TOday is Thu. Jun. 28, 2012    
       
   SUmmer is here, and with it hurricane and tornado season.   
   WHen these storms strike you preparedness is not optional.  HEre are   
   some things you can do to get ready now.     
      
   Charge those emergency backup batteries and/or service your   
   emergency generator.   
      
   IF not done already fabricate wire antennas for your intended   
   operating frequencies that can be quickly deployed after the storm   
   has passed.  Acquire and/or fabricate temporary supports for these   
   antenna systems.  FOr high frequency work remember that height   
   isn't quite as important.  Lower than the usual optimum height for   
   your band of interest often works better for emergency   
   communications activities as your signal is radiated straight up.    
   THE important thing is to be able to deploy them quickly after the   
   storm has knocked down trees, usual support structures and utility   
   poles.  Get those antennas built and tested now so you'll know what   
   you need and be able to deploy them quickly after the storm has   
   passed.     
      
   IF you live in parts of the world where hurricanes and tropical   
   storms are an issue:   
      
   Get that plywood and other supplies to protect your home now   
   *before* you need it.  everybody else is going to be rushing to the   
   local home improvement imporium when the warning is given, and the   
   materials you need may be in short supply, or already gone by the   
   time you get there.     
      
   IF you plan to evacuate then familiarize yourself with your   
   intended evacuation route, and prepare supplies and personal items   
   you plan to take with you so that you're not scrambling around at   
   the last minute locating them.  KEep a stash of cash in a   
   watertight container along with personal papers you may need.     
      
   IF you would usually shelter in place now's the time to lay in   
   emergency stockpiles of food drinking water and generator fuel.    
   It's still a good idea to keep a stash of actual cash money   
   available in a watertight container.  REmember that stores and   
   businesses might not be able to process credit card transactions,   
   and the friendly ATM down the road won't be in service.     
      
   Make sure responsible family members know where the shut offs are   
   for gas and electricity.  have tools needed to access and operate   
   them nearby.     
      
   Make sure each family member carries on his or her person at all   
   times a list of contact phone numbers that can be accessed to get   
   the family back together if separated during rescue and/or   
   evacuation.  Even the little ones should have such a list.  THose   
   caring for them can always make use of such lists.     
      
   since fire is a danger in all seasons, make sure you and members of   
   your household do seasonal fire drills.  Make sure everybody knows   
   the planned meeting place near your home where all should go so   
   that noses can be counted quickly and fire and rescue personnel   
   told if anybody's missing.     
   WHile planning for this, designate a meeting place outside your   
   neighborhood where everyone should meet, just in case.     
      
   And ... speaking of fire ...   
      
   IN many parts of NOrth America it's fire season again.  AT home   
   this means clear brush and debris away from near your home.   
   THat cache of firewood or brush pile can help spread the fire   
   from nearby forest to your house.   
      
   KEep a sufficient length of hose handy, and watch the sky for fire danger.   
      
   FInally, if you haven't already done so this year, attend a weather   
   spotters' training course.  YEs, even if you attended one last year   
   or the year before, a refresher never hurts.  CHeck with your local   
   weather bureau or see if a local emergency communications group is   
   sponsoring one near you.   
      
   73 de nf5b   
      
      
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    * Origin: RRN BBS: Your fidonet ham radio connection! (1:116/901)