Oakland County Amateur Radio Public Service Corp (ARPSC)
W8OAK Repeaters – 146.900 MHz/100pl & 444.325 MHz/107.2pl
Weekly 2 meter net 8 pm every Thursday
Hospital Radio Net – 7:30 pm last Thursday of month
Packet 144.950 MHz/1200 baud
W8OAK-3BBS and W8OAK-7 Ka-Node
APRS – 144.390 MHz
Web Site: http://www.arpsc.com
Meeting Minutes for 6 May 2009
On 6 May 2009 at 7 pm, Larry Hornsby – KB8POD, Emergency Coordinator (EC) for the Oakland County ARPSC called the meeting to order in the County Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The order of business included:
(I). Presentation by Chris Marrs, West Bloomfield Fire Department on "File of Life"
West Bloomfield Fire Department and EMS Services have teamed up with Henry Ford Hospital – West Bloomfield to promote "File of Life." This gives a person's medical information, and is enclosed in a magnetized packet for placement on a refrigerator. A wallet insert also exists. Medical information includes an individual's diagnosis, medicines, doctors with phone numbers, insurance, allergies, etc. A special sticker is included for the person's front window to let EMS know a "File of Life" exists inside. Too often, the EMS arrives on an emergency scene without any information as to what the medical problem might be. The "File of Life" permits EMS personnel to more quickly size up the problem and begin treatment.
This packet also is excellent for persons who don't speak English. It is suggested any information be written in pencil so that it can be updated every six months or so. Use separate packets for additional persons in a house. Other communities are aware about the "File of Life" and a number of EMS/FDs are encouraging this refrigerator packet, such as West Bloomfield, Hazel Park, Southfield, Allen Park, Southgate, Romulus, and Bloomfield Township.
(II). Report from the Emergency Coordinator (EC), Larry Hornsby – KB8POD:
The Oakland County ARPSC by-laws need updating and members were emailed the new proposed by-laws. The biggest change is Article II - Membership. Membership in the Oakland County ARPSC will now include (1) being a member of ARES, (2) filing an application with Oakland County Emergency Response and Preparedness (ER&P), (3) and passing a criminal background check by the Oakland County Sheriff's Department. When all three conditions have been met, the applicant will receive an Oakland County ARPSC badge. Membership in ARES and RACES is defined in the new by-laws. However, an ARES membership itself doesn't automatically mean a person belongs to the Oakland County ARPSC.
Notice that certain successfully completed FEMA classes are not mentioned in the by-laws. These are not required for Oakland County ARPSC membership but are needed for advancement in the organization. At this time, 47 people still need to complete IS-22 or its equivalent. Finishing recommended classes – IS-22, IS-100, IS-200, IS-700 is strongly encouraged. This develops understanding of command chain, logistics, how emergency operations work, incident action plan elements, how they are handled, who is in charge, and responsibilities each volunteer has. Communication is our part in its planning and execution. Our ARPSC is making every effort to develop member's knowledge and offer various IS classes to upgrade members. Trainers now include Mike Smith – N8GUZ, Lloyd Suter – N2NGQ, Jim Thompson – N8USP, Larry Hornsby – KB8POD and others.
Our ARPSC is sometimes asked to provide volunteers for other counties, i.e. Genesee County during their recent Stimulated Test Exercise (SET). Larry asked what requirements Genesee wanted in our ham volunteers. The same goes for a member of the Hospital Communication Team which requires full ARPSC membership.
It was moved before the members to adopt the following resolution: Resolved that the new bylaws of Oakland County ARPSC be adopted. This was seconded and passed by the members.
Larry requests members to carry their badge in all county and EOC operations. Those persons without a badge become a guest of someone who is responsible for them.
The current H1N1 virus has posed questions about our role during emergency operations. For instance, should volunteers be exposed to potential infection inside hospitals, or is it better to run a communication operation outside? Last week, two hospitals wouldn't let our hospital net operators into their areas because of the H1N1 virus threat. Members wisely went outside for their transmissions to net control. In the same fashion, volunteers quarantined at home or elsewhere should continue communications between members and EOC. Grab and Go kits may be Grab and No-Go, but we still can get the job done using our own equipment over the airwaves. Should any such problem or emergency develop, tune into our repeater for information.
