From the ARRL Website comes the following update on ARES Activities in the affected area…
ALERT: Fri, March 27, 2009; 12:56 PM ET
FARGO FLOOD ALERT! I have been in communication with the President of the Red River Radio Amateurs Club and have designed Mark Johnson (KC0HSM) as the main point of contact for any and all requests or corespondance during this emergency. Mark has a backup and his name is Shawn Burchard (KC0VOO). The Red Cross has asked for a communications link between Fargo and Bismarck. The Fargo Club President, Mark Johson (KC0HSM) will coordinate any Fargo needs and Robby Heupel, (N0XLZ) Central Dakota ARC, President will coordinate the Bismarck end. This is a RED CROSS request to be prepared in case they need the link. As of right now, we do not need to activate a net or link until the official request comes thru Mark Johnson(KC0HSM) at the Fargo EOC. From: Lynn Nelson – W0CQ ND ARRL SM
For more information please go to the ARRL Website.
For information on the Flood as it pertains to the Province of Manitoba please check the RAC Blog…
In addition I was able to make 80m voice contact with a VE4 Station in the effected area ( close to Winnipeg) and although I did not ask him about the local conditions directly there was no concern (at this time) in his voice that would signify a problem. From CBC news we do get the information that next week the conditions will be (could be) much worse depending on the tempetures. Right now cold wx could be their best friend as it will slow the melting and in turn slow the run off…
Later in the evening during the Freewheelers Net on 3.916 I did hear a Fargo ND station who was saying to the net, that he were unsure how long he would be able to operate from his current position due to the water levels. I had a short chat with the station and once again he did not seem overly concerned other than he might have to stop operating for a bit. There must be something about the Midwesterners from either side of the border that bring out their hardy stock… Whats a little bit of water…. To them obiviously not that much!!!
Personally I think I would of been heading to higher ground early in March to wait out the spring thaw… But thats my Eastern city attitude speaking…. The best way to stay out of trouble is to avoid it… They “Duck and Cover”… I prefer to “avoid the problem areas”… Not as heroic… but it has kept me around for almost 55 years now… To me its only common sense…. But if this is happening your neighborhood I guess it a little hard to either “Turn a blind eye” or to stick your head in the sand…
I do wish them luck in avoiding or coping with the rising water levels…
73bob
Tags: amateur radio, Amateur Radio Emergency Services, ARRL, Manitoba Floods, North Dakota Floods, RAC, Radio Amateurs of Canada
