Blount County Amateur Radio Club
Emergency Training Net

Amateur Radio Emergency Service, ARES® consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes. Every licensed amateur, regardless of membership in ARRL or any other local or national organization is eligible for membership in the ARES®. The only qualification, other than possession of an Amateur Radio license, is a sincere desire to serve. Because ARES is an amateur service, only amateurs are eligible for membership. The possession of emergency powered equipment is desirable, but is not a requirement for membership.
The Alabama Amateur Radio Emergency Service is located at this website: Alabama Amateur Radio Emergency Service
Amateur radio operators interested in emergency communications please register your contact information, training received, capabilities, and emergency experience.” The database is located at: ARES® Online Database and Registration
Click Here to view the State of Alabama, Emergency Operations Plan, of the Alabama Emergency Management Agency
Click Here to download the Alabama Section Emergency Communication Plan in PDF format
Click Here download the Alabama Section Emergency Communication Plan in Microsoft Word format.
Click Here for a copy of the Net Control Station Emergency Training Net Script
Click Here for a copy of the Blount County Amatuer Radio Club Sunday Evening Net Control Station Script
Click Here for a copy of the LOG Sheet for the Sunday Evening Net
Click Here for a list of the BCARC Net Control Station Operators for both the Tuesday Training Net and the Sunday Evening Net

Severe Weather Awareness Week Severe Weather Awareness Week:
Click on a Session to go directly to that page:
Session I: Basic Emergency Communications:
Session II: The Do's and Don'ts of Storm Spotting
Session III: The Radiogram
Session IV: Radiogram Training Continued
Session V: Severe Weather Reports Over the Radio
Session VI: Spotter Safety: Your Number One Priority
Session VII: Passing Third Party Traffic
Session VIII: Hail and Floold Reports
Session IX: Preparing for Emergency Operations


Net Session I: 01/22/08

Basic Emergency Communications

 
Listening
 
Microphone Techniques

 

Brevity and Clarity


 

Plain Language

 

Phonetics

·         ITU Phonetic Alphabet (Alpha through Zulu)

·         Numbers are always pronounced individually. The number “60” is spoken as “six zero”, not “sixty”.

 

Pro-words

Pro is short for procedure. They are used to save time and ensure that everyone understands precisely what is being said. Some pro-words are used in general communication, others while sending and receiving formal messages (traffic).  

Voice            Meaning and Function                                                                   
Clear 
End of contact.
Over
 Used to let a specific station know to respond
Go ahead    
Used to indicate that any station may respond
Out
 Leaving the air, will not be listening
Stand by
 A temporary interruption of the contact Please wait
Roger
 Indicates that a transmission has been received correctly and in full

Tactical Call Signs

 
Station Identification

The easiest way to meet FCC station identification requirements during a net is to give your call sign as you complete each exchange. Most exchanges will be far shorter than ten minutes. This serves two important functions:

  1. It tells the NCS that you consider the exchange complete (and saves time and extra words)
  2. It fulfills all FCC identification requirements.          
    3.
 Completing a Call

·        After the message has been sent, you would complete the call from Aid 3 by saying “Aid 3, (your call sign)”.

·        If the Net Control Station believes the exchange is complete, and Aid had forgotten to identify then the NCS should say. “Aid 3, do you have further traffic?” At that point, Aid 3 should either continue with the traffic, or “clear” by identify as previously mentioned.

 
Review of Habits to Avoid During Events

Net Session II: 01/29/08
The Do’s and Don’ts of Storm Spotting
Weather Spotting

Tornado—A violently rotating column of air attached to a thunderstorm in contact with the ground.


DO's
 DON'Ts
Tornado
 Rain
Funnel Cloud
 Wind
Wall Cloud
 Thunder
Or Rotating Wall Cloud
 Nothing is happening here!
Windspeeds of 58+ MPH
 I saw ____ on televesion and he said.
Hail Larger than 3/4"
Marble sized hail...(Many sizes for marbles)
Any arcing or downed power lines
 Just lightning
Any weather related damage
Flash Flooding

Watch — Conditions are favorable for the severe weather event in or near the watch area. Watches are issued for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and flash floods.

