Welcome to the Sacramento Valley Regional ARES
ARRL Sacramento Valley Section site 
and on Facebook 
Twitter 
Links to Storm & Wildfire Information
Repeater in NC
2m repeater on Mt. Mitchell [NC] that’s communicating with the EOC just north of here….the only way radio traffic is getting in and out of the mountains is via amateur radio. Pretty powerful to hear some of these communications.W4HTP 145.350 Repeater
https://www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/43107 (https://www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/43107) 9/30/2024
Hot RF Nights
The Sierra Foothills Amateur Radio Club is doing an event on August 11th @ 7PM open to all called Hot RF Nights. Hot RF Nights is a chance to show off mobile rig installs and/or go kits and build fellowship among Northern California amateur radio operators and groups. There is no cost for the event.We’ll have great prizes (all attendees get a ticket for the drawing), ice cream floats ($5), and free waters for all. Would your organization be willing to come out with ARES or emergency communication equipment? We've had confirmation from a few mutual aide agencies such as Alameda County Sherriff Communications RACES group and others and we'd love to have you involved. 7/28/2023
Modoc ARES EC Adds Echo Link Net
Chad L. SV ARES District 1 and Modoc County EC has added an Echo Link Net Saturday 1pm and Monday at 5pm. The node is ab6cl-L # 4152. If you search ab6cl you will find the link. Please add him and stop by to say hi. 6/19/20232022 California International Marathon
Amateur Radio Operators needed. If you are available Sunday, December 4th, Sacramento County ARES would love for you to help with the marathon. You do NOT need to be an ARES member. If you can help go to sacramentoares.org and sign up. Thank you in advance. 11/22/2022El Dorado amateur radio club 220 net
For all Ham Radio Operators, from The El Dorado County Amateur Radio Club:In honor of the recently-activated 220MHz EDCARC 220 MHz Repeater, please join us tomorrow, Monday, for the "220 Use It Or Lose It Net!"
Your new Monday Night Net, Mondays @ 8PM PST, with your host J.R., K6LBP
ALL ARE WELCOME... 224.060 MHz (- offset) (pl 127.3)
Guaranteed Not Like Any Other Net... News, Sports, World Events, Insightful Drama!! (OK, maybe just radio stuff, but still, not your average Net!)
Repeater coverage should reach well past Stockton to the south and north of Marysville. There's a good chance it can even be heard in the East Bay as well. The Group would be interested in hearing how far the signal reaches.
Hope to Hear You There!! (If we see you there, you're probably too close!) 11/9/2022
URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE: Fire Weather Watch
URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGENational Weather Service Sacramento CA
114 PM PDT Fri Oct 21 2022
CAZ215>219-221300-
/O.NEW.KSTO.FW.A.0003.221023T1900Z-221024T0300Z/
Northern Sacramento Valley to Southern Tehama County Line Below
1000 Ft-
Central Sacramento Valley in Glenn, Colusa, Yuba, Northern
Sutter, and Butte County Below 1000 Ft-
Southern Sacramento Valley in Yolo-
Sacramento Far Western Placer, southern Sutter and Solano County
Below 1000 Ft-Carquinez Strait and Delta-
Northern San Joaquin Valley in San Joaquin and Stanislaus
Counties Below 1000 ft-
114 PM PDT Fri Oct 21 2022
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
SUNDAY EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY FOR FIRE ZONES
215,216,217,218 AND 219...
The National Weather Service in Sacramento has issued a Fire
Weather Watch for gusty winds and low humidity, which is in
effect from Sunday afternoon through Sunday evening.
* Winds...Northerly wind 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 30 to 35
mph.
* Humidity...Minimum humidities of 15 to 25 percent.
* Highest Threat...The strongest winds will be over the west side
of the Sacramento and northern San Joaquin Valleys.
* Impacts...Although humidity values are higher than critical
thresholds, winds and fuels will allow any fires that develop to
spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.
&&
$$
http://weather.gov/sacramento 10/21/2022
Wildfire Safety Guide
This firm reached out to me asking if we wanted to post this story. I looked at it and like. I was allowed to post free of charge. Thank you to Thomas Hall, PR director and the members of Cutter Law Firm. 8/2/2022CalFire GIS Products re: Oak Fire
A full suite of CalFire GIS Products re: Oak Fire is available for Public use at:https://ftp.wildfire.gov/public/incident_specific_data/calif_s/!CALFIRE/!2022_Incidents/CA-MMU-016146_Oak/GIS/Products/20220724/ 7/24/2022
CAL Fire Site with information Oak Fire
Cal Fire has updated information Oak Fire Incidenthttps://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2022/7/22/oak-fire/?fbclid=IwAR1Qw_HIfEt84J8JYXQOBtalb02keSpoA9O_1etnJW1hq9UKQOExSJId-DI 7/23/2022
Oak fire information Evacuation Map and more info
Oak fire informationhttps://twitter.com/CAFireScanner
Evacuation Map.
https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html 7/23/2022
Cal-Fire has expanded the mandatory evacuation and evacuation warning zones Electra Fire MAP
From the Amador County Sheriff's OfficeCal-Fire has expanded the mandatory evacuation and evacuation warning zones. The pictured map displays the updated mandatory evacuation zone in red and the evacuation warning area in yellow.
https://amador.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=2ca23b7a00c34503a105d3c708031267&fbclid=IwAR3JTGnvf4-95PgkU86jOl2kNM0qfCESGGMCqU2JdfKIdcFp5O6RA3V1Ck4 7/5/2022
New El Dorado EC
On recommendation of El Dorado County EC Jay Harmor, who is stepping down, Michael Sumersill has been appointed El Dorado County Emergency Coordinator. Please help me in welcoming Michael. I would so like to thank Jay for his service..6/19/2022
May 3 at 7:30 pm PDT, Winlink author and developer Oliver Dully, K6OLI, will present a Zoom session about Winlink,
On May 3 at 7:30 pm PDT, Winlink author and developer Oliver Dully,K6OLI, will present a Zoom session about Winlink, a network of amateur
radio and authorized government stations that provide worldwide email
via radio. The Winlink network extends global messaging capability to
HF and VHF operators anywhere, even in the absence of internet access,
and is ideally suited for routine and Emergency Communications (EmComm)
message traffic.
This presentation hosted by the River City ARCS is targeted to all radio
amateurs in our section and Northern California who are interested in
data messaging for ARES and other EmComm and community support.
Zoom session log on information is below.
Topic: RCARCS May 2022 Meeting - Winlink Global Radio Email
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87353165999?pwd=NkxZUDVrOHU4bGI4c0lYUGJGa2JzQT09
Meeting ID: 873 5316 5999
Passcode: 510760 4/24/2022
Winlink Mapping – Leveraging Situational Awareness with Winlink
Oliver Dully K6OLI from the Winlink Development Team, introduced Mapping in Winlink. Mapping allows Winlink stations to leverage messages into visual data, greatly enhancing situational awareness before, during and after exercises and disasters.Winlink Mapping – Leveraging Situational Awareness with Winlink
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPYZqJuVIog 2/23/2022
Michael Joseph KK6ZGB, has appointed the Sacramento Valley Section as the ARRL Section Emergency Coordinator
Effective February 1, 2022, Michael Joseph KK6ZGB, will be appointed the Sacramento Valley Section as the ARRL Section Emergency Coordinator position.Michael has a strong background in emergency communications. He has worked in law enforcement, with the Red Cross, and the Sacramento Medical Reserve Corps. He has also served as the ARRL District 3 EC working closely with multiple counties.
Many of you may already know Michael and have talked and interacted with him in the past few years. He has been working the Red Cross radio station during the major fires that we have experienced. He has handled this position admirably tracking teams and resources. 1/31/2022
Winlink update with GIS
Winlink has been upgraded with several new features and form templates.One exciting new feature is the integration of GIS forms.
GIS -Geographic information System
A GIS system that creates, manages, analyzes, and maps all types of data. GIS connects data to a map, integrating location data (where things are) with all types of descriptive information (what things are like there).
Timely situation reports, weather reports, and other status reports are essential for incident management.
Often reports come from no-Internet locations. Winlink supports a number of forms that provide
position reports for mapping and data for CSV spreadsheet files.
When received at the incident management center, Winlink Express can display a map showing status
markers for reports, and it can generate a .csv spreadsheet data file with information from reports.
GIS forms in the Standard Library
Hospital Bed Report
Hurricane Report
LAX Bed Availability Report - HSA
Local Weather Report
Severe WX Report
SHARES Spotrep-2
Winlink Check In
Winlink Check Out
Ventura County ARES had a presentation on the new Winlink mapping capabilities.
VC ARES/ACS meeting video. Good examples of Winlink mapping in action.
https://wavetalkers.com/live/spotrep_20220112.php
1/18/2022
Tracking California Fires
- California Fire Map & Trackerhttps://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/california-fire-map/
An interactive map of wildfires burning across the Bay Area and California. Read up on what you need to know about California fire season in 2021.
- # Fire Mappers by NAPSG
https://napsg.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=6dc469279760492d802c7ba6db45ff0e&extent=-13383683.5848%2C4096629.4346%2C-13339617.638%2C4125446.1942%2C102100
7/1/2021
Eos: Amateur Radio Operators Help Fill Earthquake Donut Holes
The American Geophysical Union (AGU) published an article in Eos by USGS an ARES LAX Northeast on how amateur radio operators can help fill the information donut hole by providing DYFI reports via Winlink.
The full article is available here:
https://eos.org/science-updates/amateur-radio-operators-help-fill-earthquake-donut-holes
We would like to thank the USGS, the Winlink Development Team, ARES LAX and our partner ARES groups throughout the United States whose work and dedication is making this collaboration a success!
