30 Reasons to Use Social Media in an Emergency-, Severe Weather- and Disaster Situations

1. It’s real time

2. It’s self correcting

3. It instantly connects you to millions of people around the globe.

4. It never sleeps.

5. It connects you to hundreds, if not thousands, of relief agencies.

6. It connects you to thousands of emergency response professionals.

7. It's almost always at the scene of an emergency when it happens – or it’s there moments afterwards.

8. It let's emergency responders monitor actual conversations at the scene of the emergency in real time

9. It provides numerous, real-time reports on the effects of the emergency.

10. It provides real-time photos of the effects of an emergency.

11. It provides real-time videos of the effects of an emergency.

12. It provides numerous, real-time reports on the success or failure of relief efforts.

13. It provides real-time photos of the success or failure of relief efforts.

14. It provides real-time videos of the success or failure of relief efforts.

15. It takes away much of the guesswork of emergency response.

16. On Twitter, hashtags let emergency responders, those in need of relief, relief workers and volunteers focus their listening and conversations to streamline the process of providing assistance when and where it is needed most.

17. It can provide real-time injury/casualty reports.

18. It can give real-time information on missing, separated or found emergency victims.

19. GPS capabilities can let rescuers know exactly where victims are.

20. GPS capabilities, as well as information from conversations shared, can help with crisis mapping.

21. Listening to social conversation can provide critical information on developing crises and permit the introduction of information within the same networks that may defuse a crisis.

22. Armies of volunteers stand at the ready to assist in the sifting of information.

23. You don't have to worry about matching or changing radio frequencies. (Not to worry, Twitter users know to turn to Facebook when the “fail whale” appears!)

24. The public already turns to social networks when an emergency occurs; they’re already there listening and communicating when emergency response professionals are ready to communicate.

25. It’s a powerful way of communicating emergency preparedness information to a vast audience of listeners from an incredibly diverse demographic spectrum.

26. Numerous, well-established accounts with scores of followers can be tapped to help curate critical information and pass it on to millions (Naysayers, please revisit point 2.)

27. The vastness of social network usage lets information be targeted as well.

28. You can tap into nearly any resource in a single tweet.

29.  Twitter Lists can be used to identify particular sources or resources.

30. It's easy to use….

- Gilmore

MSBWX + SAWXREP COMMENT:  It all depends on whether the Social Media (Internet + Cellphones) are up and running during an emergency or disaster.  However with many relief organizations and first time emergency response officials using Intranet or  Broadband - Hamnet an alternative is available during emergencies or disasters irrespective if the Internet or cellphones are up and running. It is my personal opinion that Social Media are the most valuable tool today available during emergencies or disasters.

HAM (Amateur) Radio Operators Are Key in Severe Weather SItuations

TROTWOOD -- The world's largest amateur radio gathering is back in the Miami Valley for another year.  Hamvention is celebrating its 63rd year, attracting HAM radio operators from around the world.  This year's convention features presentations on new software development, 3D printing and more.

The event has grown every year. This year's event at Hara Arena is expected to draw nearly 25,000 people from 42 countries and generate $6 million.

''It started off as a little thing for a couple hours and it has grown over the years to what it is a 2 1/2 day worldwide event.'', Louis Long, the Dayton SkyWarn Coordinator told us.

The timing of this years Hamvention is pretty ironic since a tornado ripped through Cedarville just two days before.

"There are so many ham radio operators and when you think about it, even when cell phone usage goes down because of catastrophes and crises, ham radio operators are very often the ones who are able to get through and communicate in emergency situations," said Jacquelyn Powell president and CEO of the Dayton Montgomery County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

"When all else fails radio is there," said Renaldo Leandro who visited all the way from Venezuela. "We can use solar power. We can use wind power. We can use battery in our car if something goes wrong you are always able to communicate."

When tornadoes touch down like the one we had in Cedarville on Wednesday.  Often times the National Weather Service depends on Ham sky warn spotters.

"We were very busy Wednesday night," said Louis Long of Dayton.

