Paul Smith

PSV-110 Amateur Radio POD Operations Support Written by George Fletcher, AD5CQ IntroductionThis report recounts the experience of amateur radio operator George Fletcher, AD5CQ, who volunteered to provide radio communication support at a POD (Point of Distribution) site immediately following Hurricane Ike in 2008. ScopeThis report will cover radio communication preparation, operation and expectations of a … Read more

PSV-10910 WAYS TO OPTIMIZE YOUR EFFECTIVENESS IN PUBLIC SERVICE EVENTS Modified and added to by Earl PackBased on an article by Willam L. Continelli – AB2CA Adding to the article, you can obtain remote mounted antenna adapters for your HT so that you can put the HT on your belt or in your vest pocket, … Read more

PSV-108WHAT IS A “SHADOW” Modified and updated by Earl PackBased on an article by John Galvin – N5TIM A shadow is an Amateur Radio Operator who accompanies an official or important person during an event. A shadow operator may be on-foot, mobile, or both during their assignment. CONCEPT:• The purpose of the shadow operator is … Read more

PSV-107PUBLIC SERVICE EVENTS Modified from a Waller County ARES training articleWritten by Christine Smith, N5CAS (sk) Emcomm groups frequently use public service events as training for emergency communication. Public service events, such as walk and bike-a-thons, road races, marathons and parades have a great deal in common with emergency communication but a few differences as … Read more

WEA-114Winter Weather Definitions The National Weather Service issues many different types of watches and warnings during the winter months.Here is what they mean: Winter Survival TipsSnow and or severe cold can be potentially life threatening, and every year we see cold and snow related deaths. Everyone is potentially at risk during winter storms. The actual … Read more

WEA-113TROPICAL CYCLONE HAZARDS By Kerry N. Mallory, AE5JYupdated 27 Sep 2023 by Paul Smith, k5prs The Four Primary Weapons of a Tropical Cyclone are: WINDTropical Depressions have maximum sustained winds of 38mph or less. Tropical Storms maximum sustained winds are 39-73mph. Hurricanes maximum sustained winds are 74mph or greater. Tropical Storm force winds can be … Read more

WEA-112Allen and Rita Most Houstonians remember the Hurricane Rita evacuation in 2005 but the Hurricane Rita scenario is not even close to the worst case scenario. There was sufficient time to get those trapped on the freeways to areas of safety. Tonight, I will contrast two major hurricanes that affected the Upper Texas Coast in … Read more

WEA-111Radio Operations at theHouston/Galveston National Weather Service SKYWARN operations for the Houston/Galveston area are based at the Houston/Galveston National Weather Service (NWS) office on FM 646 in Dickinson. The radio room, on the second floor, is shared by both SKYWARN and the Galveston County Emergency Communications Group (GCECG). The main SKYWARN transceiver is a Yaesu … Read more

WEA-110Be Hurricane Ready The Atlantic Hurricane season is open from June 1st thru November 30th. August through September is generally the most active time of the season for us here on the Texas gulf coast. The month of August begins the traditional run-up to the historical September 10th peak date of Atlantic Basin tropical storm/hurricane … Read more

WEA-108Heading Toward Hurricane SeasonWither Weather? As we proceed into the hurricane season, one of the most valuable tools is a reliable and accurate source of weather information. While we each seem to have our own preferred source, it may prove prudent to have some others to consult. Let’s start with the local weather forecast office … Read more