Winter Safety for Senior Citizens @MatureAmericans @AARP #OKwx #OKready

Did you ever hear a parent tell a child to put on a coat before they catch a cold?  That’s because just being really cold can make you very sick, and it’s not limited to kids. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) says older adults can lose body heat fast—faster than when they were young. A big chill can turn into a dangerous problem before an older person even knows what’s happening. NIA has a brochure, Stay Safe in Cold Weather! with tips on how to stay warm when it’s cold. Here are a few of the tips they recommend: Set your heat at 68 degrees or higher. Dress warmly on cold days even if you are staying in the house. Wear loose layers when you go outside on chilly days. Wear a hat, scarf, and gloves. Don’t stay out in the cold and wind for a long time. Talk to your doctor about health problems that may make it harder for you to keep warm. Find safe ways to stay active even when it’s cold outside. Ask a neighbor or friend to check on you if you live alone. If you think someone has hypothermia, call 911 right away. Cover him or her with a blanket. Don’t rub his or her legs or arms. For more tips including keeping warm inside and how to talk with your doctor about staying safe in cold weather, check out the Stay Safe in Cold Weather Booklet from NIA.

Have a safe holiday season

Celebrate the Holidays Safely

Cooking, candles, decorations, electrical cords, and heating devices, are all things you can expect at a winter holiday party, but, they’re also fire hazards. Keep your holiday parties safe with these U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) tips: Test your smoke alarms and tell your guests about your home fire escape plan. Keep children and pets away from lit candles. Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet. Stay in the kitchen when cooking at high temperatures; like frying, grilling or broiling. Ask people who smoke to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them, so young children don’t touch them. Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Thoroughly wet cigarette butts with water before discarding. Find Home Holiday Fire Facts, Christmas Tree Fire Safety, and other Holiday Fire Safety tips on the USFA’s Holiday Fire Safety page.

Happy Thanksgiving #ARRL #HamRadio fans

From our shack to yours, please have a safe Thanksgiving.

Know what do to during an emergency.

Know how to get important information from the National Weather Service and other government officials.

Dust off the radio and get on the air!

Be blessed.

Hacksaw Ridge: A movie review #hacksawridge #teamJesus

If you consider violence and sex have no part in a #teamJesus move, Hacksaw Ridge is not for you.

The R-Rated movie shows what combatants on Okinawa faced during a three-week period in which Desmond Doss, as a conscientious objector, saved life after life on “a jagged escarpment 400 feet high” http://bit.ly/2eMEefb

While it's not for the faint of heart or the young, this movie paints an accurate, historical picture of what America and her allies faced in May, 1945.  

*  If the loss of life had been lower, America may have decided against using atomic weapons against Japan.

*  Can a Christian serve in the military without taking up arms?

*  What does war do to a person's faith?

Clearly, the movie is about one man's faith call him to "put a little" of the world back together while the World is determined to conduct a war.

What can one person of faith do?  How about saving scores of troops, a number of them enemy warriors, with only the power of God to go.

Hacksaw Ridge is an amazing yet violent film.  Viewer discretion advised.

Fall Back this weekend #WRN #Skywarn #hmrd

Change Your Clock, Check Your Smoke Alarm

Is your smoke alarm still working? A smoke alarm with a dead or missing battery is the same as having no smoke alarm at all. On Sunday, November 6 when resetting your clocks for Daylight Saving Time, make sure your smoke alarms work and replace the batteries, if necessary. Take care of your smoke alarms according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and follow these tips from the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA): Smoke alarm powered by a nine-volt battery Test the alarm monthly. Replace the batteries at least once every year. Replace the entire smoke alarm every 10 years. Smoke alarm powered by a 10-year lithium (or “long-life”) battery Test the alarm monthly. Since you cannot (and should not) replace the lithium battery, replace the entire smoke alarm according to the manufacturer's instructions. Smoke alarm that is hardwired into your home's electrical system Test the alarm monthly. Replace the backup battery at least once every year. Replace the entire smoke alarm every 10 years. For more information on Smoke Alarms, visit the USFA Smoke Alarm page.

Also, please remember to change the batteries in your all-hazards weather radio that receives signals from the National Weather Service.

My Life's a Disaster #ARRL #hamradio #Skywarn

With under 30 days to vote, maybe it's time to realize even the election may be a candidate for a Presidential disaster declaration.  

When not doing emergency management work, the life revolves around amateur radio, Skywarn nets, volunteering with the American Red Cross and Humanity Road and generally learning from mistakes others make so they are not made in Oklahoma.

