Savannah, GA – February 6, 2009, 9:00 AM
Chatham County Emergency Management Agency News Release
Floods are the most common and widespread of all natural disasters, except fire. In Georgia, most communities experience some kind of flooding after spring rains or heavy thunderstorms. Floods can be slow or fast rising but generally develop over a period of days. Dam failures are potentially the worst flood events. When a dam fails, a gigantic quantity of water is suddenly let loose downstream, destroying anything in its path.
Flash floods usually result from intense storms dropping large amounts of rain within a brief period. They occur with little or no warning and can reach full peak in only a few minutes. “Communities particularly at risk are those located in low-lying areas, near water, or downstream from a dam," says Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) Director Clayton Scott.
Here is some information to help you develop a plan and be ready to act before the possibility of a flood or flash flood threatens you or your family:
Know What to Expect
· Know your area's flood risk--if unsure, call the CEMA office, planning and zoning department or Savannah Chapter of American Red Cross.
· If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
· Closely monitor a local radio station, TV station or NOAA Weather Radio for flood information.
Reduce Potential Flood Damage By
· Raising your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
· Consult with a professional for further information if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken.
Floods Can Take Several Hours to Days to Develop
· A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.
· A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.
Flash Floods Can Take Only a Few Minutes to a Few Hours to Develop
· A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area.
· A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon.
Prepare a Family Disaster Plan
· Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.
· Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing
· First aid kit and essential medications.
· Canned food and can opener.
· At least three gallons of water per person.
· Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
· Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
· Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
· Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)
· Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places -- a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.
When a Flood WATCH Is Issued
· Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
· Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.
When a Flood WARNING Is Issued
· Closely monitor NOAA Weather Radio, local radio or television for the latest weather forecasts.
· If told to evacuate, do so immediately!
When a Flash Flood WATCH Is Issued
· Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.
When a Flash Flood WARNING Is Issued
· Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
· Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades . . . they are there for your safety.
· If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
For more information, contact CEMA at (912) 201-4500, Georgia Emergency Management Agency at 1-800-TRY-GEMA or visit these Web sites: www.gema.ga.gov , http://www.erh.noaa.gov/chs/ or www.redcross.org .
Showing posts with label Severe Weather. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Severe Weather. Show all posts
08 February 2009
Beware Lightning – A Deadly Threat in Thunderstorms
Savannah, GA – February 5, 2009, 9:00 AM
Chatham County Emergency Management Agency News Release
Severe Weather Awareness Week has been observed in Georgia for 31 years. During that time, at least 49 people were killed and more than two dozen were injured by lightning in Georgia, says Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) Director Clayton Scott.
“Fortunately, no one died as a result of lightning strikes in the state last year but at least 16 people were injured,” Director Scott said.
Lightning is a deadly "by-product" of thunderstorms which are very common in Georgia, particularly in the spring and summer. Lightning kills an average of 100 people a year throughout the United States. Statistics show that on the average, lightning kills more people in the United States every year than tornadoes, floods, or hurricanes. It occurs mostly during the warmer months of June through September.
"Learn the basic safety rules and precautions about thunderstorms and the embedded killer called lightning. Share this knowledge with your family and friends. Don’t be caught off-guard by these storms. When outdoors, be aware of the most current local weather forecasts. Always stay alert for signs of approaching thunderstorms. Lightning is nature’s warning signal that a thunderstorm is in its most violent state and that you should seek shelter immediately," urges Director Scott.
Before Lightning Strikes
1. Keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of light, or increasing wind. Listen for the sound of thunder.
2. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately.
3. Monitor NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for the latest weather forecasts.
When a Storm Approaches
1. Find shelter in a building or car. Keep car windows closed and avoid convertibles.
2. Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. (Leaving electric lights on, however, does not increase the chances of your home being struck by lightning.)
3. Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any purpose.
4. Turn off the air conditioner. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressor, resulting in a costly repair job.
5. Draw blinds and shades over windows. If windows break due to objects blown by the wind, the shades will help prevent glass from shattering into your home.
If Caught Outside
1. If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees.
2. If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately!
Protecting Yourself Outside
1. Go to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles, or metal objects. Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding.
2. Be a very small target! Squat low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible.
3. Do not lie flat on the ground. This will make you a larger target!
After the Storm Passes
1. Stay away from storm-damaged areas.
2. Listen to the radio or television for information and instructions.
If Someone is Struck by Lightning
1. People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely.
2. Call for help. Get someone to dial 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) number.
3. The injured person has received an electrical shock and may be burned, both where they were struck and where the electricity left their body. Check for burns in both places. Being struck by lightning can also cause nervous system damage, broken bones, and loss of hearing or eyesight.
4. Give first aid. If breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR. If the person has a pulse and is breathing, look and care for other possible injuries. Learn first aid and CPR by taking an American Red Cross first-aid and CPR course; call your local Red Cross chapter for class schedules and fees.
For more information, contact CEMA at (912) 201-4500 or visit these Web sites: www.ChathamEmergency.org, www.gema.ga.gov, http://www.erh.noaa.gov/chs/or www.ready.ga.gov
Chatham County Emergency Management Agency News Release
Severe Weather Awareness Week has been observed in Georgia for 31 years. During that time, at least 49 people were killed and more than two dozen were injured by lightning in Georgia, says Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) Director Clayton Scott.
“Fortunately, no one died as a result of lightning strikes in the state last year but at least 16 people were injured,” Director Scott said.
Lightning is a deadly "by-product" of thunderstorms which are very common in Georgia, particularly in the spring and summer. Lightning kills an average of 100 people a year throughout the United States. Statistics show that on the average, lightning kills more people in the United States every year than tornadoes, floods, or hurricanes. It occurs mostly during the warmer months of June through September.
"Learn the basic safety rules and precautions about thunderstorms and the embedded killer called lightning. Share this knowledge with your family and friends. Don’t be caught off-guard by these storms. When outdoors, be aware of the most current local weather forecasts. Always stay alert for signs of approaching thunderstorms. Lightning is nature’s warning signal that a thunderstorm is in its most violent state and that you should seek shelter immediately," urges Director Scott.
Before Lightning Strikes
1. Keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of light, or increasing wind. Listen for the sound of thunder.
2. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately.
3. Monitor NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for the latest weather forecasts.
When a Storm Approaches
1. Find shelter in a building or car. Keep car windows closed and avoid convertibles.
2. Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. (Leaving electric lights on, however, does not increase the chances of your home being struck by lightning.)
3. Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any purpose.
4. Turn off the air conditioner. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressor, resulting in a costly repair job.
5. Draw blinds and shades over windows. If windows break due to objects blown by the wind, the shades will help prevent glass from shattering into your home.
If Caught Outside
1. If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees.
2. If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately!
Protecting Yourself Outside
1. Go to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles, or metal objects. Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding.
2. Be a very small target! Squat low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible.
3. Do not lie flat on the ground. This will make you a larger target!
After the Storm Passes
1. Stay away from storm-damaged areas.
2. Listen to the radio or television for information and instructions.
If Someone is Struck by Lightning
1. People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely.
2. Call for help. Get someone to dial 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) number.
3. The injured person has received an electrical shock and may be burned, both where they were struck and where the electricity left their body. Check for burns in both places. Being struck by lightning can also cause nervous system damage, broken bones, and loss of hearing or eyesight.
4. Give first aid. If breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR. If the person has a pulse and is breathing, look and care for other possible injuries. Learn first aid and CPR by taking an American Red Cross first-aid and CPR course; call your local Red Cross chapter for class schedules and fees.