Warning — The severe weather event is imminent or occurring in the warned area. Warnings are issued for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flash floods, and river flooding.

 Flash Flood — A rapid rise in water, usually within 12 hours of a period of heavy rain or other causative agent (i.e., dam break).

Funnel Cloud — A rotating, funnel-shaped cloud extending downward from a thunderstorm base.

Severe Thunderstorm — A storm that produces hail 3/4 inch in diameter or larger and/or wind gusts of 58 mph or more.

National Weather Service Birmingham storm reporting hotline (leave report on voice mail)
1-800-856-0758

Net Session III: 02/05/08
The Radiogram

You will need the radiogram in front of you to participate in next few week's training.
Please download the radiogram from one of the following formats:
For PDF Format click here then save a copy to your computer or print.
For TEXT Format click here then save a copy to your computer or print.

Over the next several weeks we will be discussing traffic and the radiogram on the emergency training net. On Tuesday, February 5, the emergency training net will look at the mysterious radiogram. Please have the radiogram readily available so we can discuss it in detail.  A radiogram is a simple, standard format used for passing messages on various nets, and is required for all messages sent through the National Traffic System (N.T.S.).  If you can remember your name, and call sign, know what you want to say, and who you want to send it to, you are already 75% done with this form. There is no mysticism or rocket science involved. Most of the time radiograms are passed on traffic nets, but they can be passed in any transmission mode on any frequency you are authorized to operate. In a disaster the radiogram, form ICS-213, or a similar format would be used to pass health and welfare traffic. After checking-in on Tuesday, February 5, have the radiogram in front of you so we can discuss it in detail. After explaining the preamble and some basics of the radiogram we will open the net up for discussion and questions. I encourage you to discuss the radiogram and ask questions. I look forward to hearing everyone on the 146.700 repeater Tuesday evening at 7 P.M. for the emergency training net. Remember the Pl tone is removed for the emergency training net.

73,
Ken - AB4WL

Net Session IV: 02/12/08
Radiogram Training Continued

You will still need the radiogram in front of you to participate in next few week's training.
If you don't have a radiogram go back to session-III and download or print one.
Here is a link for Radiogram Information
Radiogram Information


Here is a link for some of the material we are covering during the radiogram training:
National Traffic System Training Manual

Net Session V: 02/19/08
Severe Weather Reports Over the Radio

Accurate and timely spotter reports are critical to your local community and to the National Weather Service

When reporting weather during a net there are a few basics to remember…

Use proper Microphone Techniques
Key the microphone and give your call sign. Don’t key to say “this is” then un-key the microphone. Then key back up to say “this is” and your call sign. This waste valuable time. In an emergency time is of the essence. Once you give your callsign wait until the NCS acknowledges you before giving your report. Once the NCS acknowledges you give your report.

Brief and Clear
Be brief and clear when giving your report and call sign. By giving your callsign at the end of your report you are clearing the net.

Give report and clear out of the net.

Use Plain Language
Do not use slang or jargon known only to hams. Other agencies such as the EMA will be involved in an actual emergency and may not know what you are talking about.

Giving a weather report over the radio

When making a report, you should include the following information:

(1) If you are giving a report via another means besides amateur radio. For example, calling the NWS storm reporting hotline. Identify WHO you are, and the name of your spotter group.

(2) WHERE the event is occurring. Reports are used from other nearby spotters to triangulate and pinpoint the event’s location.

(3) WHAT you have seen (the severe weather event).

(4) MOVEMENT of the event. When estimating movement, don’t use the motion of small cloud elements for estimation. Instead, observe the storms as a whole for estimates of motion.

