Emergency Broadcasts and Public Safety Frequencies

2

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  • judsoncarroll4
    judsoncarroll4 Posts: 5,490 admin
    edited January 2021

    I was thinking about that, too.... if history repeats itself every 40 years, we should be at 1981. But, 9/11 and the recession may well have retarded the natural progression... a similar pattern occurred following the Civil War and led to the "old west" outlaws, reconstruction... which was anything but.. anarchists and revolutionaries... rioting coal miners, end of the gold standard, political re-alignment a financial collapse that presaged the Great Depression and a lot more. These are tumultuous times. We'll all get through it though... no worries.

  • LaurieLovesLearning
    LaurieLovesLearning Posts: 7,574 admin

    @Marjory Wildcraft The world does watch closely (oh, so closely!) & we, outside of the US are aware of quite a bit that goes on in the US and worldwide and generally how it is connected. In Canada, usually we are greatly affected by events and decisions south of our border. After all, we are a pretty tiny country, as far as population goes, compared to the US. We have approximately the same as California in all of Canada.

    I learned when I was down there that our news is much more comprehensive of world events than what is put out on US stations. When I first went down there I had to wait 6 months after our federal election to hear who won...and we are just to the north. It's not to say our news isn't biased though. 🙄 Unfortunately, many US citizens have no idea what Canada is like either, save the cities Toronto & Vancouver, touristy Banff...and the far north, which of course, starts with snow at the border (but all of you know better...smart people! 😉). We aren't the stereotype of socialist nor all of the rest of the assumptions that I heard of when there either. I imagine more are getting a better idea now what Canada is with more online information. At least, I hope so. Although with all that is happening worldwide, many changes could permanently be in the works here. Time will tell.

    I do realize that this situation has been building for quite some time. I had just not heard about the emergency response aspect of it...yet had heard the rest.

    Just out of curiosity, had you read the post that I put on here that referred to the 8 stages of the rise & fall of civilizations? It is an interesting article.

    I still think that even though our current group is good and resilient, that caution in discussion, especially anything pertaining to politics, certainly does need to be taken in this area. We also need to remember that new members do arrive. Thus lay my concern.

    @judsoncarroll4 in the events that you talk about, I am sure that there would be no issue with members alerting others to real time threats, if they even thought to be on here. The only issue with that as well is that we are scattered far & wide.

  • Marjory Wildcraft
    Marjory Wildcraft Posts: 1,615 admin

    Wow @judsoncarroll4 I keep watching and seeing all sort of channels being de-listed off mainstream media / social platforms. So far they haven't yet touched homesteading sites such as TGN. Also I have a major book with Penguin Random House and they are fully banking on the project. I believe that as long as we aren't inflammatory - which we generally aren't - then our work will continue to be supported. Our work is essential. Food matters to everyone regardless of political leanings. @LaurieLovesLearning I very much appreciate your keeping things very level keel and keeping us focused on the important work we are here to do which is grow food, make medicine, build resiliency in our communities.

  • LaurieLovesLearning
    LaurieLovesLearning Posts: 7,574 admin

    @Marjory Wildcraft You are welcome. I hope that this site remains, because it is important as you stated.

    Out of curiosity, what types of channels that you are aware of that are disappearing? Are they channels that we might be familiar with? I guess what I am asking is not about specifics, but in general (kind of like a broad genre of music rather than specific artists)? I haven't been exploring much this morning.

  • thelinda
    thelinda Posts: 21 ✭✭

    The last thing the forum needs is more censorship except for profanity, porn, etc. People read into posts things that aren't necessarily there. If you don't like what you are reading, read something else. There are a lot of choices. Often I read someone's advice that I know has not worked for me even though I tried many times. I just disregard it. I don't automaticlly assume the worst... that the person has some nefarious or political intent.to mislead me. My experience is that people in the forums have been kind to share their methods, ideas, and yes, things they have heard.

  • MaryRowe
    MaryRowe Posts: 736 ✭✭✭✭

    @LaurieLovesLearning Thank you for your level head and moderation!!!! Love the Canadians!

  • MaryRowe
    MaryRowe Posts: 736 ✭✭✭✭

    Good people make this forum a great place to share and to learn. Good moderating keeps it that way--and we are fortunate to have some of the best here. Thank you again.

  • Torey
    Torey Posts: 5,679 admin

    Well said @LaurieLovesLearning.

    I think @Marjory Wildcraft's aim when she started this discussion was to inform people of ways to receive emergency broadcasts so they can be prepared in emergencies. Its an excellent idea.