If that were not enough, the Military Affiliate Radio System and the Shared Resource nets provide ample opportunity to serve and keep skills sharp so they benefit local folks.

Well, the month after National Preparedness Month, the amateur radio community had many changes to practice what was learned.

How did you do?

Hams continue support for #Matthew #ARRL #hamradio

Amateur radio operators continue to support local operations and the National Hurricane Center with information regarding Hurricane Matthew, a killer storm churning off the Atlantic Coast of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

The Voice Over Internet Protocol Weather Net had a peak number of checkins Friday with 82 stations connected to the Weather Talk Server on Echolink and Internet Radio Linking Project systems.

Rob Macedo, KD1CY, announced the net recorded between 50-100 reports ranging from flooding from heavy rainfall, storm surge, wind damage, wind measurement and rainfall measurement reports.

Stations in the affected area are requested to use the Weather Talk Conference 7203 on Echolink or 9219 on IRLP.  Others are requested to use Listen Only resources such as the New England Conference 9129.

Net members are also monitoring social media for reports.  Persons with reports are encouraged to tag their National Weather Service, the National Hurricane Center, and the VOIPWXnet social media accounts with the information they share.

The net is encouraging hams listening to pay attention to what they hear.  Calling loved ones in the affected area to tell them what is happening is important.  The local folks may only have a cell phone access with no way to call, but an outside call and especially a text may get connected.  

"This is one way the American Radio Relay League encouraged hams to serve during National Preparedness Month," said Lloyd Colston, KC5FM, Public Affairs Officer for the VOIPWX net.

Persons desiring more information about the VOIPWX Net should visit http://www.voipwx.net or email kd1cy at voipwx.net.

###

September 11 National Day of Service #Prep2Serve #AltusOK #911Day

The anniversary of September 11th is quickly approaching, and while September 11 is a time for remembrance and reflection, it is also a National Day of Service. The September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance is the culmination of efforts originally launched in 2002 by the nonprofit organization 9/11 Day with support from the entire September 11th community and well-known national service organizations. In 2011, President Obama asked Americans to remember the lives of those lost, pay tribute to those who rose up in service, and honor those who serve our country today by engaging in service on the September 11th weekend. According to Serve.gov, these deeds can be as simple as:  Volunteering at a food drive; Sprucing up schools and neighborhoods; or Supporting and honoring veterans, soldiers, and military families. Find volunteer opportunities in your area and make plans today! If you are interested in organizing a community service project, Serve.gov has communication toolkits and other resources to help you get started.    But it doesn’t have to end there! Volunteering with your local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is another great way to give back while preparing your community for emergencies. Be sure to share your community service experiences on social media using#911Day.

National Preparedness Month Week Three: Preparing Through Service @Prep2Serve #AltusOK

September 11 – 17 is week three of National Preparedness Month. The theme for this week is “Preparing Through Service.” Need ideas for how you can participate? There are several things you can do, including: Make a plan with neighbors; Plan a Whole Community event; Volunteer for Citizen Corps or join a local Community Emergency Response Team; or Learn more about the Youth Preparedness Council and join next year. We encourage you to participate in this national campaign to prepare individuals, families, and communities across the nation. Check out the 2016 National Preparedness Month Social Media Toolkit to find valuable resources to promote the weekly theme, including community service graphics and special social media messages to share with family, friends, and colleagues. Also, @Citizen_Corps will host a Twitter chat on Friday, September 9 at 1 PM ET to highlight the importance of volunteering and community service. Join the conversation using #Prep2Serve.

Safe Room Quality #WRN #Skywarn

SAFE ROOM QUALITY

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The presence of a National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA) seal on residential safe room implies that the shelter was:

1. Designed by a registered professional architect or engineer.
2. Verified by a NSSA - approved third-party engineer to be compliant with International Code Council (ICC) Standard ICC-500 and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidelines.
3. Installed as per instructions on the design drawings or as the producer's Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) attached to the drawings.
4. Inspected for proper installation described by an installation checklist.

So NSSA Producer Members assure reliability of safe rooms by following the Safe Room Standards Compliance Verification Process unique to NSSA, and provide an Inspection Checklist and Certificate of Installation.
 

