Iroquois County Amateur Radio 147.030+ and 444.625+ - Meetings 2nd Thursday at the Red Cross Office in Watseka, IL

The Flash Flood Watch for portions of central Illinois…east central Illinois and southeast Illinois has been cancelled. A Flash Flood Watch continues until 600 am Monday morning for Sangamon County due to water releases from Lake Springfield.

On Sunday afternoon officials from the Illinois DOT, Iroquois County ESDA, the Watseka Police Department, Watseka Public Works and the American Red Cross met in Watseka at City Hall to discuss the mitigation plans for the localized flooding affecting the area. Discussion centered around excess water that has caused a sewer system overload in Watseka. Officials expressed that the system was slowly catching up and it looked as if thing were getting better and the system was catching up. Dan Smith from the Region 7 IEMA was also a part of the discussion.

According to the National Weather Service, the rain waters we have received should not affect us. Carl Gerdovich, Iroquois County ESDA Director and News Director for WGFA Radio said “The rain has let up and the water from Benton and Newton counties should not affect us. The Iroquois River is expected to crest well below the flood stage sometime on Wednesday. We are experiencing localized flash flooding in Watseka and Iroquois County. The Watseka city sewer system was overwhelmed but is catching up and several roads in Iroquois County and in the immediate Watseka areas are closed.” City and County officials have re-routed traffic in many areas. Joel Moore from the Iroquois County Highway Department reports a 1/2 dozen areas with water over the roads and signs are up warning motorists to bypass some areas and to be aware of standing water on roadways. As of Sunday at 4pm, the Route 1 viaduct near Milford was closed and Route 49 near Cissna Park at 1000 N Road was closed.

The ESDA drill scheduled for March 29th has been postponed due to the extensive involvement of ESDA with the recent flooding disaster of Watseka. It is unknown at this time if IMH will continue with it’s certification exercise of the decontamination trailer. If so, we do not expect for ICARC to be involved.

I want to personally thank all those amateurs that volunteered and became involved with assisting your community, neighbors and friends during the  flooding.

Roy R Eades KA9MZJ EC Ford/Iroquois County

Iroquois County ESDA has scheduled a major exercise to  be conducted on Saturday morning March 29, 2008. This exercise is centered around a hazmat situation caused  by a weather event. Known agencies particapating at this time are: Several county Fire Districts, Iroquois Memorial Hospital, Iroquois Public Health, American Red Cross, Iroquois County 911 communications and others. We the ARES group will be assisting where ever needed with communications in supporting ESDA, American Red Cross and IMH. More information will be posted as  it becomes available. 

Roy KA9MZJ EC Ford/Iroquois Counties

A bill to enhance emergency communication at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) includes Amateur Radio operators as part of an overall effort to provide interoperability among responders. The 21st Century Emergency
Communications Act of 2006 (HR 5852), an amendment to the Homeland Security Act of 2002, passed the US House this week on a 414-2 vote and has gone to the Senate. Its sponsor, Rep David G. Reichert (R-WA) — who chairs the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Science and Technology — says his legislation is designed “to improve the ability of emergency responders to communicate with each other” — interoperability.

“Until the events of September 11, 2001, many people in this nation believed and assumed that first responders from different disciplines and jurisdictions could actually talk to each other,” Reichert — a former police officer — told the House in support of his bill. “It wasn’t happening. It is still not happening today. Unfortunately, that was not the case then, and, as demonstrated by the inadequate responses to Hurricane Katrina, that is not the case today.”

Reichert told his colleagues that the inability of first responders to communicate with each another effectively led to the loss of many lives along the US Gulf Coast last year. “This is simply unacceptable,” he said.

His measure also would require the DHS to strengthen its efforts to improve emergency communications. HR 5852 calls for Amateur Radio operators to be part of a “Regional Emergency Communications Coordination Working Group” (RECC Working Group) that would be attached to each regional Department of Homeland Security office. The RECC Working Groups would advise federal and state homeland security officials.

In addition to radio amateurs, membership in the RECC Working Groups would include state and local officials; law enforcement, first responders such as fire departments; 911 centers; hospitals; ambulance services; communications
equipment vendors, telephone, wireless satellite, broadband and cable service providers; public utilities; broadcasters; emergency evacuation transit services; state emergency managers, homeland security directors or representatives of state administrative agencies; local emergency managers or homeland security directors, and “other emergency response providers or emergency support providers as deemed appropriate.”

