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Subj: ARES E-Letter July 15, 2013
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From: CX2SA@CX2SA.SAL.URY.SA
To : ARES@WW
The ARES E-Letter July 15, 2013
Editor: Rick Palm, K1CE
In This Issue:
- ARRL to Host Hurricane Season Webinar TONIGHT!!
- New Mexico ARES Units Support Wildfire Communications
- Colorado ARES Supports Wildfire Fights
- Emergency Managers Recognize Minnesota Ham
- New Mexico Hams Support Rough Rider Bike Tour
- Letters: Michigan Traffic Handlers Needed; Get Some Action
- ARRL to FCC: Changes to Encryption Rules Not Necessary
- Prepping for Brownouts and Blackouts
- Lightning Strikes - Stay Safe
- ARES Supports Search for 64 year-old: Vaughn, New Mexico
- Emergency Managers Industry Group Awards Hams' Broadband Net for Innovation
- K1CE For a Final
_______________
ARRL to Host Hurricane Season Webinar TONIGHT!!
-----------------------------------------------
The ARRL will host a webinar tonight, Monday, July 15, 8-9:30 PM EDT [July
16, 0000-0130 UTC] to present information about the 2013 hurricane season
and the Amateur Radio response. The program will offer presentations from
representatives from the National Hurricane Center and WX4NHC, the VoIP
Hurricane Net, the Hurricane Watch Net and the ARRL. Webinar registration is
open to all, but will be of particular interest to ARES and radio amateurs
in hurricane-prone areas. If you are interested in emergency communication
and hurricane preparedness and response, you are invited to attend this
online presentation.
Topics will include a meteorological overview of the upcoming season,
Amateur Radio station WX4NHC at the National Hurricane Center: Who We Are
and What We Do, ARRL Media and Public Relations, the National Hurricane
Center, the Hurricane Watch Net, the VoIP Hurricane Net, and ARRL
coordination and interface. The session will conclude with a Q&A session.
Register online. -- Mike Corey, KI1U, ARRL Emergency Preparedness Manager
New Mexico ARES Units Support Wildfire Communications
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New Mexico Amateur Radio operators assisted local government officials in
the wake of the Tres Lagunas wildfire in steep, rugged terrain 15 miles
north of Pecos. The San Miguel, New Mexico, Amateur Radio Emergency Service
(ARES) team activated May 31 in response to a request from the county's
emergency manager to support communication for the San Miguel County EOC in
Pecos. The blaze, aided by high winds and dry conditions, covered more than
10,200 acres and the cause was attributed to a downed power line.
"San Miguel ARES provided communications support for 5 days at the county
communications trailer at Pecos High School," reported New Mexico ARRL SEC
Michael Scales, K5SCA. "Ten San Miguel ARES hams were involved." ARES team
members operated radios in the EOC, maintained a relay station in Las Vegas,
New Mexico, and traveled with three volunteer fire departments in the
county, Scales added, while Santa Fe ARES remained on standby during the
period, in case additional resources were needed.
Scales says ARES also provided communication support to the San Miguel
County emergency operations center in Pecos, the New Mexico State EOC
operations in Pecos, the county evacuation shelter at Pecos High School and
three volunteer fire departments conducting patrols near the Tres Lagunas
fire looking for spot fires and assisting people with respiratory problems.
Responding to a request from the county emergency manager, San Miguel ARES
offered communication support to state police in the Pecos area, since cell
phone service was down, although the assistance was not needed. Read more.
-- Michael A. Scales, K5SCA; InciWeb.org; ARRL Letter, July 11, 2013 issue
Colorado ARES Supports Wildfire Fights
--------------------------------------
ARES volunteers mustered to support emergency communications after wildland
fires broke out in Colorado in June. "For the second summer in a row the
entire state of Colorado seems to be on fire," said North Central Colorado
Region ARES Emergency Coordinator Perry Lundquist, W6AUN. "Currently there
are 16 wildfires burning within Colorado."
