TOday is Wed. Jun. 29, 2011 
 
SUmmer is on its way, 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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