Well it’s September, late in the month and hopefully fall is upon us and some much needed rain. Maybe some time indoors can be put to use by getting the rig fired up and doing some DX, working some Special event stations or even a contest. I encourage you to do that. In a recent article from ARRL via an email newsletter this topic was addressed. Here are the reasons that author gave, the topic was about contesting but it applies to other operating experiences…
“Contesting helps prepare us for demanding communication tasks such as might be encountered during a major disaster. Why do I call contests training events? Simply put, all the skills built through contesting experience are valuable in emergency communications situations:
- Hearing, understanding and recording information quickly and accurately.
- Extracting information from weak signals or through interference and noise.
- Establishing and completing contacts with rapid efficiency.
- Finding work-arounds when the unexpected happens, rather than giving up.
- Knowing how to get the most out of your equipment and antennas.
- Understanding propagation and making those tough long-haul contacts.”
He further makes this point which our ARES team works on via our Nets and training activities…
“We can identify and correct weaknesses in our stations, evaluate the impact of equipment and antenna changes, and push ourselves to solve real-time communication problems as efficiently as possible. All this builds and hones transferable skills. It makes us better at what we do, which is getting the message through. Remember, when all else fails, Amateur Radio works, and properly trained, dedicated hams make it happen.” – Marty Woll, N6VI
He really sells the point of a great reason as to why we play with radios and have interest in ARES. Conditions and equipment are always variables they don’t always respond the same so familiarity in different conditions increases your skills. I hope we never need them for a disaster response, but go play radio and have fun, you might even find some new activities and experiences.
Now all this leads me to another thought. September is National Preparedness Month. I hope you have taken the time to establish a plan with your family of what to do if there is a fire in your home, a tornado, flood or other disaster. Does everyone know the meeting place(s), how to communicate and with whom? Sometimes it’s not just meet at the mailbox and look for Dad. It might be go to a local church parking lot or school, then contact Aunt Sally to let her know you are ok (of course you need to brief her as part of your plan as she is an out-of-the-area contact for family emergency). Check out the County OEM website, FEMA and similar agencies for more ideas on making your plan. But HAVE A PLAN!
Enjoy the fall weather,
73
Rick
K5ECX