TO: ALL WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AMATEURS
ALL NON-WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AMATEURS
FROM: KEN HARRIS WA8LLM
WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INCORPORATED
WOOD COUNTY BULLETIN NR 14.45 DATE: November 9, 2014
SUBJECT: PREPARE FOR COLD WEATHER OPERATIONS
Well, it's getting close to that time of year again. Cold and sometimes miserable weather, snow, ice storms, etc. Past winters have showed us, just because the weather begins to get nice, doesn't mean it's over. Predicting the weather, and when it will hit, is a touchy job so we'll leave that up to the National Weather Service. In the mean time we should prepare ourselves for cold weather, severe or not, in the event we are needed to respond to an emergency or disaster. As always, emergencies and disasters seem to occur during the most inclement weather, or as in the past, are the cause for our response.
Some of the clothing we should have handy in case we are called to respond might be: Insulated underwear, very warm gloves, an extra pair of gloves, scarf (or face covering), hat, very warm coat or snow suit, heavy socks, boots (hopefully water proof), a rain coat, and any other item of clothing you feel may protect you from severe weather, (think cold and wet).
Other items that might be needed: A thermos to provide a warm drink, water container (fluids are important even in winter), a plastic bag or covering for your HT, extra HT batteries (as always), a pencil and paper, and any of your usual communications items. Do not depend on an ink pen as a writing utensil. They are affected by extreme cold and/or wet conditions, and may not function.
We should also make sure your vehicle is ready for a winter response. Have your antifreeze either checked or changed, keep plenty of fuel in it, make sure your battery is in top shape and a set of tire chains is very handy. Having an extra battery at your station, and a way to strap it in your vehicle, would be extremely helpful as an emergency power source for radios or vehicle. Start preparing for winter weather, it's already November and winter is on its way.
Ken Harris WA8LLM
WCEC
Wood County WV