Tornados Almost every day
in spring and summer the papers carry headlines about death and destruction caused by
tornados. This National Weather Sevice site is heavily visual, but still contains useful
information about warnings, protection, and even some non-visual cues to the imminence of
severe weather. Your best protection may be the weather
radio. Make yourself a weather expert for the protection of your home and family.
Maine governor John Baldacci
met with ham radio operators to discuss their role in homeland security. This article by
the American Radio Relay League does not mention a question asked by NHEST CEO Don Tarbet (KD1XU)
about funding to develop emergency communications skills, including getting ham radio licenses,
among blind and visually impaired persons. Nevertheless, the governor noted the question and
responded very favorably as did Art Cleaves, Maine Emergency Management director. We are waiting to
hear more. This is a role that blind radio operators can -- and do -- fill in protecting our communities
from disasters, natural or man-made.