Weather Net:
- A core group of net control stations was selected. These stations are:
KC9GFM
KB9LXZ
W9AU
KI4BUN
WB9KQF
W9KXP
WB9YIG
KE9YK
WB9QVR
- These stations will also be responsible for reviewing and updating existing weather net documentation (SOPs) and then publishing that info into the Em
Comm group on Yahoo.
- Stations should monitor the designated frequency (146.79 or 147.15 are generally accepted for this purpose) whenever conditions may favor adverse weather.
- Any station can start a standby net (usually to coincide with an NWS ‘watch’ condition).
- The NCS will take check ins and request that spotters go to predetermined locations. The locations will be determined through participant suggestions and
input from the NWS.
- Upon receipt of a warning the net should move to ‘active’ mode.
- The NCS should broadcast the net status and reporting criteria every 15 minutes or so.
- Participants should be advised to report only weather phenomena that meet NWS reporting criteria.
- The NCS should ask for reports from participants as time permits both as a safety check and to gain a better overall sense of the situation.
- The group should reach a consensus regarding maps to be used and mark them with spotter locations, predetermined locations, etc. These maps will be
stored in the files section of the Em Comm group on Yahoo along with SOPs.
- Net participants will be asked to retrieve documentation from the files section of the Em Comm group and make hard copies of those documents.
- Upon starting a net the NCS will solicit a backup NCS and designate an NWS liaison and logger as well as area liaisons to contact appropriate
upstream/downstream spotters as needed.
- The NWS should contact the Vanderburgh County EMA in situations when contact with local hams is required.
- A callout list will be provided to the EMA.
- Typically the NWS liaison should be located at the EMA if at all possible
- WFIE should be utilized during weather nets. An additional operator should be located at WFIE and act as a liaison with on-air personnel.
- All participants should obtain a S.A.M.E.- capable weather receiver.
- Weather alerts are available via the 443.400 repeater
- Mike W9KXP will look into building a S.A.M.E. received/decoder that could be used to link into the repeater such that no additional repeater hardware is
required.
EMA Liaison:
- Kyle KC9GFM will act as a liaison with the EMA. This role may also include RACES leadership.
- CERT training for hams will soon be provided by the EMA.
RACES:
- Dual membership in RACES and ARES is encouraged.
- A RACES director for the area must be chosen.
ARES:
- - Everyone in the group is encouraged to become a member.
Drills:
- Chris KI4BUN suggested conducting a weather net drill very soon. A proposal to hold one on Saturday March 19 was made.
- Chris KI4BUN accepted the task of developing a disaster drill.
Capabilities Database:
- Bob N9XAW will update the TARS survey form to include fields for ARES/RACES membership along with technical capabilities
- Each participant will fill out a questionnaire and submit it for compilation into the database.
- The database will be published in the files section of the Em Comm group on Yahoo.
- The file will be password protected in some manner so that the information in the database will not be publicly available.
Capabilities:
- Terry WB9KQF and Kyle KC9GFM are developing portable SSTV stations
- Terry WB9KQF, Kyle KC9GFM, Bob N9XAW and Brian WB9QVR are developing packet stations and will conduct some tests with that equipment.
Additional Meetings:
- Further Em Comm meetings should be held on a regular basis.
The Tri-State Amateur Radio Society has an active civil
emergency preparedness program, organized under the auspices of
the federal Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES). We
work closely with the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Emergency
Management Agency (EMA), and are ready to respond in an official
capacity when authorized by the local EMA Director.