For more information, contact CEMA at (912) 201-4500 or visit these Web sites: www.ChathamEmergency.org, www.gema.ga.gov, http://www.erh.noaa.gov/chs/or www.ready.ga.gov
03 February 2009
Thunderstorm Safety Is Up To You!
Savannah, GA – February 3, 2009, 9:00 AM
Chatham Emergency Management Agency News Release
Thunderstorms affect relatively small areas when compared with hurricanes and winter storms. Despite their small size, all thunderstorms are dangerous because they can produce strong winds, lightning, tornadoes, hail and flash flooding. The typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts an average of 30 minutes.
“Last year, at least 655 thunderstorms occurred in Georgia on about 70 separate days, killing one person and injuring nine others. The biggest threat in Georgia from severe thunderstorms is damaging straight line winds and large hail,” said Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) Director Clayton Scott.
Straight line winds can reach speeds in excess of 100 mph and produce damage similar to a tornado. These winds occur, on average, 19 days per year in Georgia. These events have occurred in every month of the year, but are most common in the spring and summer months, peaking in July.
Here is some information to help you recognize severe weather, develop a plan, and be ready to act when threatening weather approaches:
To prepare for a thunderstorm, you should do the following:
Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
Remember the 30/30 lightning safety rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
What you should do if a thunderstorm is likely in your area:
Postpone outdoor activities.
Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.
Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades, or curtains.
Avoid showering or bathing. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
Use a corded telephone only for emergencies. Cordless and cellular telephones are safe to use.
Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
Use your battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.
Avoid the following:
Natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area.
Hilltops, open fields, the beach, or a boat on the water.
Isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.
Anything metal—tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles.
For more information, contact CEMA at (912) 201-4500 or visit these Web sites: http://www.chathamemergency.org/, http://www.gema.ga.gov/ , www.srh.noaa.gov/ffc/ , or http://www.ready.ga.gov/.
Chatham Emergency Management Agency News Release
Thunderstorms affect relatively small areas when compared with hurricanes and winter storms. Despite their small size, all thunderstorms are dangerous because they can produce strong winds, lightning, tornadoes, hail and flash flooding. The typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts an average of 30 minutes.
“Last year, at least 655 thunderstorms occurred in Georgia on about 70 separate days, killing one person and injuring nine others. The biggest threat in Georgia from severe thunderstorms is damaging straight line winds and large hail,” said Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) Director Clayton Scott.
Straight line winds can reach speeds in excess of 100 mph and produce damage similar to a tornado. These winds occur, on average, 19 days per year in Georgia. These events have occurred in every month of the year, but are most common in the spring and summer months, peaking in July.
Here is some information to help you recognize severe weather, develop a plan, and be ready to act when threatening weather approaches:
To prepare for a thunderstorm, you should do the following:
Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
Remember the 30/30 lightning safety rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
What you should do if a thunderstorm is likely in your area:
Postpone outdoor activities.
Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.
Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades, or curtains.
Avoid showering or bathing. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
Use a corded telephone only for emergencies. Cordless and cellular telephones are safe to use.
Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
Use your battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.
Avoid the following:
Natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area.
Hilltops, open fields, the beach, or a boat on the water.
Isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.
Anything metal—tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles.
For more information, contact CEMA at (912) 201-4500 or visit these Web sites: http://www.chathamemergency.org/, http://www.gema.ga.gov/ , www.srh.noaa.gov/ffc/ , or http://www.ready.ga.gov/.
02 February 2009
Statewide Tornado Drill Set for Wednesday, February 4th, 2009
Savannah, GA – February 2, 2009, 2:30 PM
Chatham Emergency Management Agency News Release
The Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA), in conjunction with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS), encourages Georgians to join them in observing the week of February 1-7 as Severe Weather Awareness Week.
“The main event of the annual week-long campaign is the Statewide Tornado Drill, scheduled for the morning of Wednesday, February 4,” said CEMA Director Clayton Scott. “The NWS will issue a test weather warning message to initiate the drill. Local warning systems, NOAA All-Hazard Weather Radio, and the Emergency Alert System (EAS) will be activated upon receipt of this warning message, to signal the start of the drill.”
Residents should treat the drill as if it were an actual severe weather emergency. The purpose of the annual drill is to test everyone’s readiness for life-threatening severe weather events such as tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.
Director Scott urges families, schools, businesses, government agencies and other institutions to participate in the drill and to use Severe Weather Awareness Week as their catalyst into preparing for the 2009 severe weather season. In the event of bad weather on February 4, the Statewide Tornado Drill will be rescheduled for Friday, February 6. Schools not in session February 4 may conduct their severe weather drill on another Wednesday when the NWS initiates its weekly NOAA All-Hazard Weather Radio test.
For more information, contact CEMA at (912) 201-4500 or visit these Web sites: www.ChathamEmergency.org, www.gema.ga.gov, www.srh.noaa.gov/ffc/ or www.ready.ga.gov.
Chatham Emergency Management Agency News Release
The Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA), in conjunction with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS), encourages Georgians to join them in observing the week of February 1-7 as Severe Weather Awareness Week.
“The main event of the annual week-long campaign is the Statewide Tornado Drill, scheduled for the morning of Wednesday, February 4,” said CEMA Director Clayton Scott. “The NWS will issue a test weather warning message to initiate the drill. Local warning systems, NOAA All-Hazard Weather Radio, and the Emergency Alert System (EAS) will be activated upon receipt of this warning message, to signal the start of the drill.”
Residents should treat the drill as if it were an actual severe weather emergency. The purpose of the annual drill is to test everyone’s readiness for life-threatening severe weather events such as tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.
Director Scott urges families, schools, businesses, government agencies and other institutions to participate in the drill and to use Severe Weather Awareness Week as their catalyst into preparing for the 2009 severe weather season. In the event of bad weather on February 4, the Statewide Tornado Drill will be rescheduled for Friday, February 6. Schools not in session February 4 may conduct their severe weather drill on another Wednesday when the NWS initiates its weekly NOAA All-Hazard Weather Radio test.
For more information, contact CEMA at (912) 201-4500 or visit these Web sites: www.ChathamEmergency.org, www.gema.ga.gov, www.srh.noaa.gov/ffc/ or www.ready.ga.gov.
Severe Weather Awareness Week Reminder: NOAA Weather Radios Save Lives
Savannah, GA – February 2, 2009, 2:00 PM
Chatham County Emergency Management Agency News Release
The Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) supports the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) in observing February 1-7, as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Georgia.
"Encouraging local residents to install a NOAA weather radio in their home is our focus for Monday, February 2, day two of the week-long observance," said CEMA Director Clayton Scott.
Director Scott recommends the placement of these life-saving devices in every structure where people gather. "Every building needs a NOAA weather radio so the people inside can receive immediate severe weather or emergency information, when minutes or even seconds count, day or night. This early warning can be the difference between life and death," said the director.
NOAA weather radio is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information direct from a nearby National Weather Service office. NOAA weather radio broadcasts National Weather Service watches, warnings, forecasts, and other hazard information 24 hours a day.
Some weather radios are equipped with a special tone feature, which can sound an alert and give you immediate information about a life threatening situation. During an emergency, the National Weather Service will interrupt routine weather radio programming and send out a special tone that activates weather radios in the warning area.
Recently, a radio that can handle the Emergency Alert Signal was introduced. The Specific Area Message Encoder (SAME) tone alert can be set up to only sound for a single county. This cuts down on the number of unwanted tones you receive, and, for example, alerts you only when a life threatening situation exists in Chatham County.
