Sunday, December 18, 2011

Resolve to be READY

WASHINGTON - As 2011 - one of the most active years for disasters in recent history - comes to a close and Americans get ready to ring in a new year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is encouraging all Americans to Resolve to be Ready in the by making a new year's resolution to be prepared for emergencies.

As a recent report by the National Climatic Data Center highlights, 2011 has seen more billion-dollar natural disasters than any year on record. This year alone, the U.S. experienced its first hurricane landfall since 2008, the most deadly series of tornadoes since the 1950s, significant earthquakes and severe flooding - hazards that impacted every region of the country. All of these events have served as important reminders that disasters can strike anytime, anywhere, and being prepared is one of the most effective things we can do to protect our homes, businesses and loved ones.

Today, FEMA kicked off its annual campaign, Resolve to be Ready in 2012, which urges Americans to make preparedness a priority during the holiday season by making a new year's resolution to be ready for disasters or by thinking about preparedness tools for last minute gift ideas.

"One of the most important lessons we can take away from this year is that disasters can impact all of us, no matter what part of the country we live in," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "While we can't control where or when they might hit, we can take steps in advance to prepare for them - efforts that can go a long way toward protecting our families, homes and business. Resolving to be Ready in 2012 could be the most important pledge you make this year."

By making a resolution to take a few simple steps in advance, Americans can minimize the impact of an emergency on their families, homes or businesses. To take the pledge, visit www.ready.gov/resolve or www.listo.gov, which includes free information, checklists, and guidelines about how to put together a kit, make a plan, and stay informed.

Resolve to be Ready in 2012 is a nationwide effort to increase awareness and encourage individuals, families, businesses, and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies in the New Year. This effort is led by FEMA's Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and The Advertising Council. For more information, visit Ready.gov and CitizenCorps.gov or follow the campaign on Twitter using the hashtags #ready2012 and #resolve.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

###

Friday, December 9, 2011

Altus Ham Extra Upgrade Class


The Altus Amateur Extra Class was at the Altus Area Amateur Radio Club
Christmas Party.  From left to right, the are Dale N5VX (instructor), Carole W5ORN, Ron AF5AS, Brian KF5BII, and James AB5FS (instructor)

If you have photos to share, please email them to any of the Public Information Officers in the Section.  See http://arrlok.blogspot.com for more information.

Friday, October 7, 2011

New Volcanic Ash Module & DL Course from COMET #Skywarn

This announcement contains information about a new module, and below it, information about a new Volcanic Ash Distance Learning Course.

New Module:
The COMET Program is pleased to announce the publication of the fourth and final module in the Volcanic Ash series - Observation Tools and Dispersion Models. This module presents tools and techniques used for identifying and forecasting the transport of volcanic ash and can be completed within an hour.

Information is presented with interactions and review questions, and the module offers a companion print version. The intended audience for the module include forecasters, aviation forecasters, emergency managers, and others interested in the topic of volcanic ash. Please follow this link to start the module: http://www.meted.ucar.edu/volcanic_ash/tools

Most COMET modules use JavaScript and Adobe® Flash® for navigation, animation, and/or presentation of multimedia elements. Ensure that you have a browser updated to it's latest version with JavaScript enabled and the latest version of the Adobe FlashPlayer installed (http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/). For technical support for this module please visit our Registration and Support FAQs at https://www.meted.ucar.edu/resources_faq.php.

NOTE TO NWS and other NOAA EMPLOYEES: This module is available in the Commerce Learning Center @ National Weather Service (https://doc.learn.com/noaa/nws). Please access it in that system in order to get credit.

New Course:
This module and the three previously released volcanic ash modules (Volcanic Ash: Introduction, Volcanic Ash: Volcanism, Volcanic Ash: Impacts to Aviation, Climate, Maritime Operations, and Society) have been combined to form the Volcanic Ash Science, Impacts and Forecasting Course. This course is available through the MetEd site at http://www.meted.ucar.edu/training_course.php?id=25. This course is also represented in the Commerce Learning Center @ National Weather Service as a development plan.

We welcome any comments or questions you may have regarding the content, instructional approach, or use of these training materials. Please e-mail your comments or questions to Elizabeth Page (epage@ucar.edu), Tsvet Ross-Lazarov (tlazarov@ucar.edu), or Greg Byrd (byrd@ucar.edu).


Saturday, September 10, 2011

NEMA REMEMBERS THE VICTIMS, SURVIVORS AND HEROES OF 9/11

Lexington, KY - On Sunday America will pause to commemorate a tragic day in our history. The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, deeply impacted our lives and forever changed our nation.  The members and staff of the National Emergency Management Association honor the victims, survivors and heroes of that day as well as those who came from all over the country to assist in the recovery efforts in New York City, Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon in the weeks and months that followed. 

