Emergency Communications

Emergency communications and the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES®)

Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net for October – Monday 10/1/18 at 830 PM on MMRA Network

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Hello to all…

We will be continuing our monthly ARES Net in October. The monthly ARES Net for October is Monday the 1st, at 8:30 PM on the MMRA Repeater system. For frequencies that will be linked into the ARES Net on the MMRA Network, please see the following link from the MMRA web site detailing the repeaters that will be linked in through Hub 1:

http://www.mmra.org/repeaters/repeater_index_by_linkstate.html

We look forward to your participation and remember, we are always looking for Net Controls to run the ARES Net.

As part of our relationship with MARS and our own situational awareness gathering we will be asking for any known infrastructure issues that you are aware of. The information must either be personally observed, or obtained “over the air” via amateur radio. Items considered to be infrastructure include but are not limited to: electrical power, water, medical facilities, sanitation, communications, and transportation. Examples of failure would be: small or large area power failure, water main breaks, hospitals’ ER closed, sewage issues, TV/radio station off the air (including public safety), interstate highway or major road closed. No known issues are just as important as reporting failures.

Additionally we are interested in relay of any weather information from airport ATIS/ASOS stations that you can directly receive via radio. These stations broadcast continuously in the 120.000 – 138.000 MHz frequency range using amplitude modulation. Information from the ATIS should include airport, temperature, altimeter (barometer), wind, precipitation, and visibility.

A list of stations with their frequencies and a map can be found at: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/weather/asos/?state=MA
A brief introduction to ATIS can be found at: https://www.vatsim.net/pilot-resource-centre/general-lessons/understanding-atis

We will have several interesting announcements for the net that evening and we look forward to everyone’s participation. Updates will be posted via email and on the Eastern Massachusetts ARES Web Site at http://ema.arrl.org/ares

Thanks for your continued support of ARES!

Rob Macedo, KD1CY
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator

Emergency Communications / Operating

Operation Equinox – Portable HF Ops Event Update – 9/28/18

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Cape Ann ARES Emergency Coordinator KA1BTK-Gardi Winchester II, writes:

All:

‘Operation Equinox’ is definitely taking on a life of its own! From it’s humble beginnings as a suggestion that we try setting up a CAARA member’s new portable antenna mast to an event almost as big as Field Day itself, it has blossomed in just five days! The ideas have come down so fast that I just can’t keep up with administering it! With the numbers of people who are informed and planning to attend, I doubt making many QSOs are going to be likely.

But that is not what it’s all about!

As of right now, the basic plan is for a portable equipment test and set-up practice of our (your) remote emergency communications response plans, on a more individual level, as opposed to Field Day exercises that run more at a club level. We’ve been ‘dodging the bullet’ as of late, and the latest hurricane, Florence, was certainly a big Red-Flag. There are still areas of the Carolinas and Virginia that are relying on Amateur Radio communications for life support.

Are YOU ready?

So, come and bring your Go-Kits and exercise your emergency operations plans and test your equipment for readiness, Check out the plans of other Hams and maybe get some new and fresh ideas. Help us show the public what Ham Radio can do for their safety and well-being, and show newer Hams what the craft holds with higher license grades.

While there has been very little time to plan for this event, we’re sort of ‘winging-it’ this year. But, that works a bit in our favor, as a real emergency will give very little time to prepare and may give a more accurate assessment of our responses. Plans and possibilities for future events are endless!

Hope to see you there!

