This is a drill.... This is a drill... This is a drill.

The Sky Is Falling.
I repeat:
The Sky Is Falling.

End of Message
This is a drill.... This is a drill... This is a drill.

Okay, so much for my silliness.

However, the scenario for the CT DEMHS - SET 2012 exercise at the end of this month is ACTUALLY based upon this concept.

A Category III Hurricane is a natural "doomsday" event.
- Sustained winds of 121 mph, with gusts to 186 mph (see: 1938)

High winds result in:
- Repeaters going down.
and
- 70% to 80% of ALL TREES are damaged/ DOWN.

Ramifications:
- Commercial Electrical Power is not available.
- Heating and Air Conditioning systems are not working (see power)
- Telephone, Cell Phone and Cable systems go down.
- Travel (personal and commercial) is severely hindered.
- Private water wells stop working (no electricity)
- etc.

Worse yet:
- Grocery Stores and Gas Stations are closed due to no power and lack of new deliveries.
- Fire Departments will not be able get out to a fire... even if they get the message.
- etc.

Bottom Line:
ARE YOU PREPARED?
Can you support Emergency Communications when everything has gone to pot?... REALLY?

Amateur Radio related...
Emergency Power
- Sufficient batteries, generator (+fuel & oil), Solar, etc.

Spare Portable Base Antenna
Assuming all local repeaters are down...
- What is your SIMPLEX communication Range right now?

Do you have a Base Antenna installed at home? Great!
- What will you do when it gets trashed?