Newington, CT November 12, 2008 -- Skywarn Recognition Day. When you are unsure about the weather you look to the TV to get a National Weather Service report. When the National Weather Service is unsure of the weather, they look to Skywarn - hundreds of volunteers who are trained to report ground level conditions that radar cannot detect. For 364 days of the year, volunteer Amateur Radio operators, often called "hams," affiliated with the NWS' Skywarn program provide the National Weather Service with critical, visual confirmation of major weather events. But one day a year, ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio, and the NWS join together in recognizing all the Skywarn volunteers and light up the radio waves just for the fun of it.
The annual Skywarn Recognition Day begins on December 6 and will last 24 hours. Hams will be contacting the National Weather Service stations throughout America. But instead of passing tornado, snow and ice warnings, this time the hams will be exchanging reception reports and greetings. Last year, contacts were made in all 50 states and 40 countries during the 24 hour event.
While you do not have to be an FCC licensed Amateur Radio operator to take part in Skywarn, many of the volunteers are hams and they are most appreciated. Amateur Radio messages are able to get through to NWS offices quickly even if the phones and internet are out due to the weather. When minutes count, especially in a tornado, radio is the fastest and most certain way to get emergency messages in to the NWS offices.
The value of these reports is considerable. Skywarn volunteers are trained by NWS staff to spot and report conditions that the weather service needs to know. Because weather radar pulses go in a straight line and cannot follow the curve of the earth, conditions from hundreds of feet above down to the ground may be missed as it is "under the radar." Like the stagehands behind the curtain, the NWS and Skywarn hams quietly do the work that makes many local TV forecasters look good.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Gift Card Fraud on the Rise
The following does not have anything to do with Ham Radio, but I thought it good information for the shopping season.
GMW
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Fraud Alert from the Better Business Bureau
To protect yourself from gift card fraud, only buy gift cards that have a sealed or scratch-off security code (that's still intact).
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning about a new type of gift card fraud. Criminals have figured out a way to take advantage of unactivated gift card displays that many stores have set up. They jot down the card number, then wait a few days and call the card's 800-number to find out whether it's been activated, or how much money is on the account. Then, they shop online using the gift card's number.
"It's just like cash and if anyone gets their hands on the number it can be used," says Southern Colorado Better Business Bureau President Carol O'Dell.
The BBB says this type of gift card fraud is occurring, on average, about five times a day nationwide.
"What the scammers are doing is they are taking those gift cards off the racks, recording the numbers off the back of the card, hanging the gift cards back up, and they hope somebody will pick that up and take it to the cashier, activate it, and then what they do is they call the 800 number within a few days and see if the card's been activated," said Jim Hegerty of the Omaha BBB. "If it is, they go on a free shopping spree."
How to Protect Yourself From Gift Card Fraud
Gift cards can be a safe bet if you follow some simple precautions.
"Caution is the word here," Hegerty said.
Some easy tips to avoid gift card fraud include:
Don't buy gift cards that are located on displays the public can access, or that have all their security codes visible (even if they come from behind the counter).
Look for gift cards that have scratch-off security codes. If it has been scratched off, don't buy the card and report it to the store's manager.
Don't buy gift cards from online auction sites, which may be selling stolen or empty cards. Purchase gift cards online only from known, reputable retailers, or go to the actual store to get them.
Anytime you buy a gift card, call the 800-number to check the balance soon after you get home. You can also ask the cashier to scan the card immediately after you buy it to ensure the balance is correct.
Keep your receipt for the gift card in case of problems
GMW
__________________________________________________
Fraud Alert from the Better Business Bureau
To protect yourself from gift card fraud, only buy gift cards that have a sealed or scratch-off security code (that's still intact).
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning about a new type of gift card fraud. Criminals have figured out a way to take advantage of unactivated gift card displays that many stores have set up. They jot down the card number, then wait a few days and call the card's 800-number to find out whether it's been activated, or how much money is on the account. Then, they shop online using the gift card's number.
"It's just like cash and if anyone gets their hands on the number it can be used," says Southern Colorado Better Business Bureau President Carol O'Dell.
The BBB says this type of gift card fraud is occurring, on average, about five times a day nationwide.
"What the scammers are doing is they are taking those gift cards off the racks, recording the numbers off the back of the card, hanging the gift cards back up, and they hope somebody will pick that up and take it to the cashier, activate it, and then what they do is they call the 800 number within a few days and see if the card's been activated," said Jim Hegerty of the Omaha BBB. "If it is, they go on a free shopping spree."
How to Protect Yourself From Gift Card Fraud
Gift cards can be a safe bet if you follow some simple precautions.
"Caution is the word here," Hegerty said.
Some easy tips to avoid gift card fraud include:
Don't buy gift cards that are located on displays the public can access, or that have all their security codes visible (even if they come from behind the counter).
Look for gift cards that have scratch-off security codes. If it has been scratched off, don't buy the card and report it to the store's manager.
Don't buy gift cards from online auction sites, which may be selling stolen or empty cards. Purchase gift cards online only from known, reputable retailers, or go to the actual store to get them.
Anytime you buy a gift card, call the 800-number to check the balance soon after you get home. You can also ask the cashier to scan the card immediately after you buy it to ensure the balance is correct.
Keep your receipt for the gift card in case of problems
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Prepare for Winter Storms
Before Winter Storms and Extreme Cold
Add the following supplies to your disaster supplies kit:
- Rock salt to melt ice on walkways
- Sand to improve traction
- Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
Prepare your home and family
- Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
- Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
- Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
- Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
- Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
- Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
- Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.
- Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.
Prepare your car
- Check or have a mechanic check the following items on your car:
- Antifreeze levels - ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
- Battery and ignition system - should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
- Brakes - check for wear and fluid levels.
- Exhaust system - check for leaks and crimped pipes andrepair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
- Fuel and air filters - replace and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas.
- Heater and defroster - ensure they work properly.
- Lights and flashing hazard lights - check for serviceability.
- Oil - check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
- Thermostat - ensure it works properly.
- Windshield wiper equipment - repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.
- Antifreeze levels - ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
- Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.
- Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.
- Place a winter emergency kit in each car that includes:
- a shovel
- windshield scraper and small broom
- flashlight
- battery powered radio
- extra batteries
- water
- snack food
- matches
- extra hats, socks and mittens
- First aid kit with pocket knife
- Necessary medications
- blanket(s)
- tow chain or rope
- road salt and sand
- booster cables
- emergency flares
- fluorescent distress flag
Dress for the Weather
- Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
- Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
- Wear a hat.
- Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Annual Holiday Eatin' Meetin' December 4th
The West Tennessee Amateur Radio Society will hold it's annual Holiday Eatin' Meetin' at Kappas Restaurant in Humboldt on Thursday, December 4, 2008. We have a meeting room reserved starting at 6:30 pm.
All members and their guests are invited to join us that evening for fun, fellowship and food.
We would like to extend the invitation to all Ham Radio operators in the area, especially members of our neighboring Radio Clubs: AWARA, Crockett County Radio Club, and FHU Radio Club.
Happy Holidays - 73 and hope to see you there.
All members and their guests are invited to join us that evening for fun, fellowship and food.
We would like to extend the invitation to all Ham Radio operators in the area, especially members of our neighboring Radio Clubs: AWARA, Crockett County Radio Club, and FHU Radio Club.
Happy Holidays - 73 and hope to see you there.
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