2/22/2021
A Map of Hams in your area
A map of hams in your area. Pretty nifty!You can enter a call sign or grid square.
https://haminfo.tetranz.com/map 10/9/2020
An Interactive wind map that show fire zones (Thank you Mikhael Brown, W6PE)
An Interactive wind map that show fire zonesThank you Mikhael Brown, W6PE
https://www.windy.com/-Show---add-more-layers/overlays?fires,37.335,-119.685,5,i:pressure
8/20/2020
Google earth kml overlay show fires in Google Earth
Google earth kml overlay show fires in Google EarthIf you have Google Earth, add this as a layer:
https://firms.modaps.eosdis.nasa.gov/data/active_fire/c6/kml/MODIS_C6_USA_contiguous_and_Hawaii_24h.kml
8/19/2020
Network for Lightning and Thunderstorms in Real Time
Network for Lightning and Thunderstorms in Real TimeClick on the Real Time map to see location of current lightening Strikes 8/17/2020
WaveTalkers- A Ham Test Study Tool
WaveTalkers- A Ham Test Study Toolby Chris Mattia – W6AH
http://wavetalkers.com/index.php
Chris Mattia – W6AH who developed this web site discusses it HamRadioNow.
https://youtu.be/vzU1nYQMUSc?t=2998
The site has some really nice features 4/6/2020
CERT Neighborhood Evacuation Team (NET)
CERT Neighborhood Evacuation Team (NET)A presentation by Mr. Dan Vasquez of the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services (OES) explaining the roll-out of the CERT Neighborhood Evacuation Team (NET) program throughout San Diego County, here is the link to the recorded meeting:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-7mirT-kjfvMtIy27R505aqnmfCQuWNQ
The video covers the presentation and runs through a good Q&A session with dual-hatted ARES/CERT members. 4/5/2020
Radio For The Rest of Us Webinar
Radio For The Rest of Us WebinarApr 14, 2020 - 05:30 PM
Alan Thompson will present an online Zoom webinar for the Oak Hills Area Fire Safe Council More info at https://tinyurl.com/tczb36f 4/2/2020
From RRI: Community and “Prepper” Communications
Community and “Prepper” CommunicationsBy James Wades,
National Emergency Communications Coordinator, Radio Relay International
With the COVID-19 pandemic in its early stages, we are receiving occasional inquiries from "preppers" with questions about emergency communications preparedness. In an effort to answer questions such as "how could we communicate if cellular mobile data networks are unavailable," we are providing a link to a basic, non-technical article covering emergency communications preparedness for preppers and local community organizations:
http://radio-relay.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Prepper-Comms-2020-2-28.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2IUQDC6zXLXo4HuSJTS8q4e1tZqAe4UQeAzrqkONW-WOJp26rmfBIuEzM 3/22/2020
Expand you Emergency Radio skills while sheltering in Place
A great suggestion from the Oliver K6OLO, District Emergency Coordinator ARES LAX Northeast DistrictAs many of us are working from home or are spending more time at home here are a number of online courses you may take to expand your skills as emergency radio operators.
Basic (read: must have)
FEMA
IS-100.c Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100
IS-200.c Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
IS-700.b An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
IS-800.c National Response Framework, an Introduction
ARRL
EC-001 Introduction to Emergency Communication (guided and self-study options available)
Advanced (read: nice to have)
FEMA
IS-120.c An Introduction to Exercises
IS-230.d Fundamentals of Emergency Management
IS-235.c Emergency Planning
IS-240.b Leadership & Influence
IS-241.b Decision Making & Problem Solving
IS-242.b Effective Communications
IS-244.b Developing & Managing Volunteers
IS-288.a Role of Voluntary Organizations in Emergency Mgt.
IS-2200 Basic Emergency Operations Center Functions
You might also take a look at IS-520: Introduction to Continuity of Operations Planning for Pandemic Influenzas
ARRL
EC-016 Public Service and Emergency Communication Management for Radio Amateurs
PR-101 Public Relations 101 for Radio Amateurs
3/19/2020
A Resource to help You Study for your Ham radio Exam
The HamRadioTesting YouTube channel has three free main course offerings on YouTube, one for each ham exam.The Tech Exam Playlist (07-01-2018 to 06-30-2022 Question Pool)
https://tinyurl.com/yx3ob84b
The General Exam Playlist (07-01-2019 to 06-30-2023 Question Pool)
https://tinyurl.com/qluttpu
The Amateur Extra Exam Playlist (07-01-2020 to 06-30-2024 Question Pool) for the new question pool for the Amateur Extra Test that comes out in July.
https://tinyurl.com/vk94b6d 3/16/2020
Excellent getting started Winlink training videos
Excellent getting started Winlink training videosFrom San Diego ARES - Winlink series
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-7mirT-kjfs84FQzLr-qv066Kl94rtYM
Short videos to help Winlink learners navigate Winlink Express software.
There are 23 Videos including:
0.0a How to download and install Winlink Express
0.0b How to test your Winlink email account
3/7/2020
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the U.S.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the U.S.The page will be updated regularly at noon Mondays through Fridays.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html
Official web site for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 3/6/2020
Governor Newsom Declares State of Emergency to Help State Prepare for Broader Spread of COVID-1
Governor Newsom Declares State of Emergency to Help State Prepare for Broader Spread of COVID-19Emergency proclamation builds on work already underway across state government to protect public health and safety Proclamation includes increased protections against price gouging, offers more assistance to local governments and allows health care workers to come from out of state All levels of state government are being deployed to tackle this evolving situation SACRAMENTO – […]
http://www.oesnews.com/governor-newsom-declares-state-of-emergency-to-help-state-prepare-for-broader-spread-of-covid-19/ 3/4/2020
COVID-19 map from Johns Hopkins University
An interactive map from Johns Hopkins University gives a clear picture of COVID-19 coronavirus cases around the world.The Center for Systems Science and Engineering posted the map online, showing the number of confirmed cases by country and region.
3/3/2020
The Navajo Code Talkers - An Unbreakable Code
An Unbreakable CodeThe Navajo Code Talkers used native languages to send military messages before World War II. Choctaw, for example, was successfully used during World War I. But the Marine Corps needed an “unbreakable” code for its island-hopping campaign in the Pacific. Navajo, which was unwritten and known by few outside the tribe, seemed to fit the Corps’ requirements.
https://youtu.be/QmiqnAQTTCI 3/3/2020
Sacramento Citizen Corps CERT Flu Pandemic Training
A Flu Pandemic training module designed specifically for CERT Members is avaiable. The training was developed by Contra Costa Health Services under a grant by the California Department of Public Health, Pandemic Planning and Response Section of the Immunization Branch which recognized the valuable role CERT could provide before, during, and after a pandemic.3/3/2020
Carl First N6CKV appointed as DEC 5
\Carl First N6CKV will assume the DEC 5 position effective 01 MAR. He will continue to work as the EC for Placer County.Carl will be working with these counties: Placer, El Dorado, Amador, and Alpine.Ralph Lucas W6RWL is resigning his appointment as he prepares to move to Nevada.Thanks for your past service as DEC 5.
Thank you Ralph for all of your great work for many years. You have been very instrumental in promoting amateur radio. Also thank you for your work on the Tevis and the Western States Endurance run. Ham radio makes a difference. 2/29/2020
Grass Roots Radio Solves Rural NorCal Community’s Disaster Communication Quandary
Grass Roots Radio Solves Rural NorCal Community’s Disaster Communication QuandaryResidents living in one rural Northern California community were tired of feeling helpless during recent wildfires and public safety power shutoffs.
... Their solution was GMRS: General Mobile Radio Service.
News from Cal OES
http://www.oesnews.com/grass-roots-radio-solves-rural-norcal-communitys-disaster- 2/27/2020
Updated American Red Cross Communications Plans for Sacramento Valley Section
The American Red Cross Gold Coast Region has updated some of their plans and includes a zip file that will let you deploy Flmsg with the Red Cross forms on a flash drive. 2/26/2020Left in the Dark: Power Outages in an Interconnected World
New FEMA PrepTalk: Left in the Dark: Power Outages in an Interconnected Worldhttps://www.fema.gov/preptalks
or
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccXmY0yN7gs 2/13/2020
Amateur radio enthusiasts have proved themselves useful during the recent bushfires
Amateur radio enthusiasts have proved themselves useful during the recent bushfires after traditional telecommunication channels broke down.https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-02-01/amateur-radio-skills-prove-useful-during-bushfires/11903200?pfmredir=sm
2/3/2020
Could your elderly friend evacuate in 15 minutes?
Potentially great opportunity for Ham radio operators and CERT GroupsCould your elderly friend evacuate in 15 minutes?
This week, San Diego County OES kicks off a new program to assist members of the public who might need help executing an urgent evacuation. The new Neighborhood Evacuation Team (NET) program pairs CERT members with older adults, people with disabilities, and people with access & functional needs. CERT members are pre-screened, disaster-trained, and live in the neighborhood, so they are in a good position to help not only during evacuations, but also to coach people before the disaster occurs.
People who reach out for assistance will be teamed up with a CERT member who can guide them through the process of making a plan that suits their needs, including working out transportation needs with a caregiver, neighbor or family member.
To learn more about the services offered through the NET program or to be connected with a NET member in your area, please email readysd@sdcounty.ca.gov or call 858-565-3490.
NET team info at: https://www.readysandiego.org/getinvolved/
Full story: https://www.countynewscenter.com/county-launches-evacuation-plan-focused-on-vulnerable-people/
1/23/2020
First Responder Access and Functional Needs Training Series
First Responder Access and Functional Needs Training Serieshttps://www.readysandiego.org/content/oesready/en-us/training/first-responder-access-functional-needs-training-series.html
Excellent information for everyone in an emergency.
The County of San Diego Office of Emergency Services produced a series of training videos aimed at providing first responders with helpful information to consider when evacuating individuals with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities. In total, 8 videos that are each 8-10 minutes in length are available. A supplemental handout highlighting important talking points from each video is also available.
Training Series
- Alzheimer’s Disease & Memory Loss
- Autism
- Blind & Low Vision
- Chronic Illness
- Cognitive Disabilities
- Deaf & Hard of Hearing
- Mental Illness
- Physical Disabilities
1/23/2020
Red Cross Disaster Communications and the Amateur Radio Community
Slide deck From Jim Piper's, N6MED, American Red Cross California Gold Coast Region presentation to Sacramento County ARES January 22, 2020. 1/11/2020A High and Awful Price: Lessons Learned From the Camp Fire
"A High and Awful Price: Lessons Learned from the Camp Fire" is a mini-documentary taken from our interviews with first responders, disaster response officials and the survivors of the Camp Fire, passing on our hard won knowledge to those who may someday face their own disaster.This was made in connection with Butte County and is meant as a clear, simple explanation of the causes, effects and responses to a disaster as complex, overwhelming and devastating as the Camp Fire–while also communicating the most important lesson: You are not helpless and there is something you can do in the face of danger.
https://youtu.be/bo0yBOCvuwU 1/1/2020
"The War on Winlink" By James Wades (WB8SIW)
The December, 2019 issue of the QNI Newsletter is now available at:https://qninewsletterdotnet.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/qni-2019-12.pdf
There is a very good article about Winlink
"The War on Winlink" By James Wades (WB8SIW)
12/20/2019
Updated American Red Cross Communications Plans for Sacramento Valley Section
The American Red Cross Gold Coast Region has updated some of their plans and now includes a zip file that will let you deploy Flmsg with the Red Cross forms on a flash drive.http://www.sacvalleyares.org/contents/news/2019/Red_Cross/ 12/17/2019
When cell service goes down — radio to the rescue
The Mountain Democrat, just recently published a story on the front page of their December 09 edition about the efforts by our El Dorado County Amateur Radio Club (EDCARC) to introduce local GMRS "Radio For The Rest of Us" safety programs in some of our area's Fire Safe Councils: https://www.mtdemocrat.com/news/when-cell-service-goes-down-radio-to-the-rescue/The El Dorado County Amateur Radio Club
EDCARC.net
Best Regards,
Alan Thompson - W6WN 12/15/2019
SIGNALINK - Packet Radio-Winlink with UZ7HO software
SIGNALINK - Packet Radio-Winlink with UZ7HO softwareLatest version of the how-to PDF
https://winlink.org/content/signalink_packet_radio_winlink_uz7ho_software_2019_12_2 12/4/2019
Winlink Frequently asked questions as of Dec 1 2019.