Several Colorado ARES districts activated in the wake of the Royal Gorge and
Black Forest fires June 11. After the Royal Gorge fire started near the
famous Royal Gorge Bridge in Canon City, ARES members in Custer, Fremont,
Huerfano and Pueblo counties responded, providing communication support for
sheltering activities. The fire burned 3218 acres.
Later the same day, the Black Forest Fire erupted close to the Waldo Canyon
area in Colorado Springs, where a similar wildfire caused widespread
destruction last year. "The Black Forest Fire has now become the most
destructive fire in Colorado history," Lundquist said. It ultimately
consumed 14,280 acres and 507 homes and caused two deaths.
During the fire's peak, eight shelters were opened for both people as well
as animals large and small, Lundquist reports. More than 35,000 residents
had to evacuate, he said, placing a very heavy burden on the American Red
Cross, which immediately requested ARES communication support between its
eight various shelters and the Pikes Peak Red Cross headquarters. El Paso
County, Douglas County and Elbert County ARES members responded by providing
round-the-clock radio operators for several days.
Lundquist says several Jefferson County ARES members are still working on
other fires within the state where their ARES members are assigned
individually as National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) certified
communication technicians and radio operators. "Colorado Section and
Regional ARES leadership has worked closely to support the local ARES
districts and to provide ARES mutual aid in the form of communications
equipment and ARES-trained manpower resources wherever and whenever needed,"
he said.
The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reported June 28 that the West
Fork Complex and East Peak fires "continue to be the main concerns for fire
managers in Colorado." Residents in the vicinity of those fires have been
evacuated. -- Thanks to Perry Lundquist, W6AUN; Colorado SM Jack Ciaccia,
WMG; and Rick Lindquist, WW1ME
Emergency Managers Recognize Minnesota Ham
------------------------------------------
The International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) has named Monte
Fronk, KCWMC, of Isle, Minnesota, and Randolph Mantooth as co-winners of
its 2013 IAEM-USA Public Awareness Award Certificate of Recognition. Fronk
and Mantooth were recognized for developing and creating "Strength and
Resiliency: Emergency Preparedness for Tribal Leaders," a 30 minute training
video designed to educate elected Tribal leaders about disaster
preparedness. Mantooth was one of the stars of the 1970s TV program
"Emergency," which has been credited with inspiring a generation of
firefighters and paramedics. -- Thanks to Steve "Sid" Caesar, NH7C, Chief,
Division of Emergency Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs
New Mexico Hams Support Rough Rider Bike Tour
---------------------------------------------
New Mexico's Colfax County/Angel Fire SAR (AFSAR) ARES Group and the Taos
Amateur Radio Club cooperated in their effort to provide radio
communications for the first Annual Rough Rider 200 Bicycle Tour, held on
June 29 and 30. The tour covered 204 miles in the northern New Mexico
counties of Taos and Colfax. A two day event, the first day the tour riders
biked 104 miles from Angel Fire to Taos, to Sipapu, Tres Ritos, Mora, Sierra
Bonita and back into Angel Fire, with five aid stations along the way. The
second day took the tour 100 miles from Angel Fire to Taos, Arroyo Hondo,
Questa, Red River, Eagle Nest and back into Angel Fire for the finish of the
two day event. There were four aid stations manned on the second day.
All aid stations were staffed by at least one Amateur Radio operator to
provide support communications for the tour volunteers who were present to
assist the riders with food, water, mechanical repairs and first aid if
needed. The Amateur Radio operators provided communications with the
Start/Finish Line for logistical support and to request higher levels of
medical aid as necessary. There were three SAG Wagons that each contained an
Amateur Radio operator to assist the mechanics, pick up riders who could not
proceed on down the road and to report progress of the riders or problems
encountered along the route of travel.
The "Lead Vehicle" had on board the Organizer/Coordinator of the event and
driving the vehicle and handling communications was the President of the
TARC, Lew Baker, K5LEW, getting updates from Net Control at the Start/Finish
Line that was manned by two Amateur Radio operators. The Incident Commander
was also located there, and was updated regularly with progress of the event
and any problems that needed to be dealt with. The "Caboose" or the "Sweep"
vehicle operators made sure there were no riders left behind.
