[KYHAM] Update Regarding Lexington/Fayette Co.

[Ron Dodson]

As you all know, I filed a request for an FCC Declaration of
a Voluntary Communications Emergency for the three repeaters
in Fayette County of Area 13 today.  This action was taken
on behalf of the amateurs at work providing emergency
communications there in the wake of an ice storm Sunday
which left over 65,000 homes without power in below freezing
temperatures.  This was granted in 2 hours time.  Bob
Stephens of KyEM, our SM John Meyers and Jim Bridgewater of
the FCC Detroit Field Office were all instrumental in
assisting me with this and I express my appreciation for
their help.

At this time, amateur radio is providing a vital link in
communications between their local EOC and; four heat
shelters, road crews removing debris and Ky Utilities power
crews as they try to get the lights back on in the adverse
conditions.  The number of outages are expected to increase
the next day or so as ice falls from trees and they
straighten impacting yet more power lines and homes, so the
work is far from over. 

My highest commendation goes out to all the amateurs at work
for over 36 hours now in the area providing these important
links in the chain which will result in a restoration of
their community in the days to come.  I also appreciate
those who only sit and listen or those that have QSY'ed to
other frequencies for their conversations allowing these
amateurs to do their best to assist the Division of
Environmental and Emergency Management officials in this
difficult time.  

Times like these are truly where the rubber meets the road
in using amateur radio for emergency communications.  This,
is why we train, exercise and prepare!

73, 
Ron, KA4MAP 
SEC Ky