Frequently asked questions as of Dec 1 2019.https://winlink.org/content/winlink_faq_december_1_2019_revised_frequently_asked_questions
12/4/2019
ARRL Self-Guided Emergency Communication Course EC-001-S is Now Available On Demand
ARRL’s EC-001-S online “Introduction to Emergency Communication” course is now available to students in an on-demand format, allowing students to register for the course and begin work at any time. This course is designed to provide basic knowledge and tools for any emergency communications volunteer.http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-self-guided-emergency-communication-course-ec-001-s-is-now-available-on-demand
11/21/2019
SV ARES Reported 1,807 Volunteer Hours for October 2019
Busy month for SV ARES: multiple Nets for the PSPS, presentations, Repeater repairs and upgrades.1,807.33 volunteer hours this month- Thank you for all of your work. 11/12/2019
Camp Fire Presentation Phones, Fire, and failures
Alan Thompson's Camp Fire Presentation Phones, Fire, and failuresExcellent presentation.
PDF version
https://www.dropbox.com/s/rkeypwvmi81jwyk/Camp%20Fire%20Presentation%20Yolo-Colusa%20ARES%20191025.pdf?dl=0
Presentation videos
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/c9tctpff4p8uhdt/AADFUojSrbOpwnZjvk1bSWEca?dl=0
If your group is interested in having Alan give the presentation your you group contac5:
Alan Thompson
Alan (- at -) W6WN dot com
10/29/2019
Communications Status Report for Areas Impacted by California PSPS October 27, 2019
Check the FCC web site for cell site outage,https://www.fcc.gov/news-events
Communications Status Report for Areas Impacted by California Public Safety Power Shutoffs October 27, 2019
WOW! Think your cell phone will work?
Cell sites out of service due to the power shutoffs: 2.4%
Marin county has 49.6% of its cell sites out of service.
https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-360454A1.pdf 10/27/2019
‘MyShake’ Tutorial: How To Use New App For Earthquake Early Warning
The ShakeAlert system is coming to phones across the state on Thursday through the MyShake app, in line with the 30th anniversary of the devastating Loma Prieta earthquake. Alerts for earthquakes like the 4.5 magnitude tremor in Pleasant Hill on Monday will be at users’ fingertips no matter where they are.https://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2019/10/16/myshake-app-earthquake-early-warning/ 10/17/2019
Earthquake warning app will give anyone in California the chance to prepare
Thursday, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services will unveil an app created by UC Berkeley that will give all Californians who download it on iOS and Android phones the chance to get earthquake early warnings from any corner of the state.https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-10-16/california-to-launch-statewide-earthquake-early-warning-system 10/16/2019
ARRL: Report Causes Concern and Confusion in California’s Amateur Radio Ranks
From ARRL: Report Causes Concern and Confusion in California’s Amateur Radio Rankshttp://www.arrl.org/news/report-causes-concern-and-confusion-in-california-s-amateur-radio-ranks
By all credible and reliable accounts, the State of California has not turned its back on Amateur Radio as an emergency communication resource nor have established repeater owners been asked to remove their equipment from state-owned sites unless they pay sizeable fees. ... 10/15/2019
Winlink Templates in Standard Library (version 1.0.104.0) Update
The Standard templates library has been updated.View a PDF catalog of the wide array of Winlink templates available in the Winlink Standard Templates library as of October 8 2019. The PDF lists the templates and show an image of the initial pages 10/8/2019
A reasoned discussion on the repeater issue on Ham Radio Now
HRN 414: There Is No Such Thing As Free Rack Space!David Goldenberg W0DHG and Jim Aspinwall NO1PC discuss this week's BIG California ham radio story. Was the repeater kicked out of the CalFire vault, or did the state just decide that it needed to be "official"....
https://youtu.be/YxEty6jC5po
10/5/2019
Comments re California repeaters and CalFire
Comments re California repeaters and CalFirehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/AmateurRadioElmers/
BY Jim Aspinwall
Heads-up related to a California/ham radio video we do not need to have shared here...
That said - amateur radio is NOT dead in California, "the State" is NOT trying to kill it off, no one in any agency with a relationship to ham radio is against it. Simply, tax payer dollars are just not available to pay for everyone's/anyone's repeater site. That is all.
10/2/2019
Generators causing fires during planned power shutoffs
Following Public Safety Power Shutoff Tuesday and Wednesday, three fires in Nevada County were caused by generators.https://wildfiretoday.com/2019/09/29/generators-causing-fires-during-planned-power-shutoffs/ 9/29/2019
Radio: A Key Resource for Disasters and Homeland Security
When people think of information sources today, they automatically jump to social media and maybe TV. Radio typically doesn’t come up to the top of the stack. This is unfortunate because radio is a homeland security resource that plays a key role in communicating and informing citizens during emergencies and times of disaster.https://edmdigest.com/news/radio-resource-disasters-homeland-security/ 9/26/2019
SF Chronicle: California wildfires: Cell companies can't promise indefinite service
From the SFChronicleCalifornia wildfires: Cell companies can't promise indefinite service
http://tinyurl.com/yxudxd49
If a wildfire breaks out, your cell phone service may not work when you most need it.
Most cell stations in California have backup options, like batteries and generators. However, some major cell phone carriers told the Federal Communications Commission in filings this week that if physical access to cell towers is cut off, they can’t guarantee service.
Backup power options “are not effective for mitigating the disruption to wireless communications when our facilities are damaged by fire,” AT&T told the FCC...
9/25/2019
Hurricane Dorian and Winlink - First Blush Report.
Some info on Winlink use from the Bahamashttps://winlink.org/content/hurricane_dorian_and_winlink_first_blush_report
Winlink was used to facilitate communications as a primary means when local infrastructure was affected or as a ready back up.
Numerous ARES RACES and other groups used Winlink on VHF and HF to send a large number of messages.
Shares was in high operation and also carried significant HF traffic.
In addition the new ITU gateways, most notably HI8COE, are handling traffic from the Bahamas.
- Shelters in operation passed ICS213's for requests and status reports.
- ICS 205
- Spot Rep Reports
- ICS 214
- Hurricane and Severe Weather reports.
- RRI Radiograms
- Many were simple plain text messages.
- Boaters requests via the catalog system in Express was also high. 9/10/2019
PG&E Weather Daily forecasts
PG&E weather awarenesshttps://www.pge.com/en_US/safety/emergency-preparedness/natural-disaster/wildfires/psps-weather-map.page
PG&E Weather Daily forecasts
If weather forecasts indicate gusty winds and dry conditions, combined with a heightened fire risk, it may be necessary for us to turn off the electricity serving that area - Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). 8/29/2019
NorCal Winlink Check in Template
Instructions on installing this custom templateNorCal Winlink Check in Template V7-9.zip 8/18/2019
Amador County HamCram
Amador ARES will have a HamCram August 31, 2019Contact Don Kirkpatrick
w6fs.kirk@gmail.com 8/17/2019
ALERTWildfire Cameras and PG&E Fire cameras
ALERTWildfire is a consortium of three universities -- The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), University of California San Diego (UCSD), and the University of Oregon (UO) -- providing access to state-of-the-art fire cameras and associated tools to help firefighters and first respondersPoke around to see other areas in CA.
http://www.alertwildfire.org/sierra/ 8/16/2019
Butte County ARES EC
BCARES assisted Butte County Sheriff Comm Reserve with GMRS mapping of Mt Ida community. The community had ask for a backup plan for emergency communication. 7/29/2019Hundreds of small communities face a greater risk from wildfire than Paradise, California
Hundreds of small communities face a greater risk from wildfire than Paradise, CaliforniaPamela Ren Larson and Dennis Wagner of the Arizona Republic studied nearly 5,000 small communities around the West to find out how how many of them are facing large-scale wildfire risk similar to Paradise, California.
Search for your community.
https://www.azcentral.com/in-depth/news/local/arizona-wildfires/2019/07/22/wildfire-risks-more-than-500-spots-have-greater-hazard-than-paradise/1434502001/
7/25/2019
American Red Cross Communications Plans for Sacramento Valley Section
JIm Piper, American Red Cross Gold Coast Region Liaison to Aamateur Radio has released several files to facilitate supporting Red Cross operations.Links to:
Communications Disaster Response Plan 7-4-19.pdf
ICS205 Region Amateur Radio Repeaters for Disaster Response 7-5-19.pdf
Communications Ham Operation Procedures 7-5-19.pdf
ARC Disaster Message Traffic and flmsg.pdf
7/5/2019
Field Day In Yolo County- 4 Radio clubs join together
A few photos from the Yolo Amateur Radio Society/Mt. Vaca Radio Club (YARS/MVRC), Yolo County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (Yolo ARES) Sacramento Amateur Radio Club (SARC) and the UC Davis Amateur Radio Communications (UCDARC) field day exercise at UC Davis.6/23/2019
Fire WEATHER ZONES
Fire WEATHER ZONESIn alert from the NWS you often see something like FIRE WEATHER ZONES 213, 215, 216, 217..
The PDF lists the zones and areas for CA
Also maps available at: https://www.weather.gov/pimar/PubZone
Thank you Michael KK6ZGB for compiling this 6/20/2019
Winlink FAQ in PDF format . Revised June 12, 2019.
The Winlink FAQ in PDF format has been updated by its author, Don Felgenhauer, K7BFLRevised June 12, 2019.