"Living with the threat of terrorism may be the new normal for our society, but the terrorists will never win," says Trina Sheets, executive director of NEMA.  "Our love of country and our fellow man, and the principles upon which this country was founded, is stronger than any outside forces that may seek to destroy us." 

On this anniversary of 9/11,NEMA would like to thank all those who have dedicated themselves to keeping the nation safe from all threats at home and abroad.  We also pay tribute to our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines - active and reserve - in harm's way around the world. Thank you for your sacrifice: our thoughts and prayers are with you.





For more information on NEMA, contact Karen Cobuluis, Meeting and Marketing Coordinator, at (859) 244-8143 or e-mail kcobuluis@csg.org.

NEMA is the association of professionals dedicated to enhancing public safety by improving the nation's ability to prepare for, respond to and recover from all emergencies, disasters, and threats to our security. NEMA is an affiliate organization of The Council of State Governments, headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky.


Friday, September 9, 2011

World's Foremost Chemical Emergency Response Service Marks Milestone Anniversary

September Marks 40th Year of CHEMTREC® Operations
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 9, 2011) – This month marks the 40th year of operations for CHEMTREC, the world's foremost emergency call center that provides immediate critical response information during emergency incidents involving chemicals, hazardous materials and dangerous goods.
A service of the American Chemistry Council, CHEMTREC is a round-the-clock public service hotline available to fire fighters, law enforcement officials and other personnel who are the first responders in emergency situations. With links to the largest on-call network of chemical and hazardous material experts in the world, including chemical and response specialists, public emergency services, and private contractors, and more than four million accessible Materials Safety Data Sheets, CHEMTREC provides crucial assistance during incidents ranging from minor to critical.
"When faced with an incident involving hazardous materials or dangerous goods, emergency responders need access to reliable information and assistance immediately," said Randy Speight, managing director of CHEMTREC. "Every day of the year for the past 40 years, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, CHEMTREC has been providing immediate assistance to emergency responders to ensure they can properly address any hazardous situation that they are facing."
Over the past 40 years, CHEMTREC has grown and enhanced the services it provides beyond emergency incident response. Today, CHEMTREC also has the capability to assist companies in their disaster recovery efforts and serve as a company's crisis communications service, providing crucial information to company personnel and mass emergency broadcast services during a crisis. CHEMTREC Operations Center staff also can provide technical services to participating companies regarding company product use information.
CHEMTREC's reach also has expanded internationally in the past decade. In response to demand from the numerous chemical manufacturers that operate around the globe, today, CHEMTREC takes calls from anywhere in the world and provides translation in 180 languages to assist callers during an emergency. By building relationships with international manufacturers, shippers and emergency response organizations, as well as offering expanded services for customers who ship globally, CHEMTREC is able to meet the needs of an expanding global economy.
"CHEMTREC has been a key partner for Dow, working behind the scenes and evolving over time to provide the right tools to deliver the first-rate response capabilities that we need," said Rollie Shook, Global Emergency Services Leader with The Dow Chemical Company. "CHEMTREC operators have the knowledge, expertise and ability to ask the right questions and direct callers to the right source for information they need."
CHEMTREC also is a sponsor of TRANSCAER® (TRANSportation Community Awareness and Emergency Response), a voluntary outreach effort in the United States that helps communities prepare for and respond to possible hazardous material transportation incidents.
Learn more about CHEMTREC.

Donna L. Lepik
Director, Outreach & Special Programs/Staff Executive

American Chemistry Council
CHEMTREC® & TRANSCAER®
700 2nd Street NE, Suite 913 - Washington DC 20002

Fwd: Command and Control of Wildland Urban Interace Ops.

Good morning Oklahoma Jurisdictional POCs,

Now that things have quieted down a bit in Oklahoma, I wanted to take
the opportunity to thank each of the responders accross the state,
(Troopers, Police, Volunteer and Professional Fire, EMS, EMs, and any
other) that participated in the Eastern Oklahoma City/County Fire last
week. Watching it first hand, I have to say that each of you did an
incredible and amazing job in each of your roles...whether it was
traffic control, evacuation, emergency medical service, resource
management, or fire suppression. I am extremely proud of the quality
of the service you provided. Personally, I thought it was ashame that
the so much of the news focused on the losses and very little on the
hundreds of homes and lives saved by your aggressive and heroic
efforts. I guess that doesn't make for as good a story. Anyway...
Thanks for your tremendous help...I am proud to serve along side such
great Oklahomans

The National Fire Academy course Command and
Control of Wildland Urban Interface Fire Operations for the Structural
Chief Officer is two day course will be held at the Norman Fire
Department on November 3 and 4. There is no cost to the course.
This is a valuable course for any FD officers who may be in a command
role during a wildland fire where structures are at risk. Space is
limited and registration is taken in order received.

