New News

[Ncares-admin] //mars r/ Eastern Branch Up

Thursday, September 2, 2010 7:59 AM
 
From:
Add sender to Contacts
 
 
To:
ncares-admin@n4tab.com
 
Cc:
aanebm@winlink.org
 
The RCC is up and running.  Amateur radio is operational, with operators in and out until noon, when we will be here full time.
NC4EB     Listening on "DownEast UHF Linking System"
NC4EB     Listening on Columbia repeater
NC4EB     Listening on 3923 Khz.
 
 
           Ya'll be safe
             Ron Knapp  W9EF
             DEC  EB RCC

 

-----Inline Attachment Follows-----

 
_______________________________________________
Ncares-admin mailing list
Ncares-admin@n4tab.com
http://n4tab.com/mailman/listinfo/ncares-admin_n4tab.com
 

 

[Ncares-admin] NOTICE***HURRICANE EAR*** NOTICE

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 10:38 PM
 
From:
View contact details
 
 
To:
ncares-admin@n4tab.com
 
Cc:
"Clay Benton" <hcbenton@ncem.org>, MMontague@ncem.org
 
THIS IS NOTICE OF AN IMPENDING GENERAL ARES ACTIVATION

As of 2100 EDT tonight, activations of the State EOC and the EBRCC will occur on Thursday, September 02, 2010.  Specific details about the schedule will follow tomorrow, Wednesday September 01, 2010.  This is a dynamic schedule, driven by NCEM and the WX.

The current WX projection suggests that the Hurricane wind cone will engage the Outer Banks of NC +/- a few hours of midnight Thursday.  This is a very dangerous situation.

Jurisdictions in the affected areas have been engaged in this operation for many days and will likely, be engaged for many more days, following. Some jurisdictions are concerned that operational needs may exceed their local capacity to support their local served agencies and are forward-facing, in asking if mutual aid from non-affected jurisdictions might be a available to support them in time of need.

If you or others in your jurisdiction are in a position to assist our colleagues in Eastern NC, please let me know.  Anyone that is NIMS compliant (ICS 100, 200, 700 and 800) and is available to serve for a couple of days, is eligible.

SRI for the brevity of this message.  There is no more detailed information at this time.  We will add content as it is a available and as appropriate.  PLEASE  treat this situation as VERY real and serious.

The Tar Heel Emergency Net (3923), the Website www.arrl.org/ares and this list will serve as a "bulletin board"  for info dissemination.

Thanks,

Tom Brown N4TAB
NC SEC
919-971-3100 (c)
919-528-3104 (h)
919-375-1155 (VOIP)
 

 

NCARES Grants Answers and Queswtions
From:
 
To: ncares-admin@n4tab.com
 
HLS grants now are allocated through the 9 DPR Regions (Domestic Preparedness Regions) in NC. There is a hierarchy and all Counties in each DPR are in contention for all available funds in that DPR. The voting contingents decide how the monies will be allocated within each DPR and it's brutal. A well written, supported and lobbied proposal may win a DPR approval and then face State-level limits of funds availability.

Most EOCs have funds that can be allocated to purchase equipment to support ESF-x support activities.

UASI funds are available for training through State-sponsored courses, but I'm not aware of anything beyond that.  We'll have some info forthcoming about this specific topic in October.

73,
Tom N4TAB
NC SEC

----------------------------------
 

Re: [Ncares-admin] Grants??

Thursday, August 26, 2010 9:46 PM
 
From:
 
To: "kd4kfr@arrl.net," <ncares-admin@n4tab.com>
 
We were able to get a small grant from your local Wal-Mart.  You would probably have to be a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) organization to get one, but you might be able to get it through your Emergency Management without being a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ).  I don't know how likely you are to get this as I applied for a second grant about 4 months ago and have not heard anything from them, but it is a possibility.
 

8/27/2010

 

Tech Comm. Meeting

Thursday, August 26, 2010 8:16 PM
 
From:
This sender is DomainKeys verified
View contact details
 
To: undisclosed-recipients
Just a reminder. there will be a Tech Comm meeting this Sat at 8:00am at the Golden Corral.

If enough people want to, we will go to the trailer after the food portion of the meeting and try to install the other pipe to hold the antennas.

Sam - KA4KTU

8/27/2010

 

ROWAN ARES INFO *** United Way Race 3 Sept 10 1900 hrs

Sunday, August 22, 2010 5:31 PM
 
From:
 
To:
"Ralph Brown" <rkbrown5902@bellsouth.net>, rowancares@groups.yahoo.com
 
Cc:
"George Huffman" <Ghuffman3@carolina.rr.com>, "Dennis L. White" <n4whk@roadrunner.com>, "Russell Beck" <kf4aex@roadrunner.com>, kd4ozi@bellsouth.net, "Don Summers W4DON" <w4don@roadrunner.com>... more
 
Here are some of the details about the 5K run during the United Way
Kickoff Friday Sept., 3rd.

Race will start @ approximately 7:30p (volunteers need to be there @
7:00p) from near the Salisbury Post @ Fisher Street. Runners will go
east on Fisher to S. Long, right on S. Long to Horah. right on Horah
to S. Main, left on S. Main to 5 Points (Ice Cream Shop), "right" on
Fulton to W. Innes, right on W. Innes to Salisbury Post.  United Way
is looking for as many volunteers as they can get and want them along
the course, especially at the intersections, to help with traffic
control
. One lane will be blocked off but there may be traffic from
other lanes trying to make turns, etc.

All volunteers will be required to wear vests with some reflective
tape
on the front and back. However, since the hams may not be
involved in traffic control, they may not need them - just be
available to monitor progress of the runners (walkers) and report any
problems.

We need to send in names of all participants as soon as we can so let
me know by 30 AUG 10 by email or via the radio.

Estimated time for event is 2130 to 2200, but this is just a guess.
Would like to get at least 15 people who want to come out.

Thanks

--
Gary H. Lang
K4GHL (@) ARRL.NET
Rowan County ARES EC
http://www.rowancares.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rowancares
ARES Net on 145.410 - 136.5 tone Wednesday 2030 hrs local

 

Gentlemen: 

September is National Prepared Month, a PR awareness campaign under the Citizens Corps of the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security.  ARES groups nationwide and from North Carolina have participated over the past four years.  I hope many NC ARES groups will again consider joining the NPM coalition to raise awareness to the public (and to DHS) that Amateur Radio is a vital asset in disasters.  Thanks for your consideration and support.
73,
Bill N2COP

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

ARES News

***********************************

After having been overlooked by the powers that be with concern to the new state wide NC ARES training info database, I have finally been given access
to it and am in the process of sending out invitations via email to those RARS club members who have filled out the ARES registration form. This database
is being used state wide as a focal point for verifying the NIMS/ICS classes you have worked so hard on.  It requires but a few minutes of your time, you
upload your PDF Certificates, and fill out some basic information. This allows the District EC's, Section EC's and the NC Section Manager to all view your
training, as well as certain individuals at the North Carolina Emergency Management offices. As of 1 July 10, the ICS 100, 200, 700, 800 are required by
the State to be deployed to Emergency Operations Centers, as well as working with FEMA/DHS/Any governmental agency in an official capacity. This training does not take long, its FREE (how often can you say that), and you can do it from the comfort of your underwear in your favorite chair, if you can reach your computer from there.  To those who have indicated you have already completed the courses, THANK YOU!!!! I will be glad to answer any questions anyone may have or get answers for you at any of our meetings or via phone or the radio. Thank you to everyone for what you do, Keep up the good work!

