[SMCARA] Attention: ARES / RACES /REACT

[Ray]

Hi Everyone,

As you know, we have a weather event coming our way.  The best thing you can 
do is be aware, have a plan for you and your family.  Take care of you and 
yours first. Be prepared to help your neighborhoods and keep your radios at 
the ready.  Know how to secure electric, water and gas. Check your 
batteries, emergency radios, flashlights. Secure loose gear around your 
house. If you have back packs, pack up clothes to last a couple days. Check 
your med.. Find your first aid kit.  Store water and have plain, unscented 
bleach on hand to purify your water. Clear water, 8 drops per gallon, stir / 
shake and let stand for 30 minutes before drinking.  Check your shelves and 
look for canned goods you can eat with out cooking.

The main idea is for you to be prepared to take care of you and yours for at 
least three days.  Help should be available from your local government, 
fire, ems and other groups after that time frame.

The County is already starting to plan and prepare to respond to this event. 
At some point, if needed the County will contact me.  At that point, we will 
activate the RACES room and contact folks by phone, Radio, TV to monitor the 
resource net.  The resource net starts on the 146.64 machine and schedules / 
shifts will be manned as required. Weather reports and status reports from 
your locations are important and help in the response planning. Folks that 
check into the resource net may be asked to take action.  It might be to man 
a shelter, provide transportation, etc. BUT, DO NOT SELF DEPLOY.  If your 
help is needed, we will be calling the folks that have taken care of their 
families and have responded to the calls to check in on the resource net. 
We will have a list of resources (you folks) and we will call you when 
needed.

We have been activated before and will again in the future, but remember we 
are not first responders. People will be chewing at the bit to show their 
skills and be involved and that is greatly appreciated. But you can't help 
others if you are worried about your own. Take the time we have now to be 
prepared for the worse and pray for the best.

Thanks for reading,

Ray kb3fww

St. Mary's County RACES Officer
MDC STM EC