With Field Day coming up this weekend, those ham radio operators who   
   are planning to take part need to KEEP SAFETY FIRST!! Two ham radio   
   operators died in recent weeks with falls from their towers...and one   
   tower death is one death too many.   
      
     Those taking part in Field Day this weekend will need to keep the   
   following items in mind:   
      
   1) Thunderstorms. Towers are one massive lightning rod, and lightning   
   can strike as much as 20 miles from a parent storm. If you have metal   
   tent posts nearby, lightning can arc from the tower to the tent posts,   
   injuring or killing those under it. Have someone keep track of storms   
   with apps (Radarscope or Blitzortung Lightning Tracker), and with   
   bulletins from the National Weather Service via NOAA Weather Radio.   
      
     When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors...preferably to an enclosed hard top   
   vehicle (no convertibles, golf carts, motorcycles), or to a sturdy   
   enclosed building (with walls, plumbing, etc.). However, do not stand   
   near windows, use plumbing (bath, shower, washing dishes, etc.), use   
   corded phones, or touch metal objects, if thunderstorms are outside. A   
   close lightning strike can result in serious injury or death!!   
      
   2) Heat. The metal on the towers, tent poles, etc. will get VERY HOT   
   rather quickly in the summertime sun. Be sure to wear gloves, long   
   sleeves, and long pants, if you plan to be working on them. Otherwise,   
   serious or severe blisters and burns will result.   
      
     Also, stay hydrated, with plenty of NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES. Save the   
   "807 adult beverages" for AFTERWARDS, if you must have them. Not only   
   will alcholic beverages impair your judgment, but it will rock your   
   world in a back way with dehydration. Wear loose weight, light fitting,   
   light colored clothing. Stay OUT of direct sunlight as much as possible.   
      
   3) Insects. Many sprays have high concentrations of DEET to help protect   
   from mosquitoes with the West Nile and Zika virus, as well as from   
   stinging insects such as wasps, bees, hornets, and yellow jackets.   
   However, DEET can melt plastic and cause damage to RF gear.   
      
     So, if you must put on spray, do it away from electronic equipment and   
   plastics, and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards, especially before   
   eating.   
      
   4) Electricity. Make sure things are properly wired and grounded. It   
   only takes 1 to 1 1/2 amps of electricity to send your heart into fatal   
   ventricular fibrilation. Do NOT work with electrical gear, if standing   
   in or near water...and especially if thunderstorms are nearby.   
      
     In short, the loss of a contact during Field Day in the interest of   
   safety is far better, than having someone injured or killed...never mind   
   having equipment destroyed. RF gear can be replaced...lives can't.   
      
   Daryl, WX1DER   
      
   ===   
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    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - wx1der.dyndns.org (1:19/33)