Gary Lang
K4GHL
Rowan County ARES EC

 

From: Rowan County News Letter

On the road again.
Where Was Paul KD4OZI

 

ARES - Gary Lang, K4GHL, request, everyone to get on the Ares Net on Wednesday nights, 8:30 PM.
145.410 136.5 negative off set tone machine (Gary Hattaway repeater).

Wayne Helms, N4HWH, with the Cabarrus Club is here to represent as a commission of the Boy Scouts of America. He is in charge in September of
operating a special event station for the 100 anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. He would like to invite the Radio club to come down to
Camp Bernhard and help us to operate this Special Event station.  He does have to register those that are coming and there is a $15 fee for the weekend
and it is for your meals and a patch ( you will get a campers patch) We will operate as a field day with an exception or two. It will be with electricity
instead of a generator. Will probably be under tents set up in a field. Set up and operate HF bands and VHF bands.

Special call sign K4Z.

From:  Rowan County News Letter

ZCZC AG21
QST de W1AW 
ARRL Bulletin 21  ARLB021
>From ARRL Headquarters 
Newington CT  August 5, 2010
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB021
ARLB021 FCC to Allow Government Drills Without a Waiver as of September 3

In July, the FCC released a Report and Order (R&O) that amended Part 97 -- more specifically Section 97.113 -- stating that government entities sponsoring disaster and emergency drills will no longer need to apply for a waiver to hold these drills.

Additionally, employees who wish to participate in non-government-sponsored drills and exercises may do so under certain conditions.

Part 97 is the portion of the Commission's rules that govern the Amateur Radio Service. In the August 4th edition of the Federal Register, the FCC issued a summary of the R&O entitled Amendment of the Commission's Rules Regarding Amateur Radio Service Communications During Government Disaster Drills -- noting that the effective date of these new rules will be September 3, 2010.
NNNN
/EX
 

Gentlemen:

The 75th anniversary of ARES campaign from ARRL is officially underway and will last through at least December.  If you people looking for high end graphics of this logo, attached is the logo in an .eps file format which is recognized in the graphics arts industry.  Another format known as “vector” will be forthcoming.  Feel free to use the logo in any ARES promotions.  Thanks to all four of you for what you do, and continue to do, to make ARES in NC a great organization.

 

73,
Bill

 

Bill Morine, N2COP
101 Windlass Drive   Wilmington , NC   28409-2030

HOME TEL: (910) 452-1770 • WORK TEL: (910) 799-7800
CELL: (910) 367-1758 • FAX: (910) 452-7565

North Carolina Section Manager
Chairman - ARRL National Public Relations Committee
An ARRL trained Public Information Officer
ARRL-The National Association for Amateur Radio™

 

 

 

TO : Cleveland County Amateur Radio Operators
FROM: Bill Morine, N2COP, ARRL North Carolina Section Manager  

Dear Fellow Hams:

For many of you, this email will arrive just before tonight’s county commissioners meeting, so I hope you will share this with other Hams who
will attend tonight’s meeting but may not have read it.

There has been much discussion about the proposed antenna tower ordinance.  I want to commend all those who have worked to life the restriction that antennas in Cleveland County be confined only to industrial zones, and instead be permitted in all zones.  Such an approach
is consistent with the state North Carolina antenna law enacted in 2007.  However, there are conflicting views as to the need for other requirements in a county ordinance which would regulate Amateur radio antennas and towers.

 

Tonight is not the time to raise these issues at the county commissioners meeting.  Our understanding is that the Planning Director plans to recommend that the county commissioners table the proposed ordinance and refer it to an “advisory committee” to resolve remaining issues.  We welcome the creation of such a committee which will bring the expertise of all parties together to forge an ordinance that can meet the needs of Hams and the county while being compliant with state law.  We look forward to seeing the next phase of proposals which will lead to an ordinance that should serve all well.

 73,
 Bill Morine, N2COP

 Bill Morine, N2COP
101 Windlass Drive   Wilmington , NC   28409-2030
HOME TEL: (910) 452-1770 • WORK TEL: (910) 799-7800
CELL: (910) 367-1758 • FAX: (910) 452-7565
North Carolina Section Manager
Chairman - ARRL National Public Relations Committee

An ARRL trained Public Information Officer

ARRL-The National Association for Amateur Radio™

 

 

 

Coming Soon  to a place near YOU.

I know that it early but put this on you calendar for our Fall ARES meeting at Western Piedmont Community College. 
Paul - KD4OZI

Hi Paul,
The end-of-semester-crunch is over and I was able to reserve that room you wanted for the ARES meeting in October.

It is Saturday Oct.30, 9am-2pm (reserved) in HS-160 (Health Sciences).  That is the same room we used for the past two meetings.

School address:
Western Piedmont Community College
1001 Burkemont Ave.
Morganton, NC 28655

wpcc.edu


73
Michelle
8/7/2010

Hissss: N.C. is No. 1 state for copperhead bites

By Katie Oliver
koliver@charlotteobserver.com
 
  • 'If they can find mice and they can find heat, they'll have a comfortable place,' says Grover Barfield, education chairman for the N.C. Herpetological Society. He has suffered three venomous snakebites, two from copperheads.
  • Mecklenburg County reported 28 copperhead bites in 2009, second only to Wake's 49. This 22-inch snake was caught in Cary on Wednesday. Often, copperheads bite because they feel threatened. ETHAN HYMAN - ehyman@newsobserver.com

More Information

  • Clear debris away from the foundation of your house.

    Trim shrubs to keep them from getting overgrown.

    Avoid stacking wood near the house.

    Keep grass cut.

    Wear shoes when outdoors.

    Do not try to catch or kill snakes.

  • Do not panic.

    Do not apply ice.

    Do not make a tourniquet.

    Do not cut the wound and suck out the venom.

    Sit as still as possible after calling for medical attention.

     

  • Top states for copperhead bites in 2009:

    1. North Carolina

    2. Texas

    3. Virginia

    Source: Carolinas Poison Center


 
Kevin Rose got bitten two years ago, walking to water the tomato garden in the ivy-laden backyard of his south Charlotte home.

"Since I was barefoot, I was walking on the ivy to keep my feet clean," Rose said. "Then - bam! - it happened."

Rose said he thought it was a bee until he realized he'd been struck by a copperhead.

North Carolina is No. 1 in the nation for copperhead bites, with 228 documented last year. Most came in urban counties, where subdivisions brush against woods and creeks.

Mecklenburg County, with 28 reported copperhead bites last year, trailed only Wake County, which saw 49, according to Carolinas Poison Center statistics.