"HAM's are ears and eyes on the ground for the National Weather Service and they can see the stuff that the radar can't see," said Hamvention chairman Henry Ruminsky. "Typically there's enough of us around that someone is going to be fairly close to whatever it is it's happening. We've had some weird weather for Hamvention. This is the first time we've had a tornado so close. I think it just reminded everyone that HAMs play a vital part in keeping the public informed on what's going on with the weather."

"We had friends that were chasing the tornado as it was happening and then providing communication for the relief efforts immediately after," said Kevin Thornton, a licensed amateur radio operator from Arkansas who just dealt with their own EF4 tornado three weeks ago.

So While hamvention may be a lot of fun, it's also very necessary.

"I'm a weather junkie and a radio junkie," said Long. "I like the rush and I also like helping people."

"Amateur radio has the opportunity to communicate when other options aren't available," said Andy Holmes who is also from Arkansas. To communicate in those situations can ultimately save lives."

Hamvention will continue on at Hara Arena throughout the weekend.

- Fox45 News

Video: Amateur Radio Exhibition: Dias Festival 2014 - Mossel Bay

Video: MSBWX - Mossel Bay Weather

Comment: My apology for the quality of the video. This was shot from the hand without a tripod and the light in the building was not good. Unfortunately I do not possess a decent video-cam that can take pro videos.

Emergency Communications in action during the Dias Festival in Mossel Bay (30 January 2014 - 2 February 2014)

"The arrival of the Portugese seafarer Bartolomeu Dias and his fleet in Mossel Bay on the 3 February 1488 sparked a significant meeting of cultures that would have a profound effect on the history of South Africa as we know it today.  It also gave Mossel Bay a unique place in history of our country."  - Alderlady Marie Ferreira, Executive Mayor.

The meeting of cultures continue and there was no exception this past few days.  Amateur Radio was privileged to find it's rightful place amongst the following exhibitors at the Diaz Festival: 

• Various SAPS Static Displays
• Correctional Service Displays
• Western Cape Forensic Pathology Services
• Mossel Bay Fire Brigade
• Joint Operational Centre (JOC)

An amateur radio station and exhibition of equipment were displayed  in the old power station building in Mossel Bay under the hospice of the Southern Cape Amateur Radio Club.  This was one of the largest amateur radio exhibitions ever in the Mossel Bay area. Various aspects of amateur radio were demonstrated to the public but the main theme constituted amateur radio emergency communications - Ham Radio is there to provide primary communications when all else fails!.

The following aspects of amateur radio were demonstrated and displayed to the public:

• HF Radio Communications
• Digital Modes
• Homebrew (home-built) HF Receivers
• History of Radio (Static display of Valve HF Radios and Morse Code Keys)
• VHF/UHF Radio Communications
• Computer use in Amateur Radio
• APRS as a mode for use in Search and Rescue Missions
• Various APRS Trackers and Software for use in Search and Rescue Missions
• The linking of Smart Phones and Amateur Radio during Search and Rescue Missions
• Various videos were projected on a large screen for the public to view (DXpedition video to the Orkney Island, Emergency Communications during the 2001 Tsunami Disaster and Amateur Radio Today - Emergency Communications)
• HAMNET - Emergency Communications Division of the South African Radio League

The exhibition were visited by members of the general public, Western Cape Area General of  the SAPS and various radio amateurs from  the Southern Cape Area.  Radio contact was established on HF, VHF and Echolink throughout the weekend. A special contact was established with the South African Radio League President, Rassie Erasmus ZS1YT on Saturday morning where he expressed best wishes and appreciation to all involved in the exhibition.  Another special contact was also made with Pierre Tromp (ZS1HF),  Hamnet Western Cape on the '7,110 Emergency Net'.

