Have you ever thought about joining the exciting world of Amateur Radio? Amateur Radio (or Ham Radio) has consistently been the most reliable means of communications in emergencies when other systems failed or were overloaded.
Ham radio provides the broadest and most powerful wireless communications capability available to any private citizen anywhere in the world.
Don't you want to be part of this amazing group? If so, the Lower Columbia Amateur Radio Association will host FCC amateur radio exams at 7:00 p.m. on May 16th at 966 Lone Oak Road in Longview.
Advance registration is required. For details, contact Judi (K7HRW) at k7hrw@arrl.net or 360-274-3480 to register. For more information check out www.w7dg.org.
Monday, April 29, 2013
6th Annual Regional Senior Connections Fair
Have you been wandering around aimlessly trying to find a one-stop shop for senior care information? Well wander no more my friends! Come to the Three Rivers Mall this Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for the 6th Annual Regional Senior Connections Fair!
There will be loads of information on senior housing, healthcare, volunteer opportunities, activities and so much more. Enter to win lots of fabulous prizes, check out our vendors and get goodies from our wide array of participants.
There will be loads of information on senior housing, healthcare, volunteer opportunities, activities and so much more. Enter to win lots of fabulous prizes, check out our vendors and get goodies from our wide array of participants.
Friday, April 26, 2013
FREE Classes are coming up!
There are a couple of great disaster preparedness classes coming up at the Kelso Library this spring! Join Tricia Hornbeck on April 29th at 6:00 p.m. at the Kelso Library for a class on creating disaster supply kits, sheltering in place, cooking without electricity and more! Come back on May 6th at 6:00 p.m. to learn all about creating a food storage plan, what to store, how to store it and how to make food your family might actually enjoy even in a time of disaster!
To register, please visit the Kelso Library or call them at 423-8110.
To register, please visit the Kelso Library or call them at 423-8110.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Are You Causing a 9-1-1 Crisis?
From Washington State EMD:
Accidental 9-1-1 calls occur so often they are overloading Washington's 9-1-1 system. A 2004 survey of Washington's counties indicated that one-half of all 9-1-1 calls from cell phones were accidentally dialed. I have noticed this personally when I walk in to dispatch. Not a week goes by that I don't hear an accidental 9-1-1 call and I'm rarely in the communications center so I can't imagine how many they must have in any given day.
Cell phones can call 9-1-1 without the owner knowing that the call has been made. Accidental 9-1-1 calls occur when the phone is placed in a pocket, belt clip or purse and the "9" or a pre-programmed emergency button is bumped.
Even cell phones without a dial tone or active service can still call 9-1-1. Before an old cell phone is given to children to play with as a toy, REMOVE THE PHONE BATTERY.
Help prevent this growing concern. It's as easy as 1.2.3.
1. Lock your keypad. If you don't know how to do this refer to your phone's user manual for instructions or ask a 6 year old to help you. Trust me on this, I have a 6 year old.
2. Turn off the 9-1-1 auto-dial feature. Not all phones have this feature, so check with the user manual.
3. Do NOT program 9-1-1 into the speed dial.
If you do accidentally dial 9-1-1, stay on the phone. Tell the 9-1-1 operator that your call is a misdial. Do you part and be an informed cell phone user!
Accidental 9-1-1 calls occur so often they are overloading Washington's 9-1-1 system. A 2004 survey of Washington's counties indicated that one-half of all 9-1-1 calls from cell phones were accidentally dialed. I have noticed this personally when I walk in to dispatch. Not a week goes by that I don't hear an accidental 9-1-1 call and I'm rarely in the communications center so I can't imagine how many they must have in any given day.
Cell phones can call 9-1-1 without the owner knowing that the call has been made. Accidental 9-1-1 calls occur when the phone is placed in a pocket, belt clip or purse and the "9" or a pre-programmed emergency button is bumped.
Even cell phones without a dial tone or active service can still call 9-1-1. Before an old cell phone is given to children to play with as a toy, REMOVE THE PHONE BATTERY.
Help prevent this growing concern. It's as easy as 1.2.3.
1. Lock your keypad. If you don't know how to do this refer to your phone's user manual for instructions or ask a 6 year old to help you. Trust me on this, I have a 6 year old.
2. Turn off the 9-1-1 auto-dial feature. Not all phones have this feature, so check with the user manual.
3. Do NOT program 9-1-1 into the speed dial.
If you do accidentally dial 9-1-1, stay on the phone. Tell the 9-1-1 operator that your call is a misdial. Do you part and be an informed cell phone user!
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Cell Phone A-B-Cs for 9-1-1 Calls
From Washington State EMD
Cell phones are an important public safety tool, but they also create challenges for public safety and emergency responders. Since 9-1-1 calls made on cell phones may not automatically provide the 9-1-1 operator your phone number and approximate location, be ready to provide this critical information.
If you are in an area where your cell phone is searching or scanning for a signal, or there is no signal, your 9-1-1 call may not go through. If this happens, either move for a better signal or find the nearest telephone and call for help.
It is important for cell phone users calling 9-1-1 to remember some basic ABCs:
* Always be AWARE of your surroundings. Tell the 9-1-1 operator the location of the emergency. Provide landmarks such as cross streets and mileposts.
* BE PREPARED. Memorize the cell phone number so it can be readily given to the 9-1-1 operator when asked.
* Stay CONNECTED. Do not hang up until told to do so. If you should get disconnected, call the 9-1-1 operator back.
Cell phones are an important public safety tool, but they also create challenges for public safety and emergency responders. Since 9-1-1 calls made on cell phones may not automatically provide the 9-1-1 operator your phone number and approximate location, be ready to provide this critical information.
If you are in an area where your cell phone is searching or scanning for a signal, or there is no signal, your 9-1-1 call may not go through. If this happens, either move for a better signal or find the nearest telephone and call for help.
It is important for cell phone users calling 9-1-1 to remember some basic ABCs:
* Always be AWARE of your surroundings. Tell the 9-1-1 operator the location of the emergency. Provide landmarks such as cross streets and mileposts.
* BE PREPARED. Memorize the cell phone number so it can be readily given to the 9-1-1 operator when asked.
* Stay CONNECTED. Do not hang up until told to do so. If you should get disconnected, call the 9-1-1 operator back.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Interesting Article
Tech Savvy Public Plays Key Role in Hunt for Bombing Suspects:
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/19/17826987-tech-savvy-public-plays-key-role-in-hunt-for-bombing-suspects
This is an interesting article from NBC News regarding ways that technology and social media helps and hinders investigations.
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/19/17826987-tech-savvy-public-plays-key-role-in-hunt-for-bombing-suspects
This is an interesting article from NBC News regarding ways that technology and social media helps and hinders investigations.
Earth Day 2013
Looking for something fun to do tomorrow? How about coming down to the Expo Center to check out Earth Day 2013! This free event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will feature a rock climbing wall, hands on exhibits, a farmer's market and much more. We'll be there too!
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