Report Hail Larger than 3/4"
Hail Size Estimates Inches
Pea ...........................0. 25
Penny ...................... 0.75
Quarter.................... 1.00
Half Dollar.............. 1.25
Golf ball .................. 1.75
Tennis Ball ............... 2.50
Baseball.................... 2.75
Grapefruit................. 4.00

Wind Speed Estimates
Speed (MPH) Effects
25-31 Large branches in motion; whistling in telephone wires
32-38 Whole trees in motion
39-54 Twigs break off of trees; wind impedes walking
ONLY Report Windspeeds of 58 MPH or greater
55-72 Damage to chimneys and TV antennas; pushes over shallow rooted trees
73-112 Peels surface off roofs; windows broken; trailer houses overturned
113+ Roofs torn off houses; weak buildings and trailer houses destroyed; large trees uprooted

How to Estimate Wind Speed
Beauford Chart

19 - 24 mph - Small leafy trees sway and small waves will form on ponds and lakes, flags whip.
25 - 31 mph - 4 inch & larger branches moving, telephone, power wires and chain link fences whistle.
32 - 38 mph - Large whole trees in motion, becomes hard to walk totally upright against the wind. Shingles begin to lift.
39 - 46 mph - Green twigs begin to break off. You have to lean into the wind when you walk. Shingles flap violently.
47 - 54 mph - 3 inch or larger green branches break. Chimneys and shingles begin to tear off. TV antenna masts bend and antennas are destroyed.
55 - 63 mph - Trees begin to uproot. Structural damage starts getting serious. Large sections of roofs and roofing tear off and fly. Patio roofs and awnings destroyed. Some Mobile Homes begin to suffer damage. Walking is nearly impossible.br> 64 - 72 mph - Structural damage widespread and major. Mobile home skins peel. Entire roofs blow off and windows blow in. Mobile homes displaced. Cement block parapets begin to collapse.

These are example reports for training purposes. Most of the example reports except the damage reports are real time. Real time means you are currently witnessing the event.

Examples:

1 inch hail 1 mile north of Blountsville

1 inch hail downtown Blountsville
1 inch hail 2 miles south of Snead
1 inch hail at 7:22 at the intersection of U.S. HWY 231 and U.S. HWY 278 4 miles north of Blountsville
Note: The time was five minutes ago.

Trees down across U.S. 231 1 mile North of Oneonta blocking both lanes

Power lines down across U.S. HWY 231 1 mile North of Oneonta

Roof blown from home 1502 U.S. HWY 231 5 miles North of Oneonta

Wall Cloud U.S. HWY 231 3 miles North of Oneonta moving Northeast

Rotating Wall Cloud U.S. HWY 231 4 miles North of Oneonta moving Northeast

Do not report rotation unless you see rotation.

Funnel Cloud U.S. HWY 231 5 Miles North of Oneonta moving Northeast

Each day this week during Severe Weather Awareness Week in Alabama focuses on a specific type of severe weather or on the warning and drill system.

Today the NWS was focusing on lighting:
Lightning Safety
All thunderstorms produce lightning, and people are killed and injured each year by lightning. Storm spotters may put themselves at risk from lightning by being in the open, being on a hill or high spot (for better visibility), parking or standing next to metal fences or underneath power lines, standing close to camera tripods or using radio equipment attached to an antenna.

Remember that lightning typically provides no warning; the first strike that you see may be the last. Follow these basic lightning safety guidelines:

Avoid being the tallest object, and stay away from other tall objects (like trees, power poles and lines)

Don't stand close to fences or power poles and lines. Even though you may not be in an area of frequent lightning, lightning can travel a considerable distance along these pathways.

You should not wait for some type of warning (hair standing on end, sounds on AM or other radio equipment, etc) before taking shelter from lightning; the first strike from a storm could be the one that gets you. Treat lightning with respect and stay in a protected location when lightning is in the area.

Stay away from doors and windows. Avoid using electrical appliances and stay away from plumbing fixtures, as these can be pathways for lightning to enter a building. Stay off the telephone, especially corded phones, as much as possible.

