The following is an email addressed to all NC hams.
Dear North Carolina Area Hams:
The following is a synopsis of policies and procedures regarding Health & Welfare (H&W) traffic in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene as it impacts North Carolina.
North Carolina AUXCOMM Coordinator and ARRL North Carolina Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC) Tom Brown N4TAB has stated North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) will not accept inbound H&W traffic. Resources in western NC and across the state in support of damaged areas are overloaded, and so the standard policy that inbound H&W traffic through ESF-2 Emergency Communications channels will not be accepted is in effect. The mission of AUXCOMM is in support of government agencies and these assigned resources must remain dedicated to this mission.
North Carolina National Traffic System (NTS) nets are presently accepting inbound H&W traffic. However, traffic handlers are trying to move large volumes of traffic, and turnaround time could be lengthy. Rather than tie up NTS, those with inquiries on individuals in affected areas are encouraged to contact the Mt. Mitchell repeater group directly by sending an email to K2DMG9629@gmail.com or call 211 on your phone inside North Carolina. Out of state call (888) 892-1162.
The extent of damage is overwhelming, with many communities in western North Carolina lacking any form of communications, especially cell service and internet. Everyone is urged to have patience as volunteer Amateur Radio (Ham) radio operators try to deliver and receive messages from impacted zones.
For those who wish to monitor and help, where appropriate, here’s a list of nets and HF frequencies available at this time:
LOCAL TIME
0745 North Carolina Morning Net (NTS) 3.927 MHz
1830 (6:30 PM) North Carolina Evening Net (NTS) 3.923 MHz
1930 (7:30 PM) Tarheel Emergency Net 3.923 MHz
THROUGHOUT THE DAY UNTIL CONVENTIONAL COMMUNICATIONS ARE RESTORED
7.232 MHz
Updates will be posted when available
73 de Bill Morine, N2COP
Vice Director – Roanoke Division
Representing ARRL members in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia
ARRL – the national association for Amateur Radio
Facebook Page: ARRL Roanoke Division
Website: www.arrl-roanoke.org