This was a great event and opportunity to also test emergency communications in and from the Southern Cape. A great success story.  I would like to thank every single person that contacted or rendered any help to make this special event such a huge success.   We are looking forward to the 2015 Diaz Festival where cultures meet.  So if you did not visit our exhibition this year come and visit us in 2015 and enjoy our display and company at one of the greatest festivals in South Africa.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the following radio amateurs who ensured that this event was such a great success:

Hans Potgieter ZS6ALJ
Sharon Malcolm ZS1SLM
Abe Swiegelaar ZS1ZS
Willie Hewitt ZS2CC
Nico Oelofse ZS4N
Sarel Nienaber ZS1SGN
Ben en Elrica van der Merwe ZS1BEN + ZS1BEL
Beat Streckeinsen  ZS1HB
Thys Louw ZS1TBP
Raymond de Kock ZS1RAY
All radio amateurs that established contact with ZS1SKR (To many to mention here)

Photo Album:

Images: MSBWX (Click on images for larger view.)

Videos to be uploaded soon.

- MSBWX

Mossel Bay WX Projects: APRS Search and Rescue Tracker (Photos and Information)

The Search and Rescue Tracker is based on the Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) for real time tactical digital communications of information of immediate value in the local area of the Southern Cape. In addition, all such data is ingested into the APRS Internet System (APRS-IS) and distributed globally for ubiquitous and immediate access. This tracker is not only used for Search and Rescue purposes but also for general amateur radio-, High Altitude Balloon Tracking-, Digipeating-,Announcements-, Bulletin-, Message-, Alert-, Weather and Disaster purposes and of course a map that reflect objects, satellites, emergency nets, Search & Rescue Objects and  Search & Rescue Logging ect.

For more information on the current network running in the Southern Cape area click HERE. 
Let's move on to the tracker build. There is several tracker units on the market that can be used.  I played around with several units in the past.  This time around I decided to use a Arduino/PCB Tracker which use a Trackuino open-source sketch.  I am not going to go into great detail here as there are literally hundreds of websites that contain an abundance of information on how to build this tracker.  The unit I constructed contained the following features:

• Arduino shield form factor (you can stack more shields on it)
• GPS: Ublox LEA-4P Module. (RF Design)
• Radio: Baofeng UV-5R VHF/UHF HT
• 1200 bauds AFSK using 8-bit PWM
• Sends out standard APRS position messages (latitude, longitude, altitude, course, speed and time).
• Internal/external temperature sensors (LM35) to read temperature in and outside. (To still be activated.)
• Active/passive buzzer support to ease acoustic tracker location.(To still be activated.)
• Trackuino intervalometer (To still be activated.)
• Open source (GPLv2 license), both software and hardware. In other words, you can do whatever you want with it: modify it, add it to your project, etc. 

An Arduino Uno board is used for the "brain" of the Tracker. I  build the radio interface unit on a small piece of  Veroboard.  The GPS connections were made and the sketch were uploaded to the Arduino but dear o dear nothing happened.  No GPS data nor APRS packets were seen or heard. After a few component changes and modifications the tracker came to life with AX25 packets.  Yeah it is working but will the signal be decoded by packet modems.  Sadly no decoding.  Some more fiddling around and wa-la I can now decode the packets with my PK232 Modem.  Finally the tracker is working, however I am still experimenting with some of the features.  I now have a fully functional APRS Tracker which is way cheaper than any of the commercial and other amateur radio units currently available.

The following images show the different modules of the tracker:

Photo1:  Arduino Uno Board

Photo 2:  Radio Interface Board (Veroboard)

Photo 3:  GPS Ublox LEA-4P Module

Photo 4:  5v Power Supply Module

Photo 5:  GPS + Arduino + Transmitter Module

Photo 6:  Baofeng UV-5R VHF/UHF HT

I will update this topic with more images and reviews of the unit once I am finished with experimenting.  Stay tuned and read what this tracker can do and how it can be used for Search and Rescue and other purposes.

- MSBWX

Real Time Weather Observation: 2013 Mossel Bay Mini Air Race - 13 October 2013

The 2013 Mossel Bay Mini Air Race was hosted by the Mossel Bay Aero Club and was held around Mossel Bay on the 13 October 2013 after it was postponed on Saturday due to gale force winds that accompanied a cold front.

By all reports the event organisation made it one to be remembered. Well done to all involved to make this another best event on the Southern Cape Aviation and Amateur Radio Calender.

