Over the last decade a lot of local repeaters are becoming more and more silent as the days tick by. Coastal Ham Radio, an online club started in the fall of 2014, is proposing April 11 as repeater day. We are promoting that on April 11 between 11:00-15:00 we encourage all amateurs to make a contact or two on a repeater of their choosing. Please spread the word and get involved.
https://coastalhamradio.wordpress.com/2015/03/26/repeater-day-april-11/
The federal government has announced a new alert system using radio and TV. For more information on this system go to
http://www.theweathernetwork.com/public-alerts/#alert-ready-info
It appears the issues between APRS.FI and Google have been resolved, APRS.FI is up and running
The folks in Campbell River BC are having a bit of a radio event . For all the information go to the site below.
https://wm-s.glb.shawcable.net/service/home/~/Contest%202015.pdf?auth=co&loc=en&id=307640&part=2
Sunday April 26th 2015 is the annual Times Colonist 10k Half Marathon Race which is held in Victoria BC . 50 Radio operators are needed for this event. If you are interested in helping go to
Google has placed a notice on the aprs.fi website that says they are no longer supporting the maps. An alternate site is http://www.openaprs.net/
While the issue of PTSD is both political and philosophical in many circles the reality is when people are exposed to significant events there is stress, and there are varied reactions to this stress. ARES leaders need to make sure there are debriefings and other events in their operational plans so their folks can deal with post event issues. Emergency crews have steps in place to handle this matter, why can’t we?.
These portions of your plan need to be practiced after every call out or exercise, not just on major events. It takes time for people to realize these help, it takes time for people to be comfortable in debriefings, and it takes time for people to realize it really could happen to them. The url below will take you to a report on the Napa Valley earthquake.
http://www.emergencymgmt.com/disaster/One-Quarter-People-Experienced-California-Quake-Risk-PTSD.html
This years winner in the British Columbia Lifeline Recognition Program for Radio Communication is Neil Townsend. Neil is the station manager for VE7PEP in Victoria. Congratulation Neil
RAC ANNOUNCES NEW CHIEF OF FIELD SERVICES ORGANIZATION
RAC is pleased to announce that Mr. William (“Bill”) Boskwick (VE4BOZ/VE4IR) has accepted the position of Chief Field Services Officer (CFSO). This is an executive level position within RAC and reports to the President.
One of the significant roles within Field Services is the enabling of amateur emergency communications at the regional level. Amateur emergency communication (emcomm) has been involved in such crises as floods and fires in Alberta and Manitoba and hurricanes in Newfoundland. Emergency disaster response is a provincial/municipal responsibility in Canada.
Bill comes to RAC with a significant leadership and communication background in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Bill is available at 204-436-3523, VE4BOZ@RAC.CA
As science moves along predictions change. Here is a report on the current California situation. BC should not get too smug. We need to prepare for a significant event. ARES LEADERS, this is interesting information.