There is a new Echolink process up.
Users are now able to access the service over the web. There is no software to download.
The process lets users connect and disconnect from their favorite resources.
This promisses to be a good tool for Weather Talk and AUXCOMMUSA users.
As always, users are encouraged to set their transmit and receive audio at 9999 ... the Echotest server ... before connecting to other resources.
You are driving down the turnpike listening to your favorite radio station and THIS happens.
WAY back when, that would be disastrous. One radio station served the entire region.
Today, there are travelers listening to all manner of AM, FM, Sirius XM programs that originate all over the Planet.
So where do you tune, next, and hope the thieves or a Carrington Event have not zapped that one.
So, what is a ham to do?
1. If you SEE something, Say something. Someone, somewhere saw the event unfolding or not long afterwards. The State Homeland Security office is aware. Obviously, local law enforcement is aware.
2. Is your local repeater monitored for all hazards frequently? If someone were to call RIGHT THIS MINUTE, who would answer. Advance the question 12 hours. Who will answer then?
3. Have THREE ways to get emergency alerts, regardless of the AM, FM, or satellite station you are tuned to listen. THEN have battery backups on the devices to which you listen.
4. Tell your neighbor. Have a way for them to reach you during a disaster. They are your neighbor, right? They are a member of the public, right? You are all about serving the public, right?
Just as the public has a choice of who they will hear, they too might not be listening to your station. YOUR job is to make it easy for them to find you and listen, before, during, and after a disaster.
 As temperatures drop, it's important to prepare for the risks cold weather can bring. Winter storms can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice and high winds. These conditions can create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite and more. Here arerttention to watches and warnings. A Winter Weather Advisory is issued for snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle and sleet that will cause significant inconveniences but is not serious enough to issue a warning. A Winter Storm Watch is issued up to 48 hours before the possibility of a blizzard, snow, freezing rain or sleet that could be more severe and dangerous. Where you live determines the conditions needed to warrant a Winter Storm Watch. A Winter Storm Warning is issued when the potential for hazardous winter weather like heavy snow, freezing rain or sleet is expected soon or may already be happening. Remember, your local National Weather Service office forecasters monitor the weather around the clock in your area and will issue Warnings, Watches or Advisories based on local criteria. Sign up for your community's warning system. The Emergency Alert System and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. You can also download the FEMA App to receive alerts for up to five different areas. Stock up before the storm. Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person's specific needs, including medication. Also make sure you have flashlights and extra batteries. Only use generators outside and be sure to set them at least 20 feet away from your home's doors and windows. Limit your time outside. Stay off the roads if possible. Keep your car's gas tank full and keep an emergency kit that includes a blanket in your car. If you need to go out, wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers and toes. If it occurs, go to a warm room as soon as possible. You can soak the affected part in warm water. Do not massage or use a heating pad.Hypothermia, an unusually low body temperature below 95 degrees, is a medical emergency. Warning signs include shivering, exhaustion, slurred speech, confusion and drowsiness. Get the person to a warm room, remove any wet clothing they're wearing and warm the center of the body including the chest, neck, head and groin using warm, dry blankets, clothing, towels or sheets. If you have an electric blanket available, use it to warm the person. Get the person medical attention as soon as possible. Check on neighbors. Consider exchanging contact information including phone, email, and social media, with neighbors to stay in touch during emergencies. Reach out to those who are older or who have a disability, as they may be more vulnerable to winter hazards. Get help with heating bills if needed. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program(LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income households with their home energy bills. To find out if you are eligible to receive LIHEAP benefits, contact your state LIHEAP office. You can also call: 1-866-674-6327. Visit the #WinterReady page on Ready.gov to understand winter risks you face and steps you should take now to prepare. Because the risks from winter weather affect people differently, the page includes low-cost tips for keeping your home warm, as well as tips for older adults, those who work or play outside and those who live somewhere that doesn't usually see extreme winter weather. |
Best regards,
Billy Fanska
Director
AuxComm USA, Ltd.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Corporation
www.AuxCommUSA.org
316-351-9200
Ham radio operators in the Skywarn service are experiencing the times are changing.
More and more Weather Forecast Offices are shuttering their ham radio operations around the Nation.
Why?
Could it be services like the Oklahoma Mesonet? In ALL 77 counties, there are weather staions that automatically, around the clock, record and report weather conditions in the area. Some have been struck by tornadoes. Often they are the first indicator of crippling ice storms.
Could it be services like the Airport Surface Observation Stations? These stations, located at various airports around the Nation record and report surface observations. There is even a phone number to call to get the conditions at the station. Those conditions, when there is a trigger reached, automatically send that report to the WFO.
Could it be services like Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow? Many Skywarn volunteers are sending reports to the WFO.
Could it be services like SpotterNetwork? Members, after certification, send reports which are automatically relayed to the appropriate WFO.
Could it be that the WFO can get information from Twitter and Facebook? For years, the various offices get and reply to questions, comments, etc. as a method of engaging the public.
AUXCOMMUSA teaches, promotes and uses social media in their platforms. Many ARRL divisions and sections have a presence on the various platforms. The Voice over Internet Skywarn net has demonstrated for years the ability to gather information across a variety of platforms for WX4NHC.
Clearly, there are a lot of sources for information for the WFO. However, Skywarn (and Weather Ready Nation) folks still can call the WFO, send information via NWSchat, and, for the few remaining offices with ham radio on board, Additionally, reach out to your local WFO and any you plan to drive through on vacation. Get their phone number at weather.gov, enter your zip code, and look for the number at the bottom of the page.
Hams are communicators. Use the channels you have available, ham radio or not. There are a number of groups even using GMRS to reach their customers.
