[W1SMH] Fwd: Tropical System Jose - MEMA Region #2 Comms Update

[RayCord]

Ray Cord

On Tuesday, September 19, 2017, MEMA Region 2 RACES/ACS <wc1mab at gmail.com> wrote:


                                                                                
      

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Hello to all,

       As many, if not all, of you know, it has become more likely that the Cape and Islands are likely to experience some Tropical Storm level conditions over the next 24-48 hours. I know that the forecasts for this storm seem to be getting less and less with each passing NHC update, but that does not mean that we should totally let our guards down. With this in mind, we should all treat this event at least as a dress rehearsal for the next "Big One" that we DO get which could be in a few years... or in a couple of weeks. Take this time to test out your gear. Check in with EMDs. Verify that steps in any decades old emergency action plans can still work. (Has anyone actually TRIED the phone numbers in the plan to make sure they are current? Is everyone on any "ring down" still active with the agency? Still alive?) Even if this storm turns out to be a "Bust" for emergency action, it does NOT mean it can't still be a VERY value added opportunity. Let's make the most of it! 


    With all of this in mind, the following steps are being taken to provide communications capabilities in the event that conditions require our support. 

The Cape and Islands MACC (Multi Agency Coordination Center) will be active tommorrow (20SEP17) starting around 0800EDT.

The MACC is expected to have a representative from MEMA Region 2 HQ on site to assist with coodrinations where appropriate.

MEMA Region #2 Headquarters Radio Room will be active tommorrow (20SEP17) starting around 0900EDT through at least 1330EDT.

If any Net Control Operators are available to assist at R2HQ during the day tommorrow please let me know.

The 1330EDT end time is due to work commitments on the part of the currently available Net Control Op. Any additional operators may be able to stay on site and extend that end time based on MEMA Staff needs.

While all Sector Net frequencies will be monitored, Sector 2C (Cape and Islands) will be the net of priority for this event unless weather conditions dictate otherwise.

 All nets will be conducted in ACS (Aux Comms Service) mode and will NOT include the mandate that ONLY RACES authorized stations participate unless otherwise noted by Net Control.

With the exception of EMERGENCY or Priority traffic, all MEMA traffic will give priority to SKYWARN traffic when frequencies are shared between the two nets if any conflicts arise.

While it appeared during the monthly net that an HF antenna may be back in service at R2HQ, HF communications from MEMA Region #2 HQ should not be assumed to be active or reliable for this event. We will attempt to test out the equipment on site and an update will be posted if it is found to be in working order for this event. 

FEMA Region #1 is likely to be on the air on the HF bands to support USVI and Puerto Rico during the day tommorrow. They will be operating under the callsign of KF1EMA. 
        Where nets are required, they will be occurring on the following frequencies:

Net
Frequency/Offset
Sector 2A
147.00 /+0.60  PL
Sector 2B
145.39/-0.60   PL 67.0
Sector 2C
146.955/-0.60  PL 88.5
Sector 2D
146.865/-0.60  PL 103.2
6-Meter State Net
53.31 / - 1.0  PL 71.9
MA RACES HF Net
3.943 LSB (Moving upward to nearest open freq)
    
    As always, I appreciate the work that you all do to help us keep the Commonwealth connected when it counts! If anyone has any questions please contact me via e-mail or cell phone. Thanks!



Michael Leger (N1YLQ)
MEMA Region 2
RACES / Emergency Communications Officer
C: 386-566-7666