Hurricane Ian – Hurricane Prep Information

At the time of this writing, Hurricane Ian is supposed to make landfall on the Florida coast on Tuesday evening/early Wednesday. Here are some historical posts to quickly review to ensure you’re prepared for when the storm impacts North Carolina.

As always tune into the JARS Prep Net on Tuesday at 9pm on 147.27 or via EchoLink (complete this form to get access).

Get your vehicle ready!
https://jarsprep.net/car-trunk/

Water
– Berkey Water System https://jarsprep.net/berkey-water-systems/

Food
– SOPAKCO https://jarsprep.net/sopakco-ham-radio-prep-discount/
– Wise Food Storage https://jarsprep.net/wise-storage-foods/

Generators/Power
https://jarsprep.net/devilbiss-generator/

Batteries https://jarsprep.net/recommended-batteries/

Here are some additional resources thanks to ARRL:

The Hurricane Watch Net – Useful Links

VoIP Hurricane Net


SOPAKCO Ham Radio Prep Discount

Sam and the team at SOPAKCO have very graciously provided special pricing to ham radio operators. Here’s Sam’s quote from her email to me:

As we discussed SOPAKCO understands the importance ham radio operators play during major events when all other forms of communications are down and many times they are the first and/or only type of communications for first responders and between those coordinating rescues and services to those hit hardest.

Because of this we offer our wholesale pricing to ham radio operators and we do not require a minimum order quantity. I do recommend though, if there are several in a particular area, if they can combine their orders to ship multiple cases at a time that they check to see if they can save on the shipping cost. Sometimes the shipping cost can be as much as $20+ a case.

Thank you for your work and let me know if you have any questions or if you need any further information.

Sam Phillips-Smith
SOPAKCO


Because this is their distributor rate, they have asked us to not distribute this pricing unless we have vetted those looking to purchase. If interested in receiving this pricing, provide your name, address, and call sign to Domingo Rogers. Please email: domingorogers at gmail dot com

NC Senate Bill 364

  1.  NC SENATE BILL 364 AND AMATEUR RADIO EXEMPTION –

NC Senate Bill 364
has has been introduced in the North Carolina Senate to curtail use of
mobile communications while driving. There is no language in the
current draft to exempt Amateur Radio. This is of tremendous concern,
much like a similar bill enacted in Delaware without an Amateur Radio
exemption. It became technically illegal to operate mobile in Delaware
until an Amateur Radio exemption was later added as an amendment.

You are urged to send the following suggested email draft to your State
Senator. Time is of the essence. Now is the time to alert your State
Senator that an Amateur Radio exemption is needed. Please insert you
name and contact information in the draft email (see below) and forward
it to your State Senator. To find your State Senator, see
http://www.ncleg.net/ representation/ WhoRepresentsMe.aspx Thanks to
Bill Morine, N2COP, ARRL Roanoke Division Vice Director, for providing
this information!

TO: The Honorable
NC Senate District

RE: Amateur Radio exemption in SB 364, the Brian Gorlack Act

Dear Senator

On behalf of North Carolina’s 20,000 federally licensed Amateur Radio
operators, I am writing to ask for your consideration to insert in SB364
an exemption for Amateur Radio operators. Amateur Radio operators, or
“Hams” as they have been nicknamed for the past century, have a
long and rich history of public service in times of disaster. A
strategic partner with North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) and
NGOs like North Carolina Baptist Men’s Relief, Hams have been
deployed as recently as Hurricane Matthew to aid affected North
Carolinians. Amateur Radio is a volunteer, tax-free resource and
service, saving the state millions of dollars if their services had to
be replicated commercially. The NCDOT recognizes Amateur Radio
operators as First Responders, and issues license plates, which
designate them as such. Much of what Hams accomplish in public service
must be done while mobile. The safety record of Amateur Radio use while
mobile is pristine. Please insert an Amateur Radio exemption in SB364
so Amateur Radio operators can continue to be a tax-free service to the
State of North Carolina and its citizens. I am grateful for your
consideration.

Sincerely,

<your name and call sign>
<your mailing address>
<your city, NC, zip code>
<your telephone number>

The Ultimate Guide To DIY Off Grid Solar Power

Tonight on the Jars Preparedness net John stopped by to tell us about a great guide to solar power and getting up to speed. Always a great subject.

Hopefully it helps with any solar questions you may have. Thanks for another great net! We appreciate all the contributors and listeners.