Yours Truly
Pat King
OKOHS NIMS Compliance

Monday, July 4, 2011

ALE Network celebrates anniversary

The Global ALE High Frequency Network (HFN) sets a new up-time record
by operating 100% continuously on all international amateur radio
shortwave bands simultaneously 24/7/365 for 4 years straight.

Relying on HF (High Frequency) ionospheric communications, all radio
stations in this worldwide system scan the ham bands every 10 seconds,
rapidly maintaining contact through short digital bursts of signals
using a system known as ALE (Automatic Link Establishment). With about
2000 registered operators, the HFN covers a vast area of the planet.

HFN International Coordinator Bonnie Crystal KQ6XA comments, "The ALE
network was founded to foster HF Interoperability between all types of
organizations, agencies, individual ham operators and nets. While its
main focus is on international EMCOMM, this far-reaching service has
ample capacity for radio operators everywhere to use for ordinary
calling and QSOs... including some DXing. The huge success of this
network, during such low solar cycle conditions, has shown the true
strength of ALE to find and use unpredictable HF band openings that we
see all the time."

ALE was originally an expensive system for government services, but
recent innovations in digital technology have brought the cost way
down. The first organized amateur radio ALE nets began in 2001,
corresponding with the release of the free PC-ALE software controller
for ham radios. Several years of development by the 4000-member HFLINK
organization adapted ALE to be a ham-friendly, interference-free
system. In 2007, the internet- connected HFN network went into full
scale 24-hour service. HFN rapidly expanded to cover large areas of
the earth, and it has become the prime framework for ham radio
operations using the global standard ALE system. In keeping with its
roots, ham radio ALE still maintains compatibility and
interoperability with goverment ALE radios, many of which are also
available now on the surplus market and being used by hams. Nearly
every major HF SSB radio manufacturer in the world is now marketing an
ALE radio.

HFN Network Manager, Alan Barrow KM4BA, said "The recent addition of
real-time maps of network connectivity HF paths, combined with
features such as ALE-integrated WINMOR/WINLINK, provides a versatile
platform for fast and reliable interoperable communications. The
website HFLINK.NET has literally been turned into a virtual
communications center at the fingertips of every ham."

All ham operators are encouraged to participate in ALE, especially
during ALE On The Air Week (AOTAW) from 5 to 15 August 2011, to
practice techniques and emergency preparedness. All modes of operation
will be used in AOTAW, including SSB (Single Sideband) voice
communications, digital modes, HF relay, HF email, and mobile texting
messages in the field. Info and free ALE software is available for ham
rigs at http://hflink.com

To follow the operations of the Global ALE High Frequency Network,
please see the HFLINK.NET website. Data activity is primarily on the
following frequencies (kHz) Upper Sideband: 3596, 7102, 10145.5,
14109, 18106, 21096, 24926, and 28146. Selective calling SSB Voice
activity is on Upper Sideband frequencies: 3791, 3996, 7185.5, 7296,
14346, 18117.5, 21332.5, 24932, and 28312.5 kHz.

About HFN
Global ALE High Frequency Network (HFN) is an international ham radio
service organization of volunteer operators in various countries of
the world, dedicated to interoperability and emergency/relief
communications.

HFN website: http://hflink.net
Contact: Bonnie Crystal, KQ6XA, VR2KQ6XA (HFN International ALE Coordinator)
Contact email: hfn2011@hflink.net

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Mass Casualty Incident Managment Conference


MCIM New Orleans Conference: "An In-Depth Dialogue on "Altered"/"Crisis" Standards of Care & Surge Capacity"

July 12th and 13th, 2011, Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel, New Orleans, LA

MCIM New Orleans Conference: "An In-Depth Dialogue on "Altered"/"Crisis" Standards of Care & Surge Capacity" will bring together an influential gathering of medical and public health leaders at the federal, state, regional, community, and health systems levels to discuss how to plan and support surge capacity in healthcare systems and develop "crisis" standards of care to meet mass casualty needs during all-hazard and hazard-specific emergencies.

