Mon Wireless Association

Preparedness - Things to do and know before an emergency happens

Keep your First Aid, CPR, and CERT training current.
Be familiar with agencies that may ask for our communications support (Mon County Office of Emergency Management, MECCA911, National Weather Service, American Red Cross, etc)
It is the quality, not the quantity, that makes successful communications.
Review all ITU phonetics for use in clarifiying transmissions. Do not use "cute" phonetics for your call or make jokes. Emergency communication is serious business.
Keep your equipment up to par for the repeaters you use.
Make sure you have a good signal into repeaters you use frequently.
Check connections, power supplies, batteries, etc to make sure they are in good working order and that you are ready in the event of an emergency.

During an Emergency - Things to do during an emergency

Take notes whether or not you're Net Control. Having necessary information available will save time during emergency communications.
When reporting an event to emergency personnel, make sure you know the exact location and time of the event you are reporting.
If you are reporting an automobile accident, stop and make the call from the scene so you can provide all necessary information (i.e. injuries, fire, number of cars involved, etc.)
Remain calm. Speak slowly, distinctly, and clearly. Strive for accuracy first, then speed.
Do NOT use Q signals. They are more often misunderstood than useful.
Only transmit facts. Identify any speculation as such. Don't clutter the air with unnecessary information.
If you are on the outter range of a repeater, stand still so your signal is steady.
Stay near your radio in case you are needed.
If the 145.43 repeater becomes unavailable, the Monongalia County Skywarn Net will move to the Morgantown HAMTALK repeater (147.075 + PL 103.5). If that becomes unavailable, the next backup is simplex frequency on 146.550 MHz.