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<H1>Hams prepare for Swine Flu pandemic </H1>
<P><FONT face=Verdana>Ham radio operators involved in emergency communications
are making ready in case they are needed if the <STRONG>Swine Flu</STRONG> hits
their area. This report from Amateur Radio Newsline:</FONT></P><FONT
face=Verdana>
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</FONT>
<P><FONT face=Verdana>During the past year, the Health Department in Nevada has
discovered the power of amateur radio. This, according to Newsline's <STRONG>Don
Carlson, KQ6FM</STRONG>, who says that Nevada hams involved in emergency
communications have worked 2 major, statewide drills for pandemic point of
dispensing of emergency supplies.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Verdana>The hams passed traffic on how many citizens could be
vaccinated over a given period of time. They also supplied information on how
much vaccine was available.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Verdana>Don says that officials were quite impressed with what
hams did for them. Especially after their Satellite Phones failed and were
unreliable. Simply said, ham radio had the ability to continue communications
when the conventional methods of communicating shut down.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Verdana>During the drills, the point of dispensing, better known
by the acronym POD's were real, and open to the public, giving free flu
shots.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Verdana>Don says that it was quite amazing how the Nevada ham
community did this only last year. Now, the real deal seems to be knocking on
our door.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Verdana>Carlson says that Nevada hams have already been asked to
be on standby in case their services are needed should there be a major Swine
Flu outbreak. He tells Newsline that they are well trained and
prepared..</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Verdana>In addition to reporting for Newsline, Don Carlson, KQ6FM,
also serves as the Nevada Section Emergency Coordinator and RACES Officer. The
reason he is not here doing this report himself is that ironically, he is
involved in this weekend’s Emcommwest Pacificon gathering in Reno. Needless to
say that preparing for the Swine Flu pandemic will be a hot button topic to be
discussed at this year’s gathering.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Verdana></FONT> </P>
<P><FONT face=Verdana><STRONG><EM>Bill Pasternak,
WA6ITF</EM></STRONG><BR>Amateur Radio Newsline</FONT><BR></P></BODY></HTML>