Don provides answers to questions discussed on the Winlink email reflectors by users, developers and sysops.
This 100+ page document is well written and organized for easy consumption.
https://winlink.org/content/winlink_faq_june_12_2019_revised_frequently_asked_questions_answers
6/12/2019
PG&E warns tens of thousands it may shut off power amid fire risk
PG&E warns tens of thousands it may shut off power amid fire riskhttps://www.kcra.com/article/pgande-power-shutoff-june-2019/27821403
PG&E may shut off power to tens of thousands of people this weekend as part of its Public Safety Power Shutoff program to reduce the risks of wildfires.
The National Weather Service issued Red Flag Warnings on Friday for the parts of the Central Valley and North Bay Area, leading PG&E to consider the shutoffs.
Napa County: Portions of Napa, Lake Berryessa
Solano County: Portions of Suisun City, Vacaville, Winters
Yolo County: Portions of Davis, Winters
For the Sierra foothills, PG&E warns that the power could be shut off to about 21,000 customers starting around 9 p.m. Saturday with the peak period of fire risk lasting until 10 a.m. Sunday.
Areas where power might be shut off:
Butte County: Portions of Paradise, Oroville, Bangor, Forest Ranch, Chico, Berry Creek, Palermo
Yuba County: Portions of Browns Valley, Oregon House, Marysville, Wheatland, Rackerby
Nevada County: Portions of Auburn, Grass Valley, Smartville, Rough and Ready, Penn Valley
El Dorado County: Portions of Pilot Hill, Greenwood 6/7/2019
VICE on HBO: The Deadliest Wildfire in California History
VICE on HBO: The Deadliest Wildfire in California HistoryVICE News has produced a very good segment about the Camp Fire, which burned over 153,000 acres, destroyed 18,804 structures, and resulted in 85 fatalities in November, 2018. It became the most destructive and deadliest wildfire in the recorded history of California.
You can view the segment on the web page.
https://wildfiretoday.com/2019/05/25/vice-on-hbo-the-deadliest-wildfire-in-california-history/ 6/5/2019
Cell phones useless amid wildfire: Camp Fire failure prompts call for statewide action
Cell phones useless amid wildfire: Camp Fire failure prompts call for statewide actionFailure of wireless communications is preventable, says CPUC office
https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/06/02/6091556/ 6/5/2019
2017 Hurricane Season After-Action Report
Interesting After Action Report from ARRLWell worth reading and getting ARRL's perspective
https://tinyurl.com/yxm33te2
5/26/2019
New Sacramento Valley Section ARES appointments
Congratulations to:Michael A. Ellithorp, KF6OBI appointed as District 2 Emergency Coordinator
Robert Cobb, K6JBH appointed as Lassen County Emergency Coordinator
Thank you for your dedication and support of ARES
5/23/2019
Fire danger could force SF blackout, PG&E says
Fire danger could force SF blackout, PG&E saysHigh-voltage power transmission lines owned by PG&E, could be shut off during severe wildfire danger, cutting power to the surrounding areas...
https://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/Fire-danger-could-force-San-Francisco-blackout-13856597.php 5/19/2019
PG&E Community Wildfire Safety Program
PG&E Community Wildfire Safety ProgramPublic Safety Power Shutoff Criteria
- A RED FLAG WARNING declared by the National Weather Service
- LOW HUMIDITY LEVELS
- FORECASTED SUSTAINED WINDS GENERALLY ABOVE 25 MPH AND WIND GUSTS IN EXCESS OF APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH,
- CONDITION OF DRY FUEL
- ON-THE-GROUND, REAL- TIME OBSERVATIONS 5/13/2019
Predicted SIGNIFICANT FIRE POTENTIAL for California
Predicted SIGNIFICANT FIRE POTENTIAL for Californiahttps://gacc.nifc.gov/oncc/predictive/outlooks/Outlook_NOps.pdf
From the Northern California Geographic Area Coordination Center
https://gacc.nifc.gov/oncc/predictive/weather/index.htm 5/11/2019
“Inside the Megafire,”
“Inside the Megafire,”premiering Wednesday, May 8 at 9pm ET/8c and streaming online at PBS
In this episode, NOVA reports from the front line of the Camp Fire, the deadliest wildfire in California history, and follows scientists racing to understand what’s behind the recent rise in record-breaking megafires—from forestry practices, to climate change, to the physics of fire itself.
https://wildfiretoday.com/2019/05/08/inside-the-megafire-premiers-may-8-on-pbs/
5/8/2019
Ohio ARES Conference: TALK ABOUT HIPAA and PHI All ARES members should be aware of this
Ohio ARES Conference 2016: TALK ABOUT HIPAA and PHIhttps://youtu.be/gu-ZPU-_Qyg
This video is well worth watching by ALL ARES members
2019 Ohio ARES Conference April 06, 2019
http://www.arrl-ohio.org/SEC/sec-conf-2019.html
The link has a series of videos of the talks they had
- Opening Session & the NEW ARES
- Solar Power & Amateur Radio
- 3rd Party Traffic and Handling Messages
- Paperwork, all those new forms from FEMA
5/2/2019
Agency Predicts Heavy Wildfire Season Along West Coast
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) – Most of the country can expect a normal wildfire season but residents along the West Coast of the United States should be ready for another busy season, the National Interagency Fire Center said Wednesday...The Boise, Idaho-based center said a heavy crop of grasses and fine fuels has developed across California and should elevate fire potential as it dries through the summer
https://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2019/05/01/agency-prediction-west-coast-wildfire-season-heavy/
5/1/2019
ARES(R) STANDARDIZED TRAINING PLAN & Model TASKBOOK
ARESConnect was recently asked if a Task Book was a requirement?Many sections already use this or a similar Task Book to help members track their training.
The PDF and a MS Word versions are posted here
http://www.sacvalleyares.org/contents/news/2019/taskbook/ 4/29/2019
After Action Review released for the Carr Fire
After Action Review released for the Carr FireIN 2018 the fire burned 229,651 acres at Redding, California, destroyed 1,077 homes, and killed 3 firefighters and 5 civilians.There is a link download the entire 20-page report. All of the recommendations from the ARR
https://wildfiretoday.com/tag/carr-fire/ 4/17/2019
A veteran wildland firefighter tells hikers how to react to fires
A veteran wildland firefighter tells hikers how to react to firesGreat tips for hikers and all of us who live in California.
https://www.pcta.org/2019/a-veteran-wildland-firefighter-tells-hikers-how-to-react-to-fires-64549/ 4/17/2019
Amateur Radio Open Message Monitor
Amateur Radio Open Message MonitorAll messages sent or received by amateur radio gateways are freely accessible right here. Help the amateur radio community police itself. Search and view; report it if you spot a violation.
Log into your Winlink account to view messages.
https://winlink.org/content/amateur_radio_message_viewer 4/10/2019
FCC Petition RM-11831 Threatens Digital Operations Like Winlink
FCC Petition RM-11831 Threatens Digital Operations Like WinlinkWinlink is IMPORTANT For Emcomm Read and act.
https://winlink.org/content/fcc_petition_rm_11831_threatens_amateur_digital_operations_winlink
4/10/2019
The Quick Guide to VARA FM with Signalink on Windows has been updated to reflect major recent changes.
The Quick Guide to VARA FM with Signalink on Windows has been updated to reflect major recent changes.https://winlink.org/content/vara_fm_quick_setup_vara_fm_modem_and_signalink 4/10/2019
Mesh Network Creating Situational Awareness During Wildfires
Mesh Network Creating Situational Awareness During WildfiresThe network allows for a quick deployment during the early stages of a wildfire and offers immediate communication when crews are sometimes without traditional means of connectivity.
... The network consists of goTenna Pro units that connect via radio waves and operate independently of wireless internet and traditional cell service. Users connect to the system via their phones and the goTenna Pro app
https://www.govtech.com/em/disaster/Mesh-Network-Creating-Situational-Awareness-During-Wildfires.html 4/9/2019
California’s emergency alert system has been a disaster. A statewide fix is planned
In Mendocino County, emergency staffers waited for a supervisor to show up before they warned residents of a growing fire siege in 2017. In Santa Barbara County, officials hesitated to issue blanket evacuation orders before mudslides ripped through Montecito in 2018 because they worried they might trigger a panic. And in Butte County in November, whole neighborhoods in Paradise were never told to evacuate as the Camp fire swept toward town. In each case, local emergency preparedness agencies failed to adequately warn communities that death was approaching. Now, for the first time, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services has proposed a standard set of emergency alert protocols for counties throughout the state. From Los Angeles Timeshttps://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-california-wildfire-emergency-alerts-20190404-story.html 4/4/2019
Tuesday April 2: Oroville Dam is releasing water down the rebuilt spillway
FYITuesday April 2: Oroville Dam is releasing water down the rebuilt spillway.
The live streaming video is impressive
http://www.parks.ca.gov/live/lakeorovillesra_spillway
note: sometimes the stream is not available.. keep trying 4/2/2019
Social media can help identify evacuation patterns (Ranch Fire)
Data can help determine when people relocate in or out of an evacuation area“This research demonstrates that social-network data can be a valuable tool to monitor human behaviors in response to disasters, such as wildfires in areas that have been exacerbated by urbanization,”
https://wildfiretoday.com/2019/04/01/social-media-can-help-identify-evacuation-patterns/
4/1/2019
American Honda Recalls Portable Generators Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
American Honda Recalls Portable Generators Due to Fire and Burn HazardsName of product:
Honda EU2200i, EU2200i Companion and EB2200i Portable Generators
The portable generator can leak gasoline from the fuel valve, posing fire and burn hazards.
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2019/American-Honda-Recalls-Portable-Generators-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards 3/27/2019
Emmett (Mac) McCulley W6MAC became a Silent Key March 16, 2019
Emmett (Mac) McCulley W6MAC became a Silent Key March 16, 2019Mac was DISTRICT 2 EMERGENCY COORDINATOR for ARES
Here is Emmett Lawrence McCulley’s online obituary.
https://www.everhere.com/us/obituary-redding-emmett-lawrence-mcculley-8919772
He was loved and cherished by many people including : his wife Grace Sears-McCulley; his former wife Stephanie McCulley; his children, Flint McCulley, Amanda, Timothy, Kris Tremblay (Tom) and Luke. He was also cherished by relatives and countless friends.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 23rd 2019 at 2:00 PM at 3180 Rancho Rd, Redding, CA. 3/22/2019
Documentary tells the story of how first responders worked together to battle the Carr Fire
From: California Highway PatrolIn late July of 2018, the greater Redding area experienced what, at the time, was a firestorm of unprecedented scale. This documentary tells the story of how first responders across multiple agencies, worked together to battle the Carr Fire. 3/21/2019
Wildfire risk in California no longer coupled to winter precipitation
Wildfire risk in California no longer coupled to winter precipitationRecent large fires may be harbingers of things to come, researchers say.
