Emergency-Communications

2026 National Hurricane Conference Amateur Radio Hybrid Workshop, March 31, 2026

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hurricane flagsRob Macedo, KD1CY, writes:
 
Amateur Radio will again be represented at the 2026 National Hurricane Conference which will be held this year in Orlando, Florida <http://www.hurricanemeeting.com>. This year, the workshop will be done both live at the conference and over livestream similar to 2025.  The conference theme is to improve hurricane preparedness as it has been in past years. After the workshop is completed, the Amateur Radio Workshop will be uploaded to YouTube for those that can’t attend the sessions live. For 2026, all the Amateur Radio sessions will be on Tuesday March 31st, 2026 from 130 PM-315 PM EDT and from 330 PM-500 PM EDT. Each presenter will not only give an overview of their respective group but also how their group handled the significant hurricanes over the past year. Here is the session breakdown:

NHC Session #1 – 130 PM-315 PM EDT: Bob Robichaud-VE1MBR from the Canadian Hurricane Centre will present on Hurricane Meteorological topics and a 2025 Hurricane Season review. He will also provide a brief overview of Canadian Hurricane Centre Operations. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) will present a NHC Overview of Amateur Radio Collaboration During Hurricanes. Julio Ripoll-WD4R will present WX4NHC Operations. KB5HAV-Bobby Graves will give an overview on the Hurricane Watch Net (HWN).

NHC Session #2: 330 PM-500 PM EDT: Rob Macedo-KD1CY will present on the VoIP Hurricane Net and best practices in SKYWARN for Tropical Systems, Bill Feist-WB8BZH & Joe Bassett-W1WCN will present a SATERN (Salvation Army Team Emergency Response Radio Network) overview. Josh Johnston-KE5MHV will give an ARRL update. This will be followed by a Q & A session and raffle prizes will be offered.

Amateur Radio presentations will be recorded and posted to YouTube after the workshop within the month of April. The Amateur Radio presentations will also be livestreamed via YouTube as a best effort. It is noted that Internet connectivity can be a challenge at hotel locations for livestreaming though it has been very robust in 2024-2025 so we expect 2026 to be no different. That said, we remind participants that we will do our best to livestream the workshop but please note technical difficulties could affect the livestream so please be patient if you watch the livestream and we will have recordings available post workshop. The YouTube livestream link will be <https://www.youtube.com/live/k9aHwsliekU>.

 
2026 National Hurricane Conference Presenters and Moderator:
•    Moderator: Rob Macedo, KD1CY, VoIP Hurricane Net
•    Special guest speaker Bob Robichaud, VE1MBR, Canadian Hurricane Center
•    Special guest speaker Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, Director of Emergency Management, ARRL HQ
•    Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, Hurricane Watch Net – Net Manager
•    Julio Ripoll, WD4R, WX4NHC Assistant Amateur Radio Station Coordinator
•    Bill Feist, WB8BZH, SATERN, Salvation Army Team Emergency Response Radio Network
•    Joe Bassett, W1WCN, Southern Territory Assistant SATERN Coordinator
•    Rob Macedo, KD1CY, Director of Operations, VoIP Hurricane Net & ARRL ARES Eastern Mass SEC
•    Jim Palmer, KB1KQW, VoIP Hurricane Net (Videographer)

Detailed Schedule Outline – All Times (Eastern Daylight Time):
130-135 PM: Opening Remarks
135-200 PM: Canadian Hurricane Centre and Hurricane Meteorological Topics (VE1MBR-Bob R) 
200-210 PM: NHC Overview of Amateur Radio Collaboration During Hurricanes (NHC)
210-245 PM: WX4NHC Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center (WD4R)
245-315 PM: HWN Overview (KB5HAV)
315-330 PM: Break
330-400 PM: VoIP Hurricane Net Overview & Best Practices in SKYWARN for Tropical Systems (KD1CY) 
400-420 PM: SATERN – Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network Overview (WB8BZH & W1WCN) 
420-440 PM: ARRL Update (KE5MHV)
440-500 PM: Moderated Q & A session/Panel Discussion & Door Prizes (All)

We hope folks can attend the conference live and in person for those in and around the Orlando FL area or attending the conference and that those outside of the area can participate in the livestream. For those can’t see it live, the workshop video will be posted online via YouTube within a week or two after the conference if not sooner. Thanks to all for their support of Amateur Radio and the NWS Boston/Norton SKYWARN program.

2026 Boston Marathon Volunteer Registration Opening Soon!

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The Boston Marathon Communication Committee writes:

Volunteer registration for the 2026 Boston Marathon is expected to open this week! Returning volunteers will receive an email from the BAA that includes registration instructions. In order to make registration as smooth as possible, we are providing specific instructions for our Amateur Radio Operator (ARO) volunteers.

