Emergency

Now let's discuss one of the reasons you were granted a Ham Radio license. Public Service, while we hope the need never arises, we need to be prepared.

In a possible emergency, the sky is black, the wind is howling. You turn on your hand-held and tune to the frequency that is used by the ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) and you are not sure if the repeater is in emergency operational mode with an emergency net operating, Ask, Is this frequency in use? Then wait for a possible net control to come back.

In an emergency the frequency may not be in use continually. When an emergency has been declared or a drill is in progress. The repeater is closed to regular use.

Have your call sign written down phonetically where you can see it? On an emergency net the net control will call for check-ins phonetically, and it is hard to remember especially if you are under stress. Do not use strange phonetics.

Learn how to scan 2, 3, 6 channels simultaneously. All radios of recent production have scanning provisions. You may want to scan the local repeaters and two or more simplex frequencies.

Learn how to adjust the squelch control because in simplex you will need to open the radio for use and have the radio making noise continually.

When net control asks for amateurs to help, remember that even if you can not work as a communicator, you can observe the conditions outside your home and report. Local conditions can become important, and your input may save someone life.

Let neighbors know that you have radio capabilities in an unobtrusive manner. If all the phones, cell phones, roads and bridges are out your radio might mean the difference between life and death.

Verify that you have provided polarized interlocking connectors (moden plugs) on you equipment so that you can use what even type of power supplies you might run across in an emergency.

Learn how to use reverse or put the input frequencies of the local repeaters in memory so you can use them quickly. Often in an emergency you may be able to hear the station on input but they can not make the repeater. You then can relay the information.

In an emergency remember that your 2 meter 1/4 wave antenna is better than the antenna built into your AM radio. All you need to do to use it as AM antenna is to put an alligator clip on the coax lead and connect any wire to the clip and lay the wire on top of the radio or wrap the radio with the wire. Much improved reception.