[KYHAM] KEN TRAINING For May 2005: SUMMER FUN AND PREPAREDNESS

[Ron Dodson]

SUMMER FUN AND PREPAREDNESS

In a few weeks school will be out and many families will hit the road
for vacation trips and other adventures.  Don't forget, Amateur Radio
can fit right in with your plans AND serve to not only entertain, but
can also keep you prepared for danger.

The ARRL has a repeater directory in both print and software formats.
Another great on line resource is the Artsci Amateur Radio Repeaters
Data Base http://www.artscipub.com/repeaters/  . Any or all of these can
be major assets in planning and for setting up your radio before a big
trip.  In fact the KyHam Links page http://www.kyham.net/links.html  is
just loaded with all kinds of links to info on neighboring sections,
clubs and lots of other hobby info.  

Before you hit the road, a fast look at the Ky Roadways Page can keep
you alert for construction and other hazards. http://511.ky.gov/

Severe weather is always a possible threat in the summer time.  If you
are traveling to an area in the state that you are not familiar with,
SkyWarn info is available at http://www.kyham.net/links.html  There is a
great downloadable map and also lists of frequencies in Ky used for
SkyWarn Activity. (If you know of a net not listed, let Pat know
kd4pwl at insightbb.com and he can add it for others to see.) 

Getting outdoors also exposes us to many chemical hazards that we may
need some quick info on, The Household Chemical Database,
http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/ can be a real help.

Let's not forget that there is always a threat of terrorism and other
dangers out there among all the fun and frolics.  Amateur Radio can
summon aid for accidents in places cell phones refuse to work just as
easily as a dipole thrown in a tree can make contacts thousands of miles
away when connected to a battery powered QRP HF rig.

One last thought. Many areas are also having classes this summer in a
new terrorism awareness program called HIGHWAY WATCH
http://www.highwaywatch.com/  . While it was designed originally with
truckers in mind, this program is great for anyone who travels the
roadways.  Amateur radio operators are no exception. If one comes to
your community, you might find it one of the best, FREE, 90 minute
classes you have been to in a while. 

73, 
Ron Dodson, KA4MAP
SEC Ky