[FLARES] Shelter Antennas

[Keith Kotch]

Ron,

We've done that in Seminole County. It took us several years to get it done
however.  It seems that the biggest obstacle was getting them to understand
and accept the fact that WE could do the installation.  All we wanted was
their permission.  We always said we'd provide the materials (antenna,
hardware, polyphasers, grounding and coax).  They agreed fairly early in the
process but "never had the time to put some of their people on the project
or free them up to help us."

The County Emergency Manager bought the antennas and hardware with 2
exceptions.  For 2 special needs shelters, another organization funded them.
We put Dual-band antennas at all shelters. Ringo Rangers at the special
needs shelters and Arrow J-poles at all the others.  Many of us also bought
the Arrow's at the same time for our own use...GREAT antenna!

It took us close to a year once installation finally started.  A team of 3
or 4 went out and installed them and got them working.

Have you involved County Emergency Management in your request?  They'll pull
a little more weight and might help.  What's been the objection on the part
of the School System?  Check to see if there might be any hams in the higher
ranks of the school system...maybe engineering, facilities, plant
maintenance, supervisors, managers, etc. Are you asking the School Board to
fund the project and provide all the labor? How have you gone about
approaching them about this?

Keith, KF4BXT
Seminole ARES/RACES Group, Inc (a non-profit, 502c(3) organization)
....Did that to answer your other email question......





-----Original Message-----
From: flares-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:flares-bounces at mailman.qth.net]
On Behalf Of Ron Wetjen
Sent: Monday, August 01, 2005 10:39 PM
To: Florida ARES/RACES list
Subject: [FLARES] Shelter Antennas

Here in Sarasota County, we've been trying to install permanent antennas 
at our School shelters for some time, but so far our School Board has 
not been receptive to the idea.

I'm looking for some feedback from groups who have been successful in 
getting antennas installed at their school shelters ... and what kind of 
an installation you have.

I want to put together an informational package for the School Board, 
detailing what counties are already doing it and what they are doing.
This might help open the door.

Thanks, Ron

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