In Georgia, there are 23 transmitters broadcasting throughout the state. Seven frequencies are reserved for NOAA weather radio on the public service band. These frequencies range between 162.400 megahertz and 162.550 megahertz. Broadcast range is approximately 40 miles, but the effective range depends on terrain, quality of the receiver, and indoor/outdoor antennas.
Today, approximately 98 percent Georgia's population lives within range of a NOAA weather radio transmitter. This figure represents a 58 percent increase from ten years ago.
"Signal reception is almost 100 percent statewide, so if you don't have a weather radio in your home, please buy one immediately. It could save your family," Director Scott urges.
To make sure your area is covered, check this listing of all NOAA weather radio transmitters and corresponding frequencies in Georgia:
Ashburn_162.450 MHz
Americus_162.425 MHz
Athens_162.400 MHz
Atlanta_162.550 MHz
Augusta_162.550 MHz
Baxley_162.525 MHz
Blakely_162.525 MHz
Blue Ridge_162.475 MHz
Brasstown Bald_162.500 MHz
Brunswick_162.425 MHz
Buchanan_162.425 MHz
Chatsworth_162.400 MHz
Clayton_162.450 MHz
Cleveland_162.525 MHz
Columbus_162.400 MHz
Eastman_162.400 MHz
Eatonton_162.525 MHz
Jesup_162.450 MHz
La Grange_162.450 MHz
Macon_162.475 MHz
Metter_162.425 MHz
Pelham_162.550 MHz
Sandersville_162.450 MHz
Savannah_162.400 MHz
Summerville_162.450 MHz
Thomaston_162.500 MHz
Toccoa_162.425 MHz
Valdosta_162.500 MHz
Washington_162.500 MHz
Waycross_162.475 MHz
Waynesboro_162.425 MHz
For more information, contact CEMA at (912) 201-4500 or visit these Web sites: www.ChathamEmergency.org, www.gema.ga.gov, www.srh.noaa.gov/ffc/ or www.redcross.org.
Chatham County Emergency Management Agency News Release
The Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) supports the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) in observing February 1-7, as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Georgia.
"Encouraging local residents to install a NOAA weather radio in their home is our focus for Monday, February 2, day two of the week-long observance," said CEMA Director Clayton Scott.
Director Scott recommends the placement of these life-saving devices in every structure where people gather. "Every building needs a NOAA weather radio so the people inside can receive immediate severe weather or emergency information, when minutes or even seconds count, day or night. This early warning can be the difference between life and death," said the director.
NOAA weather radio is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information direct from a nearby National Weather Service office. NOAA weather radio broadcasts National Weather Service watches, warnings, forecasts, and other hazard information 24 hours a day.
Some weather radios are equipped with a special tone feature, which can sound an alert and give you immediate information about a life threatening situation. During an emergency, the National Weather Service will interrupt routine weather radio programming and send out a special tone that activates weather radios in the warning area.
Recently, a radio that can handle the Emergency Alert Signal was introduced. The Specific Area Message Encoder (SAME) tone alert can be set up to only sound for a single county. This cuts down on the number of unwanted tones you receive, and, for example, alerts you only when a life threatening situation exists in Chatham County.
In Georgia, there are 23 transmitters broadcasting throughout the state. Seven frequencies are reserved for NOAA weather radio on the public service band. These frequencies range between 162.400 megahertz and 162.550 megahertz. Broadcast range is approximately 40 miles, but the effective range depends on terrain, quality of the receiver, and indoor/outdoor antennas.
Today, approximately 98 percent Georgia's population lives within range of a NOAA weather radio transmitter. This figure represents a 58 percent increase from ten years ago.
"Signal reception is almost 100 percent statewide, so if you don't have a weather radio in your home, please buy one immediately. It could save your family," Director Scott urges.
To make sure your area is covered, check this listing of all NOAA weather radio transmitters and corresponding frequencies in Georgia:
Ashburn_162.450 MHz
Americus_162.425 MHz
Athens_162.400 MHz
Atlanta_162.550 MHz
Augusta_162.550 MHz
Baxley_162.525 MHz
Blakely_162.525 MHz
Blue Ridge_162.475 MHz
Brasstown Bald_162.500 MHz
Brunswick_162.425 MHz
Buchanan_162.425 MHz
Chatsworth_162.400 MHz
Clayton_162.450 MHz
Cleveland_162.525 MHz
Columbus_162.400 MHz
Eastman_162.400 MHz
Eatonton_162.525 MHz
Jesup_162.450 MHz
La Grange_162.450 MHz
Macon_162.475 MHz
Metter_162.425 MHz
Pelham_162.550 MHz
Sandersville_162.450 MHz
Savannah_162.400 MHz
Summerville_162.450 MHz
Thomaston_162.500 MHz
Toccoa_162.425 MHz
Valdosta_162.500 MHz
Washington_162.500 MHz
Waycross_162.475 MHz
Waynesboro_162.425 MHz
For more information, contact CEMA at (912) 201-4500 or visit these Web sites: www.ChathamEmergency.org, www.gema.ga.gov, www.srh.noaa.gov/ffc/ or www.redcross.org.
Preparing for the Unexpected Now Can Save You Later
Savannah, GA – February 2, 2009, 2:30 PM
Chatham County Emergency Managment Agency News Release
The Chatham Emergency Management Agency (EMA) supports the National Weather Service in observing February 1-7, as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Georgia. Encouraging Georgians to practice emergency preparedness and response procedures for all types of severe weather events that occur in the state is the goal of the week-long observance with a daily focus on these topics:
February 1 - Family Preparedness Day
February 2 - NOAA Weather Radio
February 3 - Thunderstorm Safety
February 4 - Tornado Safety (Statewide Drill)
February 5 - Lightning Safety
February 6 - Flooding (Alternate Drill Day)
February 7 - Volunteers/Weather Spotters
"Severe Weather Awareness Week is the perfect time for every family in Chatham County to plan and rehearse what they should do during the first 72-hours of any severe weather-related event or disaster," stated CEMA Director Clayton Scott.
To help people get started, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency's Ready Georgia - a statewide emergency preparedness campaign - offers the necessary tools that residents need to make an emergency supply kit, develop a communications plan and stay informed about potential threats. Ready Georgia's interactive Web site, www.ready.ga.gov, provides detailed information on Georgia-specific emergency preparedness and allows users to create a personal profile and receive a customized checklist and a family communications plan.
During winter storms, floods, tornadoes or hurricanes, it may take emergency workers 72-hours or more to reach certain areas in order to open roadways and restore utilities. The benefit of being self-sufficient for 72-hours, or longer, is that you and your family can survive circumstances that might otherwise be tragic, if you were not prepared. "With a little time and effort, families can prepare for severe weather hazards affecting our area. Developing a family disaster plan is the first step," said Director Scott.
Where will you and other family members be when severe weather or disaster strikes? Whether you are at work, at school, in the car or out-of-town, how will you find or contact each other? How will you know if your children are safe?
Severe weather or a disaster may force an evacuation of your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What will you do if your basic utilities - water, gas, electricity, or telephones -- are cut off? These are the types of questions your family disaster plan must address in order to help protect your family.
Follow these basic steps to develop a family disaster plan . . . .
Gather information about hazards
In addition to your local emergency management agency (CEMA), you may contact the nearest National Weather Service office, Ready Georgia or the American Red Cross. Find out what type of disasters could occur and how you should respond. Learn the community's warning signals and evacuation plans.
