TOday is Thu. Mar. 31, 2011    
       
   Spring is in the air, or at least in the hearts and minds of those   
   of us residing in the northern hemisphere.  Plans are afoot to   
   service those antennas and support structures as soon as weather   
   permits.  FOr some of us plans are underway to add new antennas and   
   supports as well.     
      
   Cabin fever is also raging.  we're itching to get outside and move   
   about.  THat sky hook needs attention; the fish are biting; flowers   
   will be blooming and many chores and leisure activities await us   
   when weather permits.  IN your excitement to get to these things   
   don't neglect proper safety precautions and procedures.     
      
   FOr the radio op who plans to do some antenna installation and   
   servicing:   
      
   Check out that climbing harness before you climb.  WHile checking   
   it out make sure you have adequate safety ropes and other gear to   
   do the job.     
      
   While planning your antenna servicing and installation plan to   
   include a buddy or two.  Enlisting the aid of another like minded   
   individual will help you work safe.  YOu might return the favor for   
   him as well.    Make sure that you've a hard hat for him to wear if   
   you're working topside and he's on the ground.     
      
   AGain, make sure that haul or safety rope is able to handle the   
   load.  IF you expect it to handle 100 pounds make sure it will   
   handle 300.  THe life you save might be your own, or that of a   
   close friend.  Be sure to check out all ropes and safety equipment   
   before you use it.   
      
   WHen undertaking other outdoor activities in the wild make sure   
   that your portable and/or mobile station is operational.  IF you   
   haven't used that handheld radio get it from the drawer or other   
   hiding place, check out its battery power source, recharge or   
   replace if necessary.     
      
   IF you're venturing into the boondocks make sure your vehicle is   
   equipped with signal flags and flares as well as some rudimentary   
   tools, a jack and a properly inflated spare tire.     
      
   Also remember if venturing out onto the open road or into the back   
   country that old man WInter might not be done yet.  HE might have   
   some life left in him. Carry along some spare blankets, some dry   
   clothing and other winter survival gear, including a shovel.  HE's   
   reached out to get this writer's attention more than once when he   
   was forgotten and spring was in the air.     
      
   FInally, and most important, if venturing to some out of the way   
   place to do some hiking fishing or other wilderness activity don't   
   forget to let a friend or family member know where you plan to be   
   and when you can be expected to reappear in civilization again.    
   Even if taking that spur of the moment trip into the back country   
   on a weekend let someone know where you'll be and when you can   
   be expected to return.  IT might save your life.   
      
   IF your transport is disabled or you're unable to return, stay near   
   your vehicle or campsite.  USe the usual wilderness protocol vhf   
   and uhf frequencies as well as other locally available frequencies   
   to summon aid, and other signaling devices available as well.    
   STaying near your campsite or disabled vehicle allows those   
   searching for you to come to your assistance sooner.  Don't wander,   
   stay put!  IF you prepared adequately staying in place shouldn't   
   present a problem.  STationary targets are easier to hit, and   
   if you're the object of a rescue mission you're the target.   
   USe radios and visual signaling devices to summon help and stay   
   where you are!   
      
      
   ---   
    * Origin: RRN BBS: Your fidonet ham radio connection! (1:116/901)