TO: ALL WOOD COUNTY ARES MEMBERS (OFFICIAL)
ALL ARES AND NON-ARES AMATEURS ANYWHERE (INFORMATION)
FROM: KEN HARRIS WA8LLM ARRL DISTRICT 3
EMERGENCY COORDINATOR WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INC.
WOOD COUNTY ARES BULLETIN NR 19.01 DATE: January 6, 2019
SUBJECT: BE WINTER WISE
Since winter just got here, are you prepared? It's been a few years since a severe winter. Predicting the weather is a touchy job, so we'll leave that up to the National Weather Service. In the meantime, we should be prepared for winter weather, severe or not, in the event we are needed to respond to a communications emergency or disaster.
As always, emergencies and disasters seem to occur during the most inclement weather. That may be rain in the summer or snow storm in the winter. Some of the clothing we should have handy in case we are called upon 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), 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 (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 may not function.
We should also make sure our vehicle is ready for a winter response. Have your antifreeze either checked or changed, keep plenty of fuel in it, and make sure your battery is in top shape. 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.
Be winter wise - Be prepared!
Ken Harris WA8LLM
WCEC
Wood County WV