Anna Dulaney, spokeswoman for the poison center, said Mecklenburg has 13 reported copperhead bites so far this year, Wake County has reported 25.

Symptoms of copperhead bites can vary from mild swelling and bruising around the bite site to severe swelling and discoloration that spreads rapidly, causing tissue death.

Dulaney said sometimes bite victims can experience drops in blood pressure or changes in the way their blood clots, but she said such extreme symptoms are rare.

Grover Barfield, education chair of the N.C. Herpetological Society, has been bitten twice by copperheads.

"I had caught a baby copperhead and I was supposed to do a show-and-tell at my son's second-grade class. It was Friday the 13th," Barfield said. He said he was holding the snake's tail when he dropped its head. It recoiled and struck him.

"It was like a bee sting except three to five times more painful, and I could feel the venom spread to each of the joints in my hand."

Barfield said he excused himself from the class and drove to the hospital. He went back later to advise the kids to "not do as I do but do as I say and leave them alone because they can hurt you."

Not all copperhead bite victims experience symptoms. Dulaney said sometimes the snakes will "dry bite," or bite without injecting venom. She said most of those bites don't get reported. Jeff Hall, president of the N.C. Herpetological Society said studies of copperhead bites show up to 40 percent of bites are dry.

"They're not out to get people," Hall said.

"It's energetically expensive for them to bite something they can't eat - like a human," he said.

Hall said copperhead bites are often the results of snakes taking defensive measures when people get too close.

Tim Sullivan of Critter Control in Charlotte said copperheads like to lie in leaves or grass in partially sunny areas, making golf courses and parks likely places to get bitten.

He said Critter Control has handled 10 or 12 copperheads, mostly in the south Charlotte area.

Sullivan said minimizing pine needles and natural litter around your house, as well as using a chemical repellent, will help ward off copperheads. If you're face-to-face with a copperhead, Sullivan recommended, leave the animal alone and call a professional.

Both Hall and Sullivan said they have never been bitten by a copperhead, despite having careers that put them in contact with the reptiles.

Hall said copperheads are by far the most prevalent venomous snake in Mecklenburg - the five other types of pit viper in North Carolina are all found either in the mountains or coastal plains.

Copperheads are the only venomous snake present in all 100 counties in the state. They are capable of living anywhere they can find shelter, water and food.

Michael Dorcas, herpetologist and associate professor at Davidson College, said that while copperheads do present a threat when provoked, they aren't typically aggressive and should just be avoided or left alone.

"Sure, you've got to watch out for them, just like you've got to watch out for hornets' nests and holes in your yard," he said. "They're part of our natural world."



Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/07/31/1592990/hissss-nc-is-no-1-state-for-copperhead.html#ixzz0vjgUfqjo
 

Hissss: N.C. is No. 1 state for copperhead bites

By Katie Oliver
koliver@charlotteobserver.com
 
  • 'If they can find mice and they can find heat, they'll have a comfortable place,' says Grover Barfield, education chairman for the N.C. Herpetological Society. He has suffered three venomous snakebites, two from copperheads.
  • Mecklenburg County reported 28 copperhead bites in 2009, second only to Wake's 49. This 22-inch snake was caught in Cary on Wednesday. Often, copperheads bite because they feel threatened. ETHAN HYMAN - ehyman@newsobserver.com

More Information

  • Clear debris away from the foundation of your house.

    Trim shrubs to keep them from getting overgrown.

    Avoid stacking wood near the house.

    Keep grass cut.

    Wear shoes when outdoors.

    Do not try to catch or kill snakes.

  • Do not panic.

    Do not apply ice.

    Do not make a tourniquet.

    Do not cut the wound and suck out the venom.

    Sit as still as possible after calling for medical attention.

     

  • Top states for copperhead bites in 2009:

    1. North Carolina

    2. Texas

    3. Virginia

    Source: Carolinas Poison Center


 
Kevin Rose got bitten two years ago, walking to water the tomato garden in the ivy-laden backyard of his south Charlotte home.

"Since I was barefoot, I was walking on the ivy to keep my feet clean," Rose said. "Then - bam! - it happened."

Rose said he thought it was a bee until he realized he'd been struck by a copperhead.

North Carolina is No. 1 in the nation for copperhead bites, with 228 documented last year. Most came in urban counties, where subdivisions brush against woods and creeks.

Mecklenburg County, with 28 reported copperhead bites last year, trailed only Wake County, which saw 49, according to Carolinas Poison Center statistics.

Anna Dulaney, spokeswoman for the poison center, said Mecklenburg has 13 reported copperhead bites so far this year, Wake County has reported 25.

Symptoms of copperhead bites can vary from mild swelling and bruising around the bite site to severe swelling and discoloration that spreads rapidly, causing tissue death.

Dulaney said sometimes bite victims can experience drops in blood pressure or changes in the way their blood clots, but she said such extreme symptoms are rare.

Grover Barfield, education chair of the N.C. Herpetological Society, has been bitten twice by copperheads.

"I had caught a baby copperhead and I was supposed to do a show-and-tell at my son's second-grade class. It was Friday the 13th," Barfield said. He said he was holding the snake's tail when he dropped its head. It recoiled and struck him.

"It was like a bee sting except three to five times more painful, and I could feel the venom spread to each of the joints in my hand."

Barfield said he excused himself from the class and drove to the hospital. He went back later to advise the kids to "not do as I do but do as I say and leave them alone because they can hurt you."

Not all copperhead bite victims experience symptoms. Dulaney said sometimes the snakes will "dry bite," or bite without injecting venom. She said most of those bites don't get reported. Jeff Hall, president of the N.C. Herpetological Society said studies of copperhead bites show up to 40 percent of bites are dry.

"They're not out to get people," Hall said.

"It's energetically expensive for them to bite something they can't eat - like a human," he said.

Hall said copperhead bites are often the results of snakes taking defensive measures when people get too close.

Tim Sullivan of Critter Control in Charlotte said copperheads like to lie in leaves or grass in partially sunny areas, making golf courses and parks likely places to get bitten.

He said Critter Control has handled 10 or 12 copperheads, mostly in the south Charlotte area.

Sullivan said minimizing pine needles and natural litter around your house, as well as using a chemical repellent, will help ward off copperheads. If you're face-to-face with a copperhead, Sullivan recommended, leave the animal alone and call a professional.

Both Hall and Sullivan said they have never been bitten by a copperhead, despite having careers that put them in contact with the reptiles.

Hall said copperheads are by far the most prevalent venomous snake in Mecklenburg - the five other types of pit viper in North Carolina are all found either in the mountains or coastal plains.

Copperheads are the only venomous snake present in all 100 counties in the state. They are capable of living anywhere they can find shelter, water and food.

Michael Dorcas, herpetologist and associate professor at Davidson College, said that while copperheads do present a threat when provoked, they aren't typically aggressive and should just be avoided or left alone.

"Sure, you've got to watch out for them, just like you've got to watch out for hornets' nests and holes in your yard," he said. "They're part of our natural world."



Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/07/31/1592990/hissss-nc-is-no-1-state-for-copperhead.html#ixzz0vjgUfqjo
 

Hissss: N.C. is No. 1 state for copperhead bites

By Katie Oliver
koliver@charlotteobserver.com
 
  • 'If they can find mice and they can find heat, they'll have a comfortable place,' says Grover Barfield, education chairman for the N.C. Herpetological Society. He has suffered three venomous snakebites, two from copperheads.
  • Mecklenburg County reported 28 copperhead bites in 2009, second only to Wake's 49. This 22-inch snake was caught in Cary on Wednesday. Often, copperheads bite because they feel threatened. ETHAN HYMAN - ehyman@newsobserver.com

More Information

  • Clear debris away from the foundation of your house.

    Trim shrubs to keep them from getting overgrown.

    Avoid stacking wood near the house.

    Keep grass cut.

    Wear shoes when outdoors.

    Do not try to catch or kill snakes.

  • Do not panic.

    Do not apply ice.

    Do not make a tourniquet.

    Do not cut the wound and suck out the venom.

    Sit as still as possible after calling for medical attention.

     

  • Top states for copperhead bites in 2009:

    1. North Carolina

    2. Texas

    3. Virginia

    Source: Carolinas Poison Center


 
Kevin Rose got bitten two years ago, walking to water the tomato garden in the ivy-laden backyard of his south Charlotte home.

"Since I was barefoot, I was walking on the ivy to keep my feet clean," Rose said. "Then - bam! - it happened."

Rose said he thought it was a bee until he realized he'd been struck by a copperhead.

North Carolina is No. 1 in the nation for copperhead bites, with 228 documented last year. Most came in urban counties, where subdivisions brush against woods and creeks.

Mecklenburg County, with 28 reported copperhead bites last year, trailed only Wake County, which saw 49, according to Carolinas Poison Center statistics.

Anna Dulaney, spokeswoman for the poison center, said Mecklenburg has 13 reported copperhead bites so far this year, Wake County has reported 25.

Symptoms of copperhead bites can vary from mild swelling and bruising around the bite site to severe swelling and discoloration that spreads rapidly, causing tissue death.

Dulaney said sometimes bite victims can experience drops in blood pressure or changes in the way their blood clots, but she said such extreme symptoms are rare.

Grover Barfield, education chair of the N.C. Herpetological Society, has been bitten twice by copperheads.

"I had caught a baby copperhead and I was supposed to do a show-and-tell at my son's second-grade class. It was Friday the 13th," Barfield said. He said he was holding the snake's tail when he dropped its head. It recoiled and struck him.

"It was like a bee sting except three to five times more painful, and I could feel the venom spread to each of the joints in my hand."

Barfield said he excused himself from the class and drove to the hospital. He went back later to advise the kids to "not do as I do but do as I say and leave them alone because they can hurt you."

Not all copperhead bite victims experience symptoms. Dulaney said sometimes the snakes will "dry bite," or bite without injecting venom. She said most of those bites don't get reported. Jeff Hall, president of the N.C. Herpetological Society said studies of copperhead bites show up to 40 percent of bites are dry.

"They're not out to get people," Hall said.

"It's energetically expensive for them to bite something they can't eat - like a human," he said.

Hall said copperhead bites are often the results of snakes taking defensive measures when people get too close.

Tim Sullivan of Critter Control in Charlotte said copperheads like to lie in leaves or grass in partially sunny areas, making golf courses and parks likely places to get bitten.

He said Critter Control has handled 10 or 12 copperheads, mostly in the south Charlotte area.

Sullivan said minimizing pine needles and natural litter around your house, as well as using a chemical repellent, will help ward off copperheads. If you're face-to-face with a copperhead, Sullivan recommended, leave the animal alone and call a professional.

Both Hall and Sullivan said they have never been bitten by a copperhead, despite having careers that put them in contact with the reptiles.

Hall said copperheads are by far the most prevalent venomous snake in Mecklenburg - the five other types of pit viper in North Carolina are all found either in the mountains or coastal plains.

Copperheads are the only venomous snake present in all 100 counties in the state. They are capable of living anywhere they can find shelter, water and food.

Michael Dorcas, herpetologist and associate professor at Davidson College, said that while copperheads do present a threat when provoked, they aren't typically aggressive and should just be avoided or left alone.

"Sure, you've got to watch out for them, just like you've got to watch out for hornets' nests and holes in your yard," he said. "They're part of our natural world."



Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/07/31/1592990/hissss-nc-is-no-1-state-for-copperhead.html#ixzz0vjgUfqjo
 

Hissss: N.C. is No. 1 state for copperhead bites

By Katie Oliver
koliver@charlotteobserver.com
 
  • 'If they can find mice and they can find heat, they'll have a comfortable place,' says Grover Barfield, education chairman for the N.C. Herpetological Society. He has suffered three venomous snakebites, two from copperheads.
  • Mecklenburg County reported 28 copperhead bites in 2009, second only to Wake's 49. This 22-inch snake was caught in Cary on Wednesday. Often, copperheads bite because they feel threatened. ETHAN HYMAN - ehyman@newsobserver.com

More Information

  • Clear debris away from the foundation of your house.

    Trim shrubs to keep them from getting overgrown.

    Avoid stacking wood near the house.

    Keep grass cut.

    Wear shoes when outdoors.

    Do not try to catch or kill snakes.

  • Do not panic.

    Do not apply ice.

    Do not make a tourniquet.

    Do not cut the wound and suck out the venom.

    Sit as still as possible after calling for medical attention.

     

  • Top states for copperhead bites in 2009:

    1. North Carolina

    2. Texas

    3. Virginia

    Source: Carolinas Poison Center


 
Kevin Rose got bitten two years ago, walking to water the tomato garden in the ivy-laden backyard of his south Charlotte home.

"Since I was barefoot, I was walking on the ivy to keep my feet clean," Rose said. "Then - bam! - it happened."

Rose said he thought it was a bee until he realized he'd been struck by a copperhead.

North Carolina is No. 1 in the nation for copperhead bites, with 228 documented last year. Most came in urban counties, where subdivisions brush against woods and creeks.

Mecklenburg County, with 28 reported copperhead bites last year, trailed only Wake County, which saw 49, according to Carolinas Poison Center statistics.

Anna Dulaney, spokeswoman for the poison center, said Mecklenburg has 13 reported copperhead bites so far this year, Wake County has reported 25.

Symptoms of copperhead bites can vary from mild swelling and bruising around the bite site to severe swelling and discoloration that spreads rapidly, causing tissue death.

Dulaney said sometimes bite victims can experience drops in blood pressure or changes in the way their blood clots, but she said such extreme symptoms are rare.

Grover Barfield, education chair of the N.C. Herpetological Society, has been bitten twice by copperheads.

"I had caught a baby copperhead and I was supposed to do a show-and-tell at my son's second-grade class. It was Friday the 13th," Barfield said. He said he was holding the snake's tail when he dropped its head. It recoiled and struck him.

"It was like a bee sting except three to five times more painful, and I could feel the venom spread to each of the joints in my hand."

