In this letter to the editor, the author comments on RW Assistant Editor Elle Kehres’ column “Radio’s Resilience During Hurricane Helene Is Nothing New.” Comment on this or any article. Email [email protected].
Elle,
While being on the Left Coast we generally don’t have hurricanes but I was deeply involved in an earth movement in 1989.
My thoughts on this:
- Planning for a disaster is useful but in most cases flexibility and creativity is key. Very few disasters follow a script. Weather events can be predicted, fire events have very short notice, and earthquakes are self-announcing.
- Communications. Don’t expect your cell phone to work. Having an RPU channel or amateur channel that all engineers know about allows communications and mutual aid. Here in San Francisco one 450 MHz RPU channel, “The NCFCC Channel” is available as well as a 70 cm amateur channel. Both are supported by Sutro Tower.
- Take care of yourself. There has been several articles in RW about this. While I don’t have to worry about snow and ice in San Francisco I keep water and snack bars and chocolate in my van. Also have a change of clothing in a sealed plastic bag that, when I remember, I change with fresh clothing. Learned in the USN that a change of clothing can keep you going after the first 24 hours.
- KWMR in Point Reyes Station, West Marin County, has a system where a staff member can call a dedicated POTS line, take over station audio and make announcements on the air from anywhere. KWMR also works with the West Marin Disaster Council with a GMRS repeater and trained volunteers. When something happens in West Marin the local community works together to share information.
- It is well known in the public safety dispatch community that family concerns will be distracting. While we’re committed to getting the station back on the air and restoring programming, taking the time to assure yourself that your family, spouse, children, parents, etc., are OK is necessary.
When in doubt, though, never forget “Mother Nature always wins.”
— Bill Ruck, San Francisco
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