Severe Weather Awareness Week in Alabama
Sunday, February 17th though Friday, February 22nd has been proclaimed Severe Weather Awareness Week in Alabama by Governor Riley. During this special week, Alabamians are encouraged to learn and/or review the proper safety precautions necessary for protecting their lives during severe weather. Your National Weather Service, the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, and other supporting organizations, ask your help in providing your friends and neighbors with information about severe weather safety. Already we have seen too many tragic deaths and injuries in February, so take time now to prepare in advance and become aware of what Spring 2008 may hold. Educational activities and drills will be held throughout the week to help people prevent injuries and deaths from tornadoes, damaging winds, flash floods, lightning, and hail. Each day of the week focuses on a specific type of severe weather or on the warning and drill system.

Monday February 18 Severe Thunderstorms Damaging winds from severe thunderstorms are much more frequent than tornadoes in the Tennessee Valley. These straight line winds can exceed 100 MPH and can be devastating.

Tuesday February 19 Lightning Lightning is the underrated killer. All thunderstorms have lightning, and this hazard can be deceptively deadly.

Wednesday February 20 Tornado Safety The best way to survive a tornado is to know weather safety rules and take appropriate and timely actions. Tornado drills will be conducted both in Tennessee and Alabama on Wednesday. The National Weather Service in Birmingham will issue its routine weekly test via NOAA Weather Radio at 10:00 A.M. Schools and state, county, and other interested agencies are encouraged to participate and help everyone learn life saving rules. Friday will be the alternate drill day if adverse weather is expected on Wednesday.

Thursday February 21 Flooding and Flash Flooding Flooding is the number one weather killer in the United States. Flash flooding is a fast-moving event that can catch you quickly before you realize it. River flooding is a longer-duration event that can cause more widespread destruction.

Friday February 22 NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio and Emergency Alert System Day NWR is the voice of the National Weather Service, and is your fastest way to receive warnings in case of severe weather. During hazardous weather, normal broadcasts are interrupted for watches, warnings, and other important information, and many warnings are tone-alerted.


2008 Severe Weather Awareness Week Booklet

There is also additional Severe Weather Awareness Week information on the Alabama EMA page: ema.alabama.gov

Net Session VI: 02/26/08
Spotter Safety: Your Number One Priority

Accurate and timely spotter reports are critical to your local community and to the National Weather Service. However, your first priority as a storm spotter is to STAY SAFE! Severe storms present a number of hazards, any of which could lead to injury or death if you're not extremely careful.

Depending on whether you are spotting from your vehicle or from a fixed location (like a home or business), there are hazards you need to be aware of and plan for when you're observing storms.

Mobile Spotter Safety Concerns

Mobile spotters are those who observe storms from their vehicle or from a position other than their home or business. In many communities, spotters have assigned observation locations; when spotters are activated, they go to their designated spot, and observe and report weather conditions. Some mobile spotters stay mobile during the storm and attempt to move along with the storm to maintain a view of the “action area” and report any changes as the storm progresses.

NOTE: The National Weather Service does not condone, endorse or recommend storm chasing. It is a dangerous practice and should not be attempted.

As a mobile spotter, there are important safety considerations you should think about. The following is a partial list of the hazards you may face as a mobile spotter:

Being on the Road

Even on a sunny day with no storms, driving a vehicle on a public roadway can be dangerous. When you add storms with heavy rain, gusty winds, hail, and blowing dust the danger increases dramatically. To stay safe as a mobile spotter, keep these things in mind:

Always spot with a partner: This allows the driver to focus on the road while the passenger watches the sky. This also provides an extra set of eyes to keep an eye on rapidly changing situations.

Watch for water on the road: Hydroplaning is a serious threat for drivers, and it doesn't take much rain to cause roads to become slick and hazardous.

Obey traffic laws: Speeding, parking too close to the edge of the road and making sudden turns and stops on unfamiliar roads all spell trouble.

