The website below will take you to the New Zealand  Government website. It is an interesting read and no doubt up to date in view all the recent shakes down under

http://www.getthru.govt.nz/web/GetThru.nsf/web/BOWN-7GY5TP?OpenDocument

In addition to recording the serial number of each piece of radio equipment you had make sure you engrave your driver’s licence number or a serial number of your choice. If you use a serial number of your choice remember to record it and have it available for the police in the event of an event or insurance claim. . DO NOT use your social insurance number, the police can no longer trace that number.

This year’s SET is now scheduled for October 19, 2013 due to a conflict with Thanksgiving on October 12. Please visit the RAC website for details.

A reminder that groups are encouraged to hold their SET on any weekend that is convenient

73,

Doug Mercer VO1DTM/VO1DM CEC
Chief Field Services Officier – Radio Amateurs of/du Canada

An earthquake occurred sw of Bella Bella on the Central Coast this afternoon, Sept 3 2013.  There is no tsunami  expected, but it is yet another reminder for all to be prepared.

As 1530 PDT there have been three notable earthquakes in BC; two over 5.0 and one at 4.6.

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/at00mskgfx#summary

Amateur Radio operators continue to support the communication effort as fire fighters try to gain the upper hand at the Rim Fire.  For more details go to

http://www.arrl.org/news/hams-continue-to-support-rim-fire-response

The weather office has issued a heavy rainfall alert for the Nanaimo area, starting tonight Aug 28th. To read the full alert go to

http://weather.gc.ca/warnings/SWS_bulletins_e.html?prov=bc

The CECA AGM will be held on Thursday September 26th 2013 at 1900 hrs in  the City of Nanaimo Emergency  Operations Centre, #1 Fire Hall. All CECA members are urged to attend this meeting.

Interesting article on the realization that natural disasters not only cost a lot of money, but at times can require a significant response.  Canada has concerns on both fronts.

http://globalnews.ca/news/791811/natural-disasters-rising-costs-are-canadas-biggest-public-safety-risk-documents/

If you are not sure about an emergency plan, and emergency kit, or what to do the website below will help get you started.  Remember, the government, emergency services and others may not be able to get to immediately.  You should plan for seven days of self reliance.  Check out the site noted.

http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/yprprdnssgd/index-eng.aspx

On this day in 2003 the Okanagen Fire started in the interior of BC. By the time this interface fire  was over over 30,000 people have been  affected and over 200 homes destroyed. This fire created one of the largest evacuations in Canadian history. The final size of the fire was over 225 square kilometers or 61,000 acres. ARES units from around the Province participated along with 60 fire departments, 1400 members of the Canadian  Armed Forces and over 1,000 forest fire fighters..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Okanagan_Mountain_Park_Fire