The Amateur Radio activities started with getting the communications table
set up in the main tent before the event started at 0700 hours, which
involved radio checks and logging of the check-ins of the various operators
who would not be coming to the Start/Finish Line. Set up was straightforward
with a dual band radio and a single band VHF radio, both served by a large
fiberglass base station antenna. Communication was quickly established with
the 147.30 MHz Elk Mountain, 147.12 MHz Picuris and the 147.34 MHz Angel
Fire repeaters. Contact was also made with the Mega-Link 444.350 MHz
repeater on Coal Mountain (Iron) for back up. Other repeaters were also used
for this effort for information relayed to the Start/Finish Line from the
top of Bob Cat Pass and the Arroyo Hondo area.
The event went smoothly and without a hitch, with the normal New Mexico
weather prevailing: afternoon thunderstorms and high winds. The riders for
the most part finished well within the projected time frame and aid was
dispatched to the ones in need in a timely manner. All amateur operators
performed to the level of expectations that the organizers were promised and
the event was a success. The organizers promised that next year would be
even better. The event was a good training opportunity for all participating
Amateur Radio operators. There were "old hands" along with many "newbies"
who gained excellent experience. - excerpted from the report of New Mexico
SEC Michael A. Scales, K5SCA
Letters: Michigan Traffic Handlers Needed; Get Some Action
----------------------------------------------------------
The Michigan Amateur Communications System (MACS) finds itself facing the
same situation many other nets do, namely low participation. Our good news
recently is that traffic is up but the number of people handling it has
remained static. Traffic handling can be an enjoyable facet of the service
and is a useful skill to have. Contrary to popular belief, it isn't as easy
as picking up a microphone and talking, but on the other hand, it's not
rocket science either. The net members have brainstormed and have come up
with a few ideas to try: Starting August 1 we're going to move the net
sessions from 1100 local to 1000 local with the frequency remaining 3.952
MHz with our alternate of 7.232 MHz. The thinking is that it might be easier
for more people to find time to participate at that time of day and
conditions might be more favorable. (Propagation has not been consistently
friendly to us for a while). We're also going to have member comments first,
followed by the traffic handling portion of the net. We're hoping that this
new net protocol will make people feel more relaxed about checking in.
The first time you take a piece of traffic for handling can seem
intimidating. I do recall that that was my experience when I handled my
first piece of traffic in 1976! Rest assured that we've got time to take the
time to break in new operators. You may receive a lot of comments and
information regarding your technique at first but it's all based on long
experience and is designed to make the process easier for both the sending
and receiving operators. If you think you'd like some of that action, just
let me know. -- Mike Horn, WB8TQZ, MACS Net Manager, wb8tqz@arrl.net; Pat
Mullet, KC8RTW, ARRL Michigan Section Public Information Coordinator
ARRL to FCC: Changes to Encryption Rules Not Necessary
------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL is calling on the FCC to deny a Petition for Rule Making (RM-11699)
seeking to permit the encryption of certain amateur communications during
emergency operations or related training exercises. Don Rolph, AB1PH, of
East Walpole, Massachusetts, petitioned the Commission in March to suggest
an additional exception to 97.113, which currently prohibits "messages
encoded for the purpose of obscuring their meaning."
"While Mr Rolph has concisely stated his argument, it is ARRL's considered
view that there is no factual or legal basis for the assumption that
encryption of transmissions...is necessary in order to continue and enhance
the utility of Amateur Radio emergency and disaster relief communications,"
the League said in its comments filed July 8 with the FCC. The ARRL also
turned away Rolph's assertion that the current prohibition in 97.113 "has
impacted the relationship of Amateur Radio volunteers and served agencies
and significantly limited the effectiveness of amateurs in supporting
emergency communications." The League said it's unaware of any evidence that
served agencies have been reluctant to utilize Amateur Radio as part of
their emergency or disaster relief communications plans because of the
encryption restrictions in Part 97. The Amateur Service rule is based on a
similar prohibition in international telecommunication law, the ARRL noted.
