----- Original Message ----- From: R. M. Purrinson Sent: Sunday, September 19, 2004 11:04 AM Subject: [adjust_ts2000] [PBC ARES] Request for amatuer volunteers
Greetings fellow Amateur Radio Operator, I have been requested by the state via the DEC of WCEN to form jump teams to help the individuals of Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties in the panhandle of Florida. As you may have seen on TV or heard on the radio, most of the people in those northern coastal areas are without power, potable water, phone service, cell phone service, and television stations and AM Radio are off the air, some FM stations operable if you have battery operated receivers. Many hospitals are non operational, and many residents in all counties impacted have lost their homes. Still more will not be allowed to return to their homes because the foundations of these homes are unstable and are considered condemned and will be razed. There is an immediate need for 30 operators in Escambia County, the Pensacola area, and 16 operators in Santa Rosa County-- ( as in be there by Monday or Tuesday). Additionally these operators will need to be replenished or relieved every 3 to 4 days by other volunteers. I am currently coordinating efforts with Jeff Fontaine, WD4USA, of the Pasco ARES/RACES system, to gather names of able and interested Hams that will be able to volunteer for this effort. I know that we have served where needed locally through three hurricane events, many of us are still cleaning up our own properties and restoring our lives but our services are sincerely needed to assist those in direst need of everything that sustains life and the means to acquire these necessities is in the sole hands of radio operators like you and I. If you are can help, we need your skills. Please send this out to all amatuers on your email list Read on for more information. Health requirements: - Due to the elevated temperatures and humidity from ground water, any ham with heart problems or breathing difficulties (asthma, etc.) is requested not to volunteer for the trip. Your efforts however may be of invaluable use here at home. More on that later. Communications: Most local communications will be done on 2 repeaters in the areas: Escambia County 146.760 -600 (100.0 PL) Santa Rosa County 146.700 -600 There will also be some simplex frequencies in use for passing traffic and information. Map- directions- and tracking numbers: Dale Sewell, N4SGQ the coordinator for all deployment, will issue Tracker numbers, instructions and a special map for deployment to assist operators in getting to the staging location. Length of deployment: Plan for 4 days (at your option longer) adjust your "kit" as necessary. Fuel: If you are driving, keep your tank topped up, and carry at least a 5 gallons of extra fuel with you (observing the common safety issues with any combustible mixture). It may be some distance to a station. Expenditures: Persons volunteering for deployment should keep all receipts pertaining to their deployment plus total mileage for the duration for possible reimbursement by the state. What you will need to bring: Radios: A good working 2 meter radio with a portable antenna is necessary (something to hang the antenna up with, such as string or fishing line, is recommended) A handheld 2 meter is a good idea- but bring a 12 volt power source for charging batteries, extra batteries, AC charger as needed An HF radio with some type of tuner may not be necessary but is a good option- remember to bring an antenna that can be supported between tree branches (such as a long wire, dipole ant. or end fed zep ant.) as well as plenty of coax to reach your radio.(100 ft. or more is a good figure). Personal items: Sleeping: Some type of bedroll for personal comfort (air matters, sleeping bag) and a pillow. You may be sleeping on a floor or in the back of a truck. Plan for unknown conditions. Eating: Plan on packing personal food for 4-5 days (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks) and eating utensils, portable stove(grill) and cooking utensils. There are some food wagons on the way, and some may be in area, but many people are still eating MRE's (Meal Ready to Eat). Take as much water with you as possible, 5-8 gallons is recommended. There is a boil water statement in affect for all counties impacted. Toiletries: Soap Towels -how many do you use in 4 days Wash cloth Shaving equipment Toothbrush and tooth paste Plastic trash bags for dirty laundry, trash, water proofing your dry goods, etc., A small bottle of Clorox for treating non-potable water for bathing (10 drops per gallon) is a good idea. toilette paper- 2 rolls or more anything else I might have forgotten in this category. Medical and health related: Take any pills that you may be taking, for at least 7 days worth in a Zip loc type bag to keep dry. A basic medical kit is a good idea. The many hospitals are down and the DMAT teams are not completely located to service all areas. Lots of good mosquito repellent. Most with DEET are a good choice. Citronella candles are optional Clothing: Clothing for 4-5 days (pants, shoes, socks, shirt, underwear, etc.) Rain coat or poncho A warm jacket may not be needed but you can always bring it back if you don't use it. Be self contained in all aspects including personal toilet needs. Contact information: If you live in Citrus, Hernando, Marion, and Sumter counties: Alan McGrew KC4MTS 4620 Keysville Ave. Spring Hill, Fla. Email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Phone 1-352-666-1593 To Volunteer: If you are in Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas and counties of the West Central Florida ARRL Section contact: Jeff Fontaine WD4USA Email WD4USA @nraonline.com Phone 1-727-375-5459 Or contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] or (352) 796-6710 DEC/WCEN if you have further questions before volunteering. Please forward this communication to all Amateur Operators in your address book. Any operator in the USA is requested to assist in this effort. All volunteers are appreciated. Operators outside of Florida should contact Dale Sewell, N4SGQ directly at his email address: [EMAIL PROTECTED] to receive instructions and applicable Tracker number. HF Monitor frequencies & Tactical nets for this emergency: Please note: no incoming or inquiry traffic will be accepted as there is no way it can be delivered. H & W outgoing will be handled as time permits when stations have been established to send outgoing traffic from the impacted areas. Daily: Monitoring for P traffic on 3950 goes to 100z to 1600Z; then changes to 7254 from 1600z to 2200Z. Nets: (Tactical & Priority traffic) 3950 1300Z Northern Fl. AREC Net 7254 1600Z and 1900Z Special sessions NFPN. 3950 2330Z Regular session NFPN. ________________________________________________________________ ----- This message is from the e-mail list for: Palm Beach County, Florida Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) & Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) Web Site: http://www.pbcares.org