At this two-day conference and workshop, cutting-edge leaders from both public and private will give the audience an in- depth look at the critical issues in developing "crisis" standards of care as well as present new ideas on how to evaluate and enhance surge capacity in a mass casualty incident. This program is an open forum with facilitated discussions that will allow the collaboration and sharing of best practices and challenges needed to better prepare for a mass casualty event.

Registration:

There are still seats available for this program. 

Conference Only Registration Cost:

Government/NGO, $445

Small Business, $545

Large Business (100+ Employees), $595

Students, $395

Please go to http://www.masscasualtyconference.com/New%20Orleans%20Registration.html to register

Conference with Surge Capacity Workshop Registration Cost:

Government/NGO, $845

Small Business, $945

Large Business (100+ Employees), $995

Students, $795

Please go to http://www.masscasualtyconference.com/New%20Orleans%20Registration+Workshop.html to register

Discounts:

We have discounted rates for IAEM members, LSU affiliates, Boston University affiliates, and American Military University affiliates.  Please call us at 571-312-4063 or email us at sarethn@hsoutlook.com to get the discount codes for these organizations.  If you are not affiliated with these organizations and still need help with the cost of attending the program, please feel free to contact us also.  We will do our best to help you.  FYI, some of our attendees have used the HPP and UASI grants to pay for their participation. 

Agenda:

The conference will be held on July 12th for the full day ending with a networking reception from 4:45PM to 6:00PM.  The conference will end at 2:00PM on July 13th with the Surge Capacity Workshop to run from 2:00PM to 5:00PM.  Please go to http://www.masscasualtyconference.com/New%20Orleans%20Agenda.html to see the full agenda.  For more information on the workshop, please go to http://www.masscasualtyconference.com/workshop.html.

Sample of Confirmed Speakers:

Anna Pou, M.D., Program Director, Resident Education Member, LSU Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center

Jimmy Guidry M.D., State Health Officer/DHH Medical Director, State of Louisiana

Juzar Ali, M.D., Medical Director, LSU Interim Public Hospital

Jeff Elder, M.D., Director/Medical Director, New Orleans Emergency Medical Services

Len Singer, M.D., FACS, Medical Director, Masters in Healthcare Emergency Management, Boston University School of Medicine

Lodging:

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel.  To make your reservation, please call the hotel directly at (888) 696-4806.  In order to ensure the discounted rate, you must make your reservations early and ask for the MCIM Meeting Group Rate.  The incredibly low rate we have secured is $98.  Please go to http://www.masscasualtyconference.com/NewOrleans%20location.html to get the full detail on the location and hotel.

Questions:

Please call Sareth Neak at 571-312-4063 or email at sarethn@hsoutlook.com with any questions or concerns.


W1AW Schedule

Morning Schedule:

Time Mode Days
------------------- ---- ---------
1400 UTC (9 AM EST) CWs Wed, Fri
1400 UTC (9 AM EST) CWf Tue, Thu

Daily Visitor Operating Hours:

1500 UTC to 1700 UTC - (10 AM to 12 PM EST)
1800 UTC to 2045 UTC - (1 PM to 3:45 PM EST)

(Station closed 1700 to 1800 UTC (12 PM to 1 PM EST))

Afternoon/Evening Schedule:

2100 UTC (4 PM EST) CWf Mon, Wed, Fri
2100 " " CWs Tue, Thu
2200 " (5 PM EST) CWb Daily
2300 " (6 PM EST) RTTY Daily
0000 " (7 PM EST) CWs Mon, Wed, Fri
0000 " " CWf Tue, Thu
0100 " (8 PM EST) CWb Daily
0200 " (9 PM EST) RTTY Daily
0245 " (9:45 PM EST) VOICE Daily
0300 " (10 PM EST) CWf Mon, Wed, Fri
0300 " " CWs Tue, Thu
0400 " (11 PM EST) CWb Daily


Frequencies (MHz)
-----------------
CW: 1.8175 3.5815 7.0475 14.0475 18.0975 21.0675 28.0675 147.555
RTTY: - 3.5975 7.095 14.095 18.1025 21.095 28.095 147.555
VOICE: 1.855 3.990 7.290 14.290 18.160 21.390 28.590 147.555

Notes:

CWs = Morse Code practice (slow) = 5, 7.5, 10, 13 and 15 WPM
CWf = Morse Code practice (fast) = 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 13 and 10 WPM
CWb = Morse Code Bulletins = 18 WPM

CW frequencies include code practices, Qualifying Runs and CW
bulletins.

RTTY = Teleprinter Bulletins = BAUDOT (45.45 baud) and AMTOR-FEC
(100 Baud). ASCII (110 Baud) is sent only as time allows.