Operation Equinox:
Sunday, September 30th
12:00 Noon until 5:00PM +
Hospital Hill, Top of Summit Ave.
Rockport, MA, 01966

Semper Paratus! & 73’s ___________________#\____

Gardner H. Winchester II, KA1BTK, ARRL EC Cape Ann

“The most important tool for disaster recovery is communication”.
gardiw2@gmail.com
http://www.google.com/profiles/gardiw2

Emergency Communications / Operating

Portable HF Ops Event

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Cape Ann ARES Emergency Coordinator KA1BTK-Gardi Winchester II, writes:

Who:  All Amateur Radio Operators:

What:  Portable HF Operations and equipment exercise.
When: Next Sunday, September 30th (Weather permitting) from about 12:00 Noon – 5:00 or 6:00 PM
Where: Hospital Hill, at the top of Summit Avenue (through the stone pillars) in Rockport, MA, 01966
Why:  Fellowship, practice, making sure your go-bag plans are complete and all of your equipment is functional, and a whole host of reasons!
Come and join fellow Hams in exercising and testing your equipment and plans, and have fun walking all over one another in a remote area!  Hospital Hill is a large field area and Dog Park (Yes, bring your pets) that we have been using as our portable operations base for some time.  We have running permission to operate from there.  There are some nice hiking and walking trails to explore and beautiful vistas to see from up on the hill!  There is no power so bring a generator or hook into your vehicle power.

Please pass this along!

 
Semper Paratus!  &  73‘s  ___________________#\____
 
Gardner H. Winchester II, KA1BTK, ARRL EC Cape Ann
 
“The most important tool for disaster recovery is communication”.
 
Emergency Communications / Public Information

Cape Cod ARES Participates in Falmouth Public Safety Fair

- by admin - Leave a Comment

Cape Cod ARES District Emergency Coordinator WQ1O-Frank O’Laughlin writes:

I felt just well enough to attend the Falmouth Emergency preparedness/Safety fair day here on Cape Cod to support my new ARES ADEC Henry Brown K1WCC who headed up the event for the Falmouth ARES area of the Cape Cod and Islands ARES District. I was pleased to see the aluminum case kit that I built for him a few years back and the cooler based kit he personally built. I only brought my small camera bag radio kit. It was well attended and organized by Assistant Falmouth EMD Kim Strohm. Several Falmouth ARES folks were there. It was nice to see Henry get interviewed by Falmouth TV. It was also great to see our partners such as CERT, MRC, CC DART, Red Cross, DCR, public safety, MEMA, NWS and many others at the public safety fair.

Display of Cape Cod ARES Go Kits at the Falmouth Public Safety Fair
Close-up of Cape Cod ARES Go Kit
Close-up of Cape Cod ARES Go-Kit
Close-up of a Cape Cod ARES Go-Kit

 

Cape Cod ARES Assistant District Emergency Coordinator, K1WCC-Henry Brown being interviewed on Falmouth Cable Access Television
Emergency Communications

Amateur Radio Newsline Highlights Eastern MA ARES Standby for Merrimack Valley Incident, VoIP Hurricane Net Support

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
Section Emergency Coordinator Rob Macedo, KD1CY, writes:
 
Amateur Radio Newsline #2134 for Friday, September 21, 2018, featured a story about the recent Eastern MA ARES standby for the Merrimack Valley gas explosions and fires, and the VoIP Hurricane Net report. The text transcript and audio can be found at:
 
 
Emergency Communications

Lawrence/North Andover, Mass Natural Gas Related House Fire Situation and Eastern Massachusetts/North Shore ARES Monitoring

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
Section Emergency Coordinator Rob Macedo, KD1CY, writes:
 
While we have Eastern Massachusetts Amateurs engaged in Hurricane Florence monitoring, we are well aware of the incident and are prepared to support any agencies if necessary. Please see our status update from North Shore ARES DEC, KB1KQW-Jim Palmer. We are sending this to Mike-KI1U as well at his request as he wanted a status update
 
Hello to all…
 
At approximately 5:00pm this evening, an incident involving several home explosions and fires began unfolding in the Merrimack Valley, specifically affecting the towns of Andover, North Andover, and Lawrence.  There have been numerous evacuations as a result of the incident which remains very much in progress, and North Shore and Eastern MA ARES teams continue to closely monitor the situation.  We have informally activated on the Danvers-145.47 repeater to pass along pertinent information to people in the affected area and take availability reports as needed.
 