Meet with your family to create a plan
Discuss the information you have gathered. Pick two places to meet: a spot right outside your home for an emergency, such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you cannot return home. Choose an out-of-state friend as your "family check-in contact" for everyone to call if the family gets separated. Discuss what you would do if advised to evacuate.
Implement your plan
1. Post emergency telephone numbers by phones.
2. Install safety features in your house, such as a NOAA Weather Radio, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
3. Inspect your home for potential hazards: such as items that can move, fall, break or catch fire; and, correct them.
4. Have family members learn basic safety measures: such as CPR and first-aid; how to use a fire extinguisher; and, how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity in your home.
5. Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services number.
6. Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your family's needs for at least three days.
7. Assemble an emergency preparedness kit with items you may need in case of an evacuation. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers, such as backpacks or duffel bags. Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller disaster supplies kit in the trunk of your car. A disaster supplies kit should include a three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food which will not spoil; one change of clothing and footwear per person; one blanket or sleeping bag per person; a first-aid kit (including prescription medicines); emergency tools (including a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and a portable radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries); an extra set of car keys and cash; and, special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
Practice and maintain your plan
Ask questions to make sure your family remembers meeting places, phone numbers, and safety rules. Conduct drills. Test your weather radio and smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Test and recharge your fire extinguishers according to the manufacturer's instructions. Replace stored water and food every six months.
For more information, contact CEMA at (912) 201-4500 or visit these Web sites: www.ChathamEmergency.org, www.gema.ga.gov, www.ready.ga.gov, www.srh.noaa.gov/ffc/, or www.ready.ga.gov.
About Ready Georgia
Ready Georgia is a statewide campaign designed to educate and empower Georgians to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, pandemic outbreaks, potential terrorist attacks and other large-scale emergencies. The campaign is a project of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and provides a local dimension to Ready America, a broader national campaign. Ready Georgia aims to prepare citizens for maintaining self-sufficiency for at least 72 hours following an emergency, and uses an interactive Web site, online community toolkit, television and radio advertising and public awareness media messaging to reach its audiences.
Chatham County Emergency Managment Agency News Release
The Chatham Emergency Management Agency (EMA) supports the National Weather Service in observing February 1-7, as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Georgia. Encouraging Georgians to practice emergency preparedness and response procedures for all types of severe weather events that occur in the state is the goal of the week-long observance with a daily focus on these topics:
February 1 - Family Preparedness Day
February 2 - NOAA Weather Radio
February 3 - Thunderstorm Safety
February 4 - Tornado Safety (Statewide Drill)
February 5 - Lightning Safety
February 6 - Flooding (Alternate Drill Day)
February 7 - Volunteers/Weather Spotters
"Severe Weather Awareness Week is the perfect time for every family in Chatham County to plan and rehearse what they should do during the first 72-hours of any severe weather-related event or disaster," stated CEMA Director Clayton Scott.
To help people get started, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency's Ready Georgia - a statewide emergency preparedness campaign - offers the necessary tools that residents need to make an emergency supply kit, develop a communications plan and stay informed about potential threats. Ready Georgia's interactive Web site, www.ready.ga.gov, provides detailed information on Georgia-specific emergency preparedness and allows users to create a personal profile and receive a customized checklist and a family communications plan.
During winter storms, floods, tornadoes or hurricanes, it may take emergency workers 72-hours or more to reach certain areas in order to open roadways and restore utilities. The benefit of being self-sufficient for 72-hours, or longer, is that you and your family can survive circumstances that might otherwise be tragic, if you were not prepared. "With a little time and effort, families can prepare for severe weather hazards affecting our area. Developing a family disaster plan is the first step," said Director Scott.
Where will you and other family members be when severe weather or disaster strikes? Whether you are at work, at school, in the car or out-of-town, how will you find or contact each other? How will you know if your children are safe?
Severe weather or a disaster may force an evacuation of your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What will you do if your basic utilities - water, gas, electricity, or telephones -- are cut off? These are the types of questions your family disaster plan must address in order to help protect your family.
Follow these basic steps to develop a family disaster plan . . . .
Gather information about hazards
In addition to your local emergency management agency (CEMA), you may contact the nearest National Weather Service office, Ready Georgia or the American Red Cross. Find out what type of disasters could occur and how you should respond. Learn the community's warning signals and evacuation plans.
Meet with your family to create a plan
Discuss the information you have gathered. Pick two places to meet: a spot right outside your home for an emergency, such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you cannot return home. Choose an out-of-state friend as your "family check-in contact" for everyone to call if the family gets separated. Discuss what you would do if advised to evacuate.
Implement your plan
1. Post emergency telephone numbers by phones.
2. Install safety features in your house, such as a NOAA Weather Radio, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
3. Inspect your home for potential hazards: such as items that can move, fall, break or catch fire; and, correct them.
4. Have family members learn basic safety measures: such as CPR and first-aid; how to use a fire extinguisher; and, how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity in your home.
5. Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services number.
6. Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your family's needs for at least three days.
7. Assemble an emergency preparedness kit with items you may need in case of an evacuation. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers, such as backpacks or duffel bags. Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller disaster supplies kit in the trunk of your car. A disaster supplies kit should include a three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food which will not spoil; one change of clothing and footwear per person; one blanket or sleeping bag per person; a first-aid kit (including prescription medicines); emergency tools (including a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and a portable radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries); an extra set of car keys and cash; and, special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
Practice and maintain your plan
Ask questions to make sure your family remembers meeting places, phone numbers, and safety rules. Conduct drills. Test your weather radio and smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Test and recharge your fire extinguishers according to the manufacturer's instructions. Replace stored water and food every six months.
For more information, contact CEMA at (912) 201-4500 or visit these Web sites: www.ChathamEmergency.org, www.gema.ga.gov, www.ready.ga.gov, www.srh.noaa.gov/ffc/, or www.ready.ga.gov.
About Ready Georgia
Ready Georgia is a statewide campaign designed to educate and empower Georgians to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, pandemic outbreaks, potential terrorist attacks and other large-scale emergencies. The campaign is a project of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and provides a local dimension to Ready America, a broader national campaign. Ready Georgia aims to prepare citizens for maintaining self-sufficiency for at least 72 hours following an emergency, and uses an interactive Web site, online community toolkit, television and radio advertising and public awareness media messaging to reach its audiences.
17 August 2008
Tropical Storm Fay #2
The forecasted track for Tropical Storm Fay has moved slightly west, but this is still very much a storm we need to pay close attention to. Savannah is well within the 3 and 5 day cones being forecasted by the National Hurricane Center. With the current forecasted track, we could have very strong winds close to Savannah on the western side.
The Hurricane Watch Net has been activated on 14.325 USB. Monitors on the #monitor IRC channel reported that the net was looking for Cuban stations at 2100Z.
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
The Hurricane Watch Net has been activated on 14.325 USB. Monitors on the #monitor IRC channel reported that the net was looking for Cuban stations at 2100Z.
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
15 August 2008
Tropical Storm Fay
Tropical Storm Fay has formed and is currently over the Dominican Republic. This is a storm that those of us here in the Coastal Georgia area will want to pay attention to. The predicted path of the storm from the National Hurricane Center and the United States Navy Maritime Forecast Center currently shows Fay moving NNW over Cuba then NW up the west coast of Florida into the Gainesville, FL area by 20 August 2008. Please note that this patch could change at any time. The map below is from the National Hurricane Center:
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
12 August 2008
Severe Weather Possible Tomorrow
Tomorrow may be a good day for amateur radio operators, particularly Skywarn trained hams to monitor repeaters such as the 146.970- and 146.745- (PL 97.4) repeaters. The weather forecast for Wednesday, 13 August 2008 calls for the possibility of severe thunderstorms with damaging wind and heavy rain. Winds could increase up to 23 mph and new rain amounts could be 1 to 1 3/4 inches. Pat Prokop with WTOC advised that the possibility for tornadoes also exists tomorrow.