Watch out for the other guy: Be extra careful when stopping to view a storm, making sure to pull completely off roadways and keeping an eye out for traffic, even in places where you would never expect to see traffic.

Make sure your vehicle is ready for action: A well-maintained vehicle with a full tank of gas is crucial for a mobile spotter’s safety and success.Make sure your vehicle is ready for action: A well-maintained vehicle with a full tank of gas is crucial for a mobile spotter’s safety and success. Lightning

All thunderstorms produce lightning, and people are killed and injured each year by lightning. Storm spotters may put themselves at risk from lightning by being in the open, being on a hill or high spot (for better visibility), parking or standing next to metal fences or underneath power lines, standing close to camera tripods or using radio equipment attached to antennae.

Remember that lightning typically provides no warning; the first strike that you see may be the last. Follow these basic lightning safety guidelines:

Avoid being the tallest object, and stay away from other tall objects (like trees, power pole/lines)

Don't stand close to fences or power poles/lines. Even though you may not be in an area of frequent lightning, lightning can travel a considerable distance along these pathways.

As mentioned before, you should not wait for some type of warning (hair standing on end, sounds on AM or other radio equipment, etc) before taking shelter from lightning; the first strike from a storm could be the one that gets you. Treat lightning with respect and stay in a protected area when lightning is in the area.

CPR training is an excellent idea for all mobile storm spotters. Remember that a person struck by lightning carries no residual charge and CPR could save a life.

The Storm

If a mobile storm spotter is well trained, experienced and knowledgeable about severe storm structure and behavior, they can usually avoid becoming a victim of the storm itself. However, the environment in and near a severe storm can change dramatically in a short period of time, and these changes can catch you by surprise. These basic tips can help you stay safe:

Avoid the most intense areas of storms: This seems obvious, but each year spotters, for one reason or another, make decisions that place them in the core of a dangerous storm. Storm chasers call this “core-punching” and it’s a very dangerous practice for a number of reasons. First, you may drive into very large hail, which can damage your vehicle and injure you. Second, you could drive right into the path of a tornado with very little time to react. And finally, the core of the storm is a dangerous place with low visibility, heavy rain, and violent winds.

Keep your head on a swivel : When observing a storm, it is easy to lose focus and become fixated on some feature you're watching. You should maintain awareness of what’s going on all around you and always be mindful of a surprise event. This points-out the importance of spotting with a partner, who can be an extra set of eyes and ears to help you stay safe.

ALWAYS have an escape route in mind: Mobile spotters should always plan an emergency escape route that will take them out of harm’s way should the storm change direction or otherwise threaten them. Determining that escape route requires a great deal of knowledge about the storm’s movement and behavior. A detailed set of current maps of your spotting area is a critical part of a mobile spotter’s toolbox, but be mindful of the fact that roads sometimes change before maps do, and they may not reflect reality in every case.

Never drive into areas where water covers the road: This is especially true when you cannot be certain how deep the water is. Many people die each year by driving into flooded areas and drowning in their vehicles. Find another safer route.

Keep your engine running: Especially when operating close to a severe storm. You do not want to find out about a vehicle problem as a violent storm bears down on you.

Be extra cautious at night: Obviously, it is more dangerous to deal with something you cannot clearly see. Storms at night present special problems for spotters and you should be extremely cautious when observing storms after dark.

Fixed Spotter Safety Concerns

When it comes to being safe, storm spotters who observe storms from a fixed location have some advantages, but also some disadvantages as compared to mobile spotters. Fixed spotters may have access to shelter and will not be exposed to the elements and all the hazards that mobile spotters face. However, there are instances when mobile spotters might be able to get out of the path of a dangerous storm, while fixed spotters cannot.