Barfield said he excused himself from the class and drove to the hospital. He went back later to advise the kids to "not do as I do but do as I say and leave them alone because they can hurt you."

Not all copperhead bite victims experience symptoms. Dulaney said sometimes the snakes will "dry bite," or bite without injecting venom. She said most of those bites don't get reported. Jeff Hall, president of the N.C. Herpetological Society said studies of copperhead bites show up to 40 percent of bites are dry.

"They're not out to get people," Hall said.

"It's energetically expensive for them to bite something they can't eat - like a human," he said.

Hall said copperhead bites are often the results of snakes taking defensive measures when people get too close.

Tim Sullivan of Critter Control in Charlotte said copperheads like to lie in leaves or grass in partially sunny areas, making golf courses and parks likely places to get bitten.

He said Critter Control has handled 10 or 12 copperheads, mostly in the south Charlotte area.

Sullivan said minimizing pine needles and natural litter around your house, as well as using a chemical repellent, will help ward off copperheads. If you're face-to-face with a copperhead, Sullivan recommended, leave the animal alone and call a professional.

Both Hall and Sullivan said they have never been bitten by a copperhead, despite having careers that put them in contact with the reptiles.

Hall said copperheads are by far the most prevalent venomous snake in Mecklenburg - the five other types of pit viper in North Carolina are all found either in the mountains or coastal plains.

Copperheads are the only venomous snake present in all 100 counties in the state. They are capable of living anywhere they can find shelter, water and food.

Michael Dorcas, herpetologist and associate professor at Davidson College, said that while copperheads do present a threat when provoked, they aren't typically aggressive and should just be avoided or left alone.

"Sure, you've got to watch out for them, just like you've got to watch out for hornets' nests and holes in your yard," he said. "They're part of our natural world."



Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/07/31/1592990/hissss-nc-is-no-1-state-for-copperhead.html#ixzz0vjgUfqjo
 

Hissss: N.C. is No. 1 state for copperhead bites

By Katie Oliver
koliver@charlotteobserver.com
 
  • 'If they can find mice and they can find heat, they'll have a comfortable place,' says Grover Barfield, education chairman for the N.C. Herpetological Society. He has suffered three venomous snakebites, two from copperheads.
  • Mecklenburg County reported 28 copperhead bites in 2009, second only to Wake's 49. This 22-inch snake was caught in Cary on Wednesday. Often, copperheads bite because they feel threatened. ETHAN HYMAN - ehyman@newsobserver.com

More Information

  • Clear debris away from the foundation of your house.

    Trim shrubs to keep them from getting overgrown.

    Avoid stacking wood near the house.

    Keep grass cut.

    Wear shoes when outdoors.

    Do not try to catch or kill snakes.

  • Do not panic.

    Do not apply ice.

    Do not make a tourniquet.

    Do not cut the wound and suck out the venom.

    Sit as still as possible after calling for medical attention.

     

  • Top states for copperhead bites in 2009:

    1. North Carolina

    2. Texas

    3. Virginia

    Source: Carolinas Poison Center


 
Kevin Rose got bitten two years ago, walking to water the tomato garden in the ivy-laden backyard of his south Charlotte home.

"Since I was barefoot, I was walking on the ivy to keep my feet clean," Rose said. "Then - bam! - it happened."

Rose said he thought it was a bee until he realized he'd been struck by a copperhead.

North Carolina is No. 1 in the nation for copperhead bites, with 228 documented last year. Most came in urban counties, where subdivisions brush against woods and creeks.

Mecklenburg County, with 28 reported copperhead bites last year, trailed only Wake County, which saw 49, according to Carolinas Poison Center statistics.

Anna Dulaney, spokeswoman for the poison center, said Mecklenburg has 13 reported copperhead bites so far this year, Wake County has reported 25.

Symptoms of copperhead bites can vary from mild swelling and bruising around the bite site to severe swelling and discoloration that spreads rapidly, causing tissue death.

Dulaney said sometimes bite victims can experience drops in blood pressure or changes in the way their blood clots, but she said such extreme symptoms are rare.

Grover Barfield, education chair of the N.C. Herpetological Society, has been bitten twice by copperheads.

"I had caught a baby copperhead and I was supposed to do a show-and-tell at my son's second-grade class. It was Friday the 13th," Barfield said. He said he was holding the snake's tail when he dropped its head. It recoiled and struck him.

"It was like a bee sting except three to five times more painful, and I could feel the venom spread to each of the joints in my hand."

Barfield said he excused himself from the class and drove to the hospital. He went back later to advise the kids to "not do as I do but do as I say and leave them alone because they can hurt you."

Not all copperhead bite victims experience symptoms. Dulaney said sometimes the snakes will "dry bite," or bite without injecting venom. She said most of those bites don't get reported. Jeff Hall, president of the N.C. Herpetological Society said studies of copperhead bites show up to 40 percent of bites are dry.

"They're not out to get people," Hall said.

"It's energetically expensive for them to bite something they can't eat - like a human," he said.

Hall said copperhead bites are often the results of snakes taking defensive measures when people get too close.

Tim Sullivan of Critter Control in Charlotte said copperheads like to lie in leaves or grass in partially sunny areas, making golf courses and parks likely places to get bitten.

He said Critter Control has handled 10 or 12 copperheads, mostly in the south Charlotte area.

Sullivan said minimizing pine needles and natural litter around your house, as well as using a chemical repellent, will help ward off copperheads. If you're face-to-face with a copperhead, Sullivan recommended, leave the animal alone and call a professional.

Both Hall and Sullivan said they have never been bitten by a copperhead, despite having careers that put them in contact with the reptiles.

Hall said copperheads are by far the most prevalent venomous snake in Mecklenburg - the five other types of pit viper in North Carolina are all found either in the mountains or coastal plains.

Copperheads are the only venomous snake present in all 100 counties in the state. They are capable of living anywhere they can find shelter, water and food.

Michael Dorcas, herpetologist and associate professor at Davidson College, said that while copperheads do present a threat when provoked, they aren't typically aggressive and should just be avoided or left alone.

"Sure, you've got to watch out for them, just like you've got to watch out for hornets' nests and holes in your yard," he said. "They're part of our natural world."



Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/07/31/1592990/hissss-nc-is-no-1-state-for-copperhead.html#ixzz0vjgUfqjo
 

Hissss: N.C. is No. 1 state for copperhead bites

By Katie Oliver
koliver@charlotteobserver.com
 
  • 'If they can find mice and they can find heat, they'll have a comfortable place,' says Grover Barfield, education chairman for the N.C. Herpetological Society. He has suffered three venomous snakebites, two from copperheads.
  • Mecklenburg County reported 28 copperhead bites in 2009, second only to Wake's 49. This 22-inch snake was caught in Cary on Wednesday. Often, copperheads bite because they feel threatened. ETHAN HYMAN - ehyman@newsobserver.com

More Information

  • Clear debris away from the foundation of your house.

    Trim shrubs to keep them from getting overgrown.

    Avoid stacking wood near the house.

    Keep grass cut.

    Wear shoes when outdoors.

