It appears the issues between APRS.FI and Google have been resolved,  APRS.FI is up and running

http://aprs.fi/#!lat=49.13600&lng=-123.94830

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

http://www.ve7vic.ca/

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/

http://aprs.fi/

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.

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.

http://www.emergencymgmt.com/disaster/Risk-NEW USGS REPORT DOESN’T LOOK ALL THAT GOOD FOR CALIFORNIA AND A LARGE EARTHQUAKE.8-Earthquake-California-Leaps.html

In an effort to more fully engage the public about the tsunami threat Emergency Management British Columbia will hold their first Tsunami Awareness Week start March 22,2015. This will be done in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from the US.  For one of the handouts available go to

https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/be-tsunami-smart

ARES UNITS.. This may be of interest to training officers. PLEASE remember that while the tsunami affects mainly coastal area assistance with be required from inlands sites. It  may be advantageous to be aware of terms that will be used.

Those renewing or applying for the Public Safety Lifeline Volunteer program of EMBC will find an additional page outlining the Code of Conduct. This should eliminate any “confusion” that may occur

http://www.embc.gov.bc.ca/em/files/forms/vol_reg_08.pdf