Wet winters no longer predict possible relief from severe wildfires for California, according to a new study from an international team that includes a University of Arizona scientist.
https://wildfiretoday.com/2019/03/13/wildfire-risk-in-california-no-longer-coupled-to-winter-precipitation/ 3/13/2019
Sacramento Valley Section ARES members volunteered 1,537 hours in February
Sacramento Valley Section ARES members volunteered 1,537 hours in February 2019. Thank you All!http://sacvalleyares.org/Monthlyreport/SectionEC.asp?y=2019&m=2
3/13/2019
Earthquakes: Be prepared
Three independent models converge on the high earthquake potential of Los AngelesMetropolitan Los Angeles is being squeezed from south to north at 8-9 mm/yr (⅓ inch per year), about one-fourth the rate your fingernails grow. This squeeze was the ultimate driving force behind the 1971 San Fernando, 1987 Whittier Narrows and 1994 Northridge earthquakes
http://temblor.net/earthquake-insights/earthquake-potential-of-los-angeles-8370/ 3/9/2019
Map of Packet nodes in Northern California on 145.050 and 144.910
The Map of Packet nodes in Northern California on 145.050 and 144.910Give you an overview of location of packet nodes in Northern California. It can be help when finding a packet path or planning multi-hop connections. 3/3/2019
West Coast Ares Two Meter Repeaters
West Coast Ares Two Meter RepeatersDarren Fitch KM6UHA created a list of ARES repeaters to help out with "Go Kits" for travel so we can have a hard copy of a list of ARES frequency's to manually install into your radio. This is what I'm putting in my "Go Kit" with a hand held and antenna for the meeting on the 30th. Hope this helps out for everyone. California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington ARES repeater.
http://sacvalleyares.org/contents/news/2019/Ares_Repeater.asp
Darren's list is available as in a PDF and an Excel formats 2/27/2019
Storm and Wildfire Links In the Sacramento Valley
Includes:ARES Information
Office of Emergency Services
National Weather Information
Power Outages
Road Information
River / Reservoir Levels
http://sacvalleyares.org/contents/Storm-Fire_Links.asp
There is a link on the home page at Sacvalleyares.org
2/26/2019
New Plan Aligns ARES with the Needs of Served Agencies
New Plan Aligns ARES with the Needs of Served AgenciesThe new ARES Plan adopted by the ARRL Board of Directors at its Annual Meeting in January represents an effort to provide ARES with a clearly defined mission, goals, and objectives; specific training requirements, and a system for consistent reporting and record-keeping.
http://www.arrl.org/news/new-plan-aligns-ares-with-the-needs-of-served-agencies
The PDF of the ARES After Action plan can be found at
http://tinyurl.com/y5hoed6z 2/20/2019
Florida Emergency Communications Conference Features Major Exercise "Viral Duo"
From the ARRL ARES newsletter
http://www.arrl.org/ares-el?issue=2019-02-20
View the Florida conference exercise After Action Report and Improvement Plan
http://tinyurl.com/y4z4lew4
Well worth the time to read through 2/20/2019
FCC Invites Comments on Amateur Radio-Related Petition for Rule Making
FCC Invites Comments on Amateur Radio-Related Petition for Rule MakingThe FCC has invited public comments on a Petition for Rule Making (RM-11826) from an Ohio radio amateur seeking to amend the Part 97 station identification rules to better accommodate and simplify station identification during an emergency net, drill, or activation. ARRL member Robert A. Dukish, KK8DX, filed the petition in December, and the FCC put it on public notice this week. Dukish seeks a change to Section 97.119(a) of the rules, which requires an amateur station to transmit its "assigned call sign on its transmitting channel at the end of each communication, and at least every 10 minutes during a communication."
Interested parties may comment via the FCC Electronic Comment Filing Service (ECFS).
2/18/2019
CalTrans QuickMap
The Caltrans QuickMap presents several types of real-time traffic information layered on a Google Map. The information includes traffic speed, lane and road closures due to construction and maintenance activities, flooding, incident reports, chain control info, and more...You can get the app for phone at
http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/QM/app.htm 2/16/2019
Sacramento Valley Section ARES members volunteered 1,235 hours in January
Sacramento Valley Section ARES members volunteered 1,235 hours in January. Thank you All.View our report:
http://sacvalleyares.org/Monthlyreport/SectionEC.asp?y=2019&m=1 2/11/2019
New Section Appointments
We welcome Dale Dennis, KJ6HHY, as new Yolo County ARES Emergency Coordinator, and sincerely thank his predecessor Douglas Hollowell, KK6LDSKarl Fisher, KJ6OCL, the current Emergency Coordinator for Trinity County is the newly appointed District 1 Emergency Coordinator, replacing Jim Linden, N7JIL
2/2/2019
Thousands of animals, pets, wildlife, and livestock were impacted by the recent fires
California rises from the ashes againWildfires this year broke records and impacted estimated tens of thousands of animals
UC-Davis veterinary school and the California VMA's California Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps played a big part in rescues.
From January 15, 2019 Journal of The American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA).
https://www.avma.org/News/JAVMANews/Pages/190115b.aspx
1/8/2019
Modeling predicted the spread of the Camp Fire
The Coupled Atmosphere-Wildland Fire Environment modeling system was used to produce the video below to show how it would predict the spread of the Camp Fire that burned through Paradise, California November 8, 2018.https://wildfiretoday.com/2018/12/31/modeling-the-spread-of-the-camp-fire/
1/2/2019
A documentary about the Camp Fire at Paradise, California
A documentary about the Camp Fire at Paradise, Californiahttps://wildfiretoday.com/2018/12/23/a-documentary-about-the-camp-fire-at-paradise-california/
Also
Camp Fire: County issues water warning for returning residents
Plastic may be in water after Camp Fire
https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/paradise/camp-fire-county-issues-water-warning-for-returning-residents/103-8d929e5b-11bf-479a-80c2-148eb1d630ae
12/25/2018
Interview with EMS Teams that Battled Flames and Fear to Save Patients from Camp Fire
KCBS Radio interview:EMS Teams Battled Flames and Fear to Save Patients from Camp Firehttps://kcbsradio.radio.com/media/podcast/kcbs-radio-depth
Audio of interview here:
https://kcbsradio.radio.com/media/audio-channel/exclusive-ems-teams-battled-flames-and-fear-save-patients-camp-fire
Some photos they took while battling the fire here:
https://kcbsradio.radio.com/blogs/jenna-lane/butte-county-ems-workers-recount-extraordinary-survival-during-camp-fire 12/23/2018
Camp Fire created a black hole of communication & lessons learned
Camp Fire created a black hole of communicationIn disasters, our high-tech communities are reduced to 1940s-era responses
https://www.mendocinobeacon.com/2018/12/17/camp-fire-created-a-black-hole-of-communication/
From Radio World
A report from Radio World on the failure of communications during the
camp fire from (Mendocino Beacon). thank you Bruce WA6DNT for the link
----------
Lessons from Camp Fire: Staying alive in California fire country
Even as smoke chokes the sky and shrouds the sun, millions of Bay Area and other California residents remain unprepared for the next inferno.
We don’t practice our escape routes. Too few of us have “to go” kits. We trust fallible WiFi, cable TV and cell phones for life-saving information.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/11/17/lessons-from-paradise-staying-alive-in-fire-country/ 12/20/2018
Part #3 Patients Injured By Butte County Wildfire Were Tough To Find
Patients Injured By Butte County Wildfire Were Tough To FindIn Part Three of our series, KCBS Radio's Jenna Lane asked the Firefighters Burn Institute Regional Burn Center's director what makes wildfire burns different and how long it can take to recover.
https://kcbsradio.radio.com/blogs/jenna-lane/wildfire-burn-victims-become-challenge-experts-treat
12/19/2018
All But 2 Camp Fire Survivors Have Left UC Davis' Burn Unit
All But 2 Camp Fire Survivors Have Left UC Davis' Burn UnitHusband And Wife's Chance Of Recovery Remains In Question
KCBS Radio report: Part 2
https://kcbsradio.radio.com/blogs/jenna-lane/only-2-camp-fire-survivors-remain-uc-davis-medical-center-burn-unit 12/18/2018
Escape From A 'Tidal Wave' Of Flames
Escape From A 'Tidal Wave' Of FlamesNeighbors Scramble Together To Survive Camp Fire
KCBS Radio report: Part 1. They will have reports for 5 days.
https://kcbsradio.radio.com/blogs/jenna-lane/camp-fire-survivors-burned-badly-tidal-wave-flames
12/17/2018
150 Minutes of Hell
The inside story of death and survival as the Carr Fire's tornado of flames stormed Redding — and changed firefighting in a warming California. From the SF Chroniclehttps://projects.sfchronicle.com/2018/carr-fire-tornado/#nws=mcnewsletter 12/6/2018
California Wildfires: The New Normal
Looking at fire through the eyes of the Eldorado Hotshotshttps://wildfiretoday.com/2018/11/29/looking-at-fire-through-the-eyes-of-the-eldorado-hotshots/
ABC 10 Has a list of all the videos
https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/abc10-originals/california-wildfires-the-new-normal/103-612273654
11/29/2018
Nov 25, 2018 Camp Fire Incident 100% contained
Nov 25, 2018 Camp Fire Incident 100% containedAcres Burned - Containment: 153,336 acres - 100% contained
Structures Destroyed: 13,972 residences, 528 commercial and 4,293 other buildings
Injuries: 3 firefighter injuries - 85 civilian fatalities
http://www.fire.ca.gov/current_incidents/incidentdetails/Index/2277 11/25/2018
Phones Fail in California Fires, Highlighting Cell Vulnerability
Phones Fail in California Fires, Highlighting Cell Vulnerabilityhttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-11-17/phones-fail-in-california-fires-highlighting-vulnerability?fbclid=IwAR1RdLW5JYO3xBOxCLuNMUekSATibXdygz3gS-rDMIls5dR64Ez95YNFye0 11/21/2018
Sacramento Valley ARES in the news and on TV!