Skywarn Net Control operators should be aware that colored-coded green-yellow-red sheets are available at the EOC. When one is finished using them, please return them. Skywarn nets need to run by script. Severe weather warning levels should be repeated as often as possible. Do not automatically expect listeners to know the level of weather warning. There is also a blue sheet which gives spotter information on how to estimate wind speeds by the size of tree or tree branch bending or breaking. Do report major damage, but be careful on wind estimates. Please don't call during a net to ask to come in. Officers inside the EOC will call out for additional help if needed.
Query: Does the NWS use red/yellow/green weather conditions? Answer: They don't usually use this terminology.
(III). Report from Steve Iannucci, Oakland County Emergency Response and Preparedness (ER&P):
Steve reminds us to both sign in and sign out when one volunteers for some county activity or emergency. Larry Hornsby, KB8POD mentioned that a recent exercise was suddenly cancelled after just starting. A few members failed to sign out and questions arose on where they might be. Take care and protect yourself.
The H1N1 flu was recently identified with one probable case in Oakland County. The term, "suspected" is used when the patient goes to doctors at a hospital and symptoms fit certain criteria. "Probable" is used when a sample is sent to the State Lab, which takes a little time to process. "Confirmed" is when the Center for Disease Control (CDC) confirms the virus. It now appears this virus is not escalating but leveling off and is more like seasonal flu.
Recently, our EOC was asked by county officials to change the minimum wind speed from 70 miles per hour to 65 for activation of our county sirens. Most instruments measuring wind speed aren't accurate enough to show the difference, so the EOC depends on the NWS for wind speed reports.
(IV). Report from John Fleming – K8UP, District 2 Michigan Section ARPSC Emergency Coordinator:
There is an online IS-802 class called "Emergency Support Functions Communications" which is fairly brief. It is all about the communication's arm of incident command and explains what we are supposed to do.
New all-digital radios are being installed in other counties in District 2 North. District 2 South counties are in discussion to update their radios.
The State of Michigan ARPSC will have a digital radio check this Saturday with EOCs. The frequency will be 3583.75 KHz and runs from 8 am until noon. We need to better understand HF propagation around the state. To anyone at home, log what you hear and let us know your results. See Randy Love's report below.
(V). Report from (AEC) Randy Love – WF5X, Repeaters and Computers:
On next Saturday, 9 May 2009, there will be a HF digital radio check at county EOC's. The following is HF Digital Test information: Center frequency is 3583.75 KHz (80 meters); Modes are (1) BPSK 31, (2) Olivia 16/500, (3) MT-63, 500 long, MFSK-16; State EOC page is http://www.mi-arpsc.org or http://arpsc.mi-nts.org. Click on "HF digital test." FL Digi will do all modes and will work with Win/Linix/Mac/OS, but not DOS. These modes are discussed on http://www.w1hkj.com/Fldigi.html. Beware of the capital "F" in the website address. On Saturday morning, the modes will be mixed.
An ARPS digi repeater is now in Southfield, running 35-50 watts output to a diamond X-3200 antenna (2 meter, 220 & 440). Also, should one find something wrong with our repeaters, please let Randy know.
(VI). Report from Rory Lock – KC8SZR, Net Manager and Reports:
Our total number of volunteer hours for April was 452, which equates at $18.50/hour to more than $8000 of volunteer work. In regard to net control operators, please remember to leave net log records for Rory to file.
(VII). Report from (AEC) Barry Kaufman – WD8JWM, Library:
Work continues documenting all our forms - what it is used for, how to use it, where to file it, and where it is filed. The computer in the EOC back room will keep this information.
Two slightly different message formats exist at our ARPSC - one a FEMA form 213a, the other somewhat similar to the National Traffic System message form. One needs to be selected. Steve Iannucci, ER&P added that message systems need to be acceptable and usable with all disciplines. Furthermore, any message form sent out should reliably flag a reply back to the originator. Larry Hornsby, EC will discuss this at the staff meeting. Bill Bond – W8WRB volunteered to work on the format before it is presented to an EC-AEC staff meeting.
(VIII). Report on Digital Operations:
A position is open on digital operations. Bob Kusk – N8LPS is also a member.