If you haven’t previously volunteered, or have a friend who would like to volunteer, please go directly to the Volunteer Registration page and follow the instructions for new volunteers.

Step by Step Sign Up Guide:
https://hamradioboston.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/44002570599-2026-volunteer-registration-step-by-step-guide

A few notes for volunteers:

Almost all amateur radio positions are single person assignments. We are not able to group people on a single assignment, but we will try to accommodate which segment you are assigned to in order to allow for similar start/end times.

Do you want to run Boston?

In recognition of the contribution the Amateur Radio Communications team provides to the Boston Marathon every year, the BAA has granted us an invitational bib to be awarded to one of our volunteers! Here’s how it works:

Applicants must be Boston Marathon volunteers who have served on the Amateur Radio Communications Team in at least one (1) of the most recent three (3) Boston Marathons.

Applicants must agree that if selected, they will pay the applicable entry fee ($375) to the BAA.

Applicants must agree to comply with all terms and conditions set by the BAA.

Applicants must be capable of completing the Boston Marathon within the allotted time.

Applicants must hold a valid Amateur Radio license (of any class) issued by the FCC (or regulatory body in the applicant’s home country) at the time of application.

Applicants must be eligible to participate in BAA events.

The Amateur Radio Communications Committee will utilize the following criteria to determine how the Invitational Entry will be awarded:

All interested eligible parties must fill out the linked Google Form to express their interest

Applications must be received by December 16th, 2025.

All applicants will be entered into a random drawing for the Invitational Entry following the application deadline.

The selected applicant will be notified by email by December 23rd, and is required to formally respond and accept within seven (7) calendar days. If, after seven days, the selected applicant has not accepted the Invitational Entry, that applicant’s Entry will become void and a second drawing will be held for the Entry to be reassigned.

Following receipt of an Invitational Entry from the Amateur Radio Communications Team, recipients will be ineligible to receive this Invitational Entry again until the fourth Boston Marathon following their award.

Help us get the word out by forwarding this email to your club and other amateur radio operators who might wish to volunteer. Most volunteers first learn about the event through word of mouth. If you know new licensees who might like to join us, please make sure to let them know about it. Even just a quick mention at your club meeting can be a big help!

If you have any questions about the upcoming volunteer registration period, the invitational amateur radio bib program, or the 2026 Marathon in general, please get in touch anytime. Volunteering at the Marathon is a big job and we appreciate the time and effort everyone puts into it. We’re happy to do what we can to make your work fun, comfortable, and effective.

We look forward to seeing everyone again soon.

Thank you, and 73,

Boston Marathon Communications Committee
contact@hamradioboston.org

IMPORTANT: Clear Frequencies for Caribbean Hurricane Impacts

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hurricane flagsBrian Szewczyk, NJ1F, writes on the YCCC list:

Some very important information about frequency to keep clear this weekend..

As the Caribbean faces potential hurricane impacts, IARU Region 2 has activated emergency nets on the following frequencies:

  • 40 meters: 7.198 MHz and 7.098 MHz
  • 20 meters: 14.198 MHz

If the Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) activates, they will be operating on:

  • 14.325 MHz
  • 7.268 MHz

The amateur radio station at the National Hurricane Center, WX4NHC, will also be monitoring the HWN frequencies for real-time weather and situation reports.

This weekend coincides with the CQ World Wide SSB Contest, one of the busiest times on the bands. All operators are urged to exercise extra vigilance and avoid transmitting on or near these emergency and hurricane watch frequencies.

These nets are providing critical communication links supporting the Caribbean Islands and affected regions. Please ensure they have clear and reliable access to designated frequencies.

In summary:

  • Keep clear of 7.198, 7.098, 7.268, 14.198, and 14.325 MHz
  • Be aware of possible emergency or health-and-welfare traffic on nearby frequencies
  • Operate responsibly and help maintain open frequencies for those supporting hurricane response efforts.

Updates at https://www.arrl.org/news/tropical-storm-melissa-update

Brian

NJ1F

Connecticut ARES Assists in Bridgeport Hospital Drill

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Screenshot of EmComm Drill St. Vincent Med Ctr Publicity CT ARESMark O’Grady, KC1UHV, writes on the Greater Bridgeport ARC mailing list:
 
[Connecticut Amateur Radio Emergency Service was mentioned favorably in this television news story.] 
 
From NEWS12 Connecticut: “From Dozens of nurses and doctors at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport spent Tuesday morning engaged in a hands-on emergency preparedness drill. The drill, which began just after 9:30 a.m., involved several scenarios designed to strengthen coordination among staff members and departments.” [Full story]
 

Portsmouth (R.I.) Dam Exercise, September 26, 2025 (approx.)