Tomorrow will be a time to remain vigilant and keep an ear tuned to the radios.
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Tomorrow will be a time to remain vigilant and keep an ear tuned to the radios.
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
22 June 2008
20 June 2008 Tornado Confirmed
The National Weather Service has confirmed that there was an EF1 Tornado in the storm that caused so much damage on Thursday, 20 June 2008. The National Weather Service in Charleston's survey of the damaged area on Friday indicated that the tornado traveled southwest from the area of the intersection of the Truman Parkway and Montgomery Crossroads to the area of the intersection of Ferguson Ave. and Whitfield Ave. It was approximately 100 yards wide and had wind speeds of 90-100 mph.
The areas with the worst damage, according to the NWS, were the areas of the Lakeview Subdivision in Sandfly (this is where Guy, K4GTM, lives - see my previous post here) and the Forest City Gun Club. Guy posted some photos of the storm and tornado damage in Lakeview on his blog:
http://k4gtm.blogspot.com/2008/06/looking-down-our-street.html
http://k4gtm.blogspot.com/2008/06/blog-post_2581.html
http://k4gtm.blogspot.com/2008/06/blog-post_361.html
http://k4gtm.blogspot.com/2008/06/blog-post_21.html
http://k4gtm.blogspot.com/2008/06/blog-post.html
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
The areas with the worst damage, according to the NWS, were the areas of the Lakeview Subdivision in Sandfly (this is where Guy, K4GTM, lives - see my previous post here) and the Forest City Gun Club. Guy posted some photos of the storm and tornado damage in Lakeview on his blog:
http://k4gtm.blogspot.com/2008/06/looking-down-our-street.html
http://k4gtm.blogspot.com/2008/06/blog-post_2581.html
http://k4gtm.blogspot.com/2008/06/blog-post_361.html
http://k4gtm.blogspot.com/2008/06/blog-post_21.html
http://k4gtm.blogspot.com/2008/06/blog-post.html
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
20 June 2008
Severe Storms Hammer the East Side of Savannah and Chatham County
Thursday afternoon I was enjoying some quality monitoring time on my day off. The return of the the VMFA-312 "Checks" to the air and some JSTARS activity nearby was making for an interesting monitoring day. Shortly after 1400 local I began hearing thunder to the north, so I checked the weather radar; a storm was brewing up around the Georgia/South Carolina border near the Port Wentworth area. Even though the storm didn't seem to have much motion on the radar, I went ahead and disconnected my gear to prevent lightning damage. No worries, I sat down with the latest issue of Road and Track magazine (there are two wonderful Sam Posey articles this month, check out my motorsports blog soon on those!) to wait for the delivery of the AT-897 tuner and MFJ 1764 antenna I ordered earlier this week.
When UPS delivered the package around 1500, I noticed that the skies here in east Savannah were darkening and a few minutes later it began sprinkling. It was almost time to go to Rincon to pick up my nephew from his father's house, so I began getting ready to go. As we left the house, the tornado warning sirens began going off so we checked 162.400, the local NOAA weather radio station, and heard the first Tornado Warning going off. As we drove out of town, I locked the 2-meter radio in my father's truck on the 146.970 repeater, reporting hail we encountered at I-516 and the Southwest Bypass over the repeater and via cell phone to the National Weather Service in Charleston. It was raining so hard while I was reporting the hail, that I couldn't understand much of what the NWS were saying on the other end!
As we drove west out of Savannah, the weather cleared and improved but it rapidly became apparent from traffic we were monitoring on our scanners and from what other amateurs were reporting on the repeater that the areas around Sandfly, Whitfield Avenue, and Ferguson Avenue had taken a hard hit from the storm, possibly even from a tornado (although I haven't seen this confirmed by the news or the NWS yet). Kurt, N4CVF, was reporting numerous trees down and road blockage on Ferguson as he tried to make his way home; Southside Fire's Montgomery Division radio traffic supported Kurt's observations. They were working a multitude of downed trees, power lines, and vehicle crashes. Guy, K4GTM, reported traffic backups, trees down, and serious damage as he approached his home in the Sandfly area. Luckily, Guy's home avoided serious damage but his neighbor was not so lucky. Their house was comprehensively damaged by falling trees. Traffic from Southside Fire and Isle of Hope Fire further indicated more damage along Whitfield and farther along Skidaway towards Isle of Hope. Likewise, Thunderbolt Fire was also busy handling calls of trees and power lines down in their city. I later began hearing radio traffic that the county water system on Isle of Hope was out.
We made it back home from Rincon to find the power out. After clearing out debris from the roads in front and alongside the house and from the yard I drove over to Guy's neighborhood to see if I could lend a hand. By the time I got there, the neighborhood had put out an all hands effort to clear the roads and were working to remove a tree from the neighbor's house with a John Deere tractor and chainsaws. The Red Cross was en route with food, water, and other assistance, so at that point there was not much I could do. I spoke with Guy and Bill, K4WP, for a few minutes, offering any assistance that they might need; I then returned home so that I and the car wouldn't be in the way of equipment that would be needed to remove all of the debris.
By this time, ARES and Red Cross volunteers had begun using the 146.970 repeater for assessment, relief, and recovery operations. K3SRC, the Red Cross ham station along with K4SDJ, Steve, W4SWJ, Susanne, and others were on the air coordinating the response. On my way home, I reported some traffic bottlenecks on Skidaway to K3SRC and let them know that one of their units was almost to their staging area at the Piggly Wiggly on Skidaway. After checking in with work to make sure I wasn't needed, I monitored the 146.970 and began to hear about some of the damage. In addition to what I had witnessed in Guy's neighborhood, there were also heavily damaged mobile homes in some of the mobile home parks in the Whitfield area. Luckily, I heard no reports of injuries from any of the damaged homes. Hopefully that will be the case across the affected area.
Throughout the entire time I was monitoring, I was proud to hear how hams were reacting to the aftermath of the storm. I can't remember all of those I heard offering assistance but N4RVM and WD8LUL were two that immediately jump to mind. There were offers to help clear the trees, offers to help the neighbors, and offers of batteries and other equipment to help keep Guy on the air.
It is impossible to include a comprehensive list of what I all I was listening to during the afternoon, because often I wasn't looking at the radio display. I was paying more attention to the weather and to the amateur radio traffic. That said, here is a certainly incomplete listing of active talkgroups. You'll quickly note that I was mostly monitoring the fire departments to keep up with tree/power situations.
Fort Stewart/Hunter AAF TRS
TG 3504 - Hunter AAF Crash/Fire
Chatham/Effingham TRS
TG 3568 - Metro Fire Dispatch (and associated Tac TGs)
TG 3824 - Southside Fire Dispatch (and associated Division TGs)
TG 4880 - Thunderbolt FD
TG 5040 - Garden City FD
TG 5424 - Pooler FD
TG 5456 - Pooler FD
TG 6224 - CEMA 1
TG 6640 - ANG/Savannah IAP Crash/Fire
TG 7760 - Isle of Hope FD
TG 36880 - Savannah Fire Dispatch (and associated Fireground TGs)
TG 36912 - Savannah Fire Admin
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
When UPS delivered the package around 1500, I noticed that the skies here in east Savannah were darkening and a few minutes later it began sprinkling. It was almost time to go to Rincon to pick up my nephew from his father's house, so I began getting ready to go. As we left the house, the tornado warning sirens began going off so we checked 162.400, the local NOAA weather radio station, and heard the first Tornado Warning going off. As we drove out of town, I locked the 2-meter radio in my father's truck on the 146.970 repeater, reporting hail we encountered at I-516 and the Southwest Bypass over the repeater and via cell phone to the National Weather Service in Charleston. It was raining so hard while I was reporting the hail, that I couldn't understand much of what the NWS were saying on the other end!