(IX). Report from Bill Bond – W8WRB, Hospitals:
Last month's Hospital Net had 14/15 hospitals check in, including Genesis. St. Joseph was missing, but one member thought they later checked into the regular net. Providence Novi still doesn't have an installed radio. Radio problems included Henry Ford – West Bloomfield's radio in which the frequency was slightly off. It is okay now. The volunteer did check into the net in the parking lot. The Botsford radio has now been relocated to a better site, but the volunteer had security trouble which has been resolved. Providence – Southfield radio site needs to be changed. Oakland Regional now has their security follow the volunteer to the radio. Bill is now working in Macomb County to install ICOM 2820 radios into their hospitals.
Larry Hornsby, EC mentioned that on 19 May 2009, there is hospital exercise for Regional 2 North. This involves checking in from the hospital site. Details will be given to specific members.
(X). Report from Murray Scott – KE8UM, Logistics
Currently, Murray has a radio on the bench awaiting parts. Three tape decks are now mounted in back of the council. Larry Hornsby, EC mentioned that EOC radios need two 100 foot long cables for attachment to antennas and asked what HF cable might be better. Murray recommended using RG-213.
(XI). Report from Jim Poehlman – K8ABZ, Membership:
Jim needs a better way to get new membership information to him. Also, there are several members who never gave phone information. .
(XII). Report on National Traffic System (NTS):
Larry Hornsby, EC stated that we need a NTS liaison volunteer. He would like to have Ann Marie come and discuss or even give a class on the National Traffic System and its forms. The NTS form gives us a shorten way to document traffic messaging. The local NTS net is on the Edison Repeater (145.330 MHz) at 10:15 pm nightly.
(XIII). Report from Maurice Davidson, Liaison National Weather Service:
The NWS is now using one inch hail size as the minimum for severe weather.
(XIV). Report from Gary Sklar – K8IKW, Public Information and others:
The following are upcoming events:
(1). 15 to 17 May 2009 - Dayton Hamvention. Arrow Club has a bus to Dayton on Saturday 16 May 2009 leaving at 4:30 am and returning at 5 pm. Cost is $60 and includes coffee and bagels on the way down. If interested, contact George Schutte at k8geo@prodigy.net.
(2) Gary's Newsletter is expected out near the end of May.
(3) 20 June 2009 - Midland Swap
(4) 21 June 2009 - Monroe County Swap
(XV). Report from (AEC) Michael Smith – N8GUZ, Training:
A possible IS-800 course is being considered in the future. Mike asked whether members would be interested in a future ARPSC VE testing session. Any such VE session would be coordinated with other club VE sessions. John Fleming, K8UP wanted to know if anyone was interested in a future licensing class for upgrading. If interested, contact John at john@fleming_photo.com. John is in the middle of teaching a Tech class at the Southfield EOC.
(XVI). Report from Mike Nebel – N3BEL, Sirens:
May siren testing took place last Saturday with 43 checking in. 130 out of 231 sirens have been covered this year with only 6 sessions left for the remaining ones. Our website has been updated without siren addresses, per ER&P request. Sirens already covered will now list the person's call letters. Help is needed everywhere including the extremes of the county. Covering a rural siren can be a lot of fun.
(XVII). Report from Jim Richards – AB8JR for Joe Miller – KJ8O, Special Events:
Field Day is 27 June 2009 beginning at 2 pm. Volunteers are expected to have at least one hour to contest while teaming with another member. If interested, please contact Joe Miller at kj8o@wowway.com. Our ARPSC score for the Michigan QSO party was 78,000 points, almost three times the previous year.
(XVIII). Other Items of Interest:
(1). St. Clair Shores Parade, 24 May 2009 needs volunteers. If interested, contact Bill Bond at w8wrb@arrl.net.
(2). Quarter Century Wireless Association (TCWA) – Chapter 215: Those who are members and interested in getting together, please contact Maury Davidson - K8SJD at k8sjd@aol.com.
Respectfully submitted,
James R. Murphy, N8SML
Secretary, Oakland County, ARPSC
7 May 2009
Corrected and approved by Larry Hornsby – KB8POD on 8 May 2009