    Do not try to catch or kill snakes.

  • Do not panic.

    Do not apply ice.

    Do not make a tourniquet.

    Do not cut the wound and suck out the venom.

    Sit as still as possible after calling for medical attention.

     

  • Top states for copperhead bites in 2009:

    1. North Carolina

    2. Texas

    3. Virginia

    Source: Carolinas Poison Center


 
Kevin Rose got bitten two years ago, walking to water the tomato garden in the ivy-laden backyard of his south Charlotte home.

"Since I was barefoot, I was walking on the ivy to keep my feet clean," Rose said. "Then - bam! - it happened."

Rose said he thought it was a bee until he realized he'd been struck by a copperhead.

North Carolina is No. 1 in the nation for copperhead bites, with 228 documented last year. Most came in urban counties, where subdivisions brush against woods and creeks.

Mecklenburg County, with 28 reported copperhead bites last year, trailed only Wake County, which saw 49, according to Carolinas Poison Center statistics.

Anna Dulaney, spokeswoman for the poison center, said Mecklenburg has 13 reported copperhead bites so far this year, Wake County has reported 25.

Symptoms of copperhead bites can vary from mild swelling and bruising around the bite site to severe swelling and discoloration that spreads rapidly, causing tissue death.

Dulaney said sometimes bite victims can experience drops in blood pressure or changes in the way their blood clots, but she said such extreme symptoms are rare.

Grover Barfield, education chair of the N.C. Herpetological Society, has been bitten twice by copperheads.

"I had caught a baby copperhead and I was supposed to do a show-and-tell at my son's second-grade class. It was Friday the 13th," Barfield said. He said he was holding the snake's tail when he dropped its head. It recoiled and struck him.

"It was like a bee sting except three to five times more painful, and I could feel the venom spread to each of the joints in my hand."

Barfield said he excused himself from the class and drove to the hospital. He went back later to advise the kids to "not do as I do but do as I say and leave them alone because they can hurt you."

Not all copperhead bite victims experience symptoms. Dulaney said sometimes the snakes will "dry bite," or bite without injecting venom. She said most of those bites don't get reported. Jeff Hall, president of the N.C. Herpetological Society said studies of copperhead bites show up to 40 percent of bites are dry.

"They're not out to get people," Hall said.

"It's energetically expensive for them to bite something they can't eat - like a human," he said.

Hall said copperhead bites are often the results of snakes taking defensive measures when people get too close.

Tim Sullivan of Critter Control in Charlotte said copperheads like to lie in leaves or grass in partially sunny areas, making golf courses and parks likely places to get bitten.

He said Critter Control has handled 10 or 12 copperheads, mostly in the south Charlotte area.

Sullivan said minimizing pine needles and natural litter around your house, as well as using a chemical repellent, will help ward off copperheads. If you're face-to-face with a copperhead, Sullivan recommended, leave the animal alone and call a professional.

Both Hall and Sullivan said they have never been bitten by a copperhead, despite having careers that put them in contact with the reptiles.

Hall said copperheads are by far the most prevalent venomous snake in Mecklenburg - the five other types of pit viper in North Carolina are all found either in the mountains or coastal plains.

Copperheads are the only venomous snake present in all 100 counties in the state. They are capable of living anywhere they can find shelter, water and food.

Michael Dorcas, herpetologist and associate professor at Davidson College, said that while copperheads do present a threat when provoked, they aren't typically aggressive and should just be avoided or left alone.

"Sure, you've got to watch out for them, just like you've got to watch out for hornets' nests and holes in your yard," he said. "They're part of our natural world."



Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/07/31/1592990/hissss-nc-is-no-1-state-for-copperhead.html#ixzz0vjgUfqjo
 

Hissss: N.C. is No. 1 state for copperhead bites

By Katie Oliver
koliver@charlotteobserver.com
 
  • 'If they can find mice and they can find heat, they'll have a comfortable place,' says Grover Barfield, education chairman for the N.C. Herpetological Society. He has suffered three venomous snakebites, two from copperheads.
  • Mecklenburg County reported 28 copperhead bites in 2009, second only to Wake's 49. This 22-inch snake was caught in Cary on Wednesday. Often, copperheads bite because they feel threatened. ETHAN HYMAN - ehyman@newsobserver.com

More Information

  • Clear debris away from the foundation of your house.

    Trim shrubs to keep them from getting overgrown.

    Avoid stacking wood near the house.

    Keep grass cut.

    Wear shoes when outdoors.

    Do not try to catch or kill snakes.

  • Do not panic.

    Do not apply ice.

    Do not make a tourniquet.

    Do not cut the wound and suck out the venom.

    Sit as still as possible after calling for medical attention.

     

  • Top states for copperhead bites in 2009:

    1. North Carolina

    2. Texas

    3. Virginia

    Source: Carolinas Poison Center


 
Kevin Rose got bitten two years ago, walking to water the tomato garden in the ivy-laden backyard of his south Charlotte home.

"Since I was barefoot, I was walking on the ivy to keep my feet clean," Rose said. "Then - bam! - it happened."

Rose said he thought it was a bee until he realized he'd been struck by a copperhead.

North Carolina is No. 1 in the nation for copperhead bites, with 228 documented last year. Most came in urban counties, where subdivisions brush against woods and creeks.

Mecklenburg County, with 28 reported copperhead bites last year, trailed only Wake County, which saw 49, according to Carolinas Poison Center statistics.

Anna Dulaney, spokeswoman for the poison center, said Mecklenburg has 13 reported copperhead bites so far this year, Wake County has reported 25.

Symptoms of copperhead bites can vary from mild swelling and bruising around the bite site to severe swelling and discoloration that spreads rapidly, causing tissue death.

Dulaney said sometimes bite victims can experience drops in blood pressure or changes in the way their blood clots, but she said such extreme symptoms are rare.

Grover Barfield, education chair of the N.C. Herpetological Society, has been bitten twice by copperheads.

"I had caught a baby copperhead and I was supposed to do a show-and-tell at my son's second-grade class. It was Friday the 13th," Barfield said. He said he was holding the snake's tail when he dropped its head. It recoiled and struck him.

"It was like a bee sting except three to five times more painful, and I could feel the venom spread to each of the joints in my hand."

Barfield said he excused himself from the class and drove to the hospital. He went back later to advise the kids to "not do as I do but do as I say and leave them alone because they can hurt you."

Not all copperhead bite victims experience symptoms. Dulaney said sometimes the snakes will "dry bite," or bite without injecting venom. She said most of those bites don't get reported. Jeff Hall, president of the N.C. Herpetological Society said studies of copperhead bites show up to 40 percent of bites are dry.

"They're not out to get people," Hall said.

"It's energetically expensive for them to bite something they can't eat - like a human," he said.

Hall said copperhead bites are often the results of snakes taking defensive measures when people get too close.

Tim Sullivan of Critter Control in Charlotte said copperheads like to lie in leaves or grass in partially sunny areas, making golf courses and parks likely places to get bitten.

He said Critter Control has handled 10 or 12 copperheads, mostly in the south Charlotte area.

