TOday is Tue. Sep. 27, 2011 
 
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)