TO: ALL WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AMATEURS
ALL NON-WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AMATERUS
FROM: KEN HARRIS WA8LLM
WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INCORPORATED
WOOD COUNTY BULLETIN NR 12.37 DATE: September 9, 2012
SUBJECT: LIMIT YOUR EXPOSURE
When operating events that involve the outdoors, be sure to check the weather forecast the day of the event. If the weather looks like rain or winds adjust your protective equipment accordingly. You can't tell for sure what the weather is like, but you can get a good idea from past experiences.
If the weather forecast is for rain, be sure to have material that will protect your electronic equipment from getting wet. If you are using a Hand Held radio use a place a plastic bag over it. For the antenna, just punch a small hole in the bag to place your antenna through. The audio will pass through the bag with very little, or no, degradation. Maybe you can purchase, or make a cover for your Hand Held radio so the antenna will also be protected from the weather.
If you are at a location that a small shelter or canopy can be used, that will even be better. If you are using a shelter during a rain storm, you can bet there will also be winds. The winds don't have to be fast moving or destructive, but enough to move your shelter and leave you exposed to the rain. Be sure to stake and tie down your shelter. If you are just using the shelter for protection against the rain, and are not needing to stand up. lower the shelter as much as possible. Lowering the shelter, will limit the amount of rain that can get to you and communications equipment. A lower shelter will also prevent the wind from getting a better hold on it.
Also try to find clear plastic covers that can protect you computers, screens, and monitors from getting wet. Rain and electronic equipment don't work well together. If it looks like there is even a slight chance of rain, try to protect your equipment as much as possible. Anything that you can use will cost a lot less then having to repair, or replace, your equipment.
Ken Harris WA8LLM
WCEC
Wood County WV