Sullivan said minimizing pine needles and natural litter around your house, as well as using a chemical repellent, will help ward off copperheads. If you're face-to-face with a copperhead, Sullivan recommended, leave the animal alone and call a professional.

Both Hall and Sullivan said they have never been bitten by a copperhead, despite having careers that put them in contact with the reptiles.

Hall said copperheads are by far the most prevalent venomous snake in Mecklenburg - the five other types of pit viper in North Carolina are all found either in the mountains or coastal plains.

Copperheads are the only venomous snake present in all 100 counties in the state. They are capable of living anywhere they can find shelter, water and food.

Michael Dorcas, herpetologist and associate professor at Davidson College, said that while copperheads do present a threat when provoked, they aren't typically aggressive and should just be avoided or left alone.

"Sure, you've got to watch out for them, just like you've got to watch out for hornets' nests and holes in your yard," he said. "They're part of our natural world."



Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/07/31/1592990/hissss-nc-is-no-1-state-for-copperhead.html#ixzz0vjgUfqjo
 

Hissss: N.C. is No. 1 state for copperhead bites

By Katie Oliver
koliver@charlotteobserver.com
 
  • 'If they can find mice and they can find heat, they'll have a comfortable place,' says Grover Barfield, education chairman for the N.C. Herpetological Society. He has suffered three venomous snakebites, two from copperheads.
  • Mecklenburg County reported 28 copperhead bites in 2009, second only to Wake's 49. This 22-inch snake was caught in Cary on Wednesday. Often, copperheads bite because they feel threatened. ETHAN HYMAN - ehyman@newsobserver.com

More Information

  • Clear debris away from the foundation of your house.

    Trim shrubs to keep them from getting overgrown.

    Avoid stacking wood near the house.

    Keep grass cut.

    Wear shoes when outdoors.

    Do not try to catch or kill snakes.

  • Do not panic.

    Do not apply ice.

    Do not make a tourniquet.

    Do not cut the wound and suck out the venom.

    Sit as still as possible after calling for medical attention.

     

  • Top states for copperhead bites in 2009:

    1. North Carolina

    2. Texas

    3. Virginia

    Source: Carolinas Poison Center


 
Kevin Rose got bitten two years ago, walking to water the tomato garden in the ivy-laden backyard of his south Charlotte home.

"Since I was barefoot, I was walking on the ivy to keep my feet clean," Rose said. "Then - bam! - it happened."

Rose said he thought it was a bee until he realized he'd been struck by a copperhead.

North Carolina is No. 1 in the nation for copperhead bites, with 228 documented last year. Most came in urban counties, where subdivisions brush against woods and creeks.

Mecklenburg County, with 28 reported copperhead bites last year, trailed only Wake County, which saw 49, according to Carolinas Poison Center statistics.

Anna Dulaney, spokeswoman for the poison center, said Mecklenburg has 13 reported copperhead bites so far this year, Wake County has reported 25.

Symptoms of copperhead bites can vary from mild swelling and bruising around the bite site to severe swelling and discoloration that spreads rapidly, causing tissue death.

Dulaney said sometimes bite victims can experience drops in blood pressure or changes in the way their blood clots, but she said such extreme symptoms are rare.

Grover Barfield, education chair of the N.C. Herpetological Society, has been bitten twice by copperheads.

"I had caught a baby copperhead and I was supposed to do a show-and-tell at my son's second-grade class. It was Friday the 13th," Barfield said. He said he was holding the snake's tail when he dropped its head. It recoiled and struck him.

"It was like a bee sting except three to five times more painful, and I could feel the venom spread to each of the joints in my hand."

Barfield said he excused himself from the class and drove to the hospital. He went back later to advise the kids to "not do as I do but do as I say and leave them alone because they can hurt you."

Not all copperhead bite victims experience symptoms. Dulaney said sometimes the snakes will "dry bite," or bite without injecting venom. She said most of those bites don't get reported. Jeff Hall, president of the N.C. Herpetological Society said studies of copperhead bites show up to 40 percent of bites are dry.

"They're not out to get people," Hall said.

"It's energetically expensive for them to bite something they can't eat - like a human," he said.

Hall said copperhead bites are often the results of snakes taking defensive measures when people get too close.

Tim Sullivan of Critter Control in Charlotte said copperheads like to lie in leaves or grass in partially sunny areas, making golf courses and parks likely places to get bitten.

He said Critter Control has handled 10 or 12 copperheads, mostly in the south Charlotte area.

Sullivan said minimizing pine needles and natural litter around your house, as well as using a chemical repellent, will help ward off copperheads. If you're face-to-face with a copperhead, Sullivan recommended, leave the animal alone and call a professional.

Both Hall and Sullivan said they have never been bitten by a copperhead, despite having careers that put them in contact with the reptiles.

Hall said copperheads are by far the most prevalent venomous snake in Mecklenburg - the five other types of pit viper in North Carolina are all found either in the mountains or coastal plains.

Copperheads are the only venomous snake present in all 100 counties in the state. They are capable of living anywhere they can find shelter, water and food.

Michael Dorcas, herpetologist and associate professor at Davidson College, said that while copperheads do present a threat when provoked, they aren't typically aggressive and should just be avoided or left alone.

"Sure, you've got to watch out for them, just like you've got to watch out for hornets' nests and holes in your yard," he said. "They're part of our natural world."



Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/07/31/1592990/hissss-nc-is-no-1-state-for-copperhead.html#ixzz0vjgUfqjo
 

 

Hissss: N.C. is No. 1 state for copperhead bites
By Katie Oliver
koliver@charlotteobserver.com
Posted: Saturday, Jul. 31, 2010
 

'If they can find mice and they can find heat, they'll have a comfortable place,' says Grover Barfield, education chairman for the N.C. Herpetological Society. He has suffered three venomous snakebites, two from copperheads.  Kevin Rose got bitten two years ago, walking to water the tomato garden in the ivy-laden backyard of his south Charlotte home.  "Since I was barefoot, I was walking on the ivy to keep my feet clean," Rose said. "Then - bam! - it happened."
Rose said he thought it was a bee until he realized he'd been struck by a copperhead.  North Carolina is No. 1 in the nation for copperhead bites, with 228 documented last year. Most came in urban counties, where subdivisions brush against woods and creeks.

Mecklenburg County, with 28 reported copperhead bites last year, trailed only Wake County, which saw 49, according to Carolinas Poison Center statistics.
Anna Dulaney, spokeswoman for the poison center, said Mecklenburg has 13 reported copperhead bites so far this year, Wake County has reported 25.
Symptoms of copperhead bites can vary from mild swelling and bruising around the bite site to severe swelling and discoloration that spreads rapidly, causing tissue death.  Dulaney said sometimes bite victims can experience drops in blood pressure or changes in the way their blood clots, but she said such extreme symptoms are rare.  Grover Barfield, education chair of the N.C. Herpetological Society, has been bitten twice by copperheads.