Code practice texts are from QST, and the source of each practice is
given at the beginning of each practice and at the beginning of
alternate speeds.

On Tuesdays and Fridays at 2330 UTC (6:30 PM EST), Keplerian Elements
for active amateur satellites are sent on the regular teleprinter
frequencies.

A DX bulletin replaces or is added to the regular bulletins between
0100 UTC (8 PM EST) Thursdays and 0100 UTC (8 PM EST) Fridays.

In a communications emergency, monitor W1AW for special bulletins as
follows: Voice on the hour, Teleprinter at 15 minutes past the hour,
and CW on the half hour.

All licensed amateurs may operate the station from 1500 UTC to 1700
UTC (10 AM to 12 PM EST), and then from 1800 UTC to 2045 UTC (1 PM
to 3:45 PM EST) Monday through Friday. Be sure to bring your
current FCC amateur radio license or a photocopy.

The W1AW Operating Schedule may also be found on page 100 in the
November 2008 issue of QST or on the web at,
http://www.arrl.org/w1aw.html .

Saturday, June 11, 2011

http://ping.fm/ULa6q Are expectations matching #smem realities? #crisisdata

Thursday, April 28, 2011

From the #ARRL http://ping.fm/FTIza #hamradio Intro to EmComm, EC-001
Public Service and Emergency Communications Management for Radio Amateurs,

EC-016 (Note: EC-100, ICS-100, ICS-200, & ICS-700 are a prerequisites for this course)



From FEMA - National Incident Management System

IS-100.b - Introduction to Incident Command System, ICS-100
http://ping.fm/K0rDn

IS-200.b - ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
http://ping.fm/jKxCn

IS-700.a NIMS An Introduction
http://ping.fm/0hulR

IS-800.B National Response Framework, An Introduction
http://ping.fm/maOt8

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Commissioners question bureau’s move and local #Skywarn leader supports the local Emergency Manager. #SMEM http://ping.fm/ZLMnm

Thursday, April 7, 2011

National Guard Soldiers not just "brothers" during Civil War http://ping.fm/4tS9k
The sign says it all in #AlltusOK  #okwx #okfire
The sign says it all in #AlltusOK #okwx #okfire
Altus Lockup: Lloyd Colston is going to Jail! http://ping.fm/4Lt4N
When Preparedness and Opportunity Meet (http://ping.fm/1PlzH) http://ping.fm/ATyLA

Friday, April 1, 2011

> Dear Private Sector Partners:

> The FEMA Private Sector Division is enclosing �some resources that you may view and share with your employees.

> The National Disaster Recovery Program Database - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has created a web-based tool, known as the National Disaster Recovery Program Database (NDRPD), which will provide data on a range of programs from all levels of government along with the private and non-profit sectors to help communities rebuild after a disaster. �If your organization offers programs that can help communities recover and rebuild after a disaster and you would like for those programs to be listed in the online National Disaster Recovery Program Database, or would like to be granted rights to enter and manage your programs information on the site, please contact ND...@dhs.gov. �The database is available on the publicly accessible FEMA National Disaster Housing Strategy Resource Center Web site athttp://ping.fm/Xsg3y

> ShakeOut - The 2011 Great Central U.S. ShakeOut is an earthquake drill that will take place on April 28, 2011 at 10:15 a.m. �in the following states: AL, AK, GA, IL, IN*, KY, MO, MS, SC and TN (Indiana will ShakeOut on April 19th at 10:15 am). Registration can be found here. �More than 6.9 million Californians participated in 2009's Great California ShakeOut, practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On and other aspects of family, school, and organizational emergency plans. The ShakeOut is now spreading to other areas, including the Central U.S., Nevada, Oregon, and British Columbia. �Click here to find more ways that your organization or business can get involved.

> NLE 11 Participant Options � We continue to add information to our public web NLE 2011 Web Site, and have included a very thorough Private Sector Participant Guide . �Perhaps the most striking opportunity within this guide are the five participant options. �Please review the guide carefully and submit the Participant Registration form (p. 11) as follows:
> 1. Full Engagement�Planner and Player
> 2. Full Engagement�Simcell
> 3. Leadership Discussion Testbed

> To register or obtain additional information regarding these options, email Private.Sector...@dhs.gov.
> 4. Self Directed�Downloadable Tabletop Exercise (TTX)

> To register or obtain additional information regarding this option, email FEMA-Private-Sec...@dhs.gov.