At this time, there have been no requests for ARES support at any of the shelters.  If you would like to pass along your availability for the next 24 hours, please send me an e-mail and we will add it to our list in the event an activation becomes necessary.  As always, please do not self-deploy and if you are in the area follow the directions of your local public safety officials.
 
This will be the only message planned for this event unless there is a change to the situation.  Thanks again for your continued help and support of ARES!
 
Jim Palmer – KB1KQW
North Shore ARES DEC
978-609-0967 (cell)
 
Please also let me know of any questions or concerns. Thanks!
 
Respectfully Submitted,Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://www.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box
 

UPDATE:

 

The Danvers-47 repeater was activated at approximately 5:30pm to monitor the situation in the Merrimack Valley. At this time no requests for support have been received but have been in communication with Jonathan Goldfield-KB1ZRB from Red Cross and they are gathering general availability on their end for overnight operations. We are doing the same and gathering availability in the event our services are needed. Mark-K1MGY is requesting availability from his area as well. Otherwise we are passing along pertinent information over the repeater and on my Facebook page as well to get the word out.

Emergency Communications

Cape and Islands ARES participation in the REPC Regional Shelter exercise 0900 8-25-18

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Hello to all,

Cape Cod and Islands ARES will participate in the Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee shelter exercise on Saturday.

August 25th. This will be a functional exercise using the volunteer agencies in our multi agency shelter at D-Y Regional High School. Our Red Cross partners, ARES, MRC, CERT, and the Disaster Animal Rescue Team will participate.

Cape and Islands ARES will be providing in shelter communication coverage by UHF radio between the agencies. External communications will be using a new kit featuring a 75 watt VHF 2m radio.

Our 2m VHF station will call a simplex net on 146.580 MHZ FM at about 0900 in the morning. The 2m VHF test will last about 30 minutes. All stations within range are welcome to check in. Please report our signal strength to the net control station along with your antenna type, height, and the equipment/power level you are using.

At 0930 a test will begin with the new PAC digital software created by our own Ron W2CTX. It will last 30 minutes. Only stations with PAC will be able to participate. The software is in its late developmental stages, but has not gone live yet. There will be training for our members before that occurs.

Frank O’Laughlin WQ1O

Cape Cod and Islands ARES DEC

Emergency Communications / Public Service

WQ1O and Cape Cod ARES Receives Certificate of Recognition From Barnstable County Commissioners

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Certificate of Recognition awarded to WQ1O on August 1, 2018Frank O’Laughlin, WQ1O, and the Cape Cod ARES team  received high praise from the Barnstable County Commissioners for his hard work during the intense storms that impacted the Cape in March.

The ARRL Cape Cod and Islands ARES District Emergency Coordinator and the Cape Cod ARES team were awarded a Certificate of Recognition from Commissioners Ronald Beaty, Mary Pat Flynn, and Leo Cakounes at a Regional Emergency Planning Committee Meeting on August 1, 2018.

“I want to give thanks to all and especially to my crew who worked hard and long hours last winter during storm operations. Our group devoted several hundred person-hours to the operations,” writes WQ1O. “As Cape and Islands ARES insists on self sufficiency, our volunteers are self-equipped regardless if there is equipment on scene. This helps guarantee redundancy.”

 

Emergency Communications

ARRL Board of Directors’ Committee Seeks Input for Proposed ARES Strategic Plan

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

The Public Service Enhancement Working Group (PSEWG) has contacted all ARRL Section Managers and Section Emergency Coordinators seeking comments and suggestions regarding the proposed ARES Strategic Plan via an online form. The deadline is October 31, in order to give the PSEWG sufficient time to review the comments and suggestions, formulate any necessary revisions, and submit the revised document to the Board for consideration at its January meeting.  [Full story]

 

[Note: please forward comments and suggestions about the strategic plan  to Eastern MA Section Emergency Coordinator Rob Macedo, KD1CY.]
Emergency Communications

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Region II Office Closed

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
RACES logoRob Macedo, KD1CY writes:
 
MEMA’s Region II office and Regional EOC (REOC) in Bridgewater have closed and have temporarily relocated to other space while a search for a new permanent office and Regional EOC is conducted. The radio tower at the site remains operational. 

