(Updated February 21, 2004)
Primary Repeater - 147.060/input 147.660 w/100 Hz P/L.
Emergency Simplex - 147.060 - when repeater is out of service.
Primary Simplex - 146.550 - will be used when a second communications channel is necessary.
Secondary Simplex - 147.420 - will be used when necessary as directed by net control.
Hillsdale County operates its Skywarn Nets under a three-color system of green, yellow, and red. Net definitions and desired weather information follows:
GREEN - (Weather Watches with no imminent threat) Under this condition weather announcements will be made as necessary to update those on frequency. All legal operation is permitted. There is no directed net operation under condition green but an informal net may be in operation.
YELLOW - (Weather Watches with an imminent threat) Under this condition there will be a net control. The net control will ask for formal check-ins. If you desire to assist with this operation please be prepared to provide the net control with the following information the first time you check in:
1. Your Call Sign and first Name.
2. Your location and fixed or mobile status.
3. If you are at a fixed station are you willing to be assigned to go mobile.
If you elect to check into the net, please pay close attention to the net operation. The net control will periodically take a roll call of the stations checked in. Please answer when you are called. If you must leave the net, please check out with net control.
Net control will be interested in the following weather information ONLY:
1. Hail 3/4 inch in diameter and above.
2. High winds 50 mph or greater.
3. Wall clouds.
4. Funnel clouds.
5. Tornado's.
6. Flash flooding.
7. Trees down.
8. Structural damage.
9. Life threatening emergencies.
As stated above, this is a directed net and ALL traffic shall be directed through net control with the exception of emergency 911 calls.
RED - (Normally reserved for Tornado or Severe Thunderstorm Warnings) Under this condition there will be a net control. That person will direct the net operation. The net control may ask for additional formal check-ins. If you desire to assist with this operation please be prepared to provide the net control with the same check-in information as in condition yellow. Net control will be accepting only weather related spotter reports within the guidelines stated in condition yellow. Please pay even closer attention to net operation. If you must leave the net, please check out with net control. If you must take cover please try to indicate that to net control, but your safety is of paramount concern and must take precedence in all situations.
Other Suggestions:
a) Monitor the Coldwater (147.300) and Angola (147.180) repeaters for early warning of weather coming our way.
b) Monitor local public safety frequencies (especially fire services - 154.340) to hear reports of storm activity.
c) Take normal precautions to prepare yourself and your families for the possibility of severe weather including a check of batteries, water, etc.
d) If you have questions please call Hillsdale County Emergency Services at 517-437-7384 or e-mail us at hces@co.hillsdale.mi.us.
Thanks to all who are willing to give of their time and talents to provide potentially life saving information for others.
Send us your comments and suggestions to K8HRC@arrl.net