TO: ALL ARES OPERATORS IN
DISTRICT 3 (OFFICIAL)
ALL AMATEURS IN WEST VIRGINIA
(INFORMATION)
FROM: WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INCORPORATED AND WOOD
COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY SERVICES (ARES)
ARES DISTRICT 3 BULLETIN NR 07.01 DATE: January 7,
2007
SUBJECT: OPERATIONS WITHOUT COMMERCIAL POWER.
Even though the weather hasn't been that bad, winter is still
here, so we might as well review some tips about losing commercial
power. I thought it would be appropriate to cover this subject by
revising a bulletin from some time back. Not every amateur will
prepare him or herself for an emergency by having a complete
self-powered station. Questions you might ask yourself; Can I
operate my station without commercial power? If I do not have an
automatic backup system in place, how long does it take to set it up?
Many amateurs have equipment that will operate on 12 volts (Battery
power), or have access to auxiliary power like generators, but have
never taken the time to see if they can operate their station from this
source. If the power were to fail this minute, and you were in the
middle of a radio conversation, could you maintain that conversation on
any of your equipment? Will your VHF radio be operational?
How about HF? And how about Packet? Remember the DAREN
system will be a major communications route in a major emergency or
disaster. These are all valid questions, which we might set a goal
to answer, Yes! As a test for yourself, get out the batteries, if
they are charged, or get out the generator, if it s. Break out the
cables to connect the batteries, hook up the station to the alternative
source of power and operate for a couple hours in that manner, this
includes working in the dark if you don't have emergency lights, or
flashlights. If your station is already set up for battery backup,
you can still do this drill. Just throw the switch and think about
how to operate your computer or dumb terminal, or do you have a
portable? This will help us remain familiar with the
procedure, which will affect our response time and our ability to
communicate in a disaster or emergency. Remember to keep those
necessary items ready and waiting, in case the lights go out. (Reprinted
with modifications of WV ARES Zone 3 Bulletin NR 04.45)
Ken Harris WA8LLM
Wood County WV
ARES Assistant Section Coordinator WV
ARES District Emergency Coordinator WV District 3