[SMCARA] Cancelled Net

[A.J. Farmer]

A few thoughts on the storm, emergency comms, and NWS:

Listening to dispatch on 154.98 was interesting.  The dispatcher's
training was kicking in and was very effective.  A lot can be learned
about proper operating technique during an emergency from listening to
the pros.

It's up to those on the outside looking in to the emergency to assist
those that are in the emergency.  If you don't hear an organized net,
don't be shy to key up and let people know you are up and monitoring.

Don't forget that if you have attended a NWS/SKYWARN training session,
you are a qualified NWS spotter, and you have an obligation to report
to the NWS immediately after such a dramatic weather event.  Even
though the event is over for you, by notifying NWS, you are
potentially saving life and property that is still in the path of the
storm.  I have never made a spotter report before, but I decided it
was worth a call after that storm and seeing several large trees
snapped off in my back yard.  The NWS desk picked up right away and
was very interested in the report.  I got the feeling they knew it was
bad, but I don't think they knew it was "that" bad.  After my call, I
noticed severe storm warnings being posted.

The number for NWS Sterling, VA to make reports is 800-253-7091   I
would recommend you save it in your phone now, before you need it in a
pressure situation.  I didn't have it saved and it took me a while to
find it after the storm last night.  You don't have to be an NWS
spotter to call, although they will ask you if you are to try to gauge
your level of spotter training.  Very nice folks at NWS, so don't be
shy.

A.J. Farmer, AJ3U



On Wed, Jul 20, 2011 at 9:26 AM, Clarke, Tom   AIR4.0P NATOPS
<frederic.clarke at navy.mil> wrote:
> Yep!  I wasn't interested in turning on my rig last night either!
>
> The thought occurred to me that this might be a bit paradoxical, that
> is, during severe weather there might be the highest need for emergency
> comms. In other cases, such as Storm Spotter nets, they specifically
> meet during severe weather.
>
> Not sure what the answer is to this. Perhaps if there is no net control,
> someone not in immediate danger, can take the net (if anyone shows!).
>
> Food for thought.
>
> 73 Tom/W4OKW
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: smcara-bounces at mailman.qth.net
> [mailto:smcara-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Mike Hasel
> Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 8:34 PM
> To: SMCARA at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [SMCARA] Cancelled Net
>
> Due to weather conditions in the area this evening the net will be
> cancelled tonight, be safe and try stay cool this week.
>
> 73s
> Mike
> N3KUN
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