For the next several months, MEMA’s Region II staff is working in conference and office space that has been provided by the Plymouth Police Department, and the REOC has been moved to MEMA headquarters in Framingham. Contact information for Region II staff and the REOC remain the same — the phone numbers for the former Bridgewater office and Regional EOC are being forwarded to Headquarters.

 
 
Emergency Communications / Organization

New Section Emergency Coordinator: Rob Macedo, KD1CY

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

ARRL flagEastern Massachusetts Section Manager Tom Walsh, K1TW, has announced the appointment of Rob Macedo, KD1CY as Section Emergency Coordinator.

“Greg Bennett, KC1CIC, has found it necessary to step down as the SEC for EMA.  Rob Macedo, KD1CY, has accepted the role of SEC going forward.  Rob, because of his previous SEC experience will be able to step in immediately,” Walsh said. 

KC1CIC will continue in a new role as an ARES District Emergency Coordinator for NTS liaison.  “I extend my since thanks to both Greg and Rob for their ongoing significant contributions as volunteers in the Eastern Massachusetts section,” K1TW added.

Emergency Communications

Eastern MA Hospital Net, July 7, 2018

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

We hope everyone has a happy and safe 4th of July week. This coming Saturday being the first Saturday of the month the Eastern MA Hospital Net will be conducted.

Net Control for the July 7, 2018 Eastern MA Hospital Net will be the South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Club – W1SSH. The net will commence at the usual time of 10:00 AM using the following repeaters in the order listed. 

  1.  Plymouth 146.685 tone 131.8 (Note: new tone effective 4-1-18)
  2.  Boston 145.230 tone encode 88.5 tone decode 100.0
  3.  Falmouth 147.375 tone 110.9  

Simplex 147.42

The Net will then return to the Plymouth Repeater for final comments and Net closing.

NET Protocol: Please wait for Net Control to ask for Check-ins. When asked to check in please use the standard net check in procedure which is:  Here is.., un-key, wait 3 seconds to check for doubling, then give yours or your facilities call sign, your first name, and your facility’s name.

We extend an invitation to any health care facility or EOC of any city or town that is served by one of the participating hospitals to join the Net. We also extend an invitation to any RACES or ARES member to check in during the NET.

Any hospital wishing to join the net that needs assistance with equipment or personnel should contact us at ssharc@gmail.com. We can assist you with getting your location on the air.

We are always looking for groups or organizations to try their hand at Net Control.  If you are interested please contact us at the email address listed above.  Our goal is to rotate Net Control throughout the year among as many groups as possible.

We thank the repeater trustees for their generosity in allowing us to conduct the monthly nets and the use of their systems in an actual event. The following list of repeaters are available for our use. Only a few systems are used each month with the selection of those used made by Net Control for that month.  More systems are being added to the list on a regular basis.

Attleboro 147.195 tone 127.3 (Sturdy Memorial Hospital)
Belmont 145.430 tone 146.2
Boston 145.230 tone encode 88.5 tone decode 100.0
Bridgewater 147.180 tone 67.0
Danvers 145.47 tone 136.5
Dartmouth 147.000 tone 67.0  
Fall River 146.805. tone 67.0
Falmouth 147.375 tone 110.9  
Mansfield EMA  446.925 tone 100.0
Mansfield 147.015 tone 67.0
Marshfield 145.390 tone 67.0      
Norwood 147.210 tone 100.00
Plymouth 146.685 tone 131.8  (Note: new tone effective 4-1-18) 
Salem 146.88 tone 118.8        
Sharon 146.865 tone 103.5    
Weymouth 147.345 tone 110.9 (South Shore Hospital)
Bridgewater 146.775 dcs 244 
Wrentham 147.09 tone 146.2

We look forward to hearing you all on the Net.

