[PBARC] Update on West Gulf ARES Net

[WOLF, EARNEST G]

All -

As usual, Dale has done an excellent write up. Consider this as you decide whether to volunteer.

Glenn

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Without HF Ham Radio, there is virtually no communications in the disaster area.  Where are you thinking of going and for how long?  We have Steve Hicks, KC5JVH, at Laurel Ms. with the Baptist Men's feeding unit and they are running out of some supplies and can't find any.  They left yesterday and Steve is coming back next Wednesday, to return to work.

That is the problem with volunteers, they have jobs.  Also, It will take $100 for gas down and back if you can find any gas to get back. Hospitals, Law Enforcement and Emergency managers are using HF Ham Radio 7285 daytime and 3873 night time for their communications, 24/7 for now.  I am net control from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM for the West Gulf ARES Emergency Net, handling only Emergency or Priority Traffic for Miss., Alabama, Louisiana.
We relay the weak stations.

Another problem is, there is not much to talk to in the area.  Most evacuated.  Those that stayed lost antennas and don't have any power.  A few are mobile, very few with generators, most are just not there.  The ARES/RACES folks are at the EOC's where there is power, water, some food, sanitary facilities of sort.  It is just like a third world country.

Accomodations will probably be primitive and make shift.  Whoever goes should be mentally and physically fit, which lets me out, I'll let you guess which.

Whoever goes will need to take:

Food
Water
Fuel cans
Generator for power
Clothing changes
Bedding
Sturdy work shoes or boots
Operating table and chairs
Portable desk lamp (battery powered)
Insect spray with deet
toilet paper
alcohol wipes
fire extinguisher for generator
rigs ( two), in case one fails and antennas.  Extra wire for antenna repair.
Extra Coax and bullets to connect.  Don't know where or how far antennas will be from rig Extension cords Hats, Gloves

I know I don't paint a very pretty picture but it is not a pretty sight.
.

 I think there should be at least two hams, three would be better; one to operate, one to log and time the events, the third one to watch out for safety issues, such as people getting tangled in the coax and wires.

They just asked for the Air Force Base, Kessler or something like that, to go to the SHARES frequency number 2  Yesterday, FEMA Region 6 in Denton Texas came up on frequency with Emergency Traffic for the Mayor of New Orleans from the President of the United States.  No one could find the Mayor, where he was or when he would return, if that tells you how bad the lack of communications is.  Personally, I would not go without HF Ham Radio, just in case of an emergency there or back home.

Don't overlook the possibility of fuel shortages.

Just let me know and I will see who can go, for how long, depending on how long you guys and gals plan to stay.

73

Dale