The Harris County Office of Emergency Management (HCOEM / Transtar) has asked Harris County ARES to begin staffing both Transtar and the George R. Brown (GRB) convention center beginning 0700 on Wednesday 22 Aug 2007. Operators will be asked to volunteer for 12 hours shifts running from 7-7. Operators will need to be in place 30 minutes prior to the beginning of their shift for a smooth operational turn over.

An informal net will be running on 145.170 (-)(123.0) to provide communications between GRB and Transtar until such time that the net needs to go formal, and/or, the need for additional nets arise. Your quadrant will also be in an informal net mode during this time as well. Operators will need to bring their HT, or other portable radio, and ample batteries to get them through their shift. You may wish to bring a small cooler with drinks and snacks if you so desire. You can reach the 145.17 from the GRB with a HT with no problems.

We all understand how unpredictable forecasting hurricane tracks can be, so even if the track of Hurricane Dean takes it in to the south of Harris County as currently predicted, the HCOEM will be operational for no less than 36 hours in order to continue to evaluate the need. To sign up for a shift send an email to houston.transtar+dean@gmail.com.

Additional information will be on the ARES web-site later this evening and accessible either via link on the front page or going directly to http://www.harriscountyares.org/blog.html

Labels: Hurricane Dean 2007