Fixed spotters should be mindful of all the hazards a severe storm can bring, including lightning, large damaging hail, violent straight-line winds, torrential rains and tornadoes. And just like everyone, fixed spotters should have a severe weather safety plan for wherever they are located. Remember these basic safety guidelines:

Tornado safety: Get underground or into a safe room or basement if possible. If none of these are available, get on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, putting as many walls between you and the outside as possible. Avoid windows, doors and outside walls. Cover your head and body to protect yourself from deadly flying debris. Mobile homes and vehicles should be abandoned for more substantial shelter.

Lightning safety: Stay away from doors and windows. Avoid using electrical appliances and stay away from plumbing fixtures, as these can be pathways for lightning to enter a building. Stay off the telephone, especially corded phones, as much as possible.

Hail and wind safety: Severe thunderstorms can produce destructive hail and damaging winds, even without a tornado. Follow the tornado safety rules, especially when a storm contains very large hail and/or violent winds.

Net Session VII: 03/11/08
Passing Third Party Traffic

The National Traffic System consists of ARRL affiliated and independent amateur radio networks ('nets') which pass non-commercial messages on behalf of “third parties” as a public service.

Third Party Traffic

Two-way radio communications where more than two licensed amateurs talk together are called third party traffic. A third party, whether a licensed amateur or not, may talk to anyone in the U.S. under the supervision of a ham who is then called the control operator. These rules come into play when third parties talk to hams in other countries. If a ham is conversing with a ham in another country, your non-ham friend that might be present can talk on the radio if the U.S. has a third-party agreement with the other country.

Originating Third Party Message Traffic

Special care is required when preparing written third party message traffic for transmission over the amateur NTS traffic networks. What is third party traffic?
The generally accepted definition is "written or voice traffic between the control operator of one amateur station (first party) and the control operator of another amateur station (second party) on behalf of another person (third party)”. Usually it amounts to short written noncommercial messages between people who are not necessarily amateur radio operators".

Out of State or Country

  • Pass it to an NTS Net that you have the privileges for
  • Pass your traffic to the Local Liaison via repeater or telephone
  • If the message is going out of the Country, check to ensure that the U.S. has a third party agreement with the country it is going to. If not sure, check with your Emergency Coordinator or your local Net liaison.

    Handling of Out-of-U.S. (Country) Traffic

    Remember to verify that the U.S. and the receiving country have a Third Party Agreement. A Third Party Agreement means that the U.S. and the other country have a legal agreement allowing U.S. Amateurs to pass traffic into that country.
    If you want to by-pass local or state nets and originate a message on international nets, traffic can be passed on nets on 15 and 20 meters.

    • International Third Party Traffic

    ARRL Regulatory Information Branch • International Operating

    International Third-Party Traffic -- Proceed With Caution

    Occasionally, DX stations may ask you to pass a third-party message to a friend or relative in the States. This is all right as long as the U.S. has signed an official third-party traffic agreement with that particular country, or the third party is a licensed amateur. The traffic must be noncommercial and of a personal, unimportant nature. During an emergency, the U.S. State Department will often work out a special temporary agreement with the country involved. But in normal times, never handle traffic without first making sure it is legally permitted.

    U.S. Amateurs May Handle Third-Party Traffic With:

    V2

    Antigua/Barbuda

    LO-LW

    Argentina

    VK

    Australia

    V3

    Belize

    CP

    Bolivia

    T9

    Bosnia-Herzegovina

    PP-PY

    Brazil

    VE, VO, VY

    Canada

    CA-CE

    Chile

    HJ-HK

    Colombia

    D6

    Comoros (Federal Islamic Republic of)