As we drove west out of Savannah, the weather cleared and improved but it rapidly became apparent from traffic we were monitoring on our scanners and from what other amateurs were reporting on the repeater that the areas around Sandfly, Whitfield Avenue, and Ferguson Avenue had taken a hard hit from the storm, possibly even from a tornado (although I haven't seen this confirmed by the news or the NWS yet). Kurt, N4CVF, was reporting numerous trees down and road blockage on Ferguson as he tried to make his way home; Southside Fire's Montgomery Division radio traffic supported Kurt's observations. They were working a multitude of downed trees, power lines, and vehicle crashes. Guy, K4GTM, reported traffic backups, trees down, and serious damage as he approached his home in the Sandfly area. Luckily, Guy's home avoided serious damage but his neighbor was not so lucky. Their house was comprehensively damaged by falling trees. Traffic from Southside Fire and Isle of Hope Fire further indicated more damage along Whitfield and farther along Skidaway towards Isle of Hope. Likewise, Thunderbolt Fire was also busy handling calls of trees and power lines down in their city. I later began hearing radio traffic that the county water system on Isle of Hope was out.
We made it back home from Rincon to find the power out. After clearing out debris from the roads in front and alongside the house and from the yard I drove over to Guy's neighborhood to see if I could lend a hand. By the time I got there, the neighborhood had put out an all hands effort to clear the roads and were working to remove a tree from the neighbor's house with a John Deere tractor and chainsaws. The Red Cross was en route with food, water, and other assistance, so at that point there was not much I could do. I spoke with Guy and Bill, K4WP, for a few minutes, offering any assistance that they might need; I then returned home so that I and the car wouldn't be in the way of equipment that would be needed to remove all of the debris.
By this time, ARES and Red Cross volunteers had begun using the 146.970 repeater for assessment, relief, and recovery operations. K3SRC, the Red Cross ham station along with K4SDJ, Steve, W4SWJ, Susanne, and others were on the air coordinating the response. On my way home, I reported some traffic bottlenecks on Skidaway to K3SRC and let them know that one of their units was almost to their staging area at the Piggly Wiggly on Skidaway. After checking in with work to make sure I wasn't needed, I monitored the 146.970 and began to hear about some of the damage. In addition to what I had witnessed in Guy's neighborhood, there were also heavily damaged mobile homes in some of the mobile home parks in the Whitfield area. Luckily, I heard no reports of injuries from any of the damaged homes. Hopefully that will be the case across the affected area.
Throughout the entire time I was monitoring, I was proud to hear how hams were reacting to the aftermath of the storm. I can't remember all of those I heard offering assistance but N4RVM and WD8LUL were two that immediately jump to mind. There were offers to help clear the trees, offers to help the neighbors, and offers of batteries and other equipment to help keep Guy on the air.
It is impossible to include a comprehensive list of what I all I was listening to during the afternoon, because often I wasn't looking at the radio display. I was paying more attention to the weather and to the amateur radio traffic. That said, here is a certainly incomplete listing of active talkgroups. You'll quickly note that I was mostly monitoring the fire departments to keep up with tree/power situations.
Fort Stewart/Hunter AAF TRS
TG 3504 - Hunter AAF Crash/Fire
Chatham/Effingham TRS
TG 3568 - Metro Fire Dispatch (and associated Tac TGs)
TG 3824 - Southside Fire Dispatch (and associated Division TGs)
TG 4880 - Thunderbolt FD
TG 5040 - Garden City FD
TG 5424 - Pooler FD
TG 5456 - Pooler FD
TG 6224 - CEMA 1
TG 6640 - ANG/Savannah IAP Crash/Fire
TG 7760 - Isle of Hope FD
TG 36880 - Savannah Fire Dispatch (and associated Fireground TGs)
TG 36912 - Savannah Fire Admin
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
12 May 2008
Mothers Day Morning Storm Monitoring
Thankfully, Savannah and Chatham County were spared the worst of the storms and Tornados that moved through southeast Georgia on Mother's Day morning. Compared to the Tornados that struck to the south and northwest of Savannah, I only heard a few dispatches for lightning strike fires and some downed power lines.
As the thunderstorms moved in, I disconnected all of my outside antennas and monitored using portable scanners only. I used the BC396 to monitor CEMA 1 (TG 6224) on the Chatham-Effingham TRS. CEMA 1 was an excellent way to keep apprised of what was going on; the CEMA staff were using it pass reports on what was going on within Chatham County. With one radio locked on CEMA 1, the old BC250 was used to scan Chatham County public safety.
No formal Skywarn Nets were established in the area, but amateur radio operators were on the 146.970 repeater in Savannah and the 146.745 repeater in Springfield passing weather observations and other storm information. As mentioned above, the outside antennas were disconnected, so I used crossband repeat and portables to monitor the repeaters. A Yaesu FT-50 was used to crossband through the Yaesu FT-8800 for the Springfield repeater because it is out of portable range at home. The Yaesu VX-150 was sufficient for getting into the 146.970.
Mac McCormick III
kf4lmt@comcast.net
As the thunderstorms moved in, I disconnected all of my outside antennas and monitored using portable scanners only. I used the BC396 to monitor CEMA 1 (TG 6224) on the Chatham-Effingham TRS. CEMA 1 was an excellent way to keep apprised of what was going on; the CEMA staff were using it pass reports on what was going on within Chatham County. With one radio locked on CEMA 1, the old BC250 was used to scan Chatham County public safety.
No formal Skywarn Nets were established in the area, but amateur radio operators were on the 146.970 repeater in Savannah and the 146.745 repeater in Springfield passing weather observations and other storm information. As mentioned above, the outside antennas were disconnected, so I used crossband repeat and portables to monitor the repeaters. A Yaesu FT-50 was used to crossband through the Yaesu FT-8800 for the Springfield repeater because it is out of portable range at home. The Yaesu VX-150 was sufficient for getting into the 146.970.
Mac McCormick III
kf4lmt@comcast.net
05 April 2008
Hazardous Weather Outlook - 05 April 2008
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC
428 AM EDT SAT APR 5 2008
GAZ087-088-099>101-114>116-118-137-138-140-SCZ040-042>045-047-060900-
JENKINS-SCREVEN-CANDLER-BULLOCH-EFFINGHAM-TATTNALL-EVANS-INLAND BRYAN-INLAND CHATHAM-LONG-INLAND LIBERTY-INLAND MCINTOSH-ALLENDALE-HAMPTON-INLAND COLLETON-DORCHESTER-BERKELEY-INLAND JASPER-
428 AM EDT SAT APR 5 2008
THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR SOUTHEAST GEORGIA AND SOUTHEAST SOUTH CAROLINA.
...THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A SIGNIFICANT SEVERE WEATHER OUTBREAK THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING...
.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS...A STRONG UPPER LEVEL DISTURBANCE WILL INTERACT WITH AN UNSEASONABLY WARM...MOIST...AND UNSTABLE AIR MASS TODAY. AS A RESULT...THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS THE ENTIRE AREA THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING.