Such an event rely on marshals to make the event a success.  Amongst the marshals for this race were several Southern Cape Radio Amateurs that manned the control station at the Mossel Bay Airfield and two turning points.

Turn Point 1:   Lee Airfield - Johan van Aarde ZS2I and Johan Terblanche ZS1I
Turn Point 2:   Kanon - Abe Swiegelaar ZS1ZS and Beat Streckeinsen ZS1HB
Control Station Mossel Bay Airfield: Sharon Malcolm ZS1SLM and Raymond de Kock ZS1RAY

(Click on images for larger view. - Google Earth)

At the final briefing Hans ZS1ALJ (Event Organizer) pointed out the responsibilities of the Turn Point Marshals (Radio Amateurs) which entailed:

1.  Man turn points at allocated points .
2.  Test effective communications to all turning points
3.  Record all aircraft passing the turn point with aircraft call sign and time ie: ZS-KYK - time in HH:MM:SS - 10:15:45
4.  Send through log sheets to control in Mossel Bay via VHF Radio.
5.  Aircraft will pass the turn point at no lower that 200 ft and not higher that 700 ft.
6.  Aircraft passing turn points will announce their call sign and turn point name on 124.2Mhz AM.
7.  Aircraft passing the points must be seen and heard ie: spotter sees aircraft with call sign ZS-KYK - monitors 124.2 hears  - records on log sheet.
8.  Any deviation of this needs to be recorded - it not seen - if not hear - to high - to low
9.  Curtious to all public at the turn point.
10.  Leave the turn point as was found - neat and tidy.

After the briefing in Mossel Bay it was time to head for the respective turning points.  From hereon the author of this article will describe the events as they unfolded while making our way to the Lee Airfield (Turn Point 1)

The weather on the day was not the most pleasant with a SW wind still friskily blowing and a snap of cold air biting into our bodies on the ground.  After all snow fell on the Western Cape mountains. We were never the less well prepared for the weather and changed to appropriate clothing as needed.

WX Images:  J. Terblanche (Author)

At around 08h00 we left Mossel Bay Airfield for Lee Airfield. We took the N2 in the direction of Albertinia. Just past PetroSA there is turnoff to the Cooper Village.  This is a gravel road. About 10km from the turnoff we met Lee's son who escorted us to their airfield.  It was soon apparent that we are moving into an idyllic area with the most breathtaking view and surroundings.  There was no time for photos as we needed to get to the airfield as soon as possible. We arrived at the airfield just after 09h00 and setup station in a hurry as the first aircraft was visible in the distance.  It was not long before more aircraft make their appearance on the horizon.  We did the necessary marshaling and completed the first round of the race without any flaws. We then had a visit from a local inhabitant living in the area. Quite curious as to what the two men were doing with strange antennas and funny noises coming from little black and yellow boxes.

The second stage of the race started two hours later and once again we successfully went through the motions.  It was really great to watch the planes come buy one by one.  We reported the call signs and times to Mossel Bay Control.  Each stage consisted of two rounds. All those who competed completed the circuit successfully without incident and around 13h00 the last plane passed turn point one. We soon thereafter received the OK to return to Mossel Bay Airfield.  On our way home we had our cameras ready and took photos of the most breathtaking views.

Images: The aircraft that took part in the 2013 Mossel Bay Mini Air Race - Images:  Johan van Aarde (ZS2I)

While returning from the Lee Airfield the author and Johan van Aarde took the following images.

 (Images:  The Author and Johan van Aarde.  Click on images for larger view.)

Yet once again a very successful event with great co-operation between the Mossel Bay Aero Club and the Southern Cape Amateur Radio Club.  For those who did not participate either as competitors or as marshals, you missed out on a great event.  DO NOT THAT THIS HAPPEN AGAIN IN FUTURE! Join us and enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Southern Cape and Garden Route Area.  Finally to each and everyone that made this event a success, a big thank you.  We are looking forward to the next event on the calender!

Article compiled by:

Johan Terblanche ZS1I
Mossel Bay
28 May 2013