TOday is Mon. Sep. 27, 2010    
       
   For those of us in the northern hemisphere we have the usual visit   
   from old man winter to look forward to soon.  WIth him comes   
   the need to utilize those furnaces, space heaters and fireplaces   
   again.  before you think about kicking back in front of that   
   warm fire with your cup of hot cocoa or other liquid and a nice   
   long ragchew with friends on the radio it's a good idea to have   
   a last look at the antennas you use and perform any maintenance   
   you've been putting off all summer while weather permits.   
   Summer, then fall will be gone before you know it.  IF you   
   procrastinate you might wish you hadn't.   
      
   while you're looking at your antenna systems check out those   
   emergency power sources.  CHeck on the health of storage batteries;   
   generators, etc.  They're sure easier to service when the   
   weather is warm than during that ice storm.   
      
   WHen doing the service work on your antenna systems and other   
   chores requiring you to climb remember your climbing safety   
   rules.  THat extension ladder you use to reach the roof should   
   provide you a handhold from the top rung when stepping off onto the roof.   
   YOur ladder should be placed so that it's at an angle of about 76   
   degrees at the base.  THis ratio should place the ladder base   
   1 foot from the wall for every four feet of rise.  TO check   
   this, place your ladder in its intended location.  STand with   
   your toes against the base of the ladder. YOur armshould be level   
   when stretched out with your hand resting on the rungthat is   
   at shoulder height.   
      
   WHen placing that ladder, always look up first!  YOu don't want   
   to come in contact with overhead power lines with it.   
      
   After doing all this preparatory work to get ready for old   
   man winter's upcoming visit check out your fire extinguishers   
   and run everyone in your home through another fire drill.   
   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.     
      
   DOn't forget your vehicle!  Make sure that tires are adequate for   
   the snow and ice.  Make sure you have a shovel and some gritty   
   substance such as sand or cat litter available to help you get   
   some traction on ice.  Carry blankets and other gear to keep   
   you warm if stranded in your vehicle, as well as signal flags   
   and flares.  Make sure your mobile comms systems are ready as well.   
      
   73 de nf5b   
      
      
   ---   
    * Origin: RRN BBS: Your fidonet ham radio connection! (1:116/901)