BARS POLICY ON NET OPERATION DURING LIGHTNING AND THUNDERSTORMS
Approved by the BARS BOARD (20 August 2018)
Amateur radio operators are frequently called upon to assist during emergency. It is important to understand that amateur radio operators are not first responders. The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) has extensive training materials available. ARES Training emphasizes amateur radio operators ensure their personal safety and that of their families before assisting with emergency communications.
BARS members are advised that:
- Safety must always be the number one priority for any amateur radio operation;
- When Severe Thunderstorm warnings are posted, BARS net operations will be cancelled until the warnings expire;
- If you hear thunder or thunderstorms storms are in the vicinity, all BARS net operations will cease;
- No matter how well protected antennas and equipment are, operation during nearby thunder and lightning storms poses a serious threat to your safety;
- Stay off-the-air before, during, and after storms. Do not assume your ground system will protect you no matter how well it has been constructed;
- Once in a structure, lightning can travel through the electrical, phone, plumbing, and radio/television reception systems.
In particular, heed the warning of the National Weather service at: https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-indoors
Posted by Andy Wallace KA1GTT 08/30/18
