From our community partners, ARES/RACES amateur radio operators, we are posting the following important preparedness events coming up during March. Thanks to Carl Zager, EMA RACES Radio Officer,ARES Emergency Coordinator for Monroe County, Indiana, USA

1. Severe Weather Spotter Training -- Mar 5

2. Severe Weather Symposium -- Mar 13

3. Severe Weather Preparedness Week -- Mar 14-20

4. Siren Tests -- Mar 17

5. Science Olympiad -- Mar 20

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1. Severe Weather Spotter Training:

 Dave Tucek of the National Weather Service will be presenting this year's Storm Spotter Training at the Bloomington Amateur Radio Club, Friday, March 5, at 7:00 pm, in the Wegmiller Auditorium of Bloomington Hospital. Invite friends, family, and the public.

 2. Severe Weather Symposium:

 The National Weather Service will be holding the Central Indiana Severe Weather Symposium on March 13 in Greenwood.  The cost is $35.00 and registration is still open.  If interested, visit:  

<http://www.crh.noaa.gov/news/display_cmsstory.php?wfo=ind&storyid=40755&source=0>

for more details.

  3. Severe Weather Preparedness Week:

 Severe Weather Preparedness Week: March 14-20, 2010 

Governor Mitch Daniels has proclaimed March 14 through 20, 2010 as Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Indiana. 

The National Weather Service, in conjunction with the Indiana State Police, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, the Indiana Department of Education,  the Indiana Broadcasters Association, the American Red Cross, and Amateur Radio Operators will conduct a statewide test of communication systems on Wednesday, March 17 between 10:15 AM and 10:30 AM EDT and between 7:30 PM and 7:45 PM EDT.

 The goal of Severe Weather Preparedness Week is to better educate people about the hazards of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, and to help everyone be prepared should severe weather occur.

 Members of ARES-RACES will be doing radio spots on WHCC-FM early shows during the week. 

 4. Siren Tests:

 Monroe County ARES-RACES Group volunteers will be observing the 10:15 AM tests of 31 EMA sirens on Wednesday, March 17, to confirm sound and rotation. If there are failures, or if we do not have an observer, ARES-RACES will observe the 7:30 PM test. Volunteers and NCOs are needed.

 5. Science Olympiad:

 ARES-RACES and K9IU have the Indiana State Science Olympiad positions covered. 17 hams and one family member have volunteerd. Thank you for your support. The event will start in the IMU at 6:45 AM and conclude late in the afternoon of Saturday, March 20.