Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1493196
46 | LIFE IN SOLERA | MARCH 2023 | Use Text Messaging During Disasters Events! The Solera Radio Club is part of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) for the City of Beaumont/Solera Cadre. The club is attached to the West Riverside County - Amateur Radio Emergency Radio Service (ARES) Division/Banning Pass District. Researchers from the University of Washington School of Public Health have been evaluating innovative emergency communications tools, such as text messaging, to find out what it takes to turn evidence into practice to improve preparedness and response. The research revealed that in the aftermath of the catastrophic 2010 earthquake in Haiti, a texting platform helped to save lives and coordinate emergency response. As existing emergency systems failed, text messages were still getting through. The "9-1-1" number, since the 1960s has been the established nationwide code used to call for an emergency response. Our state has complied with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to implement a "Text-to-911" method to summon help. Text-to-911 is NOT a method of convenience. The service is intended to benefit people who may not be able to speak or hear in an emergency. A voice call is still the preferred and most efficient method for contacting 911. Simply stated, call if you can, text if you can't. How to send a text to 911 • Open your mobile phone's text messaging program. • Enter the numbers 911 in the "To" field. • Type a message with the location of the emergency and the nature of the emergency. • Press the "Send" button or arrow. • Be sure to keep your phone with you and be prepared to answer follow-up questions from the 911 call-taker Things to remember: • Keep text messages brief. • Do NOT send photos or video, or use group texts, abbreviations or emojis. • California does not control text delivery from mobile carriers or devices. • There may be instances when a voice call cannot connect due to poor cellular signal or other phone service interruption, but a text message can still go through. TRIVIA ANSWER FOR FEBRUARY: Question: Do amateur radio stations need to use huge antenna towers to contact others around the world? The short answer is "No!" Radio operators in an HOA restricted community will use a simple length of wire as an antenna. TRIVIA QUESTION THIS MONTH (Answered next month) If the election had gone in a different direction this long time amateur radio operator would have installed a Ham Radio antenna on top of the White House. Who is he? "When All Else Fails – Think Radio Communications." ~ Ray C. Gayton-Jacob (N6KZM), ray.n6kzm@gmail.com and http://www. soleraradio.com RADIO CLUB