> 5. Virtual Engagement

> To register or obtain additional information regarding this option, email N...@dhs.gov

> FEMA Map http://ping.fm/WHLwF�

> Regards,

> FEMA Private Sector Division
> FEMA-Private-Sec...@dhs.gov

Monday, March 28, 2011

There's a "Chance" of rain tonight through 6 am. Accumulations of .02
are in the forecast. This is not going to be a Drought Buster.

From our friends at the National Weather Service:

Today: Partly sunny, with a high near 52. East southeast wind around 11 mph.

Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Increasing
clouds, with a low around 43. East northeast wind between 9 and 16
mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

Tuesday: A slight chance of showers. Cloudy, then gradually becoming
mostly sunny, with a high near 61. North wind around 17 mph, with
gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Now, given that the high today is in the low 50s, the chances of
severe weather are low. That's not to say a stray thunderstorm won't
have lightning. If the streets are wet, you can still lose control of
your car.

Firefighters, please know that there is a wind shift associated with
this event that will occur in the overnight hours, around 9 p.m.
tonight. Winds are forecast to increase, gusting to 20, and winds
continue from the north Tuesday in the teens.

This is the SW Area Conference week. Jerry Gibson and I will be
attending. If you need anything, please free free to call our cells.

BE safe.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. http://ping.fm/BNd5b

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Voice of Truth - Casting Crowns http://ping.fm/J4Wgz
Casting Crowns - If We Are The Body http://ping.fm/bQBz9

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

As we bring a close @RedCross Month, you have been generous with our donations. Please do one more thing. Please read http://ping.fm/TSUif and call your local Chapter to thank the call taker for the service they provide.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

RT @okfires Volunteers needed to help @OKFires and http://ping.fm/R8nGH 3 - 6 PM today. info@oklahomacrisismappers.org #SMEM

Monday, March 21, 2011

Southern Climate Impacts Planning Program has recently completed an assessment report. #EM http://ow.ly/4jbRb #Planning
Here's an opportunity for the #SMEM crowd to help a reporter out. "Looking for AMAZING social media stories for possible inclusion
in the sequel to my book Facebook Fairytales and also for a TV
show based on the book. Please send short descriptions (no more
than two short paragraphs). Stories must be truly amazing: love,
family reunions, life-saving stories. Please email them to me
DIRECTLY at: emily@emilyliebert.com" http://ping.fm/64FRC

Friday, March 18, 2011

Road closed to through traffic, #Altus http://ping.fm/MgJQy

Saturday, March 12, 2011

One of my favorite series is Jericho http://ping.fm/BawTm and now I am the owner of both season DVD sets. Lots of preparedness information in the series.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Sent to you by KC5FM via Google Reader: HOW TO: Follow the Japan
Earthquake Online via Mashable! by Meghan Peters on 3/11/11


Social media and the web have become the go-to for real-time
information when disasters strike.

It’s no surprise that the news of Friday’s 8.9-magnitude earthquake in
Japan spread rapidly on Twitter, while live video feeds and blogs kept
pace.

With unreliable cellphone service, social media is the only form of
communication consistently available to people in Japan, says Brian
Gillespie of Texas. He has reached out to friends in Japan through
Twitter and Facebook. Mixi, Japan’s largest social networking site, has
also been used to located loved ones, he says.

Like Gillespie’s friends, many in Japan are updating us on the
country’s status via the Internet. In addition, thousands of reporters
and citizen journalists worldwide are distributing their knowledge of
the situation on homepages and social streams.

Now, hours after the initial quake, information about the earthquake
and tsunami abound. Here’s a list of some of the best Japan earthquake
resources online, as suggested by our readers.

What tools are you using to track the crisis? Let us know in the
comments which ones we’ve missed.
Social Media
- Twitter:
Hashtags #Japan, #JPQuake, #JapanQuake, #PrayForJapan, #Tsunami
and #TsunamiCharity; real-time Tweet map; Save Japan (updates in
Japanese); and the UN’s Must-Follow Twitterers
- Facebook: Japan Earthquake page and Solidarity With the Victims of
the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan 2011 page
- YouTube: Japan Tsunami and CitizenTube videos
- Flickr: Japan Earthquake photos and blog post
- Reddit: IAmA SurvivorLive Video and Blogs
- CNN: Live Blog
- BBC: Live Coverage
- NHK: Japan Live
- Al Jazeera: Japan LiveOther Resources
- Google: Crisis Response and Japan Person Finder (Mashable‘s coverage
of these tools)
- RSS: Japan Earthquake feed
- Internet Radio: Tsunami news in your toolbar
- Interactive Map: Japan Earthquake
- Other Resource Lists: TV News Radio and SreeTips
Image courtesy of MapLarge.com