Emergency Communications / Field Day / Operating

Severe Weather & Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend Coordination Message #2 – Saturday 6/23/18-Sunday 6/24/18 Weather Outlook/Severe Weather Potential

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

SKYWARN logoHello to all..

..The following is the second in a series of messages on Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend and providing information on the weather during this period. This is a tradition spanning over 15 years for Amateur Radio Operators involved with Field Day and the NWS Boston/Norton SKYWARN Program..
..After quiet weather on Friday, unsettled weather is likely during Amateur Radio Field Day weekend. It will not be a complete washout but there will be the threat of widespread showers and isolated thunderstorms with heavier rainfall and urban and the potential of urban and poor drainage flooding as well as an attendant lightning risk Saturday into Saturday Night. As we move into Sunday…

[Full post]
Emergency Communications / Field Day / Operating

Severe Weather & Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend Coordination Message #1

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Hello to all.. 

..The following is the first in a series of messages on Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend and providing information on the weather during this period. This is a tradition spanning over 15 years for Amateur Radio Operators involved with Field Day and the NWS Boston/Norton SKYWARN Program.. 
..2018 Field Day weekend has quiet weather for Friday but looks unsettled with the potential for rain and possibly heavier rain and can’t rule out an isolated thunderstorm along with cooler temperatures on Saturday and then the potential of isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms with strong to damaging winds, hail, frequent lightning and heavy rainfall on Sunday Afternoon/Evening potentially when Amateur Radio Field Day sites are breaking down stations and wrapping up for this year’s event. Weekend weather will be monitored closely..
..Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend is an annual event where Ham Operators across the United States setup at Emergency Operations Centers, field locations, home locations etc. to operate and test their equipment and skills and make as many radio contacts as possible during the weekend. Many locations can be visited by the public and Amateur Radio Field Day can be a form of outreach to Ham and non-Ham Operators. It is also noted that several states have given proclamations to Amateur Radio/Ham Radio Operators for either an ‘Amateur Radio Day or Amateur Radio Week’ during the month of June or an ‘Amateur Radio Month’ for this month. It is both a fun/preparatory event for Ham Radio Operators for Emergency Communications scenarios.. 
..SKYWARN Activation on Saturday appears unlikely but will need to monitor for any potential for thunderstorms and attendant lightning risk and heavier rainfall. SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Boston/Norton are possible Sunday Afternoon/Evening for isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorm potential..

There are a large number of Amateur Radio Field Day sites across the NWS Boston/Norton Coverage Area and adjacent NWS Coverage Areas. Here are some links to information on these Amateur Radio Field Day Sites from across the region: 

Amateur Radio Field Day Information: http://www.arrl.org/field-day 
Amateur Radio Field Day National Locator: http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator 
Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Home Page: http://fd.ema.arrl.org/ 

The commonwealth of Massachusetts has declared this week to be Amateur Radio Week and Governor Baker has proclaimed Sunday June 24th, 2018 Amateur Radio Day in honor of the ARRL Field Day event. The details can be seen at the following links:

 
For Field Day weekend, Friday looks quiet weather wise with seasonable temperatures and dry conditions. As we get into Saturday, there could be general rain over Southern New England with cooler temperatures. There could also be heavier rainfall and the chance of an isolated thunderstorm though currently it looks more like a rain and heavier downpour situation versus a general thunderstorm concern but this will be monitored and updated again in the Friday Evening coordination message.
 
For Sunday, parameters could come together for isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms with strong to damaging winds, hail, frequent lightning and heavy rainfall in the Sunday Afternoon and Evening timeframe as Field Day operations end and field day sites are securing. We are still 2+ days from this event and this will be updated with greater details as we get closer to this timeframe. This concern is mentioned in the NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook.
 
