The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the national association for amateur radio, connecting hams around the U.S. with news, information and resources.

Big Island ARRL News, 07 October 2016, 05:30 hrs, post #15.

Source: ARES Activates as Florida Girds for Hurricane Matthewm(http://www.arrl.org/news/ares-activates-as-florida-girds-for-hurricane-matthew).

Accessed on 07 October 2016, 05:30 hrs, UTC.

Reporter:  ARRL.

Please click link to read the full story.

Comment:

Here’s a scenario none of us wishes to experience–the arrival of a powerful and devastating hurricane in a populous state with few natural barriers. This story is all too real for Florida residents who are evacuating to emergency shelters as the 140 mph winds of Hurricane Matthew threaten Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.  Matthew has already left 16 dead in Haiti as it heads for the United States.

ARES teams in Florida and surrounding areas have been  advised to stand ready if back up communications are needed.  FEMA may activate several frequencies on 60 meters to facilitate interagency communications.

As the old saying goes:  “This is not a drill.”  Those of us living in Hawaii know all too well the effects of strong tropical storms.  ARES teams are an important component of emergency communications not only in Hawaii but also across the nation.

Our prayers go with those enduring the forces of this huge storm and to the radio amateurs risking their lives to keep information flowing to emergency management agencies.

Are you prepared?  Be sure you have emergency equipment and antennas ready if the need arises.  Prepare for the worst; hope for the best.

Please send your Hawaii Island amateur radio club activities and events to kh6jrm@arrl.net.  I will then send your event calendar to the print and electronic media on Hawaii Island.

Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM)

Russ Roberts

ARRL PIO Hawaii Island