C Note(s)

In the aftermath of all the wildfires in Washington, Oregon, California, and Montana, and Hurricane Harvey and Irma there's a mess - time for the All American Clean Up . The first organization to offer it's assistance is the American Red Cross . 95% of the organization are volunteers. I know, because I'm one of those volunteers that received extensive disaster training prior to being deployed to the field. I understand the basic nature of those that wanna help, I get it, I do. But after having the training, I also have the understanding why the training must be completed before you volunteer because you'll be more of a detriment than a help for the All American Clean Up with the American Red Cross. That's right. And depending on the type of disaster response being deployed and the role you play, you might even need additional training beyond the basics. Such as myself. I am part of the Western Washington's Red Cross Disaster Services Technology Team - i...

As part of my gear as a supervisor (Supervisor In Training - SIT) is a store issued, handheld radio. At first it's fun because it's new and shiny with insight into a world you don't know as a cashier or non-radio holder. And then ... that luster wears off quickly as you realize why everyone doesn't have a radio. It's for good reason, too. I usually joke, "It's all fun and games at Costco until someone gives you a radio." No one is taught the proper use of a radio, how it functions, or even radio etiquette (yes, there's a decorum to follow) One would think for all the Costco University classes, modules, and continuing development courses, that there would be one to address radio use. There isn't! Radio check, 1, 2, 3 A large portion of my frustration stems from my experience as a technical licensing holding amateur radio operator aka HAM. My call sign: KF7LGI. And another portion of my frustration is my experience of being a part-ti...