More About: breaking news, facebook, flickr, japan earthquake, media,
News, social media, tsunami, twitter, youtube

For more Social Media coverage:
- Follow Mashable Social Media on Twitter
- Become a Fan on Facebook
- Subscribe to the Social Media channel
- Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad



Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Mashable! using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your
favorite sites
Google responds to #JapanEQ #earthquake #SMEM http://ping.fm/MxkcY

Thursday, March 10, 2011

@FEMA shows how easy @Twitter can be for #SMEM http://ping.fm/Bj58s #Crisisdata

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Training repeats tomorrow and Friday. Register at http://ping.fm/I3KX1 #EM #NIMS #ICS
Presenter answered the #SMEM #PIO #Crisisdata question: "a social media technical specialist would be best served at the Emergency Operations Center; however, it would be good to have someone at the Joint Information Center that is at least familiar with the social media side."
Presenter is talking about communications: Interoperable and redundant. #SMEM #ARRL #ICS
Attending a @FEMA ICS/EOC interface class. A number of Emergency Management list members are also in the class. http://ping.fm/pionr

Sunday, March 6, 2011

You can quit going to church now. #Jesus http://ping.fm/Hp6rj :)
One of my favorite songs! Is it yours? http://ping.fm/mHadi

Friday, March 4, 2011

Here's an example of what @RedCross chapters are doing. It's #RedCross month. http://ping.fm/DzIqX

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Rt @ounwcm: #nsww interview pitfall: getting too comfortable with the reporter. Avoid jokes and sarcasm. #crisisdata #pio
@kelitarp next up at #nsww
Good sessions at #nsww today. Follow the conversation on Twitter.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

#Android users! @Google has pulled applications for malware. Do you have these on your phone? http://ping.fm/5IRyq
#Android users! Google pulls Malware. Do you have these applications on your phone?
@GodHatesFagsWBC is the official Twitter Account for the group.

Sent to you by KC5FM via Google Reader: Westboro Baptist Church Wins
Supreme Court Appeal Over Funeral Protests via The Huffington Post |
Full News Feed by The Huffington Post News Editors on 3/2/11

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court has ruled that the First Amendment
protects fundamentalist church members who mount attention-getting,
anti-gay protests outside military funerals.

The court voted 8-1 Wednesday in favor of the Westboro Baptist Church
of Topeka, Kan. The decision upheld an appeals court ruling that threw
out a $5 million judgment to the father of a dead Marine who sued
church members after they picketed his son's funeral.

Read More...
More on Supreme Court


Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to The Huffington Post | Full News Feed using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your
favorite sites
RT: @Citizen_Corps View webinar @CraigatFEMA encourages faith-based community orgs to be part of the team http://ping.fm/72sMD #FEMA #EM

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Sunday fire leads to homes in Blair area being evacuated #OKfire #Altus http://ping.fm/9h2wG
From http://ping.fm/jrGsX ...

Writing a release for a website article or other Internet news?


Read it in under 2 minutes at most

250 words long is MAX

65-70 characters is max for headline

Get to the point, stay on the point

5th grade reading level

Keep an average < 1.7 syllable words for whole article (Dan Zarella
study of re-Tweeted info)

For Twitter - don't forget a good hashtag

Always include a hyperlink

I would add that, for Twitter, 140 characters is going to be it,
unless you use a service like ping.fm ... and speaking of #Hashtags
... hope you will follow #SMEM ... social media for Emergency
Management ... and especially Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, follow
#NSWW for the National Severe Weather Workshop.

Lloyd
Rest in Peace #RIP Jane Russell

Sent to you by KC5FM via Google Reader: Jane Russell, star of '40s
and '50s films, dies via NEWS 9 - News on 2/28/11
She was the voluptuous pin-up girl who set a million male hearts to
pounding during World War II, the favorite movie star of a generation
of young men long before she'd made a movie more than a handful of them
had ever...
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to NEWS 9 - News using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your
favorite sites

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Just joined http://ping.fm/LsSKh ... the Christian Social Network http://ping.fm/17gx5/kc5fm

Friday, February 25, 2011

If you enjoy the @USNAVY @BlueAngels you will enjoy this video. http://ping.fm/JcEm2

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Hope #Altus area folks will come see the Harlem Ambassadors Tuesday night. Call 5804825303 for details. http://ping.fm/H69UT

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

*See the video at:*

http://ping.fm/oVR81




The Boy Scouts of America and the American Radio Relay League Team Up to
Help Scouts Learn Radio Communications Skills *The two organizations
celebrate a long history of working together *

*(IRVING, Texas, and NEWINGTON, Connecticut—February 15, 2011)—*After
working together for nearly a century to provide Scouts with the ability to
learn radio communication skills, the Boy Scouts of America and the American
Radio Relay League (ARRL)—the nationa l association for amateur radio—have
officially teamed up after signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU). This
MOU designates the ARRL as a key resource for the BSA’s radio station,
K2BSA, and Radio merit badge training at the BSA national Scout jamboree,
and establishes the ARRL as the go-to source for Scouts interested in
learning about and becoming involved in radio communication.