ARRL published an article about the Sacramento Valley Section ARES response to the Camp Fire.http://www.arrl.org/news/amateur-radio-volunteers-at-the-ready-for-california-fire-duty
Ham Radio now interviews Greg KG6SJT,Sacramento Valley SEC, about ARES Response for the Camp Fire.
https://youtu.be/qHP-crOn7Ic?t=2738
Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2142 for Friday, November 16 2018
Yuba Sutter ARES EC Andy Boone is on the show discussing the Camp Fire!
https://www.arnewsline.org/news/2018/11/15/amateur-radio-newsline-report-2142-for-friday-november-16-2018
11/21/2018
Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2142 for Friday, November 16 2018
Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2142 for Friday, November 16 2018https://www.arnewsline.org/news/2018/11/15/amateur-radio-newsline-report-2142-for-friday-november-16-2018
Yuba Sutter ARES EC Andy Boone is on the show discussing the Camp Fire! 11/19/2018
Thank you to all the ARES Members who supported the Camp Fire Red Cross Shelters:
Plumas County ARES: Kathy KF6CCP, Keith AI6OO, Larry Trotter KI6YUK.Butte County ARES: Dale KK6EVX, Theodore N6TBC, Robert KK6WUG, Stephan KM6RSO, Daniel N6APX, Rick KI6VOS.
Yuba-Sutter ARES: Andy KJ6IYM, Bill WA6OHP, Neil N6CNY, Brandon KM6JID, Ted KN6TED, Michael AG6IP, Brad KM6RIW.
Glenn County ARES: Michael KJ6KIZ , Philip KI6SMN, Hank KM6VFF.
Sacramento County ARES" Michael KK6ZGB, Carl KK6RAS, and James KK6FON
Thank you to all the ARES Members who supported the Camp Fire Red Cross Shelters: 11/18/2018
When the Levee Breaks: Cascading failures in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, California
Worth reading an viewing the maps... Earthquakes and Potential for Levee Failure
The levees in the Delta are highly susceptible to failure due to earthquakes because they were built out of mud between the Gold Rush and the 1906 Earthquake.
http://temblor.net/earthquake-insights/when-the-levee-breaks-cascading-failures-in-the-sacramento-san-joaquin-river-delta-california-7959/ 11/16/2018
Cal Fire Camp Fire Structure Status
Cal Fire Camp Fire Structure StatusYou can search by address.
http://calfire-forestry.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=5306cc8cf38c4252830a38d467d33728&extent=-13547810.5486%2C4824920.1673%2C-13518764.4778%2C4841526.1117%2C102100 11/12/2018
Red Cross Safe and Well - Search for family and friends
Red Cross Safe and WellSearch for Loved Ones
https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php
You can search the list of those who have registered themselves as “safe and well” The results of a successful search will display a loved one’s first name, last name and a brief message.
11/12/2018
Cal OES Fire Situation Awareness Map
Cal OES Fire Situation Awareness MapExcellent map of current fires
https://calema.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=33c284a58166427bab05a115414930ed
11/12/2018
Wind Patterns and flows in Butte County
Wind Patterns and flows in Butte Countyhttps://www.windy.com/39.652/-121.586?38.681,-121.586,7,m:eLgacMw
From Windy.com 11/11/2018
San Francisco Chronicle 2018 California Fire Tracker
Good information on current fireshttps://projects.sfchronicle.com/2018/fire-tracker/
11/11/2018
Camp Fire Mutual Assistance Radio operator Volunteer Form
With this form Sacramento valley ARES members can sign up for a mutual assistance assignment. The form let our section EC and Red Cross radio develop a list of available operators to contact to help out.Before you sign up you must get you County EC's approval in case you you have needs locally.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfYbemFti2jkn6JDZM2QNGoh7K43VZ6PkKMyQ1Os1pysNu-sg/viewform?usp=pp_url
or
http://tinyurl.com/yckhjl2x 11/10/2018
Winlink Incident Impact Snapshot Report
Update October 16: The Incident Impact Snapshot Report was released in the Winlink forms update October 15 in the "SIMPLE_QUICK_Forms" Directory.A Winlink Template indicating Incident impact of an event.
This template will be included in the next forms update.
The form can be used by ARES groups for the Great Shakeout Exercise October 18.
Download the file, unzip it and install the files in:
C:\RMS Express\Global Folders\Templates 10/10/2018
Very good introduction to Winlink
Mike Burton N6KZB from the Winlink Development team sent out a link to a talk about Winlink.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTx9pY1Akl8
Good intro for folks about the value of winlink by Greg Butler KW6GB.
Encourage your ARES members to become familiar with Winink.. a very useful communications tools especially for shelters
9/30/2018
Real-time Deer Incidents & Wildlife-Vehicle Conflict (WVC) Hotspots
Real-time Deer Incidents & Wildlife-Vehicle Conflict (WVC) HotspotsInteresting on-line report
https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/roadkill-report-roadmap-avoiding-wildlife-collisions
If you go to the real-time deer collision map, you can zoom in and see collisions by road.
https://roadecology.ucdavis.edu/hotspots/ 9/19/2018
Winlink Network for Emergency Communications
Mike Burton XE2/N6KZB, from the Winlink Development Team has released a Powerpoint presentation discussing the use Winlink in use during Mexico EQ and Puerto Rico Disaster - 2017Good information on the use of winlink for emerency communications
7/15/2018
BERRY / KBERR packet node is ON THE AIR !
Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Bill, K6KN, and Ken, K6WLS, KBERR / BERRY packet node is back on the air! Using a temporary antenna and coax, and shifting the functioning solar to the KBERR radio, it is ready for use.The team gained access to the radio site Sunday. Antennas and coax outside destroyed. But the equipment in the vault survived. More details later. www.barkradio.org 7/9/2018
CalOES photos of the KE6YUV BARK Repeater site
The Berryessa Amateur Radio Club received some photos of the County Fire damage to the repeater sitehttp://www.barkradio.org
For the foreseeable future the KE6YUV repeater as well as the packet nodes KBERR, BERRY, and BERR37 are down.
The web site shows more info 7/5/2018
Drone photos of Antenna work in Tijuana
Tower work: Replace antenna, improve XE2BNC-11, and deal with interference.CREBC Cerra Colorado site east TJ. Drone Photos
https://mikeburton.smugmug.com/Repairs-at-Cerra-Colorado-CREBC-site-TJ/ 6/8/2018
View a PDF of all of the Available Winlink Forms
The Winlink Forms Team complied a PDF that shows the Initial.html pages of all current Express Templates.Interesting to see how far the program has advanced in 3 years.
Mike Burton n6kzb@outlook.com
https://t.co/6d3ilfOoRy 6/4/2018
Cal OES Posted: HayWired: Focusing on the Fault
Cal OES just sCal OES Posted: HayWired: Focusing on the Faulthttp://www.oesnews.com/haywired-focusing-on-the-fault/
Today, on the 112th anniversary of the 1906 Great San Francisco Earthquake, Cal OES joined experts and representatives from many disciplines and agencies on the UC Berkeley campus to discuss the HayWired Scenario, a regional and statewide earthquake preparedness initiative that aims to shift behavior about earthquakes, bolster awareness, and ensure that everyone is better prepared.
The HayWired Scenario is a hypothetical earthquake sequence that is being used to better understand hazards for the San Francisco Bay region during and after an earthquake of magnitude 7 on the Hayward Fault. A large Hayward Fault earthquake will produce strong ground shaking, permanent displacement of the Earth’s surface, landslides, liquefaction (soils becoming liquid-like during shaking), and subsequent fault slip, known as afterslip, as well as aftershocks. 4/18/2018
USGS forecasts 400 fires, 20,000 people trapped in elevators, 400,000 homeless in East Bay earthquake
USGS forecasts 400 fires, 20,000 people trapped in elevators, 400,000 homeless in East Bay earthquake. East Bay residents could lose tap water for up to 6 monthsUSGS scenario, dubbed HayWired
http://tinyurl.com/ybxuma8z 4/18/2018
CalOES video: What California Volunteers and Amateur Radio did for the fires last fall.
Disaster Volunteer Program of the YearVideo CalOES: What California Volunteers and Amateur Radio did for the fires last fall.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1kOLN3tKnJlXAOqNPx1Npc31dDW_CM_qI
Jim Price and Lee Rominger are recognized for their service- Thank you! 4/13/2018
Does space weather threaten high-tech life?
Does space weather threaten high-tech life?The wired Earth of the 21st century is at the mercy of the volatile nature of the sun, says a scientist who studies solar storms.
… Geomagnetic storms attack the lifeblood of modern technology: electricity. A space weather storm typically lasts for two or three days, during which the entire planet is subjected to powerful electromagnetic forces. The National Academy of Sciences study concluded that an especially massive storm would damage and shut down power grids and communications networks worldwide.
4/4/2018
Ham Talk Live! Using Winlink
Ham Talk Live! Using WinlinkThursday (3/8) night at 6 pm PST Steve Waterman, K4CJX & Phil Sherrod, W4PHS will take your calls about Winlink! Learn how Winlink can send email and files over radio, and how it can be used in emergencies.
Go to: www.hamtalklive.com
from: https://www.spreaker.com/show/ham-talk-live
https://www.facebook.com/HamTalkLive/ 3/7/2018
Winlink FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions - with Answers!) 2/28/2018
The Winlink FAQ is updated regularly by Don Felgenhauer, K7BFL. Latest update as of Feb 28 2018.Don distills information and answers to questions discussed on the Winlink email reflectors by users, gurus, developers and sysops. This 100+ page document is well written and organized for easy consumption. It covers:
General Questions about Winlink
User software setup and use with specific information on Winlink Express, Airmail, and Paclink
Setup and use of RMS Packet, RMS Relay and other Sysop software
Questions and answers about WINMOR TNC and the WINMOR protocol.
Information on and best practices of creating local emergency communications networks.
https://www.winlink.org/content/winlink_faq_frequently_asked_questions_answers_2282018 3/2/2018
DHS NCC Reply Comments FCC PS Docket 17-344 2017 Hurricane Season
The FCC Public Safety and Homeland Security Division recently asked for comments regarding various improvements that can be made as a result of agencies and their volunteer resources being deployed to various sites due to the recent Hurricanes that had an effect on the US mainland and its possessions.Two questions regarding the use of Amateur radio volunteers were asked of those making comments:
1. To what extent were response efforts facilitated by amateur radio operators?
2. Going forward, should efforts be made to increase the use of amateur radio services in connection with the planning, testing and provision of emergency response and recovery communications?