      QUALITY OF NSSA SHELTERS IS ASSURED BEFORE THE NSSA SEAL GOES ON

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To receive additional information, contact one of the following:

       Ernst W. Kiesling, P.E. Ph.D.                                    Richard Westerberg, Engineer
       Executive Director                                                     Assistant Compliance Officer
       ernst.kiesling@ttu.edu                                                 rick.westerberg@ttu.edu
       Office: (806) 837-1931                                               Office: (806) 834-2846
       Cell: (806) 789-2083

What are your School Preparedness items? #OKpreps #AltusOK

The ABCs of Back-to-School Preparedness

Hey parents and caregivers! Disasters can strike even when your child is away at school, so it is important to have plans in place so you can connect during an emergency. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), preparing your child for emergencies that may happen during the school day is as easy as A-B-C.

The CDC lists three steps you should take to protect your child:

A: Ask how you will be reunited with your child in an emergency or evacuation;

B: Bring extra medications, special food, or supplies your child will need if you are separated overnight; and

C: Complete a backpack card and tuck one in your child’s backpack and your wallet.

To learn more, visit emergency.cdc.gov/children. You can also download and complete the Family Emergency Communication Plan now available from America’s PrepareAthon!

Are You Dehydrated? #OKready #OKstrong

Extreme heat kills more people than hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and lightning combined, according to the National Weather Service. Look out for these four subtle signs of dehydration during a heat wave:

Color of Urine: When your hydration status is good, your urine will be clear to light yellow. The darker the urine, the more dehydrated you are. Drink up when your pee is darker than usual.

The "pinch" test: When your body's cells become depleted of water, the skin loses tension. Test the elasticity of your skin by pinching the back of your hand and hold it for a few seconds. Let go and if the little "tent" stays pinched and takes more than 5 seconds to go back to normal, it's usually a sign of moderate dehydration.

Bad breath: Bad breath should make you think about dehydration during a heat wave. If you don't drink enough water, and you're losing water through sweating, your body can't make enough saliva, meaning your mouth is dry and bacteria grow easily.

Sitting in front of a fan: New evidence has shown that when temperatures rise above 95 F, an electric fan might actually make you even hotter, by blowing hot air on you, making you unable to sweat. And not being able to sweat puts you at greater risk of dehydration and even heat exhaustion. If possible, air-conditioning is the best choice. Cool showers and baths work, too.

If you're experiencing symptoms of dehydration (Increased or constant vomiting for more than a day, fever over 101°F, diarrhea for more than 2 days, weight loss, decreased urine production, confusion, weakness), it's time to seek medical attention.

Use your telemedicine benefit to speak to a doctor about your next treatment steps. With 24/7 access to U.S. based, board-certified physicians, no matter where you are, you can get the help you need right away, including a prescription if needed.

Toll-Free 844.560.7227

info@conciergebenefitservices.com

www.conciergebenefitservices.com

The South Coast Amateur Radio Service Nets Schedule announced #ARRL #hamradio

SCHEDULE NET OVERVIEW

SAT, 1200 Z (FULL NET)

SAT, 1600 Z SSIN

SAT, 2300 Z OPEN RAGCHEW

SUN, 2300 Z OPEN RAGCHEW

THIRD THURSDAY EACH MONTH, 2300 Z (TIN)

1-21 DIGITAL OVERVIEW
2-18 ASK AN ELMER
3-17 COMPUTER SECURITY
4-21 HAARP AND OVER THE HORIZON RADAR
5-12 COASTAL RADAR-HIGH POWER RADAR-WATERFALL DISPLAYS AND SIGNAL PROCESSING 

PLEASE NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO PROGRAMMING FOR THE TIN IN JUNE, JULY AND AUGUST 2016.
THIS TIME IS BEING RESERVED FOR THE SOUTHCARS OUTREACH EXTRA CLASS PREPARATION AND DELIVERY. 

OUTREACH SCHEDULE FOR THE YEAR 2016 (EXTRA COURSE ONLY)

EXTRA: STARTS 7-10-2016 (POOL QUESTIONS CHANGE ON 7-1-2016)

(NOTE ALL CLASSES FALL ON A SUNDAY AND TUESDAY EVENING AT 7 PM EDT)

MEMBERSHIP SUPPORT INFORMATION

Note: Complete user list at: http://voipnet.southcars.com/users.
Detailed Connect Log at: http://voipnet.southcars.com/log.php.
Update Echo link at: http://www.echolink.org.
IRLP http://www.IRLP.net.
Send questions and comments to voip@voipnet.southcars.com.
IRLP connects for this net are through Reflector 9614, EchoLink connects are through *SCARS* node 96140. AllStar ast27404.

