Posted in ARES, Hurricane, Hurricane Watch Net

Hurricane Watch Net Activation

 August 4, 2024
Hurricane

From the Hurricane Watch Net website. 

Sunday

  • 20 meters: 14.325 MHz (USB) at 2:00 PM EDT (1800 UTC) until we lose propagation at night.
  • 40 meters: 7.268 MHz (LSB) at 2:00 PM EDT (1800 UTC). We will remain active on this frequency overnight for as long as propagation allows. If propagation allows us to operate all night, we will suspend operations at 7:30 AM EDT Monday to allow the Waterway Net to conduct their daily Net.

Monday

  • 20 meters: 14.325 MHz (USB) at 2:00 PM EDT (1800 UTC) until we lose propagation at night.
  • 40 meters: 7.268 MHz (LSB) at 2:00 PM EDT (1800 UTC). We will remain active on this frequency overnight for as long as propagation allows. If propagation allows us to operate all night, we will suspend operations at 7:30 AM EDT Monday to allow the Waterway Net to conduct their daily Net.

Notes:
Remember, just because a Hurricane has made landfall doesn’t mean we can drop our guard. Tropical systems can cause major inland flooding and spin-up tornados. Remember, Hurricane Ivan in 2004 was responsible for nearly 130 tornados from Florida to Pennsylvania.

While we prefer measured weather data, estimated data is always acceptable. We do so because we realize not every has a personal weather station.

Information we need in addition to your name, callsign, and location are,

  • Wind Speed,
  • Wind Gust,
  • Wind Direction,
  • Barometric Pressure (when was the last time your barometer was calibrated),
  • Rainfall…how much and over what period of time,
  • Storm Surge,
  • Damage.

As with any Net Activation, we are able to provide back-up communication for:
Emergency Operation Centers, Storm Shelters, Non-Governmental Organizations, and other vital interests, which can involve military relief operations, involved in the protection of life and property before, during, and after a hurricane event.

Reminder, if caught in the Eye of a Hurricane, DON’T GO OUTSIDE!!! It is human nature to want to check your property. The problem is, you do not know when the backside of the eye is coming. The winds will go from zero to full speed almost instantly. Any debris will become projectiles. You could be hurt or worse. Also, after the storm, please consider any downed powerline as being alive. Touching it will kill you!

As always, we greatly appreciate the daily users and various nets who use 14.325.00 MHz and 7.268.00 MHz for allowing us a clear frequency. It certainly makes our job easier and I know those in the affected area appreciate it as well. Our prayers go out to those who have been, and those about to be, affected by Hurricane Debby. HWN is prepared, ready to serve, and do what we can to help save lives.

Kind Regards and God Bless,
Bobby Graves – KB5HAV
Hurricane Watch Net
Net Manager