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ARES logoJeremy Taylor, K1JST, writes on the RI ARES news list:
 
We have been invited to participate along with several other VOADs in the Portsmouth Dam Emergency Damage Assessment Exercise to practice and demonstrate Volunteer Comms capabilities for the RI Local Emergency Management Directors.
 
We are looking for volunteers to participate as assigned during the Field Exercise, to provide communications during Dam Emergency Damage Assessments.
 
We are also looking for volunteers for a strike force to establish a remote internet link for personnel in Exeter to observe the event in real-time.
 
To sign up, please complete the form here: https://forms.gle/xovzjCK2PoErbj8aA 
 
 
Meetings
ARES will discuss our participation at a meeting on September 17th via Zoom.
 
Exercise Timeline 
(Exact dates TDB, but likely September 21 – 26 for remote play, Saturday September 27th for Filed Exercise)
 
Week before STARTEX – Teams may test equipment & Familiarize themselves with the Area at locations.
Tue – Wed 2000 – Request for Resources Drill for Comms and UAS teams/operators.
Sat – 0800 STARTEX – Report to Volunteer Reception Center/Staging Area.
          0900 – Deploy to assignment & perform safety brief, systems checks & updated safety brief.
          1015 – Commence Damage Assessments, Info. Flo & Mgmt.
          1140 – Arrive back at VRC/Staging Area and check in.
          1150 – Commence Hot Wash.
          1200 FINEX
 
Jeremy Taylor K1JST
k1jst@taysol.net
401-484-0484

Volunteer Opportunity – Ride to End Alzheimer’s – June 14th

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K1DSL-Dan Loveman writes:

On June 14th, cyclists will return to Hampton Beach to begin their 2025 New England Ride To End Alzheimer’s, and I’m writing today to ask for your help in supporting them!

The event details are as follows:
Saturday, June 14th
Hampton Beach State Park, Hampton, NH
Volunteer roles vary and range from 6am-4pm

**SAG team members are asked to commit to the whole day, rest stop volunteers may have shorter shifts depending on where they are stationed.

If you’re able and willing, I’d like to invite you to join the Amateur Radio team for the 2025 Ride To End Alzheimer’s. You can find all the event details here and the direct registration link is here.

This is a very important event. The riders at this event are raising money to fund research that will one day put an end to Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Our job is to staff the communications network that helps keep them safe while they do it.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thanks and 73,
Dan Loveman /K1DSL
alz@k1dsl.net

Julio Ripoll – Founder & Coordinator of National Hurricane Center Amatuer Radio Station – WX4NHC Receives Prestigious Dayton Hamvention Special Achievement Award

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From WX1BOX.org:

WD4R-Julio Ripoll, founder and Amateur Radio Coordinator for WX4NHC, the Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center in Miami FL, which has been active during landfalling New England tropical systems received the prestigious Dayton Hamvention Special Achievement Award. Further details including a picture of Julio receiving the award can be seen below:

Special Announcement: WD4R-Julio Ripoll – Founder & Coordinator of National Hurricane Center Amatuer Radio Station – WX4NHC Receives Prestigious Dayton Hamvention Special Achievement Award

ARRL CT Section NCS Operator Training Workshop, Newington CT, February 1, 2025

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Douglas Sharafanowich, WA1SFH, writes on the CT-ARES mailing list:CT ARES logo

What:   Net Control Station Operator Training Workshop

Date:   Saturday, February 1, 2025

Time:   0830 – 1200  

Place: Newington Volunteer Fire Dept. – Company #1, 1485 Main Street, (Cross Street: Centerwood Road), Newington,  CT

The ARRL CT Section is excited to announce its upcoming, in-person, Net Control Station (NCS) Operator Training Workshop.

Target Audience:
Members of ARES*, Skywarn, the National Traffic System (NTS), and other Hams wanting to build more skills.

–  This comprehensive, fast paced, hands-on workshop is designed to not only to give attendees the foundational training they need to start conducting a Radio Net successfully, but also to provide “a refresher” for experienced Net Control Station Operators.

Be Part of our NCS Operator Team!

Don’t Miss it!

REGISTER TODAY at:  https://tinyurl.com/mw9e6und

Pre-Workshop Reading Assignment

Please read “The First 15 Minutes” presentation, and write down your observations.

We will begin the Workshop with a discussion of what happened, focusing on:
The Good, The Bad, and THE UGLY.

LINK: https://tinyurl.com/yc5erdcm

 

Note:

* ARES members

This workshop prepare you for the ARES Emergency Communicator Individual Task Book – Level 2 Participation requirement: “Serve as Net Control”