BSA Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca and ARRL President Kay Craigie
launched the alliance today by holding a signing ceremony that took place at
separate locations. During the ceremony, Mazzuca and Craigie took the
opportunity to talk about the importance of each organization to the ongoing
development of the other.

“Throughout the years, going all the way back to the Wireless merit badge in
1918, the ARRL has worked hand-in-hand with Boy Scouts of America to help
teach Scouts the skills and joys of radio communication,” Mazzuca said.
“Today, we are making official a relationship that has been beneficial for
both of our organizations for nearly a century.”

The BSA, by virtue of its active membership and its outdoor program,
represents a significant source of potential new radio operators looking to
utilize amateur radio for emergency communications while in the field, as
well as for education, experimentation, and friendship. As part of this
strategic alliance, the BSA will encourage Scouts and Scouters to become
familiar with opportunities for public and community service, learning, and
personal growth through involvement in amateur radio.

“We’re excited by the opportunity to make official a relationship that has
existed informally for many years,” Craigie said. “Scouts and Scouters have
been some of the strongest proponents and practitioners of radio
communication, and we know they will continue to help foster a love and
understanding for the essential nature of radio communication for
generations to come.”

The BSA established the strategic alliance with the ARRL because the mission
of the ARRL is complementary to the mission and goals of the BSA.
Specifically, the ARRL is organized for the establishment of networks to
provide communications in the event of disasters or other emergencies; the
advancement of the radio art and of the public welfare; the fostering of
education; the promotion and conduct of research and development; the
dissemination of technical, educational, and scientific information relating
to electronic communication; the representation of radio amateurs in
regulatory matters; and the promotion of fraternalism and high standards of
conduct among radio amateurs.

In addition to its national Scout jamboree involvement, the ARRL will
continue to promote participation in the annual Jamboree-on-the-Air event.
The ARRL will serve as contri buting editor to the Radio merit badge
pamphlet, and will assist with the review, creation, and modification of
requirements as necessary and in the development of course materials, lesson
plans, and other resources for teaching the Radio merit badge to Scouts. The
ARRL also will contribute to the content of the Electricity, Electronics,
Emergency Preparedness, and Communications merit badge pamphlets. To view
the video of the signing, please visit
www.scouting.org/scoutsource/International/ProgramEnrichment/ARRL.aspx.

*About the American Radio Relay League** *

The ARRL is a non‐commercial membership association of radio amateurs,
organized for the promotion of interest in amateur radio communication and
experimentation. The ARRL is the principal representative o f the Amateur
Service and Amateur Satellite Services in the United States, and is the
Secretariat for the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU), the worldwide
federation of national amateur radio societies. The ARRL is organized for
the establishment of networks to provide communications in the event of
disasters or other emergencies; the advancement of the radio art and of the
public welfare; the fostering of education; the promotion and conduct of
research and development; and the dissemination of technical, educational,
and scientific information relating to electronic communication, the
representation of radio amateurs in regulatory matters, and the promotion of
fraternalism and high standards of conduct among radio amateurs. It serves
its members by protecting and enhancing radio spectrum access and providing
a national resource to the public. http://ping.fm/VMLu4 [image:
http://ping.fm/5oUuU]

*About the Boy Scouts of America *

The Boy Scouts of America prepares young people for life by providing the
nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based
leadership training. The Scouting organization is composed of 2.7 million
youth members between the ages of 7 and 21, and more than a million
volunteers, in nearly 300 local councils throughout the United States and
its territories. For more information on the Boy Scouts of America, please
visit www.scouting.org.

###

Thursday, February 10, 2011

RT: @mikecof Will water freeze on impact with sub zero air...in #Oklahoma #okice http://ping.fm/9Brp9
@OKmesonet is showing precipitation from clear blue sky. Melting snow is the reason. http://ping.fm/erdKo
Just look at all the COLD temperatures in Oklahoma! http://ping.fm/EA3dh #OKwx