Harvey and EmComm
Texas and Louisiana were hit with a momentous disaster recently, called Hurricane Harvey. All the news and weather channels were providing 24-hour coverage for days. As I write this, I am reminded of the flooding that hit the Atlanta area in in September 2009. An article from the National Weather Service records the following, “Catastrophic flooding impacted the Atlanta metropolitan area September 15-22, 2009, as a result of multiple days of prolonged rainfall. A combination of ample moisture from both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico and topography enhancement produced heavy rains that fell faster than local watersheds could handle. At the height of the event, September 20-21, an estimated 10 to 20 inches of rain occurred in less than 24 hours. Historic flash flooding resulted, with flooded river basins remaining swollen for weeks. Numerous flood records were set, with some locations observing conditions exceeding the 0.2% chance of occurrence in a given year.” http://www.weather.gov/ffc/atlanta_floods_annivDamage was estimated at about $500 million.The author lived in the Macon area when Tropical Storm Alberto caused major flooding to Middle Georgia.Flooding is one of those disasters that does happen in the Atlanta area. I have asked the at least two National Weather Service personnel the following question, “if a Category 5 hurricane came directly at us from either Sa-vannah or the Gulf Coast, what would be the impact on the Atlanta area?” The answer was the same both times. We would have either a Category 1 strength hurricane or a tropical storm.We have other disaster possibilities in this area, as well. We do have tornadoes here. Fortunately, they have not been as severe as other areas, but they could be.One thing that has not received much attention here is the possibility of a massive earthquake. We had an earth-quake here several years ago. It struck about 4:30 in the morning. It was only a magnitude of 4 point something, but it was an earthquake. It could happen again with greater intensity. We are close enough to the New Madrid Fault that if there were a quake there, it could reach us. Who knows how much damage it could cause?Regardless of what catastrophic event were to hit us, would we be prepared? We as amateur radio operators, have a moral obligation to be able to provide communications in the event of a disaster. It is our “payment” of sorts for that free license we have. Other services pay big bucks for their licenses.What can we do to be ready to provide emergency communications?·Be a member of your local Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES). ARES members train to provide com-munication in emergencies, either as a replacement or as an auxiliary to normal communication means.·Get and remain qualified in your ARES unit. Take whatever tests that are required. Participate in monthly meetings, and most importantly, get out and drill with them in public service events. That provides some of the best disaster training short of the real thing. Public service events are excellent training and they are also a lot of fun!·Maintain your radios in working order. Ensure you have power available for emergency use. Exercise your equipment as often as possible.What is a hobby may one day save someone’s life!
73 de David Harden, KJ4CMY