How Can I Be Prepared For Emergency Operations (

[@ke8mattj]

Thanks to this person who wrote this question. This was an extremely informative video.

[@johnk23705]

You covered quite a bit. Great content. I'd further suggest a dedicated NVIS antenna (dipole) placed at the proper height. Experimenting with different heights. Placing a wire on the ground that is 5% longer than the total antenna length, directly under the antenna wire can help focus the signal directly up for close in comms. No connections are made to the wire on the ground. It is a reflector. As to VHF/UHF, a 43 foot expandable pole on a fold over with a higher gain vertical antenna should be able to go 40+ miles. Right before the storm, fold over the antenna until the worst of the wind is gone.

[@NihilisticHatred]

Would metal mesh be better theoretically?

[@allenshepard7992]

This is strange for a HAM to say but do not forget about CB, citizens band. Why? That is where lots of chatter is. Post CME / EMP / disaster more people have CBs than HAM equipment. From experience, my local EOC (emergency operations center) did not have eyes nor ears every where even with CERT (citizen emergency response team - who used CBs instead of FMRS) Post disaster the EOC spent several days - yes full days - getting a grip on what was up and who had way. The next week was spent keeping track of things before cell towers *and cell phone chargers* were fully up. Yes a working cell tower is useless without working cell phones. Funny how that works. This is why many people used CB for local information and why a HAM with a CB can relay information to the EOC and vice versa. We had lots of trucks coming in needing updates. Was such and such a business or shipping port open yet, where to drop off supplies. etc. As Dave said - make sure you have power, food, heat and or AC. Its hard to take care of others in the dark or when starving. It also sucks going five days without hot water or a washing machine. Good luck. Glad you are planning now. Best wishes and prayers on your testing.

[@patdavis1851]

Thank you, Dave, that was a wonderful video. Everyone in our group will probably watch this. We will get one of those NVIS antennas you suggested at our house. We are part of the county emergency radio group and local ARES, and are trying to get more practice drills done. Thank you again for your time and knowledge.

[@dougtaylor7724]

Most good clubs have an arrangement with ARES or RACES for such operations. There are the storm net folks that activate of HF bands. I personally enjoy listening to them during storm season to monitor their personal weather station data. Our club has a couple of exercises a year for emergency operation. Being organized and also connected with a region or state entity is the key to a good functioning operation.

[@frankthetank3342]

Dave's always on point with topics and timing of them.

[@robertmeyer4744]

very good .covered a lot of great stuff .I am in NY and we have county wide and state wide stuff set up as well. we also have stuff with the National Weather Serves ( NWS) like sky warn . we have local nets hear to help with weather data and info . 73's

[@AmericanConstellation]

I would recommend having more than one radio and spare antennas. Also, some extra coax.

[@donmartel4143]

Good evening, Dave. You mentioned EOC training. FEMA offers several courses online through its Independent Study program that are worth taking. IS-100 Intro to ICS and IS-2200 EOC/ICS Interface. There are many, many other courses but these would be a good starting point for fellow Oggies. - Don, N2SPW

[@seankm6nfo990]

A very informative and useful video. Thanks and 73.

[@SdjdidjeuDidjdjdkkd]

K8BYP is calling you names on his channel Mr Cassler, just wanted to keep you informed. He's passionate about the grounding/bonding matters

[@BobDarlington]

Get a few XTS5000 radios with encryption boards. AES256 for the win, plus they work on ham frequencies in both analog and P25.

[@e.d.m5722]

I have a handful of XTS’s and even a key loader for them, but encryption isn’t going to help propagation concerns which most of this video is about. Also, are you referring to using them under commercial or amateur license? I have both (and GMRS). An emergency doesn’t allow to suddenly use encryption for amateur.