There were many comments provided regarding this subject, mostly bickering about what should or should not be allowed on the FCC Part 97 Amateur spectrum, but the single comment that should interest the FEMA AuxComm Committee was that of Mr. John O’Connor, Director, National Coordinating Center for Communications. His observations and confidence in the properly trained and supervised Amateur radio volunteer for use in NCC SHARES and other non-Amateur ESF2 duties should be of interest to our committee, and thus, it is attached for review.
http://www.sacvalleyares.org/contents/news/2018/DHS%20NCC%20Reply%20Comments%202017%20Hurricane%20Season.pdf
2/28/2018
Amateur Radio Emergency Service Transitioning to New Online Reporting System
The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) will phase out the traditional ARES report forms later this year in favor of an online system called ARES Connect, a volunteer management, communications, and reporting system. The new system will allow information to be logged by ARES members and managed through the Field Organization. The advent of ARES Connect was among other highlights in “The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) 2017 Annual Report,” released this week. http://tinyurl.com/y8fm2vpg 2/21/2018Hams and Hawaii false alarm
Hawaii's communication breakdown and how going ham could save usHawaii's recent false nuclear missile alert showed us how reliant we are on cell phones and modern technology—and how unprepared we are if they become inaccessible. But in case the unexpected happens, an unlikely group of hobbyists—ham radio operators—are standing at the ready and may save us all.
http://tinyurl.com/ychrmgur
2/8/2018
Hams In Emergencies
From Cal OES and Cal OES Auxiliary Communications ServiceRecent disasters in the US and around the world have resulted in lost communications. Whether hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions or terror attacks response to a disaster is made more difficult without effective communications. Cal OES has at least one answer to that in California - HAMS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJxPM2X2uQo&list=TLGG91jN3nF9VJAwNzAyMjAxOA 2/7/2018
Supporting Red Cross- Get Familiar with Winlink
To support the Red Cross from many areas in the Sacramento Vallery Section, it is likely we will need to use Winlink. Winlink is perfect for sending long lists of needed supplies or forms.Two pages to help you get started:
It is time to start planning for winter storms and flooding- Send Winlink Messages to Red Cross Winlink station: KA6ARC
http://www.sacvalleyares.org/contents/news/2018/CheckintoWinlink.asp
Getting Started with Winlink
http://www.sacvalleyares.org/contents/news/2018/StartingwithWinlink.asp 1/23/2018
End of Year Summary of Sacramento Valley Section ARES Volunteer times - 23,614 hours!
ARRL Section: Sacramento Valley SectionYear: 2017
Total number of ARES members 398
Change since last year 31 +
Number of ARES nets active: 897
Number of nets with NTS liaison: 137
Number of drills, tests and training sessions this year: 610
NUmber of drill Person hours; 12,449
Number of public service events this month: 59
total PS Person hours: 6,910
Number of emergency operations this year: 53
Totl Emergency Person Hours 2,680
Total number of ARES operations this year: 1,756
Total Person hours 23,614 1/10/2018
Joe Pistritto, N3CKF, spoke about ARRL/Red Cross Puerto Rico Disaster Relief Deployment
At the River City ARCS General Meeting on Tuesday, January 2 at 7:30 pm, Joe Pistritto, N3CKF, gave a presentation on his September 28-October 18 deployment as a communications volunteer in the post-Hurricane Maria ARRL/Red Cross Puerto Rico disaster relief effort.Watch the slide show with audio narration at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPO6XPhwHqE 1/10/2018
Ham's assisting hams
At a recent meeting of the CREBC XE2BNC Baja Radio Club in Mexico saw photos of KE6YUV repeater damage due to a neighboring tower falling due to recent wind storm in the Valley. The club "passed the hat" and send a generous donation to the Berryessa Amateur Radio Klub to assist with the repairs of the repeater that was damaged.It’s mutual assistance like this that makes Amateur Radio such a great community.
1/5/2018
A new Full Service BBS and Winlink gateway now active in Amador County
Dan Edwards, KJ6WYW, has installed a full service BBS station and a Winlink gateway in Amador County.The BBS and winlink gateway are on 144.370. It is running on a raspberry pi.
Connect to the BBS - KJ6WYW-1 via berr37, or the Winlink gateway via KJ6WYW-10 via berr37 12/27/2017
Good news! KE6YUV repeater is back up and running!
12-21-17 Ken K6WLS and Bill K6KN went up to the repeater site on Thursday. They hooked up two spare antennas as a temporary fix to get the repeater back up and running.Thank you Ken and Bill! 12/21/2017
KE6YUV Repeater down
The strongs winds this last weekend caused the tower from the communications vault next to us to topple.When their tower fell, it took out the KE6YUV repeater antennas and stripped the coax from our tower.
View a couple of photos. 12/18/2017
California International Marathon- required 35 Radio Operators
The running of the 35th California International Marathon, December 2, 2017, required 35 Amateur Radio Operators to provided the needed communication support for this event.California International Marathon (CIM), is hosted by the Sacramento Running Association. This year the event drew over 11,000 runners and an additional 1,000 Relay Teams for the 26.2-mile race from Folsom to downtown Sacramento.
Read more about the CIM
http://www.sacvalleyares.org/contents/news/2017/cim2017.pdf 12/11/2017
DISASTER GUIDE- HOW TO SURVIVE What you need to do before the next fire, earthquake, or flood
From the San Francisco Chronicle: DISASTER GUIDE- HOW TO SURVIVE What you need to do before the next fire, earthquake, or flood.Lots of great information to help you and your family be prepared.
http://www.sfchronicle.com/survival/ 11/19/2017
A Must read: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Winlink 2000
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Winlink 2000Highly recommended document: The Winlink FAQ is updated regularly by Don Felgenhauer, K7BFL. Don distills information and answers to questions discussed on the Winlink email reflectors by users, gurus, developers and sysops. This 100+ page document is well written and organized for easy consumption. includes info on set ups for using winlink.
11/19/2017
Simulation shows winds near origins of Oct. 8 fires in Northern California may have been 75-90 mph
Research by the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado into the weather conditions when the devastating October 8 wildfires started in Northern California indicates that hurricane force wind was one of the factors responsiblewind speed conversion table for the extremely rapid spread of the fires that killed at least 43 people and destroyed more than 8,900 structures.... CAL FIRE has not released the causes of the October 8 confligrations, but at about the same time firefighters were first responding to numerous fires, they also received multiple calls about fallen power lines and electrical transformers exploding.
California law dictates that power lines are supposed to be able to withstand 56 mph. 10/30/2017
Two different perspectives regarding Amateur Radio in Puerto RICO
Two different perspectives regarding ARRL/Red Cross use of Amateur Radio in Puerto RICOHam Radio Now: Force of Two
https://www.hamradionow.tv/episodes/2017/10/27/hrn-359-emcomm-extra-18-force-of-two
Ham Nation: HURRICANE HAMS ON PUERTO RICO
https://www.twit.tv/shows/ham-nation/episodes/323
10/29/2017
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Wildfire Assistance Activities
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Wildfire Assistance ActivitiesContinue to check this page daily for the latest updates on UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine activities surrounding the Napa area fires.
To date, the veterinary hospital has treated one dog, two llamas, 10 horses, 19 cats, and 33 koi fish.
Many of the fire victims treated are from families who have lost everything. Please consider donating to the SVM Veterinary Catastrophic Need Fund to help treat animals affected by these wildfires.
10/20/2017
Ham radio operators have Butte County emergency role
Oroville >> When the Red Cross signaled it would open a evacuation center in Oroville for the Cherokee and La Porte fires, there was a small band of volunteers that may have not been noticed.They were hauling boxes of equipment to a back room at the Church of the Nazarene. They were part of the Golden Empire Amateur Radio Society, providing communication capabilities to the Red Cross. 10/19/2017
Nevada County Amateur Radio Services operators assist in fire emergencies
Article from the Nevada county Union:http://www.theunion.com/news/local-news/nevada-county-amateur-radio-services-operators-assist-in-fire-emergencies/
10/17/2017
Sacramento Valley Section ARES in ARRL News
ARRL has published a news item on the response of Sacramento Valley Section ARES to the wild fires.Read http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-section-manager-evacuates-when-fire-comes-within-two-blocks 10/17/2017
Interactive map: Wine Country fires Including Air Quality Map
A well done Interactive map: Wine Country fireshttp://projects.sfchronicle.com/2017/interactive-map-wine-country-fires/
Map updated as information becomes available. From SF Chronicle 10/15/2017
Real Time Fire / Evacuation maps
A fire / evacuation mapshttps://doitgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=735e292898ed457ca3273954a22c1466
When it finally loads, enter an address or city to check. 10/12/2017
Fires in Yuba / Butte & Calaveras Fire Shelter Frequencies
Fires in Yuba / Butte & Calaveras Fire Shelter FrequenciesNAZ shelter in Oroville
W6SCR 145.290 - 110.9
WD6AXM 146.085 + 127.3
Amador / Calaveras Point Fire
Pioneer Shelter & the Calaveras Shelter
K6ARC 146.835 - 100 10/9/2017
ICS-300 course in January at Mather in Sacramento
CalOES will be offering ICS-300 course in January at Mather in Sacramento.ICS 300 Intermediate Incident Command System for Expanding Incidents
Here's the link to sign up:
http://www.caloes.org/EBForms.aspx?EBID=873&EBType=R&RefID=
10/4/2017
AllThingsFirstnet.com: Public Safety Advocate: When All Else Fails, There Is Ham Radio
... Sometimes it seems we simply assume our communications networks and the Internet will be available all the time, but during Harvey, Irma, and now Maria, many learned that communications capabilities, one of the most important links for all of us, may not always be available when we want them and need them. While our infrastructure companies work at making our systems better, there are times when nature’s fury beats our best efforts. The good news is that when all else fails there will still be amateur radio!Read article 9/29/2017
BULLETIN – UPDATE HURRICANE MARIA – CARIBBEAN DISASTER ZONE
From Radio Relay Internationalhttp://radio-relay.org/
http://radio-relay.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/BULLETIN-Hurricane-Maria-2017-9-23.pdf 9/25/2017
Amateur radio enthusiasts are handy in emergencies
From the Davis Enterprise newspaper:Joe DeAngelo AG6QO is involved in Yolo Amateur Radio Emergency Service, a local branch of ARES, an organization of trained volunteers throughout the United States and Canada who dedicate much of their time to helping with emergency communications 9/25/2017
Mexico Earthquake & Winlink
Because of the outages to communications and basic infrastructure, Mexico's FRME, Federación Mexicana de Radioexperimentadores, A.C., activated their Red HF net along with Winlink capabilities. Mexico has 5 Winlink full service gateways, one in Mexico City itself. XE1VP gateway in Mexico City lost internet but continued to function via HF auto forwarding, normally to gateway N5TW in Texas. An example of Winlink use was at the collapse site at the Enrique Rebsamen School in Mexico City. 9/22/2017Location of some of the collapsed buildings in just Mexico City
This map was posted by the "San Diego County-Baja California Winlink for Emcomm" google group.http://tinyurl.com/ybwg79r9
Communications unit, amateur based, being used Mexico EQ
Communication unit from the Guanajauto radio club (XE1CRG), well equipped is on site. Call sign XE1PRA.