    TI, TE

    Costa Rica

    CM, CO

    Cuba

    HI

    Dominican Republic

    J7

    Dominica

    HC-HD

    Ecuador

    YS

    El Salvador

    C5

    Gambia, The

    9G

    Ghana

    J3

    Grenada

    TG

    Guatemala

    8R

    Guyana

    HH

    Haiti

    HQ-HR

    Honduras

    4X, 4Z

    Israel

    6Y

    Jamaica

    JY

    Jordan

    EL

    Liberia

    V7

    Marshall Islands

    XA-XI

    Mexico

    V6

    Micronesia, Federated States of

    YN

    Nicaragua

    HO-HP

    Panama

    ZP

    Paraguay

    OA-OC

    Peru

    DU-DZ

    Philippines

    VR6

    Pitcairn Island*

    V4

    St. Kitts/Nevis

    J6

    St. Lucia

    J8

    St. Vincent and the Grenadines

    9L

    Sierra Leone

    ZR-ZU

    South Africa

    3DA

    Swaziland

    9Y-9Z

    Trinidad/Tobago

    TA-TC

    Turkey

    GB

    United Kingdom

    CV-CX

    Uruguay

    YV-YY

    Venezuela

    4U1ITU

    ITU - Geneva

    4U1VIC

    VIC - Vienna

    Notes:

    * Since 1970, there has been an informal agreement between the United Kingdom and the U.S., permitting Pitcairn and U.S. amateurs to exchange messages concerning medical emergencies, urgent need for equipment or supplies, and private or personal matters of island residents.

    U.S. licensed amateurs may operate in the following U.S. territories under their FCC license:

    The Northern Marianas Islands, Guam, Johnston Island, Midway Island, Kure Island, American Samoa, Wake Island, Wilkes Island, Peale Island, The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

    Please note that the Region 2 Division of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) has recommended that international traffic on the 20 and 15-meter bands be conducted on the following frequencies:

    14.100-14.150 MHz
    14.250-14.350 MHz
    21.150-21.200 MHz
    21.300-21.450 MHz

    The IARU is the alliance of Amateur Radio societies from around the world; Region 2 comprises member-societies in North, South and Central America, and the Caribbean.

    Note: At the end of an exchange of third-party traffic with a station located in a foreign country, an FCC-licensed amateur must transmit the call sign of the foreign station as well as his own call sign.

    Net Session VIII: 03/18/08
    Hail and Flood Reports

    Important Reminders When Giving Weather Reports
          1.   Give call sign, report of significant weather event, and location.
          2.   Speak slowly and clearly.

    Anytime when using a repeater always pause between transmissions to allow others to jump in if needed.

    Hail

    The EMA/NWS is only interested in hail reports of dime size or larger. Do not give hail reports when you see mothball (1/2 inch in diameter) size or smaller.
    Hail Size     Description
    0.25 inch      Pea Size
    0.50 inch      Mothball Size
    0.75 inch      (Severe Criteria) Dime/Penny Size  
    0.88 inch      Nickel Size
    1.00 inch      Quarter Size
    1.25 inch      Half Dollar Size
    1.50 inch      Walnut or Ping Pong Ball Size
    1.75 inch      Golf Ball Size
    2.00 inch      Hen Egg Size
    2.50 inch      Tennis Ball Size
    2.75 inch      Baseball Size
    3.00 inch      Teacup Size
    4.00 inch      Grapefruit Size
    4.50 inch      Softball Sizeb>

    When reporting weather, always give your call and wait for acknowledgment from the NCS. The following is an example of a significant hail weather report when a weather net is up and running:

    “Nickel Size Hail U.S. HWY 231 1 Mile North of Oneonta”

    Flash Flooding
    This week is Flood Awareness Week in Alabama (March 17 – 21, 2008). The National Weather Service’s campaign “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” seeks to bring awareness of the importance of using common sense during weather events that could cause flooding. If you come across a flooded roadway, turn around and go a different direction. The few minutes it takes for you to take a different route could save your life.

  • If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Stay away from flood-prone areas, including dips, low spots, valleys, ditches, washes, etc.
  • Avoid flooded areas or those with rapid water flow. Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream. It takes only six inches of fast flowing water to sweep you off your feet.
  • Flooded roads could have significant damage hidden by floodwaters. NEVER drive through floodwaters or on flooded roads. If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Water only two feet deep can float away most automobiles.
  • Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.


