EMC155 A Deep Thought! On Floods 1/2 
To:   Emergency Communications Units - Information Bulletin
To:   Emergency Management Agencies via Internet and Radio
By:   Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS) of the
      California Governor's Office of Emergency Services  

EMC155 A Deep Thought! On Floods 1/2  For release 10/26/98

Did you ever think of comparing various long-range weather
forecasts to earthquake predictions? Well, perhaps they have
something in common; at least that was the thought of one RACES
training officer: "If we wait long enough, we would be able to
say that the prediction was completely accurate, or entirely
wrong."

That observation led Ray Grimes, W6RYS, Orange County RACES
Training Officer (now Chief Radio Officer), to realize it could
be a mistake for their RACES unit to ignore totally such "expert"
predictions by discounting it since we've heard it all before.

The result was that Ray wrote an excellent article, titled "A
Deep Thought" for the September l997 issue of the Orange County
RACES newsletter "NetControl", and with permission it is here
paraphrased. This can be applied to emergency communications
units in general, not just that particular RACES unit. In the
following, the editorial "We" means _your_ unit!

"What could we do during a flooding emergency? Conventional
landline communications would likely be disrupted in many
communities where underground cables exist. That could render the
residents isolated when utilities fail and they will need
communications for routine and emergency services. Some may
require possible evacuation. We could provide situations reports
for select neighborhoods. Observers for flood watch may be needed
on street overpasses watching flood control channels for victims
and potentially explosive floating LPG tanks. Hospital, Police
and Fire will need situation reports and timely information on
available resources such as hospital beds available, food and
water, and transportation. We can provide backup communications
for all of these agencies.

"Don't forget the human side of field response. Wetness and cold
can speed the onset of colds and flu. You will need to manage
your own comfort and warmth, exchanging clothing and socks often
if necessary, while remembering to eat and sleep regularly. A zip
bag can hold cold pills and aspirin, just in case. Flood water
can be contaminated by bacteria from sewerage, or chemical runoff
such as gasoline or pesticides. As often as possible, wash
yourself and equipment off with fresh water from a hose".
(Continues next week)        -  -  -   

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EOM EMC155