Internet is spotty if at all and they are on site sending and receiving email via Winlink on HF with Pactor.
http://tinyurl.com/yak5osxo 9/19/2017
Full Service BBS and Winlink gateway now active in Yolo County
Ken Wilson, K6WLS, has installed a full service BBS station and a Winlink gateway in Yolo County.The BBS and winlink gateway are on 144.370.
Connect to the BBS - K6WLS-1 via berr37, or the Winlink gateway via K6WLS-10 via berr37. 9/18/2017
Andy Boone KJ6IYM appointed as Yuba-Sutter EC
The Sacramento Valley Section is pleased to announce that Andy Boone KJ6IYM has been appointed as Yuba-Sutter Emergency Coordinator. Andy will be taking over for Steve Sweetman K6TAZ who has served a EC for the last four years. Thank you Steve and welcome Andy!9/1/2017
Northern California DX Club is offering free online classes for the General Class Amateur Radio License
The Northern California DX Club is offering free online classes for the General Class Amateur Radio License and HF operating starting in mid-September.After a couple of introductory classes the tracks include Track I General License Exam Preparation, Track II HF Operating and Station Building and Track III Advanced Topics. Because the material is presented in tracks you can take only the classes that interest you. Our plan is to expose you to everything HF at your own skill level. There will even be a little material on how to chase DX thrown in for good measure.
Classes are free and we will do our best to make them fun. Some classes will be taught using Webex so you don't even have to leave your home to take them. Others will be taught at your Elmer's shack where you can try out what you are learning on the air. We look forward to helping you to enjoy HF ham
Go to http://www.ncdxc.org/pages/elmer.html for details 8/23/2017
Monitor Eclipse Communications
Oregon ARES has eclipse information at: http://www.oregonaresraces.org/?page_id=1792Red Cross and ARRL has ICS-205 plans for many of the states in the path of totality.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/k9o1bauugyv9lkt/AAD9kkWFsYhae5mstr4WHHVta?dl=0
Video recording of the Red Cross Coordination Call 2017 Solar Eclipse video. August 15, 2017
https://youtu.be/eY9Gw6ohifM 8/17/2017
New version of Flmsg has been posted
New version of Flmsg has been postedhttp://w1hkj.com/alpha/flmsg/
the Red Cross Templates are designed to wrk with Flmsg. The new version of Flmsg adds new features to facilitate saving files to be sent by radio operators.. 7/19/2017
Alturas Functional Shelter Exercise
ARES DEC Jim Linden, N7JIL, and EC Dan Stossmeister, KJ6ZUW were invited to the Strong Family Functional Shelter Exercise on June 27th in Alturas, CA. The scenario was no electricity or Internet for 24 hours. Clinic had a generator running and we set up Packet Winlink in a closet with an outside antenna. From there we sent and received e-mails for the shelter. All the agencies participated there were quite impressed with that capability that hams can bring to a disaster.read more... 7/1/2017
Video of Field Day in Yolo County
Jay Ballinger, N6SAC, created a short film documenting Field Day in Yolo County. 4 radio clubs YARS, BARK, ARES, UCDARChttps://jayballinger.com/swapspace/arrl-field-day-2017/ 6/30/2017
The Red Cross Message Utility
American Red Cross liaison to amateur radio has prepared a zip file containing the "The Red Cross Message Utility".The Red Cross Message Utility (“flmsg”) is primarily intended to create messages for transmission by radio when cell phone and Internet is unavailable. The zip file contains the latest version of Flmsg, nine custom Red Cross forms, and directions for use. 6/8/2017
American Red Cross Gold Country Region Amateur has a Winlink address KA6ARC@winlink.org
The American Red Cross Gold Country Region Amateur Radio Call Sign is KA6ARC and they now has a WinLink address of ka6arc@winlink.orgJim Piper N6MED, Red Cross Liaison to Amateur radio has taken on this task of monitoring this winlink address.
In past exercises and disasters, that involve multiple counties, it is important to be able to communicate with the Red Cross Disaster Operations Center (DOC). A running Winlink station at the DOC will facilitate this passing of information. Jim has the winlink station running now so we can start to get familiar with sending information to the DOC. This is an exciting development.
It would be great if you, or any of your ARES members could send a winlink message to the DOC.
If you are using Winlink Express, send a short message to the Red Cross winlink station. Please include your Name, Call sign, Location, County.
KA6ARC@winlink.org
Also CC Jim at:
jim.piper@redcross.org5/24/2017
Microsoft Patch for the WannaCry Computer virus
You can get the XP patches from MicroSoft's Web site:https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/msrc/2017/05/12/customer-guidance-for-wannacrypt-attacks/ 5/16/2017
New Sierra County Emergency Coordinator named
Scott A Schlefstein N5TEN, has been named the new Emergency Coordinator for Sierra County ARESPlease welcome Scott to ARES
Scott A Schlefstein N5TEN,
530-993-4900
scottlasd261@gmail.com 5/16/2017
AB1222 Call-to-Action - 3 May 2017. Amendment Bill to Distracted Driving Law
AB1222 goes to the Assembly floor for vote SOON, in-adequately amended. It *MUST* be fixed before it passes, or in the Senate. We will be emailing the Assembly with our concerns, but that is not enough. We all need to CALL our representatives and BE HEARD! DO. NOT. WAIT. A more complete update and instructions are at: http://www.no1pc.org/handsfree/index.htm Thank you for your support...5/4/2017
Full Service BBS and Winlink gateway now active in Modoc County
Jim Hertel, N6KMR, has installed a full service BBS station and a Winlink gateway in Modoc County.Connect ot the BBS - N6KMR-1, or the Winlink gateway via N6MKR-10. Currently the stations are on 145.050, but these may change in the future when approved by NCPA to 145.09 or 144.97.
Jim notes: "our coverage is Modoc county Alturas Area and as soon as the snow melts Surprise Valley too"
Contact Jim at: N6KMR@N6KMR.#NCA.CA.USA.NOAM or K6KMR@winlink.org 5/4/2017
CAL FIRE Launches New Ready for Wildfire App
SACRAMENTO - Being Ready for Wildfire has never been easier with CAL FIRE’s new Ready for Wildfire app. This new tool puts a whole library of step-by-step checklists in the palm of the user’s hand.Users can also sign-up for customized alerts that will send a text or push notification to their device when a CAL FIRE is responding or assisting to a wildfire in their area. Additionally, users can set up alerts for single counties, multiple counties
http://tinyurl.com/ldy93qm
4/20/2017
Emergency Communications Driving Increase in Amateur Radio Operators
Emergency Communications Driving Increase in Amateur Radio OperatorsMore Americans than ever have been licensed by the Federal Communications Commission as amateur radio operators, and those in the know say that emergency communications is driving their passion to be “hams.”
From Emergency Management Magazine 4/13/2017
Volunteer Examiner Session Checklist
Yolo County ARES VE team developed a "Volunteer Examiner Session checklist"used in each of our FCC license test sessions to make sure all the forms are completed correctly.
We put a copy with each candidate's paper work and the VEs check the forms as the testing progresses. At the end, a quick review is all that is needed. 12/8/2015
Ultra-portable Packet Station
Joe, AG6QO wrote: Kenwood produces a beautiful little HT known as the TH-D72, which is a dual band 5 W transceiver, with built-in GPS and TNC. This makes it not only a nice mobile APRS unit, but a travelling packet station with the addition of a MS Windows based Venue 8 Pro tabletHe has installed puTTY, Outpost, RMS Express, and even Paclink and Thunderbird on this little 16 GB table which turns it into the ultra-portable packet station he needed for remote access to the AG6QO-1 BBS and radio mail.
Check out the AG6QO web site http://ag6qo.com/RpiBPQnode.html#tablet 7/5/2015
ARES Deployment and Assignment Form
The ARES Deployment and Assignment Form, helps ARES members gather and organize information they might need for deployment or activation. 6/17/2015Updated Amateur Radio Emergency Service Manual Now Online
The latest edition (March 2015) of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES) Manual now is online. This edition includes various Incident Command System (ICS) forms for ARES use, clarifies the role of the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), contains an improved chapter on ARES training, and includes all current ARRL memoranda of understanding/agreement. 6/4/2015Yolo, Sacramento, and Placer County Everbridge Alert System Sign up
It is most important that each of your ARES members properly signup up for the Everbridge Alert system. Find out how you can get registered with Everbridge.Sacramento, Placer and Yolo Counties Sign up page/ 8/26/2014
Latest Version of the National Interoperability Field Guide
The Department of Homeland security has released a new version of the National Interoperability Field Guide.The NIFOG can be downloaded at:
http://publicsafetytools.info/nifog_info/nifog_info.php
An index of tools and documents is available:
http://publicsafetytools.info/start_index_v2.php
The Public Safety Library site that has links to an Adroid and Apple mobile OS apps that lets you download and manage documents.
http://publicsafetytools.info/pslib 8/1/2014
Using FLmsg with Outpost Packet Manager to send Form Data
During the Regional ARES exercise in March, the value of using packet for sending information digitally was appreciated. Although several digital programs such as FLdigi and Winlink can send form data digitally, it is cumbersome with a packet program such as Outpost Packet Manager.The Outpost Packet Manager has been embraced by many ARES groups in the US for digital packet messaging. In a project to make it easy to send and work with form data from FLmsg, a form manager design to work with FLdigi, we have created step by step instructions to enable the use of FLmsg forms to send form data with Outpost to a PBBS or a full service BBS, and when form data is received in a message in Outpost, to recreate the original form.
Documentation for using FLmsg and Outpost usage and well as a web based tool to create a custom Outpost Script that will work with your packet setup. 3/27/2014
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