By Bob Wilson, W3BIG, EPA Section Manager
As we edge toward summer warmer temperatures are gracing most of our area. With milder weather many of us will venture outdoors to operate. POTA and SOTA adventures are becoming really popular as activators operate from parklands and other public spaces. Field Day, the ultimate outdoor operating event, is just around the corner.
When we move to the great outdoors to operate we should keep safety as our number one priority. It is more important than any other aspect of the adventure. If someone is injured, or worse, QSO points or bands worked won’t matter. Your outing will be a failure.
The following are guidelines to keep in mind when operating outdoors:
1. Haste makes waste. This adage is true but better expressed as haste will hurt you or get you killed. Do not rush. Slow down and be safe.
2. Use teamwork where possible. Watch out for each other. Share the burden, especially when carrying a heavy load.
3. Keep your vision focused on the ground where you are walking to avoid tripping hazards like rocks, roots and cables.
4. Keep an eye on the weather or at least listen to forecasts. Be prepared for wind, rain and lightning. Seek shelter when severe conditions arise. Lightning kills, so don’t tempt fate trying to make one extra QSO. If you are on a summit or other high ground, this is critically important.
5. Protect yourself from stinging and biting insects. Always check yourself for ticks following your outing.
6. Always bring protective clothing. Weather conditions in Pennsylvania can change rapidly. Know the symptoms of hypothermia and heat stroke and know how to treat these conditions. A well-stocked first-aid kit should be a regular part of your gear.
7. Stay hydrated. Bring plenty of water or other beverages, especially in hot weather. Don’t forget to take breaks for meals or snacks.
8. Avoid bringing or imbibing alcohol. It can impair your judgment and affect your body’s ability to maintain a healthy temperature. Alcohol will make your drive home riskier and possibly deadly.
9. If using a gasoline generator, keep it well-ventilated and away from operating positions. Shut a generator down completely when refueling. Handle all fuels with extreme care.
10. If cooking use caution to avoid flareups and burns. Exercise care when using knives or axes. Again, slow down and don’t rush.
11. When putting antennas in trees, slow down and consider your actions. Think about what could happen when throwing or shooting lines. Clear the area of other people around these operations.
12. Route all antenna and power cables carefully to prevent tripping hazards. This is really important when visitors are present, like during Field Day. Most people do not look where they are walking.
13. As a matter of planning, know how to contact local emergency responders and how to direct them to your operating location should they be needed.
These are just some obvious safety guidelines. Your specific operating conditions may warrant taking additional precautions. Remember, operating outdoors should be an enjoyable adventure. Keeping safety a priority will prevent it from becoming a life-threatening situation. Have fun and be safe!