Radio BBS

09/20/2024

As ARRL continues the September series on National Preparedness Month, we turn to a critical element for radio amateurs and especially Amateur Radio Emergency Service¨ (ARES¨) [1]volunteers: their station.ÿ

Many hams have a home station from which we operate on a regular basis.ÿ Is your station set up to operate or have the ability to operate off the grid or on alternate power sources?ÿ There are many ways to set this up to run on battery power and could even be done temporarily if you don't have a permanent battery backup situation.ÿÿ

ARRL Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, says it is easier than ever to have a backup. "With the new batteries out there, and solar technology both improving in quality and decreasing in price, building a resilient station is no longer difficult or expensive," he said.ÿ Johnston encourages ham radio operators to think about powering more than just the radio on an alternate power source.ÿ "Do you have lights that could run off the battery source?ÿ Do you have an alternate power source for your computer?ÿ What about your internet connection?ÿ Is there a backup for it?" he asked.ÿ

Johnston says backup generators are great but sometimes are only fed to certain circuits in your home.ÿ Amateurs should test their ham station to ensure that it is powered by the generator.ÿ If the whole house system does not power the station, a portable generator could be an option. The key is to test the system under blue sky conditions to ensure it works, check for RF noise, and potential power drop.ÿÿ

Having backup antennas is also crucial. "Especially if we are dealing with storms, it may be useful to have alternate antennas on hand, especially for HF and VHF," said Johnston.ÿÿ

SEE PREVIOUS STORIES:

https://www.arrl.org/news/national-preparedness-month-ensuring-family-safety [2]

https://www.arrl.org/news/resilience-through-amateur-radio-for-national-prepare dness-month[3]ÿ

https://www.arrl.org/news/national-preparedness-month-have-a-go-kitÿ[4]


[1] http://www.arrl.org/ares
[2] https://www.arrl.org/news/national-preparedness-month-ensuring-family-safety
[3] https://www.arrl.org/news/resilience-through-amateur-radio-for-national-preparedness-month%C2%A0
[4] https://www.arrl.org/news/national-preparedness-month-have-a-go-kit

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þ Synchronet þ Whiskey Lover's Amateur Radio BBS

09/27/2024

All September, the ARRL¨ Amateur Radio Emergency Service¨ (ARES¨)[1] has been promoting readiness and resilience for National Preparedness Month[2]. As we come to the end of the month, a hurricane is churning in the Gulf of Mexico, with forecasts of up to 20 feet of storm surge expected to impact large portions of Florida.

This underscores the need to be prepared. Even experienced hams and those who have been through many disasters have to continually work on their resilience plans.

While we have discussed some very basic preparedness tips this month, ARRL Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, hopes you will put your skills, equipment, and other resources to use in a group that can make a difference in your community.ÿ "If you have the ability, get plugged into a local ARES group. Using your resources to assist local responder agencies, volunteer groups, public service events, and other areas of need are a prime use of amateur radio," he said.

ARES members will soon great way to practice those skills in controlled situations such as Simulated Emergency Tests or local communications exercises.

On October 5 - 6, Sections will hold a SET, so get involved in your local drill and make a difference in your community through amateur radio.


[1] http://www.arrl.org/ares
[2] http://www.ready.gov/september

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þ Synchronet þ Whiskey Lover's Amateur Radio BBS