[ScanIndiana] HAM communications question

[Ken Bandy]

The best thing to do, Justin, is for your EMA to forge an alliance with your
spotters.  If you don't already have a RACES team, you would be well served
to get one organized.  Of course, you could always do some studying and get
your ticket.  If you have any technical background, you shouldn't have any
problem passing the Technician exam (entry level license)with minimal
studying.

There are classes starting in Danville later this month, if you are
interested in getting your license.

Ken
KC9GLQ

-----Original Message-----
From: scanindiana-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:scanindiana-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Justin Knox
Sent: Friday, January 04, 2008 9:22 PM
To: Indiana Scanning
Subject: [ScanIndiana] HAM communications question


I am with Boone County Civil Defense and I am on the skywarn or "storm
response team".  Last year during some severe weather I overheard via one of
my personal scanners in my vehicle a mobile HAM radio operator stating he
had a visual on a funnel cloud & I did not have any communications with this
person (nor did any other Civil Defense unit on duty).  My question is; If I
had a HAM radio in my vehicle & I do not have a HAM license, would it be
acceptable in an emergency situation like this, to attempt to contact a
person via a HAM radio as long as I say "this is Boone County Civil Defense
Unit 437" or something to that effect?  Honestly, if I thought lives were in
danger I would do whatever it takes to get the right info., but I thought
I'd ask.

Our main channel is the Boone County EMA frequency (155.760) & from time to
time I use Boone County Plan A (154.890).


Thanks,
Justin Knox
CD437