SOUTHCARS EXTRA COURSE

JULY 10TH TO AUGUST 16TH

NEW EXAM QUESTIONS EFFECTIVE JULY 1ST 2016

FREE-INFO-REGISTRATION VOIP@VOIPNET.SOUTHCARS.COM

QUESTION FOR THE DAY

E1C01 (D) [97.3]
What is a remotely controlled station?
A. A station operated away from its regular home location
B. A station controlled by someone other than the licensee
C. A station operating under automatic control
D. A station controlled indirectly through a control link

FOR FREE CLASS MATERIAL PLEASE CLICK HERE

SCHEDULE FOR THIS WEEK: (7-4-2016 TO 7-10-2016) (NOTE: SHOWN IN EASTERN TIME)

Saturday, July 9

8:00am
AM CONNECTION - [ KY6V / K6SUN ]

12:00pm
SSIN - [ VO1UKZ / UB3KBP]

7:00pm
Open Ragchew - [ K2HA ]

Sunday, July 10
7:00pm
EXTRA COURSE [ KY6V / K6SUN ]

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

WE NEED YOU TO HELP OUR ORGANIZATION? POSITIONS OPEN. PLEASE SEND US AN EMAIL AT VOIP@VOIPNET.SOUTHCARS.COM AND LET’S TALK IT OVER.

The Southcars Outreach Extra course will be starting Sunday evening at 7 PM July 10th. This will be a six week course with two classes per week on Sunday and Tuesday evenings. Registration for the class is open now. If interested in joining us please contact us atVOIP@VOIPNET.SOUTHCARS.COM. Additional information may be found on our website in the Outreach & Training area.

The normally scheduled TIN third Thursday of the month programming is being cancelled for the summer. This program will not be active for the months of June, July and August. This temporary change is being made to support preparation and delivery of our 2016 Southcars Outreach Extra Course.

73

From your Southcars support team.

How many ways can we NOT talk to one another? #ARRL #hamradio

I'm Guilty!

You are not on CW.  I won't come over to voice to talk to you.

You are not on Automatic Packet Reporting System.  I don't check into your net.

You are not on D-Star.  I won't leave Digital Mobile Radio.

You are not on Echolink.  I won't leave Internet Linking Radio Project.

You are not on Twitter.  I  won't leave Google+.

It's a HOBBY.  In fact, it's one of the best hobbies on the Planet.  One of the reasons it's a good hobby is because it is diverse.  You don't have to talk to me.  IF you must, you can send a text message or email, if I am not on your mode.

How many ways can you not talk to someone?

Regional CEO for @RedCross gives thoughts @RedCrossOK

Please join me in reflecting on the past few days of the American Red Cross.

Thursday and Friday, the Red Cross had the honor to provide canteen services and first aid support to the thousands of neighbors and fans in Louisville, Kentucky paying homage and celebrating the 'home going' of one of America's greatest champions Muhammad Ali.

Yesterday in Orlando, Florida the American Red Cross was providing canteen services and mental health support and blood for what is now American's most deadly mass shooting that killed 50 young people and sent more than 50 to the hospital.

In between these international events, new volunteers were trained Saturday across the AOK Region (Arkansas-Blytheville, Fort Smith, Helena, Hope, Little Rock and Fort Smith; Oklahoma- Blackwell, Clinton, Enid and McAlester); Fire alarms were installed in homes in Stuttgart in southeastern Arkansas, while teams in northeast Arkansas responded to a fatality fire with injuries; Two comfort stations were opened Sunday, another today, for Oklahomans rescued from flash floods; and responders assisted more than 40 residents displaced by an early morning apartment fire in north central Arkansas.

Close to two dozen responders from our Region remain in southeastern Texas providing care to one of the largest American Red Cross responses in recent years, the deadly and devastating floods still impacting neighbors from Dallas to Austin to the greater Houston area. Sadly as we know too well, floods lose the attention of the public soon after the water recedes, but the pain for the families remain. Red Cross is there, and will be there, to help guide them to recovery.

This doesn't include the countless calls around the clock to our offices for help and guidance to needs outside of our mission that you kindly assist with; responses to single family fires, care provided to our military families or the first aid/CPR/AED classes taught.

This is what we do at the American Red Cross. The 'regular' and the unexpected is what we train for and stand ready for--to be ready to relieve human suffering at a moment's notice.

Thank you for continuing to do your neighbors, communities and country proud.

Have a good week.

Brad,

Bradley J. Barghols,

Regional Chief Executive Officer