The League characterized as "erroneous" and "unfounded" Rolph's assumption
that encryption of certain information may be required under the provisions
of HIPAA -- the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. The
League also said it was unaware of any instance in which state statutes have
been cited by any served agency or group as a reason not to employ Amateur
Radio for emergency communication.
Radio amateurs, the ARRL countered, are not "covered entities" under HIPAA,
which applies only to health care providers, health plans and health care
clearinghouses. And, the League added, there is no expectation of privacy in
Amateur Radio communications.
More than 200 comments were filed on RM-11699, most of them tending to
support the ARRL's arguments. Read more. - ARRL Letter, July 11, 2013 issue
Prepping for Brownouts and Blackouts
------------------------------------
The heat is rising across the country. The high demands for electricity to
keep cool are increasing the risk of areas experiencing blackouts or
brownouts. Brownouts typically occur during heat waves due to heavy
equipment coming online, short circuits, or electrical companies decreasing
voltage in order to meet the needs of peak time. Blackouts occur when it is
a complete power outage and can last from hours to weeks.
It's important that you take action now and prepare for the next time
service interruptions occur in your area. Because the length of a power
outage can vary from a few hours to several days, you need to plan to get by
without utilities for at least three days. Not sure how to prepare? FEMA is
here to help.
Use FEMA's "Going Off Grid: Utility Outages" activity module to reference
simple steps to get prepared for an outage. Some utility outage checklist
items include:
Document important phone numbers and vital power company information
Locate and label your utility shutoffs
Follow energy conservation measures to keep the use of electricity as low
as possible, which can help power companies avoid imposing rolling blackouts
Have your disaster kit ready and stocked
The "Going Off Grid: Utility Outages" activity module is part of FEMA's
"Preparedness Activities for Communities Everywhere" tools, which educate
individuals about relatively easy steps to take to become prepared for all
types of hazards. The tools are designed for anyone to use in coordination
with local emergency preparedness partners to help better prepare for
emergencies. For additional tips on blackouts visit:
http://www.ready.gov/blackouts
Lightning Strikes - Stay Safe
-----------------------------
Thunderstorms are dangerous due to lightning. Although lightning fatalities
have decreased over the past 30 years, lightning continues to be one of the
top three storm-related killers in the United States. Most lightning deaths
and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors in the summer months in
the afternoon and evening. Although most lightning victims survive, people
struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating
symptoms. Be smart this summer to help reduce your risks. Below are a few
tips to start:
Postpone outdoor activities [and antenna work -- ed.] when a storm is
being forecasted.
Unplug electronic equipment before the storms begins.
Remember the 30/30 Lightning Safety Rule: The first "30" represents 30
seconds. If the time between when you see the flash and hear the thunder is
30 seconds or less, the lightening is close enough to hit you.
During a storm, use your NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local
officials.
Avoid contact with any metal - tractors, motorcycles, bicycles, and golf
clubs.
Avoid contact with plumbing. Do not wash your hands, do not take a shower
or wash dishes and do not laundry. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can
conduct electricity.
For more tips and helpful information visit:
http://www.ready.gov/thunderstorms-lightning
[A nearby strike took out my ICOM IC-756 PROIII and other station gear a few
years ago, with the consequent shipping and repair headaches. I had left the
equipment plugged in, and the antenna coax connected. It can and does happen
-- don't let it happen to you! -- K1CE]
ARES Supports Search for 64 year-old: Vaughn, New Mexico
--------------------------------------------------------
A Search and Rescue (SAR) mission was conducted on June 27-28 for a lost 64
year-old man near Vaughn, New Mexico. The man had been missing since 1500 on
June 27 and an initial search/operational period during the evening and
night had not yielded any results. The subject had been lost twice before in
previous years. The subject was reported as barefoot. The last known point
(LKP) was his home, 13 miles east of Vaughn on Route 60 and 9 miles in from
Route 60 on a dirt road leading to his home, a farm house where he and his
wife lived with some relatives. The terrain was dry grazing land on gently
rolling hills. Donald Hinsman, N4VIP, from Santa Fe, drove 125 miles to
support the effort.
