see also http://sfares.us
Hi Folks;
As most of you are aware, there has been a very large increase in earthquake activity in California in the past few weeks. So far they have been to the north and to the south of us. But as you heard from my earthquake report last night, we have had a lot of smaller quakes in our neck of the woods.
This should serve to remind us that we must be prepared.
Please check your GO kits. Check your radios and make sure that they have the right freqs, pl's ect. and that the batteries are charged. Now would be a good time to check to make sure that you have extra food, water, batteries, any meds that you might need, your ID's and a little cash. (no ATM's will work) Check your car, if you have one, gas, oil, ect. Got food for your pets? have some flashlights? check the batteries (sir murphy says the batteries will be dead when you need them) How about where you live, hot water tank tried down? do you know where the gas, elect shut-offs are? (DO NOT SHUT OFF GAS UNLESS YOU SMELL GAS) You have a first aid kit? Do you really need that big picture on the wall over your bed? Mostly......Can you take care of yourself, and you family for at least 72 hours?
After a quake, don't rush to the radio, and tell everyone, the nets can wait! First, check on your family, pets, ect. Look around your place, and pick stuff up, clean up, whatever. safety at home is important. Look around the outside of your house, apartment, whatever, any damage? Check electrical wires, make sure there is no damage, gas and water pipes, ect. If damaged shut them down. (you do remember where the shut offs are, right?) Please, do not pick up the phone to see if there is a dial tone. not not call 911 or anyone else unless it is life and death. (even then, don't expect a fast reponse)
After you, your family, home ect. are all squared away, than please check into the ACS or ARES nets. We will very much need you.
When checking in, listen first, and follow the instructions of the NCS. Supply only the info the the NCS requests. Keep the exchange short and sweet. remember to speak slowly, and clearly. (the NCS most likely will be grumpy)
ACS 442.050 + pl 123.8 ARES 145.150 - pl 114.8, 146.550 simplex, 147.420 simplex ARES/ARC
If the repeater is down use the output side (ie. for the W6PW 145.150 simplex (no offset)) some say, use the pl, some others say not to, I am on the side of using no pl on simplex.
and don't bother to call George to yell at him about the repeater 
he already knows, and he will be also be grumpy, also very busy.
I could keep adding more and more to this, but you get the idea.
Anyway, be prepared, and stay safe.
73; Merlin ************************************************************************* -- Merlin Willis, N6OFY DEC SF ARES San Francisco, Ca. Peace thru World Wide Communications