Federal government representatives to the RECC Working Groups would include representatives from the DHS “and other federal departments and agencies with responsibility for coordinating interoperable emergency communications”
with state, local, and tribal governments.

According to the bill, the RECC Working Groups would function to assess the survivability, sustainability, and interoperability of local emergency communications systems to meet the goals of the National Emergency
Communications Report. That report would recommend how the US could “accelerate the deployment of interoperable emergency communications nationwide.”

The RECC Working Groups also would be tasked with ensuring a process to coordinate the establishment of “effective multi-jurisdictional, multi-agency emergency communications networks” that could be brought into play following acts of terrorism, natural disasters and other emergencies.

HR 5852 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Implementation to Begin Prior to Hurricane Season. “National SOS” based on the millions of Family Radio Service (FRS) & GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) radios already in use for camping, boating, hiking, etc. and the nationwide network of 700,000 ham radio operators and 70,000 licensed GMRS users.

Hartford, CT May 3, 2006 — The Midland Radio Corporation, REACT International, the DC Emergency Radio Network, and NationalSOS.com have jointly announced their support for the National SOS Radio Network — www.NationalSOS.com — a free communications network based on the estimated 100 million FRS-compatible radios already in the hands of the public… and growing by up to 12 million radios per year.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, it has become clear that a major contributing factor to the tragic loss of life was the near total breakdown of communication systems. Once electricity, telephone, and cell phone services failed, people were unable to let rescuers know of their dire situation — and died as a result.

A simple, instant, and virtually zero-cost solution: A “National SOS” public emergency network — www.NationalSOS.com. This free public network connects the estimated 100 million Family Radio Service (FRS) and FRS / GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) combination radios already in use by the public with 700,000 amateur “ham” radio operators — people renowned and prepared for emergency communications — plus over 70,000 licensed GMRS radio users who are also proficient emergency communicators.

The National SOS Radio Network doesn’t require new laws or any new legislation. It could be effective immediately. Once the ham and GMRS radio communities are made aware to listen for the public’s emergency FRS broadcasts, the national network will be up and running. The goal is to create initial awareness before the upcoming hurricane season.

FRS radios and FRS / GMRS combination radios used strictly under FRS regulations don’t require an operator license, can be used by anyone of any age, and are available for as little as $10 - $30 at many retailers and online stores.

The National SOS initiative recommends that public use FRS Channel 1 as its primary emergency-communications channel. Channel 1 is easy to remember and has previously been endorsed by radio manufacturers and by REACT in 2000. For universal communication amongst radio users, it’s important that the FRS radio’s “privacy tone” or “privacy code” be turned off. During a crisis, ham radio, GMRS, and scanner operators can easily monitor FRS Channel 1 by tuning to 462.5625 MHz. Other FRS channels are being considered to create a “channel plan” for overall emergency coordination. See www.NationalSOS.com for an endorsed “channel plan” and related emergency-communication protocols.

Eric Knight, a ham-radio veteran and developer of www.NationalSOS.com said, “We are honored to be teaming up with three fantastic organizations in the field of communications.” Knight continued, “Midland Radio www.midlandradio.com is a long-time pioneer in innovative radio technology. REACT International, Inc. www.REACTintl.org has been at the forefront of an all-citizen emergency communications network for nearly 50 years and introduced FRS radio as an important public communications tool in 2000. And the DC Emergency Radio Network, DCERN, www.dcradio.org is a brilliant example of using FRS radios to connect people and neighborhoods in an emergency.”

Chris Oehlert, Marketing Communications Manager for Midland Radio, said in regards to the National SOS Radio Network, “Midland is pleased to support such an important effort. The importance of communication cannot be over emphasized, particularly in times of crisis.” Oehlert continued, “Midland 2-way radios provide a reliable, inexpensive means of communication — even in situations where other technologies are disabled.”

Since 1962, REACT — Radio Emergency Associated Communications Teams — has led major efforts in emergency communications and disaster-preparedness programs. Ed Greany, Executive Vice-president of REACT International, Inc., said, “REACT is pleased to lend support and encourage radio users of the Family Radio Service (FRS) and the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) to this important project.” Greany added, “Both FRS and GMRS radios have already proven their importance and effective use in disaster communications in recent California wildfires.”

