[CC-ARES-RACES] Hurrican Irene Readiness Update

[pmtackish at comcast.net]

All; Bill Palmer KE3RE and I attended the Charles County Commissioners Planning and update meeting this morning at 10:30 a.m. This is a list of those things discussed/briefed on at this meeting. 

1. Overview of the current storm track that changed again as of 02:00 this morning. It was noted that the best way to stay on top of the track status, is to stay tuned to the multiple media outlets for ever changing information. It was noted that if there is a best place to be in a storm like this, West of the center is the best.... 

2. A Shelter will open at 06:00 hrs on Saturday August 27, 2011, at Milton Somers Middle School in La Plata. It will be staffed until no longer needed. 

3. The County EOC is partially activated/staffed at Level III. Full activation is expected for 06:00 on Saturday August 27, 2011. Staffing is being planned/designated by the Director of Emergency Services (DES) and Chief of Emergency Management CEM. 

4. Task Force deployment is planned throughout the county at Fire Stations. Emergency and non-emergency issues will be addressed using that concept of strike teams, designated by the area Task Force assignments. Fire/EMS, Law Enforcement, Public Works, Power Company representatives make up these strike teams. 

5. Most east coast jurisdictions have declared States of Emergency. While writing this email, a local county Declaration of State of Emergency was issued at 12:00 p.m. Friday August 26, 2011. 

6. Areas predetermined to become possible trouble areas are as follows: Cobb Island, Benedict, Port Tobacco and Marshall 
Hall. 

7. Regular updates will be generated by the DES and disseminated to those people on a predetermined list. Those will be sent out over our communication links and/or radio as received. Local ham frequencies to use are 443.700 MHz repeater or simplex, 146.525 MHz simplex. 

8. Discussion of "Be Aware/Be Ready", and take care of your home front first! 


I want to thank all of you that have responded to my email asking who is available and how to reach out and touch you. If someone is available to commit to the shelter at 08:00 Saturday morning, please make yourself known. Be prepared to stay for an extended period as once you are there, it might be unsafe to commute anywhere else. Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) has indicated they are ready at the shelter. 

More to follow as the information becomes available. 

73, Stay Safe!!!! 

Paul M. (Mike) Tackish, KA3GRW