THE EXPECTED TIMING OF THE POTENTIAL SEVERE WEATHER WILL BE BETWEEN 2 PM AND MIDNIGHT...WITH 4 PM TO 10 PM...CURRENTLY THE MOST LIKELY WINDOW FOR SEVERE WEATHER.
DAMAGING WINDS...LARGE HAIL...AND ISOLATED TORNADOES ARE ALL POSSIBLE THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING.
THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO ALL HAZARDS...TV OR YOUR LOCAL NEWS SOURCE FOR THE LATEST STATEMENTS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.
NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
SPOTTER GROUPS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICIALS SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR ACTIVATION THIS AFTERNOON.
$$
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC
428 AM EDT SAT APR 5 2008
GAZ087-088-099>101-114>116-118-137-138-140-SCZ040-042>045-047-060900-
JENKINS-SCREVEN-CANDLER-BULLOCH-EFFINGHAM-TATTNALL-EVANS-INLAND BRYAN-INLAND CHATHAM-LONG-INLAND LIBERTY-INLAND MCINTOSH-ALLENDALE-HAMPTON-INLAND COLLETON-DORCHESTER-BERKELEY-INLAND JASPER-
428 AM EDT SAT APR 5 2008
THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR SOUTHEAST GEORGIA AND SOUTHEAST SOUTH CAROLINA.
...THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A SIGNIFICANT SEVERE WEATHER OUTBREAK THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING...
.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS...A STRONG UPPER LEVEL DISTURBANCE WILL INTERACT WITH AN UNSEASONABLY WARM...MOIST...AND UNSTABLE AIR MASS TODAY. AS A RESULT...THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS THE ENTIRE AREA THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING.
THE EXPECTED TIMING OF THE POTENTIAL SEVERE WEATHER WILL BE BETWEEN 2 PM AND MIDNIGHT...WITH 4 PM TO 10 PM...CURRENTLY THE MOST LIKELY WINDOW FOR SEVERE WEATHER.
DAMAGING WINDS...LARGE HAIL...AND ISOLATED TORNADOES ARE ALL POSSIBLE THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING.
THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO ALL HAZARDS...TV OR YOUR LOCAL NEWS SOURCE FOR THE LATEST STATEMENTS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.
NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
SPOTTER GROUPS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICIALS SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR ACTIVATION THIS AFTERNOON.
$$
03 April 2008
NWS Charelston Hazardous Weather Outlook
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC
420 AM EDT THU APR 3 2008
GAZ087-088-099>101-114>116-118-137-138-140-SCZ040-042>045-047-040900-
JENKINS-SCREVEN-CANDLER-BULLOCH-EFFINGHAM-TATTNALL-EVANS- INLAND BRYAN-INLAND CHATHAM-LONG-INLAND LIBERTY-INLAND MCINTOSH-ALLENDALE-HAMPTON-INLAND COLLETON-DORCHESTER-BERKELEY-INLAND JASPER-
420 AM EDT THU APR 3 2008
THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR SOUTHEAST GEORGIA AND SOUTHEAST SOUTH CAROLINA.
.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.
HEAVY RAINFALL...SCATTERED TO NUMEROUS SHOWERS AND A FEW THUNDERSTORMS WILL PRODUCE POCKETS OF VERY HEAVY RAIN TODAY. LOCALIZED AMOUNTS BETWEEN 1 AND 3 INCHES COULD RESULT IN MINOR TEMPORARY FLOODING OF LOW LYING AREAS AND ROADWAYS.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS...THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS THE REGION SATURDAY.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC
420 AM EDT THU APR 3 2008
GAZ087-088-099>101-114>116-118-137-138-140-SCZ040-042>045-047-040900-
JENKINS-SCREVEN-CANDLER-BULLOCH-EFFINGHAM-TATTNALL-EVANS- INLAND BRYAN-INLAND CHATHAM-LONG-INLAND LIBERTY-INLAND MCINTOSH-ALLENDALE-HAMPTON-INLAND COLLETON-DORCHESTER-BERKELEY-INLAND JASPER-
420 AM EDT THU APR 3 2008
THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR SOUTHEAST GEORGIA AND SOUTHEAST SOUTH CAROLINA.
.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.
HEAVY RAINFALL...SCATTERED TO NUMEROUS SHOWERS AND A FEW THUNDERSTORMS WILL PRODUCE POCKETS OF VERY HEAVY RAIN TODAY. LOCALIZED AMOUNTS BETWEEN 1 AND 3 INCHES COULD RESULT IN MINOR TEMPORARY FLOODING OF LOW LYING AREAS AND ROADWAYS.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS...THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS THE REGION SATURDAY.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.
Amateur Radio Operators Respond to the Effingham County Tornados and Severe Weather
The Springfield and Rincon areas of Effingham County suffered the effects of two EF2 tornados on March 15, 2008. At 9:34 PM, the first tornado touched down northeast of Springfield and traveled southeast for approximately 7 miles, injuring five people, destroying three mobile homes, damaging between two dozen to three dozen homes, knocking down fifteen high voltage transmission towers, destroying or damaging approximately twenty vehicles, and destroying numerous outbuildings. This tornado was ¼ mile wide at its widest point and was rated an EF2 with wind speeds between 110 to 120 mph. The second tornado touched down northeast of Rincon near Georgia Power’s Plant McIntosh, traveled through the plant and lifted just southeast of the plant at 9:44 PM. It destroyed one of the plant’s water cooling towers, damaged another water cooling tower, knocked down two high voltage transmission towers, uprooted several dozen trees, and damaged other plant equipment. Initial estimates indicate that Plant McIntosh suffered $2-3 million in damage. The tornado was approximately 100 yards wide and was rated an EF2 with wind speeds between 120-130 mph.
Certainly those who were injured and those whose property was damaged may not agree, but providence shined upon the Savannah area on the night of March 15, 2008. Many thousands were out in the open in downtown Savannah while attending the St. Patrick’s Day Festival. If the tornados were to have continued toward Savannah, there could have been a great disaster. As it was, the widespread power outage caused by the tornados caused enough confusion by throwing downtown Savannah into darkness and rendering traffic lights inoperative.
During the night of March 15 and the morning of March 16, Skywarn Nets were activated on the Effingham County 146.745- (CTCSS 97.4) repeater and the Amateur Radio Club of Savannah 146.970- repeater. These nets were used to collect information for the National Weather Service in Charleston, SC and to ascertain information for Memorial Health University Hospital in Savannah. These reports were beneficial because power was knocked out in a five county area and some areas also lost phone service. Approximately fifteen amateur radio stations checked into the nets, making reports on weather conditions, electrical power status, and other pertinent information. Additionally, the net passed weather bulletins being issued by the National Weather Service; the net was able to compare the actual reported weather situation with NWS bulletins. The net also was able to pass information on conditions and damage gleaned from monitoring public safety communications and commercial media, keeping those whose power was out informed as to what was happening around them.
Greg Tillman, N4VAD, acted as net control station and reports that all stations did an excellent job of maintaining frequency clearance and net discipline, allowing information to flow both to and from their stations and net control. Stations were responders as opposed to reactors; instead of screaming “the sky is falling,” they maintained their calm, listened, provided the pertinent information, and handled the situation at hand. It is important to remember that the stations were not storm chasers. They took cover when necessary and returned to the net when it was safe to do so, reporting on damage and letting the net control station know that the operators and their families were safe and sound.