    We learned the value of this during our fire seasons of 2017-18. Not everyone was getting evacuation notices delivered. Not everyone had access to the internet to get updates. Phone info lines were overwhelmed. Our regional district now has its own link that you can subscribe to for emergency notifications over smart phones. I believe many of the other RDs in the province have done so as well.

    Our FD is compiling a list of Ham radio operators in our area as well in case of broader scale emergencies.

    I forgot to mention that Canada has a network called Weatheradio. It continuously broadcasts weather information and instant updates.

    Weatheradio broadcasts on the frequencies 162.400, 162.425, 162.450, 162.475, 162.500, 162.525, and 162.550 MHz. At selected locations, low power broadcasts without the alert tone are transmitted on the regular FM or AM band. A Weatheradio receiver is not required to hear these broadcasts.

  • frogvalley
    frogvalley Posts: 675 ✭✭✭✭
    edited January 2021

    Oh my, the 70's - Vietnam, race riots, gas lines, wage freezes and female circumcision all come to mind. Got through it and more. Panic didn't work back then so let's work together to carry on, one way or another.

  • Merin Porter
    Merin Porter Posts: 1,026 admin

    I am testing this as I type. I had the previous iOS and checked my iPhone settings, and under Government Alerts, the Emergency Updates and Public Safety Alerts were turned on. I downloaded the new software update, iOS 14.3. Once the download was completed, I restarted my phone. I just confirmed that it is now running iOS 14.3, and then checked the Emergency Updates and Public Safety Alerts settings again. Both alerts are still turned on, exactly as they were before the update. So, at least for me, the update to iOS 14.3 did not change my Emergency Updates settings. Just FYI.

  • NarjissMomOf3
    NarjissMomOf3 Posts: 113 ✭✭✭

    Stay safe everyone. So much going on.. I am feeling so restless lately.

  • LaurieLovesLearning
    LaurieLovesLearning Posts: 7,574 admin

    @NarjissMomOf3 I think that you are not alone. Make sure you give your mind a break often these days. Drink a relaxing tea and do something calming that you can enjoy. Take a break from all social media & cut back on news on a "just checking in when I choose to" basis & no more. Your body & mind do not benefit from ongoing high stress situations. They need care.

    My outlet is interacting with animals (their life is still normal), and calming music. I read just lately that music has been the choice for the majority of people as a stress release throughout this time.

    Forgive me if this is not your thing, but right now, I have 3 very little, but growing chicks to care for and within the week, I hope to see a new mom with possibly 5 more if all goes well. These 3 chicks are still very tiny, but just hit a huge mini growth spurt! Haha They are the tiniest month old chicks I've ever seen! So very different than the huge Jersey Giant breed! They are fun. They are just beginning to test their huge (but tiny) wings. Wings first is how they grow. Strange. 😁 We are teaching them to perch on our hands. They are smart.

  • shllnzl
    shllnzl Posts: 1,820 ✭✭✭✭✭

    American pro-life organizations and their people are reporting censorship and de-listing.

  • SuperC
    SuperC Posts: 952 ✭✭✭✭

    Take a breath, and stay calm.

  • judsoncarroll4
    judsoncarroll4 Posts: 5,490 admin

    Honestly, what I think it is... is a power grab. Consider that the same folks said they could do nothing about websites and folks on social media who promoted and trained terrorists, profited from child porn, etc... now, Ron Paul is banned for questioning vaccines... I get booted for just talking about herbs and natural remedies and entire multi-million user websites are suddenly de-listed.... I think politics may be a red herring (although, I'm sure they prioritize). This seems a lot more like a monopolistic move. Yesterday, there were ... maybe 5 competitors to FB and Twitter... now, there are 4.

  • judsoncarroll4
    judsoncarroll4 Posts: 5,490 admin

    We'll keep TGN a place of calm, support and learning. No worries.

  • LaurieLovesLearning
    LaurieLovesLearning Posts: 7,574 admin
    edited January 2021

    @judsoncarroll4 @teachercaryn Agreed. 🙂

    I think these things that are unfolding were to be expected and I am not surprised. There is more to come, I'm sure. Focusing on these events too much won't help anyone. Acknowledge it is there & move on.

    We can get all caught up in it and panic...or not.

    But we do have a choice.

    Remember that many lived & died before us without technology, and not all that long ago in history, so think of this as a throwback to those times. Now is a good time to focus on what we can do and be resilient, focusing on what we have learned of historical skills. You know these things. Learning more, becoming efficient, and helping others...can also help take our minds off of what is happening around us and give us some joy and purpose.

