Police Forces in BC continue to enforce the Distracted Driver Legislation. The stats in the attached website are for five hours. Many folks in the amateur community worked very long and hard to get the exemption we currently enjoy,. Please make sure not to use a handheld or portable device while driving. We don’t need to loose the exemption we currently enjoy.
http://bc.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=50&contentId=31783
Below is a statement on the activation of the Hurricane Net. For the complete statement please go to http://www.hwn.org/policies/activationplans.html
The Hurricane Watch Net will begin net operations at 11:00 AM EDT – 1600 UTC Sunday, September 15th on our primary net frequency of 14.325.00 MHz in response to Ingrid, forecast to be a Category 1 Hurricane at that time. In addition to hurricane force winds, Ingrid is forecast to bring about 10 to 15 inches of rain over a large part of eastern Mexico with isolated amounts of 25 inches possible, especially in areas of mountainous terrain. These rains are likely to result in life-threatening flash flood and mud slides.
The Hurricane Watch Net wishes to thank all parties for allowing us the use of the frequency and allowing a clear space to conduct our net during this dangerous event!
As a special note to those who monitor when the net is active, we ask that you please honor our request for you remain quiet unless specifically called upon for assistance.
This morning an earthquake occurred just off the west coast of Vancouver Island. It could be felt in Tofino and Long Beach. NO TSUNAMI is expected. For all the details go to
http://www.earthquakescanada.nrcan.gc.ca/recent_eq/2013/20130914.0714/index-eng.php
With the flooding in Colorado has come the loss of phone lines and cell towers. Amateur radio has responded. To read the details go to
http://www.arrl.org/news/amateur-radio-provides-critical-communication-in-colorado-flooding-response
Do your kids know the emergency plan. Have a look at the website below. It will help them understand the how and why of what to do.
The weather office advises there will be a noticable change in the weather on Sunday in the interior and east portion of BC. Please check this bulletin if you are planning outdoor activities this weekend. Remember too in some areas of the Province the fire rating is still extreme. Go to http://weather.gc.ca/warnings/SWS_bulletins_e.html?prov=bc
Here is a report from the RCMP on their blitz September 10th. Please remember in British Columbia hand held amateurs radios count as illegal devices if used while driving.
http://bc.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=50&contentId=31643
The website below will show the emergency frequencies for various bands. This is in compliance with the IARU. Given that we currently have storms approaching the maritime provinces it may be helpful to know what frequencies may be in use for ARES activity.
The website noted below says it better than I ever could. It is important to remember those that lost their lives that day, but it is also important to remember the tremendous response in Canada and the United States. We will never know all the efforts of that day, but we can send condolences to the families and thank those who responded.
Ever dispatch a medical first responder on a motorcycle. Have a look at the website below and see a different way amateur radio is utilized in Texas