The next day, the Bernalillo ARES (BCARES) Communication Van was situated at
Incident Base with Charles Hayes, KC5KH, as the communicator. He had been
there since 2100 the previous night. Santa Fe ARES (SFARES) was also
consulted since it is listed in the New Mexico SAR Resource Directory. In
addition to Hinsman, a new Incident Commander, the Guadalope Incident
Command Post van, a new Operations Section Chief, and a New Mexico National
Guard helicopter (Lobos 449) also arrived on-scene at approximately the same
time.
The Incident Command Post was positioned at a site not near the BCARES
Communications van, so the Incident Commander indicated she wanted the N4VIP
communication vehicle to be co-located with the Command Post. Hinsman
complied and immediately established communication links identical to those
previously established in the BCARES van. Hayes meanwhile continued as
communicator and established communications with the National Guard
helicopter on channel SAR 1. Hinsman, in addition to establishing mission
communication links with the objective of relieving Hayes, served as a
runner for orders from the Incident Commander to the BCARES communications
van operator.
At approximately 1100, the helicopter crew reported they had found the lost
man and was landing. The landing site was approximately one mile from
Incident Base and plainly visible. The subject was found deceased. The
Incident Commander took the missing man's wife with her and drove out to the
landing site. After some discussions, it was determined that the state
Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI) would come to the landing site to
complete its investigation and remove the body. At this point, a recall of
all inbound SAR resources was initiated. Hayes and the BCARES van departed
at approximately 1200. Hinsman completed the mission and was released by the
Incident Commander at approximately 1230. - excerpted from a report
submitted by the New Mexico Section Emergency Coordinator, from field reports
Emergency Managers Industry Group Awards Hams' Broadband Net for Innovation
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Broadband-Hamnet? (formerly HSMM-Mesh?) firmware, developed by Amateur
Radio operators to provide hams with a high-speed digital wireless
communication mesh network, has won both US and global awards from the
International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM). The USA Council of
the IAEM designated Broadband Hamnet as a Division 2
(state/regional/national government, international, or nonprofit
organization) Technology and Innovation Award winner. It went on to win the
IAEM-Global Technology and Innovation Award in the same division. The awards
will be presented in October at the IAEM's annual conference in Reno,
Nevada. The firmware was the subject of a cover story article in the July
2013 issue of QST, "A Broadband Ham Network Crosses the Finish Line," by
Lynn Jelinski, AG4IU. The firmware is available at no charge via the project
website, which describes Broadband-Hamnet as "a high-speed,
self-discovering, self-configuring, fault-tolerant, wireless computer
network" with very low power consumption and a focus on emergency
communication. The current form uses Linksys WRT54G/GL/GS wireless routers
and operates on channels 1-6 of the 2.4 GHz ISM band, which overlaps with
the upper portion of the 13 centimeter Amateur Radio band. Glenn Currie,
KD5MFW, David Rivenburg, AD5OO, Bob Morgan, WB5AOH, and Rick Kirchhof, NG5V,
spearhead the effort, and there is a distributed development community with
users in the US and abroad. -- Thanks to Broadband-Hamnet webmaster Jim
Kinter, K5KTF
K1CE For a Final
----------------
Recently I flew to Boston to see family and old friends, and also had the
opportunity to tour the bombing site at the Boston Marathon Finish Line at
Copley Square. The hustle and bustle of city life was in evidence and seemed
to belie the cruelty and tragedy of the events of April of this year. I also
toured the site where the lone police officer on the MIT campus simply doing
his job of keeping the public safe and secure, was gunned down by the same
terrorist who at the same time of my tour was being arraigned nearby at the
Federal courthouse just across the bridge in South Boston. Shivers went down
my spine, as I felt sympathy for the victims, the Amateur Radio operators
who provided safety radio communications for the events and who are almost
certain to face insidious post- traumatic stress and anxiety, and the entire
Boston community. - K1CE
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------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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