Before you get busy with the spring chores in the yard you should think about your plans for Field Day.  Attached is an ARRL brochure to help get you started.

http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Field-Day/2014/Field%20Day%20Packet%202014%20v2.pdf

On April 9th  W1AW will be active from Massachsetts, Puero Rico and Virginia.  Good luck with the Centennial Party

A New Jersey town is looking at ways to ensure they have power after a large storm hits. This planning is interesting. For more information go to

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-to-keep-the-lights-on-after-a-superstorm/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+basic-science+(Topic:+More+Science)

April 6th 2014 is the start of  Volunteer Appreciation Week.  The amateur community owes a thank you to all those that volunteer for RAC positions, ARES and other related duties. In British Columbia there are over 1200 amateurs registered with Emergency Management British Columbia along with a greater number registered for Ground Search and Rescue and Emergency Social Services.  All these folks, and many others, volunteer their time and energy to make Canada a better place.   THANK YOU to each of you.

Washington state has specifically exempted amateur towers from a new law involving guyed towers.  To get more information go to

http://www.arrl.org/news/washington-aeronautic-safety-law-exempts-amateur-radio-guyed-towers

Near Balboa Panama the resources of ham radio, the US Coast Guard and a foreign flag tanker saved three people after their vessel sank.  For the full story go to

http://www.nevadahamradio.com/

The Mellish Reef DXpedition is having some notable weather issues. For the latest report go to

http://www.arrl.org/news/stormy-weather-may-force-retreat-of-mellish-reef-vk9mt-dxpedition-team

Attached is an update on Ham Operations in Chile from Thurs Apr 4 2014

http://www.arrl.org/news/view/hams-on-alert-in-wake-of-chile-earthquake

The Polish DX contest will be held April 5/6 2014.  For rules, frequencies and exchange information go to  http://www.spdxcontest.pzk.org.pl/reg/reg_g.html

I am sure when we moved to Daylight Saving Time everyone checked/changed the batteries in their smoke detectors, but did you check your emergency kit ?  Here are some ideas from North Shore Emergency Management.  Remember in the event of a crisis be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Be prepared

http://www.nsemo.org/preparedness/emergency-kits-supplies