Emergency Preparedness Meeting

Notes from the meeting of August 31, 2019

Those present included: Eric/WA4EMN, Joe/W0QF, Keith/KI5US, Martin/KB1MJ, Hud/KM4DDD, Paul/KM4VRH, Dick/W4NWD, Doug/K4DGG, Gary/KK4MMW*, Ghazi/KN4JRN*, Randy/KB8DW*, Lew/N4LD* (* not currently a committee member)

The meeting was well attended but there was not enough time to cover all areas. I recommend we work on things on our own and present ideas by email.

Action items are shown below along with leaders for these efforts (ie owners of action items). You may not have explicitly signed up to be a leader but your interest and abilities are obvious. It’s expected the leaders will engage others to assist and develop tasks to accomplish these needs and report to the group either by email, at the next meeting or both. Feel free to schedule a working meeting if necessary. Use the EPC email distribution list so discussions and efforts are documented.

• Review of Emergency Power Switchover Test Exercise 8/19/2019 (Keith/Dick)

  • Keith/KI5US went over the action items and comments resulting from the test.

  • Dick/W4NWD will check with powers to be at Kings Point to make sure we have an acceptable way to store and access generator starter fluid

  • It was recommended the emergency supplies include a fire blanket (Dick/W4NWD will look into this)

  • There was some confusion over what type of fire extinguisher we should have access to and whether or not we might need two types. Martin/KB1MJ will sort this out and get back with his recommendations.

  • The shore power connection needs to be improved or replaced. Dick/W4NWD and Keith/KI5US will work on a solution.

  • The group agreed there needs to be a periodic load test to insure standby power is sufficient but that RFI is not an issue. Hud/KM4DDD will develop a quarterly testing schedule that will define the goals and scope of the exercise as well and the equipment involved and personnel required. Paul/KM4VRH will assist Hud. Monthly planning meetings will probably be scheduled for the first Saturday of the month.

  • Radios need to be equipped with headsets and a possible boom mike. Bluetooth may provide a workable solution. Jeff/KX4RP will explore issues and develop recommendations.

  • We need to work on a plan for annexing and equipping the meeting room. Dick/W4NWD will give it some thought.

  • It was recommended we purchase some inexpensive emergency LED lights that illuminate when the power goes out.  Dick/W4NWD will look for small emergency lights.

  • Martin/KB1MJ will develop the requirements for a safety officer and

• FRS testing status (Keith/Dick)

  • Keith/KI5US reviewed the results and findings of the FRS test

  • Dick/W4NWD presented a home location map of the club members in the community. It looks like it would be possible and effective to implement the community communications support envisioned. We need to get the Sun City Club involved (at least the members who are not part of KPARC)

  • Keith/KI5US and Dick/W4NWD will develop and next steps document and have a proposal for the next EPC meeting.

• Member emergency profile (Eric/Dick)

  • Eric/WA4EMN discussed his thoughts for implementing a web-based member readiness profile. The profile can be used to identify resources both technical capabilities as well as potential availability in the event of a communications emergency. Eric will send information to the group with current thoughts and include a solicitation for comments

• Next full EPC meeting September 28, 2019 – 8:30 am