[CC-ARES-RACES] Emergency preparedness (Earthquake, Hurricane Irene on it's way)

[Aa3rt at comcast.net]

Hello CCARC, 
  
     By now, yesterday's earthquake is "Old News", however the repercussions are not. As with the La Plata Tornado of almost 10 years ago, cell phone circuits were immediately overloaded and proved not to be a reliable form of communications in an emergency. WTOP is reporting that phone circuits were overloaded for a couple of hours after the event. My own stepson attempted to call from his workplace in Waldorf for at least 2 hours before phone traffic finally subsided enough to allow him to complete his call. 
  
     This should provide a poignant reminder to keep your radio(s) charged and in good working order because you never know when an emergency situation will arise. 
  
     The track of Hurricane Irene is still undetermined but does pose a threat of wind and heavy rain for this coming weekend. Ensure your "GO Kit" is ready and that your own family is prepared in the event of heavy rains, power outages, etc. 
  
     The Harry W. Nice Bridge was closed for some time after the earthquake yesterday to allow for damage inspection. You may also want to review your family's evacuation plans in the event of an extreme emergency. 
  
>From Mike (KA3GRW): 
  
Monthly COMMEX's will resume in September with the first one slated for Tuesday, Sept. 13th at the Charles County EOC on Audie Lane (Off Radio Station Road), not far from our Field Day site. The COMMEX begins at 7:00PM (1900 hours) but you may want to show up a little early to allow time to access the EOC. Contact Mike ( pmtackish at comcast.net ) for further information. 

  
Mike also reminds us that those who are interested in emergency communications are strongly encouraged to take the NIMS (National Incident Management System) courses NIMS 100, 200, 700 & 800. These courses can be found at the FEMA website at: http://www.fema.gov/ 
  
Once you've successfully completed the courses, send Mike a copy of the completion certificate at the email address provided above. 
  
Final note: While we amateur radio operators are well known for providing communications in an emergency, everyone's first priority should be for the safety and well being of your own family. Once those are assured, your response to an emergency situation can be utilized without having to be concerned about your own family's fate. 
  
                                                                                                                                                     73, de AA3RT