Wasn’t sure if MOCO ARES is making any special preparations for the approaching winter storm due to hit Saturday but I am receiving information from the FD I work for that they will be planning for abnormal operations & standing up EOC. At Porter Fire Department where I work we will be up staffing personnel & standing up an area command post. Would ARES be interested in supplying a representative(s) of ARES or equipment for this operation? Not sure of the status & functionality of the trailer, or if someone just was interested in setting up a basic field station & practice running a persistent ARES net to collect information from operators in the field to augment the flow of information to the FD. (ie: closed/impassible roads, Red Cross messages, APRS spotting to display shelters, food, water sources…) Our Fire Chief in the past has extended an open invitation to MOCO ARES for events like this. Might be a good opportunity to expose what ARES can assist with during natural disasters even if the storm winds up being less than expected. We use opportunities like this to get in reps for the “real one” but often times it ends up being an actual event & we are already in place. Proactive approach rather than reactive. If anyone is interested in coming out to assist our operations please let me know. In the meantime I’ll speak to Chief Johnson about it & find out more details.
JD and any others. I have copied Keith Klimple the new EC of ARES of MoCo Tx. He and I talked yesterday. We are aware that this is a dangerous storm that Texas is very concerned about. The Montgomery County EOC is also activating.
The major concern is North however, above Lufkin. In our country it is predicted we will get around 0.01" of ice. Yes this will lead to accidents on the roads and tree branches falling and power outages in some, perhaps many areas. Cold and vulnerable people left without heat is a major concern even in Montgomery County.
We have not been asked from Montgomery County Emergency Management to activate as of yesterday when I discussed this with Keith. This could change but internet, cell phones and landlines are anticipated to be largely functional.
With that said, many of us are able with short notice to have mobile and HT radios ready to assist. Travel may be very challenging. I have a 4 wheel pick up but my community has not the ability to prepare or treat my road. I may use 4 wheels spinning and get nowhere fast. Or, the ice may be thin enough that I will be able to travel. I will be monitoring 147.020 starting Saturday afternoon through Monday morning while awake. I have a backup generator and 50 watts FM for more than the whole county coverage.
If the Porter Fire group ESD 6 I believe would like radio support, please let Keith and I and others know. Our membership on the East side of the county is sparse but coverage can be made if necessary.
Thanks JD for making this known.
73
Gerry
I received a notification that the Montgomery County EOC has been activated. I have not received any other notices.
Just got off of a Department teams meeting regarding the event with the command staff. Preparations will be made to accommodate an area command post at PFD but will not be staffed unless needed. Montgomery County EOC is being stood up with a skeleton crew for the event but mostly just to prep should the event be larger than expected. Outside agency representatives are on standby for request but may utilize the PFD command post if needed. I will post here if we begin staffing the command post & ARES operators at that time will be welcome to come assist.
NWS Breifing.
(attachments)
January Winter Event - Briefing Update 01232026 .pdf (7.77 MB)
Good day everyone!
If there is a need for operators, are the frequencies posted on the website the ones that should be on the ICS 205?
M. Marrero
SFC, US Army Retired
WhatsApp/Signal: 939-235-9667
Miembro:
Radio Operadores del Este -PR
Harris County AuxComm - TX (AUXC)
American Radio Relay League - USA
Hey Guys & Gals from MoCo! I have created a MOCO ARES Subgroup specifically for you folks. Invite your friends!
Please join us on 147.020 + 136.5