[SMCARA] Preparations

[Clarke, Tom AIR4.0P NATOPS]

A everyone has probably heard (or felt!), there was a small tremor in VA
that was felt here in So. MD.  So far, not much in the way of damages
reported (the Johnson Bridge to Solomons has already been inspected and
has re-opened), so that is good.  Lots of random traffic light outages
and I imagine some power interruptions. Internet went out on base for a
while.  POTS was working OK, but cell phones overloaded almost
immediately when everyone tried to call home. I did get a text through
about an hour later.

This, pretty vividly, shows the need for an alternative communications
network and that is where hams come in.  Most of the "timely"
information came from monitoring K3HKI.  While we don't enjoy a full
time sysop (or NCS), Mike N3KUN and Dan, KB3UUN stepped right up to the
plate as informal NCS's.  Thanks guys! Monitor 146.64 and if you have  a
scan function, monitoring 147.39 (N3NO Lex Park), 147.195 (N3PX
Hollywood), 146.52 and 147.42 simplex should give you a feel for what is
going on.  These are the frequencies that ARES would use if activated.
That reminds me we need to have Ray, KB3FWW give us an update on the
local ARES situation.

This may serve as a "whiff of grapeshot" to us and inspire us to prepare
for the possibility of Irene coming our way.  Typically tropical storms
give us wind damage (not to the extent that Katrina did to Biloxi) and
quite a bit of localized flooding.  The Great Mills Gulch seems to flood
easily and power outages are usual as the winds undo SMECO's
infrastructure.

As Dan mentioned in an earlier post, a few minutes in preparation may
ease the pain of dealing with the storm. Dig that portable antenna out
that is in the back of the shed/garage or up in the attic. Charge up
those battery packs, get some more dry cells for the flashlights and
AM/FM portables, get some gas for your generator if you have one, make
sure you have a couple of days worth of chow in the larder as it may be
difficult to get to the store or the shelves may be slim. Besides we
have a tradition to uphold, that is to strip the local grocery stores of
milk, break and TP!

You have all seen Tom, AB3IC's antenna projects and Boz and I playing
around with our fiberglass antenna masts I am sure.  It is a fun thing
to do, and you never know when you might need it after the storm lays
your antenna farm to ruin!  None of these things are too complicated or
expensive, so give it a try.  If you ask some of our Northern Neck
members about antennas, they will give you an earful concerning the
"SlimJim" antenna.  It's a winner and easy to build.  Speaking of
Virginia, what's with that?  Last weekend it was a smoke invasion and
this week an earthquake.  Is there something we should know?

Don't forget the meeting this Thursday so we can talk about our
adventures relating to the quake and upcoming storm preps.

73 de Tom/W4OKW