This winter we expect to hold at least one Winter Storm Net, either because a storm is forecast or just for practice. More details will be provided when we announce the Winter Storm Net.
Goals of Winter Storm Nets
- Supporting fellow MCARES members when weather or other conditions make the situation potentially dangerous or normal communications difficult.
- Providing a social connection when we’re housebound during or after a winter storm or something similar.
- Collecting informal situation reports to get a better handle on the scope of the situation.
The Winter Storm Net may be activated if the weather forecast includes features that may create power outages or loss of internet or cell phone service, such as:
- High winds
- Freezing rain
- Heavy snow
- Infrastructure issues like grid power outages, interruption of cellular
phone or internet service, low water pressure, low natural gas
pressure, flooded roads, or road closures.
If these conditions occur by surprise, (were not forecasted), the Winter Storm Net may also be activated.
MCARES leadership will determine, based on the above criteria, when a Winter Storm Net will be activated. They will assign net control operators and email MCARES members announcing when a net is planned. Winter Storm Nets will be held on the MC-3 (147.180 + offset, tone 103.5) repeater at 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 8:00 PM unless otherwise stated in the email. A backup repeater or a simplex frequency may be included.