Confucius say...
ln Hartford, Hereford and Hampshire, hurricanes hardly ever happen1, but they can be “interesting” when they hit Connecticut.

August 2014 – Time to Get Ready!
If I were to create an annual ARES Calendar, it would start on August 1st and Run to July 31. WHY???
- That is because August 1st , while technically already in the Hurricane Season, is still ONE MONTH away from the practical reality of hurricanes affecting Connecticut.

This is our period of “the lull before the storm”. It gives us the opportunity to TAKE ACTION NOW to prepare and get organized for not only the Hurricane Season, but also the Winter Storms that are sure to follow.

1) Memory Channel Frequencies
Do you have all the Region 2 Emergency Operation Plan frequencies (Repeater & Simplex) in your radio or ready for a quick download.
ctaresregion2.org/downloads (requires that you LOGIN first).

2) “GO BOX” / “GO KIT” / “GO BAG”
- “A place for everything and everything in its place.”
Use this time in August to check out your equipment and gear and get squared away.
ctaresregion2.org/forum/prepared-to-go-go-go

3) Batteries
Are your batteries (HT and larger) able still do the job, or do you need to replace them?
How about your Deep Cycle Batteries (SLA or AGM)?
Are they “ready”(charged on a float charger) and still have the “capacity” to perform? ctaresregion2.org/forum/batteries


4) Generator
Many folks have a small generator for the home that they only pull out during a rare power outage.
If you fall into this category, try starting and running your generator this coming week and see what happens.
- It is far better to know if it will work or not… before it is really needed.

5) Go “CORE 4”
In addition to training in emergency communications, CT ARES encourages its members to obtain NIMS/ICS training to be better qualified and interface successfully with State/Regional/Local agencies.
This training comprise 4 FEMA Independent Study Courses (IS 100, 200, 700, 800). You will want to budget 2.5 hrs(+/-) per course.
- It’s not “rocket science”.
ctaresregion2.org/forum/training-courses...-the-core-4-and-more