Greg also passes on some important lessons learned from the tornado related radio operations:
1. It is important to train and drill on a regular basis so that you can be ready to operate during emergencies rather than learning what to do on the fly. Training will make you a much more effective and capable operator.
2. Check your equipment regularly to make sure it is in proper working order. An emergency is not the time to find out that your equipment is inoperable or functioning improperly.
3. ALWAYS have if not one, two deep cycle marine batteries charged and ready for operation. You never know when commercial power may be lost or how widespread it might be.
4. Keep extra antennas, accessories, and supplies prepared so that you can deploy from your residence or replace storm-damaged antennas.
5. Maintain receivers for monitoring public safety, portable TVs and radios, flashlights, a generator if possible, and other supplies to keep you informed and sustained during an emergency.
6. Never take any county or area out of your emergency plans; you never know when you will need to get information into or out of that area or when that area will be doing the same for you.
Sources:
The ARRL Letter, Vol. 27, No. 11 (March 20, 2008)
Greg Tillman, N4VAD
National Weather Service Charleston, SC Public Information Statement (March 22, 2008)
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Certainly those who were injured and those whose property was damaged may not agree, but providence shined upon the Savannah area on the night of March 15, 2008. Many thousands were out in the open in downtown Savannah while attending the St. Patrick’s Day Festival. If the tornados were to have continued toward Savannah, there could have been a great disaster. As it was, the widespread power outage caused by the tornados caused enough confusion by throwing downtown Savannah into darkness and rendering traffic lights inoperative.
During the night of March 15 and the morning of March 16, Skywarn Nets were activated on the Effingham County 146.745- (CTCSS 97.4) repeater and the Amateur Radio Club of Savannah 146.970- repeater. These nets were used to collect information for the National Weather Service in Charleston, SC and to ascertain information for Memorial Health University Hospital in Savannah. These reports were beneficial because power was knocked out in a five county area and some areas also lost phone service. Approximately fifteen amateur radio stations checked into the nets, making reports on weather conditions, electrical power status, and other pertinent information. Additionally, the net passed weather bulletins being issued by the National Weather Service; the net was able to compare the actual reported weather situation with NWS bulletins. The net also was able to pass information on conditions and damage gleaned from monitoring public safety communications and commercial media, keeping those whose power was out informed as to what was happening around them.
Greg Tillman, N4VAD, acted as net control station and reports that all stations did an excellent job of maintaining frequency clearance and net discipline, allowing information to flow both to and from their stations and net control. Stations were responders as opposed to reactors; instead of screaming “the sky is falling,” they maintained their calm, listened, provided the pertinent information, and handled the situation at hand. It is important to remember that the stations were not storm chasers. They took cover when necessary and returned to the net when it was safe to do so, reporting on damage and letting the net control station know that the operators and their families were safe and sound.
Greg also passes on some important lessons learned from the tornado related radio operations:
1. It is important to train and drill on a regular basis so that you can be ready to operate during emergencies rather than learning what to do on the fly. Training will make you a much more effective and capable operator.
2. Check your equipment regularly to make sure it is in proper working order. An emergency is not the time to find out that your equipment is inoperable or functioning improperly.
3. ALWAYS have if not one, two deep cycle marine batteries charged and ready for operation. You never know when commercial power may be lost or how widespread it might be.
4. Keep extra antennas, accessories, and supplies prepared so that you can deploy from your residence or replace storm-damaged antennas.
5. Maintain receivers for monitoring public safety, portable TVs and radios, flashlights, a generator if possible, and other supplies to keep you informed and sustained during an emergency.
6. Never take any county or area out of your emergency plans; you never know when you will need to get information into or out of that area or when that area will be doing the same for you.
Sources:
The ARRL Letter, Vol. 27, No. 11 (March 20, 2008)
Greg Tillman, N4VAD
National Weather Service Charleston, SC Public Information Statement (March 22, 2008)
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
13 September 2007
More Thunderstrom Related Activity
I suspect that this incident is probably related to the storms that have been moving through the area today as well.
GA 21 in Port Wentworth has been closed due to to an oak tree falling onto a pickup truck and tractor trailer south of Crossgate Rd. Port Wentworth FD is on scene, Garden City FD is en route; both are contacting their respective public works to get heavy equipment on scene to move the tree. Fire Common (TG 37072) is being used for communications as well as their respective city fire channels (TG 4592 for Port Wentworth and TG 5040 for Garden City).
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
GA 21 in Port Wentworth has been closed due to to an oak tree falling onto a pickup truck and tractor trailer south of Crossgate Rd. Port Wentworth FD is on scene, Garden City FD is en route; both are contacting their respective public works to get heavy equipment on scene to move the tree. Fire Common (TG 37072) is being used for communications as well as their respective city fire channels (TG 4592 for Port Wentworth and TG 5040 for Garden City).
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Thunderstorm Monitoring
I was enjoying a pleasant afternoon of monitoring (one of the few I've had lately) when this afternoon's Thunderstorms brewed up. Military Monitoring came to an end when I disconnected the antennas, so I switched to monitoring local public safety using handhelds.
Savannah Fire has worked several structure fires apparently caused by the weather. The most severe was on Varn Street (TG 37040, Fireground 3) where command asked for a second alarm, but only received an engine company due to the rest of Savannah Fire's units being tasked to other responses. Another was on Colonial Street (TG 36912, Admin). Units also responded to the area of Skidaway and DeRenne for downed power lines.
Savannah Chatham Municipal PD responded to reports of street flooding and loose manhole covers throughout the central and western part of Savannah.
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Savannah Fire has worked several structure fires apparently caused by the weather. The most severe was on Varn Street (TG 37040, Fireground 3) where command asked for a second alarm, but only received an engine company due to the rest of Savannah Fire's units being tasked to other responses. Another was on Colonial Street (TG 36912, Admin). Units also responded to the area of Skidaway and DeRenne for downed power lines.
Savannah Chatham Municipal PD responded to reports of street flooding and loose manhole covers throughout the central and western part of Savannah.
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
30 July 2007
Storm Related Problems
Besides the flooding, Garden City and Savannah public safety personnel are both assisting residents of flooded apartment buildings in their respective cities. Garden City has called for Red Cross assistance and it sounds like Savannah is trying to work with CEMA to open up a school or similar place to assist residents they are working with. Savannah units have also been calling for boats.
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Monitoring the Storm
The city of Savannah, the eastside in particular is weathering a storm this evening. Heavy rain and lightning have been around for several hours, flooding streets in the east and central parts of Savannah. Power has also gone out in various areas.
I have disconnected the monitoring post from the outside antennas and have connected one of my homemade Grove flextennas to the BC 785 and am using the Pro-95 and BC 396 to monitor public safety and government communications. I'm also using the FT-8800 in the car to crossband into the 146.970 repeater
Police and Fire units are reporting many flooded streets in the usual areas of Savannah and Thunderbolt. A funnel cloud was also reported over Metro Fire Dispatch at one point. The forecast calls for continued heavy rain for the next few hours, so I'll continue monitoring...
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
I have disconnected the monitoring post from the outside antennas and have connected one of my homemade Grove flextennas to the BC 785 and am using the Pro-95 and BC 396 to monitor public safety and government communications. I'm also using the FT-8800 in the car to crossband into the 146.970 repeater
Police and Fire units are reporting many flooded streets in the usual areas of Savannah and Thunderbolt. A funnel cloud was also reported over Metro Fire Dispatch at one point. The forecast calls for continued heavy rain for the next few hours, so I'll continue monitoring...
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
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