[KYHAM] KEN TRAINING For Dec. 1, 2003: Winter Preparedness Issues Part 1

[Ron Dodson]

As the last few days will testify, we are now in the early stages
of winter.  Winter weather can be beautiful to many who enjoy
snow and  a stout nip in the air.  To others it can be a bear. 
It is also hard on our equipment and even the well-being of
humans exposed to the elements for to long  and those unprepared
for it.  This next two weeks, we look at a few areas you need to
evaluate for the safety of yourself, your family and your
equipment.  

While we still have a few good days left to us, go outside and
take a good look at your antenna situation.  Even the best
home-brew and commercial antennas need a little maintenance now
and again to remain at peak performance.  Check for tree branches
that could fall and damage your system in winter storms. 
Physically check your guy lines, antennas and transmission cables
as well as coaxial fittings.  An hour of operation on all bands
you have should tell you if there are any hidden problems
creating reduced outputs and higher SWR's than the norm.  Often
this can be traced to moisture in the feedline or baluns.  To
check this, remove the coax fitting and peel back a few inches of
the jacket.  Any sign of moisture in the braid or dielectric
means the cable has been compromised.  Having a spare dipole and
VHF/UHF antennas and feedline stored away is not a bad idea.

Remember the BIG ice storm in February of 2003?  Those in Area 13
sure do!  Some were out of power for as much as eight days.  And
this is an urban and suburban area we are talking about!  This
opens the issue of emergency power for your equipment for
extended operations as well as means to power or heat your home
for the general well being of all who live there.  I won't take
up the time here to get detailed about these issues, but there is
a lot of good material on these concerns at The Ky Amateur Radio
Web Site's Library page  http://www.qsl.net/kyham/library.html .
Everything can be found here from discussions on generators and
safety to alternate power sources.

On the issue of heating your home� Be careful with space heaters
and other types of portable heat sources.  Carbon monoxide (CO)
is a SILENT KILLER!  CO Detectors are on sale now at reasonable
prices.  If you don't own one and use portable heaters, I suggest
the investment in one. 

If you don't have that family 72 hour (or longer!) preparedness
kit together yet, no time like the present to assemble one!  

Next week we'll look at mobile and portable concerns.

73