    To give a flash flood report you would follow the same procedure as other significant weather events by identifying with your call sign, describe the flooding, and give the location. For example: Graves Creek is covering the bridge at Mardis Mill Road just east of Alabama HWY 79 approximately 3 miles south of Blountsville.

    • Net Session IX: 03/25/08
    Preparing for Emergency Operations


    Introduction -
    We've spent a lot of time learning how to conduct network operations; prepare messages and relay them; and participate in emergency communications operations. Today we'll turn our attention to some things we can do to ensure we're prepared to operate during emergencies. In today's world we face both natural and man-made disasters. It is important for us to be ready to mobilize our communications support efforts on a moment's notice and operate at peak efficiency; there is no time to learn procedures and prepare ourselves and our stations once the alert notification is issued.

    Natural Disasters –
    Here in the Southeast, we face the potential of many different types of natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, snow and ice storms and potential earthquakes along the New Madrid fault line, there is ample opportunity for natural disasters that may impact you and require your volunteer support with emergency communications.

    Man-made Disasters -
    The more difficult events to prepare for are accidents and hazardous situations as they are unpredictable and can happen anywhere and at any time. Significant accidental spillage of hazardous materials, the release of radioactivity, and terrorist events may provide the most significant challenges to our disaster response agencies and personnel.

    What Can We Do? -
    Measures we take now to ensure we're prepared to conduct continuous emergency communications support can be broken down into two categories. First, you need to ensure your station is prepared; radios, antennas, computers and station equipment have to be functional.
    Second, we personally, including our families, must be ready to survive in an emergency and do so possibly over an extended period of time.

    Station Preparations -
  • Prepare your property to minimize danger and damage. There are many references you can find that will help you prepare your residence depending on the situations you may face.
  • Emergency power generation. We can't always count on commercial utility companies to maintain power distribution. Having a secondary power source available to operate your station for extended periods of time come in different forms--Whole house generators normally provide power to those circuits critical for survival. You should ensure you have sufficient capacity to meet both your survival needs and allow you to operate your radio station and equipment simultaneously.
  • Portable generators have smaller capacities and may power your station equipment or survival circuits but not at the same time.
  • Generators large or small use gasoline, diesel or natural gas or propane as their primary fuel source. How will you store your fuel supplies?
  • Off grid power sources such as wind power, batteries and solar energy are good candidates for making you self-sufficient, however capacities of smaller systems may limit your operation.
  • Do you have sufficient power to run your computer? Our digital traffic handling circuits today are almost totally dependent on the use of personal computers. Laptop computers are a good choice for emergency operations since they require minimal power and can be powered and recharged by emergency power sources for extended use.
  • Is your radio equipment operating properly? Do you have a spare radio, critical spare parts, operating manuals, etc?
  • Do you have a list of emergency management telephone numbers?
  • Do you have emergency equipment available? Such as flashlights and lanterns, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, chemical light sticks instead of candles.

    Personal Preparations -
    The safety of you and your family is paramount. Operating from the heart of a disaster area may not be possible if your home and station are seriously impacted. Other amateur operators in the surrounding, less impacted areas, may be called upon to provide required communications support.
    Nothing you do in Amateur Radio is worth the loss of life or limb of you or your loved ones.
  • Develop your plan for what you'll do in preparation for, during and after an event; a good planning horizon is tobe prepared to be self-sufficient for two-weeks if possible. Don't forget your pets.
  • Develop a list of "must-have" supplies, including any medications you or your family may need.
  • Know evacuation routes.
  • Food and water; do you have sufficient foodstuffs that do not require refrigeration? Do you know how to sterilize water if you need to? To sterilize water; boil water for 3-5 minutes; or add 12 drops of 2% tincture of iodine per gallon or; add 8 drops of household (chlorine) bleach per gallon or; use water purification tablets.


    • Conclusion -
    We've only scratched the surface of this important subject. Our intent here today was to get you thinking about your own preparedness for emergency operations. It's never too soon to get ready and too late once an event occurs---make sure you're ready now!