Bill Adler, the founder of the DC Emergency Radio Network, DCERN, said, “It’s my vision to see that every household in American has an FRS or GMRS radio. As we’ve learned from 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and other disasters, without communications nothing else operates effectively.” Adler continued, “I envision a national network of ordinary Americans with FRS and GMRS radios who can relay information in an emergency. When a natural or manmade disaster strikes, the only good communications system is one that will actually work. The idea behind this new emergency network is to have a simple, reliable communications system that doesn’t depend on electricity or standing cell phone towers — and that anyone of any age can use.”

For more details regarding the National SOS Radio Network, please visit: www.NationalSOS.com.

New Mexico funds emergency communication network (Mar 24, 2006) — New Mexico has allocated $500,000 to design, construct and install a statewide Amateur Radio emergency communication network. The money will be allocated to the state Department of Public Safety to buy equipment for Amateur Radio volunteers to use in disasters and emergencies. All of the equipment will be state-owned. Early plans call for the installation of strategically located, interlinked VHF and UHF repeaters to handle both voice and digital communication.

Rep Tom Anderson (R-Bernalillo), KB5YSG, sponsored the funding bill in the 2006 New Mexico legislative session. “After hurricane Katrina, we’ve seen firsthand just how valuable Amateur Radio can be in a disaster,” Anderson said. “The Gulf Coast hurricanes destroyed communications infrastructure and overwhelmed government resources. It was Amateur Radio operators who helped to save the day.” In New Mexico, the potential exists for disastrous wildfires, tornadoes and floods. This year, when range fires broke out near Hobbs, Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) volunteers provided communication support. Over the past several years, radio amateurs in New Mexico have been called upon to support communication during fires, for severe weather spotting (SKYWARN) and during public service events, and to assist Albuquerque with Hurricane Katrina refugees.–Charlie Christmann, K5CEC

Dear Sam:

The Iroquois County Amateur Radio Club (ICARC) and its entire membership is a proven asset for the Iroquois County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA). The club’s involvement has fast become a vital part of emergency communication for ESDA. I certainly hope we can continue and expand on ICARC’s involvement in assisting with emergency communication.

The past summer’s threatening and sometimes violent weather demanded public awareness and your membership was always willing to provide communication help and weather-spotting detail. The club’s professional approach to emergency response is very much appreciated. I look forward to including ICARC in the county’s Emergency Operations Plan.

Please extend my thanks to your membership. The winter season will, no doubt, offer more emergency situations. Your input is always welcome and appreciated.

Sincerely,

Carl Gerdovich
ESDA Coordinator

Guys and Gal (W9LIZ)

I talked to Carl G (CD-1) today and he reminded me to tell all about the Weather Spotting Class to be held in Crescent City on Wed March 30 at the firehall. This is a meeting of the Mutual Aid Fire Group in Iroquois County but they have invited hams, red cross workers, media, cops and others for basic training in weather awareness. It would be nice if we had a good
number of hams to show up.

Also Carl G. asked if their was any interest in our group forming a ARES or RACES group. What we lack is some dynamic person who is interested enough to lead and put in the hard work to get a group going. As I read from the links on our web page ARES is a group that will work with any group needing emercomm. RACES is a group that only works with CD or sheriff dept. (lots of info on our web site about RACES and ARES)

At the present time I would describe our emercomm group as an informal ARES group. Several of us are commited to the Red Cross but many of us would help local gov and CD if their communications had failed.

I think we have better vhf, uhf, GMRS, and 47.42, and cell phones capabilities now than we have ever had in the past. All four of our repeaters seem to be working very well. No doubt we can do more (training, practice, and learning,)–we have a few new hams that we need to elmer to make sure that they get started with antennas and radios and get on the air.

I would like to see someone take off on the Winlink 2000 project–anyone interested?

Please look at the ICARC.com web site–I find new info all the time and have really picked up some good info on the links. We are on Google and all you have to do is type in ICARC and its the first link. How neat is that?

We have had several mentions on WGFA in the morning of club meetings and we are in the newspaper every month also.

We have our IRLP setup working fine and of course we have one of the best contest stations in the country in our group. I can set up Echolink in about 5 min if we would need that.

All in all it looks like we have had great advancments in ham radio in the past year or so.

Don’t forget the club meeting on Wed April 6th at 7:00pm at Red Cross office. We only had 5 members at the last meeting. Also let Steve or I know what would be any good ideas for club meetings?

Listen on 147.03 444.625 462.675 47.42 and in Watseka 446.000

Sam Ripple
W9QKF KAE7607