WB6UIE
As we begin National Preparedness Month,
Hurricane Laura has devastated portions of
Louisiana and spawned systems of severe storms as it swept inland. Northern Virginia was fortunate to escape most of its wrath. We may not be so lucky next time. Now is a good time to check your emergency supplies. Do you have enough food and water for you and your family to last several days?
You can find information about recommended emergency kit contents at
https://www.ready.gov
Are your radios ready to go and programmed with local repeater frequencies? You can find this info along with the local ARES op plan and training schedule at http://pwcares.org/
In addition to the damage caused by their high winds and wind driven water, hurricanes often spawn tornadoes and systems of violent thunderstorms extending many miles inland from the eye. The resulting power outages can last for days.
Do you have backup power for your radios and essential items? If you plan to rely on batteries, please be sure to charge and store them safely.

lightning protection?

with proper ventilation.
Further reading:
1. Cadex Electronics: Battery University
https://batteryuniversity.com/
2. Jay: Ham Radio Battery Review: How to Build an Emergency Backup Power Supply
https://dakotalithium.com/2019/11/15/ham-radio-battery-review-how-to-build-an-emergency-backup-power-supply/
3. Silver (ARRL): Grounding and Bonding for the Radio Amateur
http://www.arrl.org/shop/Grounding-and-Bonding-for-the-Radio-Amateur/