December 2010 Preparedness Newsletter

[rflistner2000]

Many questions that need to be asked.
It is the end of another year. Time to review what we've hopefully learned. But, first an update on last months notes. For those that have FRS/GMRS radios,(the little bubblepack radios with 22 channels). I've been informed that you need an FCC liscense when using channels 15 thru 22. If you do not have a liscense, then you may legally listen, ONLY, on those channels. For Channels 1 thru 7, you may ONLY operate on low power without a liscense. Again, this is for LEGAl operation of these radios.
and now, back to our regularly scheduled message:
Wintertime is here. If you don't believe me, take a walk outside. If you are not ready, it is not to late to get ready. Is your car Winter ready? Oil and coolants need to be changed and levels checked. How old is the Battery? When was the last time you checked your Winter Car kit? Jumper Cables, sand, shovel, xtra blankets, food and water for a couple of days, ect? Will your tires keep you safe?
Is your family and home ready for Winter? How about your neighbors? When was the last time you and your neighbors make safety and care arraingments, or is it time to renew/update those arraingments? When the power goes out, do you care enough to see that they are okay? Will they see if your family is okay? Do you have safe sources of heating and lighting to see your family safely thru a power outage? Do you have a pre-planned alternate location to meet if you can't stay home? When the roads are closed, do your children know your families plan?
During a meeting I attended earlier this month, the subject of preparedness came up. the question was ask, "Are you prepared?" I had to interupt and ask, "For what"? What are YOU preapared for? Is your family ready for short Winter Storm Power outage .5~12 hours? Are they ready for an extended outage of 2 to 14 days? If there is an incident that requires your family to be evacuated for a day or more, do they know what to do? What will you take with you? Where will you go? Do your children know how to get a hold of you if the phone lines goes down? Does your families Communication plan need updateing? Are you ready to evacuate your pets and children, or will you leave them behind?
There are many things that can go wrong in our daily lives, but by listening to the Prophets, adding a little thought, and some basic preparations, we can increase the chances of our families surviving the events ahead. PLAN, PREPARE, PRACTICE. Three simple words that will tell the difference between being able to help ourselves and others, or waiting in line for someone else to fulfill our responsibilites.
Finally, starting in January, the Ward will be conducting monthly communications tests. The tests will start at 6:00 PM on the second Saturday. These tests are one step we can take to prepare our families and neighbors for an Emergency within our neighborhoods. More info will be forthcoming, but basically, you will be requested to contact your block Captain with your families status. He in turn will contact the Neighborhood Coordinator. The Neighborhood Coordinators will then pass this status information to the Bishop. Once all four Coordinators report in, The Bishop will use the information to provide status to the Stake President as well as requests for assistance. We will be using FRS radio channel 10 for these exercises.
As the holiday season progresses, Please be careful and safe. I want to see you again next year.
As always, if you have any questions, concerns or comments, please contact me. I've been told it is what I'm here for.

[tfurrows]

Just a note, the FCC is currently looking at rewriting part 95, which covers personal communications, and has stated that they plan to remove the license requirement for GMRS, which would open up all those little bubble-pack radios for higher-power to the general public. Of course, the final decision is still open, but it is looking likely, especially given the fact that they have an almost impossible task enforcing GMRS licensing (a fact which they readily admit).

Also, for those little radios, I would venture to bet that in a true emergency you could justify the use of the higher-powered GMRS bands where life & property are threatened. Just an opinion.

[tfurrows]

Just a note, the FCC is currently looking at rewriting part 95, which covers personal communications, and has stated that they plan to remove the license requirement for GMRS, which would open up all those little bubble-pack radios for higher-power to the general public. Of course, the final decision is still open, but it is looking likely, especially given the fact that they have an almost impossible task enforcing GMRS licensing (a fact which they readily admit).

Also, for those little radios, I would venture to bet that in a true emergency you could justify the use of the higher-powered GMRS bands where life & property are threatened. Just an opinion.