Nov 2010 Ward Preparedness Newsletter

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Communications

From the Providentliving web site:
"When an emergency occurs, leaders need the ability to immediately communicate with members, missionaries, and civil and Church authorities to provide status reports or to request assistance. A reliable emergency communication system should be in place if regular telephone or cell phone service fails."
There are many different emergencies that can occur in North Salt lake. How will you communicate your families status and needs when they emergency occur?
The Church wants every Stake President to be able to communicate the status and needs, to their local Bishop’s Storehouse during and after an emergency. To acomplish this, every Bishop needs to be able to communicate with the members of his Ward, and reliably pass what he learns to the Stake President.

When an emergency happens, the Bishop needs to be told what damage and injuries are in his Ward. He has to be made aware of what the needs are. To accurately asess these needs, you, as a family and a neighbor, must be able to communicate your situation to him. This communication is important so that he can accuratly inform the Stake President what is needed. He needs to be able to communicate.
How will you communicate the status and needs of your family. The needs of your neighbors?
For years, our Leaders have encouraged members to prepare. Part of this preparation involves being able to communicate with others during, and after an Emergency. History has shown, time and time again, that phone service, both land and cell, will not work at all, or very limited. How will you let others know of your familys situation? Again, history has shown the most dependable method of communicating in a disaster is with Radio.
The most familiar type of radio is called “Family Radio Service”, or FRS. These are the little handie-Talkies that many of you have. They require no license or test, but are limited in power and range. These radios have a range of less than half-a-mile (normally a couple of blocks). They have 14-channels, 7 of which are shared with the “General Mobility Radio Service”, or GMRS. GMRS is similar to FRS, but allows much more power and range. However, you are required to have a license to operate on these channels. Orchard 10th Ward, North Salt Lake Parkway Stake, will use FRS Channel-10 for Emergency information.
Anouther way to stay in touch is Ham radio (also known as Amateur Radio). Ham radio has thousands of channels, more power, and greater range than FRS or GMRS. However, Ham radio requires you to pass a test and receive a Lisence. In the past, this test required Morse code and was very technical. But today, the entry level test, known as the Technician Class, is very simple and the requirement for Morse code has been dropped. Young children frequently pass it with a little studying. And you no longer need large antennas and tall towers to talk. A handheld radio will allow you to talk locally as well as around the world. You can even talk to the International Space Station.
Ham radios are now located in the Bishops' Storehouses', as well as in City, County, and State Emergency Operating Centers.

Winter Weather
As you know, Winter is here. By now you have checked your 72 hour kit for proper clothes, your vehicle has been Winterized. And you checked your Winter Storm Kits in your home. An additional thought for you. When was the last time you tried using your Emeregency Heat device? Do you remember how it works? Is it still safe to use? Do you have enough fuel to last a few days? Are your neighbors ready for the cold? Find out.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, let me know.
Gary Davis KE7MQF