[Bgmrc-list] ARES & Skywarn Planning for 2009

[David Benoist]

Amateur friends and operators in Fayette, Coweta, and Pike counties, the Skywarn and ARES groups are combining their efforts this year and we wanted to give you an overview of plans for 2009.  It has been recognized that in order for Amateurs to participate in communications that serves the community and emergency communication there needs to be training and participation.  
 
This year we are going to conduct Skywarn training for both new and veteran Skywarn operators.  Skywarn needs new operators and some veterans want to review.  Also this year we have the opportunity to take advantage of some NIMS (National Incident Management System) training in ICS (Incident Command System) that has been mandated by DHS/FEMA and is required for participation in County Emergency Management activities.and related communications events (but is not a requirement for Skywarn participation).
 
As we advance into the coming months we are going to set up training for the newly interested and review for those who have previously certified in the NIMS ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800.  We are also looking at possible training in some of the higher level NIMS courses.  Some of these courses will be conducted by Amateurs in this area who themselves work in Federal Government Agencies and are experienced and qualified to train.
 
We are starting with Skywarn training the last two Sunday afternoons in February (February 15th & 22nd).  These will be held at the National Weather Service (NWS) in Peachtree City from 3 to 5pm.  If you are potentially interested, definitely want to get involved, or a veteran wanting updating and review, please mark your calendars now to block out this time.  Skywarn training will cover, the radio communications procedures of Skywarn operation, the Weather Service's operations, interfacing with NWS personnel to convey information, repeater linking, call-up notification, and other topics.  There will be plenty of opportunity for questions.  There will also be an approach established so new Skywarn operators can migrate to into Skywarn operations at a pace that is not intimidating.
 
In the months that follow we'll plan for and set up training for the NIMS ICS courses trying to give as much notice as possible.  In addition, like last year, we'll try to have some public service events or County EM events.  We try to choose these events so that it offers us the opportunity to hone our communications skills and familiarity and yet doesn't consume the major part of a day or requires mobile operations keeping fuel costs down.
 
Below are the coordinating ARES and Skywarn coordinators and their respective areas acting together to plan and conduct these events.  You can contact them to ask questions and get clarifications.
 
Huey Kenmar (KI4NGD) ADEC, Peachtree City NWS, AEC Fayette/Coweta
  ki4ngd at gmail.com - 678-544-1147
Robert Burton (KD4YDC) DEC for Peachtree City NWS
  kd4ydc at bellsouth.net - 770-719-9540
Lynn Bianco (KN4YZ) ASEC NWS, GA Section & AEC Fayette/Coweta
  lynnbianco at earthlink.net - 770-487-9666
Bill Bond (K4WCB) EC for Pike County
  k4wcb at bellsouth.net - 678-592-6124
David Benoist (AG4ZR) EC for Fayette & Coweta Counties, DSEC GA Section
  ag4zr at arrl.net - 404-290-0470