[ILHam] CANCELLED: Cook County ARES Net TONIGHT (Wednesday) 25 May 2016, 9:00 PM CT--146.88 MHz

[Neil R. Ormos N9NL]

Dear Cook County ARES® Members and Friends:

In view of the potential for severe weather, there
will be no Cook County ARES Net tonight.  Please
join us next month, on Wednesday 27 July 2016.

Field Day is this coming weekend!

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Some Thoughts on Field Day Safety

=== Weather ===

  * It looks like we're in for a typical hot Field Day this year, with increasing probability of thunderstorms as the weekend progresses.  According to news reports, more than 90 people were killed by lightning in storms in India in just the last couple of days.

  * Be careful and observe the weather. If storms threaten, shut down and move to a safe shelter.

  * Lightning isn't the only risk.  Consider hail, winds, and the risk that temporary structures and antennas can move or fall.

  * Have a plan.  Scout out a safe shelter before you start operating, and be prepared to move there on short notice.

  * Also, keep cool and drink enough water, especially during set-up and tear-down. Don't overdo it. None of us are as young as we used to be.

=== Generators ===

  * Put the generators downwind.

  * Don't refuel while the generator is running.

  * Don't smoke while handing fuel.

=== Cables, Guys, Stakes, Etc. ===

  * Where possible, keep cables off the ground so they don't present trip hazards.

  * Mark cables, guys, stakes, and other hazards with yellow tape or other brightly-colored decorations.

  * Black cables, and the like, that are obvious during the day, become invisible at night.

  * Holes and other ground hazards can be marked with an inverted bucket.

  * Survey your site for hazards on the ground and in the air before beginning work.

  * Keep antennas, towers, masts, etc. far away from power lines.  LOOK UP.

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Have a Fun, Safe Field Day!!!

73

--Neil Ormos N9NL
ARES® District Emergency Coordinator
Amateur Radio Emergency Service
ARES District 4 (Cook, DuPage, Lake Counties)
Email: n9nl /at-sign/ arrl.net