    Choose to stay calm, consider things carefully as they unfold, focus on what is good & beneficial, and encourage others to do the same.

    As much as we are able, we as moderators will continue to try to keep this forum a safe place where you can find some rest & continue to grow. 🌱

  • Marjory Wildcraft
    Marjory Wildcraft Posts: 1,615 admin

    Well, just in case I just ordered some emergency radios. They are for the HAM bands and for listening to emergency bands. Fun fact: I've tested for and gotten a HAM license 3 times in my life! Crazy huh? Different phases of my life it interested me and then I dropped it (I do have a degree in electrical engineering so it sort of comes naturally to me). Looks like I am going to have to get a license a fourth time... but so glad they have a tech option with no morse code requirments. One of my fav memories is going to the Grand daddy of geek events which is the Ham Fest in Dayton Ohio.

    I'm super serious that lack of communications during the fires (we were right in the middle of the Bastrop Complex fires - the worst ever in US history). People, livestock, everyone was freaking out. Our community quickly organized and setup a communications tree where we shared intel as we got it, or as groups of us went out on scouting trips to verify rumors.

    From the difficult times I've lived through, I know people are fundamentally good.

  • Merin Porter
    Merin Porter Posts: 1,026 admin

    I think HAM radios are a great idea. We just had a long Internet outage at our house, and it gets you thinking. The phones thankfully still worked, but I'll admit to being glad for our long-range walkie-talkies and to thinking about the benefits of HAM radios in an emergency....

  • Gail H
    Gail H Posts: 359 ✭✭✭✭

    Does anyone use CB radios anymore? Are they useful in emergency situations? I confess that communications that are more sophisticated than sticky notes befuddle me!

  • shllnzl
    shllnzl Posts: 1,820 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Staying aware will help us to stay calm. I will continue to share information in a steady way.

    There are two way radios on the market that work for short distances. We use them when hunting (no cell coverage) or traveling in separate vehicles because the line is active all the time.


    Note that the CEO of Judicial Watch is now banned.

  • shllnzl
    shllnzl Posts: 1,820 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Add Ron Paul to the banned list.

  • Marjory Wildcraft
    Marjory Wildcraft Posts: 1,615 admin

    ice age farme just got kicked off of twitter and some other platforms. Ice Age only talks about the global food supply chain.

  • Annie Kate
    Annie Kate Posts: 680 ✭✭✭✭

    Yes, this discussion could explode quickly, @LaurieLovesLearning, and it is unsettling, but especially for those of us who have checked out of keeping up with the news for whatever reason, it's good to get this toned down version of what's going on. I am thankful for it.

    As a result, I am also considering more self-sufficiency things, as well as learning about ham radio and putting out a printable version of our church members' phone numbers since the list is now only online. It may be worthwhile for all of us to get offline copies of things that are important to us.

  • Gail H
    Gail H Posts: 359 ✭✭✭✭

    @Annie Kate That's a good idea to get hard copies with lists of important numbers. I remember that after 9/11, people were unable to reach their loved ones because no one knew anyone's phone number. Everyone is just listed as a contact. If you lose your phone, you lose all of that information. The advice was to have two or three numbers that you always dial, so that you will remember them in a situation where you may have lost your phone. Having one of those numbers be for someone outside of your immediate area is wise, as well.

  • LaurieLovesLearning
    LaurieLovesLearning Posts: 7,574 admin

    Offline print copies are wise. I wish that I had contacts from folks from another forum that was shut down years ago due to the owner's health issues. I have some that I keep in contact with at least.

    I also wish that I could have saved the great information from there. So much from so many was just lost. :(

  • Annie Kate
    Annie Kate Posts: 680 ✭✭✭✭

    And this discussion also motivated me to get back to the Instant Master Gardener course here on TGN and finish it! 😊 I suspect I'll be trying to finish a lot more of the courses in the next little bit. Thank you @Marjory Wildcraft for all the info you put together.

  • seeker.nancy - Central Texas
    seeker.nancy - Central Texas Posts: 795 ✭✭✭✭

    For me, when the world gets crazy(er), I get my hands in the dirt. There is just something about being in nature and feeling that deep connection of all living things that calms me. And a cup of tea...any kind lol. It gets that downward spiral in my head going in the right direction again. Oh...and pictures of baby animals...any kind. 🌳🌹🍁🌸🐝🐇🐎🐓🐙🐣😎

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