Coordination messages later Friday and Saturday will help better define the outlook particularly for Sunday and the severe weather potential. Below are links to the NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook and NWS Boston/Norton Experimental Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:

NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook: 
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html 

NWS Boston/Norton Experimental Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:
https://www.weather.gov/box/ehwo

Amateur Radio Field Day sites are still encouraged to bring a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio, monitor various cell phone weather apps where Amateur Operators may have those available and have a dedicated Ham Radio that can monitor their local SKYWARN Frequency for their area as a best safety and preparedness practice. Also sites that have mobile Internet capability can utilize that capability as a way to monitor for weather information. With Mobile Internet capability, utilizing Echolink to monitor the New England Reflector system on Echolink Conference *NEW-ENG3* Node: 9123/IRLP 9123 would be helpful as well. Please see the link below for the latest SKYWARN Frequency information for the region: 
http://www.wx1box.org/node/37

 

During setup and takedown of Amateur Radio Field Day sites and even while operating, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat accordingly. Also having a jacket or sweatshirt during evenings as conditions cool etc. may also be useful while operating this year’s Field Day. The link below features information on Heat Safety:
 
Given the threat for thunderstorms particularly on Sunday, lightning is a threat to any and all Amateur Radio Field Day sites. Remember your lightning safety tips and details on lightning safety can be seen at the following link:
 

The next Amateur Radio Field Day coordination message will be posted by 1000 PM Friday Evening.

Respectfully Submitted, 

Robert Macedo (KD1CY) 
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator 
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator 
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM) 
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM) 
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM) 
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com 
http://ares.ema.arrl.org 
http://www.wx1box.org 
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box 

Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box
Emergency Communications / Public Information

KD1CY Featured in SKYWARN Interview on WILI AM 1400

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Rob Macedo, KD1CY featured on WILI SKYWARN interviewRob Macedo, KD1CY was featured in a radio interview on  radio station WILI AM 1400 in Willamantic, Connecticut on June 15. Macedo spoke on severe weather and the importance of trained SKYWARN observers. 

KD1CY is an Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator for Eastern Massachusetts and SKYWARN Coordinator for the National Weather Service office in Norton.

Emergency Communications / Public Information

WQ1O Interviewed About Emergency Communications by WCAI

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Photo of Cape Cod Multi-Agency Communications Center in HyannisFrank O’Laughlin, WQ1O writes on Facebook:

I was interviewed today by Kathryn Eident of NPR station WCAI today at our Barnstable County facility (used for the Multi-Agency Coordination Center) on Cape Cod.

We discussed ARES, agencies, volunteers and how basic simple equipment can often endure due to its lack of dependence on infrastructure. We gave her a live demonstration of digital modes and NBEMS sending files and ICS forms. We then had ARES member Jim, KC1KM send a digital image on VHF. It was of Kathryn’s own WCAI broadcast facility in Falmouth.

I think the interview went well. She is working in collaboration with the Cape Cod Times on a series about disaster preparedness and levels of communications. She will advise me when the final piece is ready to air, possibly in late July or early August. My thanks to Kathryn and WCAI for their interest in emergency communications.

Emergency Communications / Licensing Education & Training / Public Service

ARRL to Sponsor the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season Webinar, June 11, 2018

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
Rob Macedo, KD1CY writes on SKYWARN_Announce:
 
The ARRL will be sponsoring the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season Webinar on Monday 6/11/18 at 800 PM EDT. Details on how to register for this very interesting webinar can be seen at the following link:
 
 

The webinar will go through an overview of the historic 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season, lessons learned from the season, key Amateur Radio group’s preparedness for the new season and how Amateur Radio operators and SKYWARN spotters can become involved. These Amateur Radio Groups include, WX4NHC, the Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center, which is now in its 37th year of service, the Hurricane Watch Net, the VoIP Hurricane Net, SATERN (the Salvation Army Team Emergency Response Network) and the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). Also, an Amateur Radio operator who is the Warning Preparedness Meteorologist at the Canadian Hurricane Centre will be giving the meteorological overview of the 2018 season.

We hope many folks can join the 2018 ARRL Hurricane Webinar!