"I had caught a baby copperhead and I was supposed to do a show-and-tell at my son's second-grade class. It was Friday the 13th," Barfield said. He said he was holding the snake's tail when he dropped its head. It recoiled and struck him.  "It was like a bee sting except three to five times more painful, and I could feel the venom spread to each of the joints in my hand."  Barfield said he excused himself from the class and drove to the hospital. He went back later to advise the kids to "not do as I do but do as I say and leave them alone because they can hurt you."

Not all copperhead bite victims experience symptoms. Dulaney said sometimes the snakes will "dry bite," or bite without injecting venom. She said most of those bites don't get reported. Jeff Hall, president of the N.C. Herpetological Society said studies of copperhead bites show up to 40 percent of bites are dry.  "They're not out to get people," Hall said.  "It's energetically expensive for them to bite something they can't eat - like a human," he said.  Hall said copperhead bites are often the results of snakes taking defensive measures when people get too close.

Tim Sullivan of Critter Control in Charlotte said copperheads like to lie in leaves or grass in partially sunny areas, making golf courses and parks likely places to get bitten.  He said Critter Control has handled 10 or 12 copperheads, mostly in the south Charlotte area.  Sullivan said minimizing pine needles and natural litter around your house, as well as using a chemical repellent, will help ward off copperheads. If you're face-to-face with a copperhead, Sullivan recommended, leave the animal alone and call a professional.  Both Hall and Sullivan said they have never been bitten by a copperhead, despite having careers that put them in contact with the reptiles.  Hall said copperheads are by far the most prevalent venomous snake in Mecklenburg - the five other types of pit viper in North Carolina are all found either in the mountains or coastal plains.  Copperheads are the only venomous snake present in all 100 counties in the state. They are capable of living anywhere they can find shelter, water and food.

Michael Dorcas, herpetologist and associate professor at Davidson College, said that while copperheads do present a threat when provoked, they aren't typically aggressive and should just be avoided or left alone.  "Sure, you've got to watch out for them, just like you've got to watch out for hornets' nests and holes in your yard," he said. "They're part of our natural world."

Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/07/31/1592990/hissss-nc-is-no-1-state-for-copperhead.html#ixzz0vjgUfqjo
 

Tips for avoiding snakebites

Clear debris away from the foundation of your house.
Trim shrubs to keep them from getting overgrown.
Avoid stacking wood near the house.
Keep grass cut.
Wear shoes when outdoors.
Do not try to catch or kill snakes.


 
If you are bitten

Do not panic.
Do not apply ice.
Do not make a tourniquet.
Do not cut the wound and suck out the venom.
Sit as still as possible after calling for
medical attention.



 
Where are they?

Top states for copperhead bites in 2009:
1. North Carolina
2. Texas
3. Virginia
Source: Carolinas Poison Center


 

 

Hissss: N.C. is No. 1 state for copperhead bites

By Katie Oliver
koliver@charlotteobserver.com
 
  • 'If they can find mice and they can find heat, they'll have a comfortable place,' says Grover Barfield, education chairman for the N.C. Herpetological Society. He has suffered three venomous snakebites, two from copperheads.
  • Mecklenburg County reported 28 copperhead bites in 2009, second only to Wake's 49. This 22-inch snake was caught in Cary on Wednesday. Often, copperheads bite because they feel threatened. ETHAN HYMAN - ehyman@newsobserver.com

More Information

  • Clear debris away from the foundation of your house.

    Trim shrubs to keep them from getting overgrown.

    Avoid stacking wood near the house.

    Keep grass cut.

    Wear shoes when outdoors.

    Do not try to catch or kill snakes.

  • Do not panic.

    Do not apply ice.

    Do not make a tourniquet.

    Do not cut the wound and suck out the venom.

    Sit as still as possible after calling for medical attention.

     

  • Top states for copperhead bites in 2009:

    1. North Carolina

    2. Texas

    3. Virginia

    Source: Carolinas Poison Center


 
Kevin Rose got bitten two years ago, walking to water the tomato garden in the ivy-laden backyard of his south Charlotte home.

"Since I was barefoot, I was walking on the ivy to keep my feet clean," Rose said. "Then - bam! - it happened."

Rose said he thought it was a bee until he realized he'd been struck by a copperhead.

North Carolina is No. 1 in the nation for copperhead bites, with 228 documented last year. Most came in urban counties, where subdivisions brush against woods and creeks.

Mecklenburg County, with 28 reported copperhead bites last year, trailed only Wake County, which saw 49, according to Carolinas Poison Center statistics.

Anna Dulaney, spokeswoman for the poison center, said Mecklenburg has 13 reported copperhead bites so far this year, Wake County has reported 25.

Symptoms of copperhead bites can vary from mild swelling and bruising around the bite site to severe swelling and discoloration that spreads rapidly, causing tissue death.

Dulaney said sometimes bite victims can experience drops in blood pressure or changes in the way their blood clots, but she said such extreme symptoms are rare.

Grover Barfield, education chair of the N.C. Herpetological Society, has been bitten twice by copperheads.

"I had caught a baby copperhead and I was supposed to do a show-and-tell at my son's second-grade class. It was Friday the 13th," Barfield said. He said he was holding the snake's tail when he dropped its head. It recoiled and struck him.

"It was like a bee sting except three to five times more painful, and I could feel the venom spread to each of the joints in my hand."

Barfield said he excused himself from the class and drove to the hospital. He went back later to advise the kids to "not do as I do but do as I say and leave them alone because they can hurt you."

Not all copperhead bite victims experience symptoms. Dulaney said sometimes the snakes will "dry bite," or bite without injecting venom. She said most of those bites don't get reported. Jeff Hall, president of the N.C. Herpetological Society said studies of copperhead bites show up to 40 percent of bites are dry.

"They're not out to get people," Hall said.

"It's energetically expensive for them to bite something they can't eat - like a human," he said.

Hall said copperhead bites are often the results of snakes taking defensive measures when people get too close.

Tim Sullivan of Critter Control in Charlotte said copperheads like to lie in leaves or grass in partially sunny areas, making golf courses and parks likely places to get bitten.

He said Critter Control has handled 10 or 12 copperheads, mostly in the south Charlotte area.

Sullivan said minimizing pine needles and natural litter around your house, as well as using a chemical repellent, will help ward off copperheads. If you're face-to-face with a copperhead, Sullivan recommended, leave the animal alone and call a professional.

Both Hall and Sullivan said they have never been bitten by a copperhead, despite having careers that put them in contact with the reptiles.

Hall said copperheads are by far the most prevalent venomous snake in Mecklenburg - the five other types of pit viper in North Carolina are all found either in the mountains or coastal plains.

Copperheads are the only venomous snake present in all 100 counties in the state. They are capable of living anywhere they can find shelter, water and food.

Michael Dorcas, herpetologist and associate professor at Davidson College, said that while copperheads do present a threat when provoked, they aren't typically aggressive and should just be avoided or left alone.

"Sure, you've got to watch out for them, just like you've got to watch out for hornets' nests and holes in your yard," he said. "They're part of our natural world."



Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/07/31/1592990/hissss-nc-is-no-1-state-for-copperhead.html#ixzz0vjgUfqjo
 

Susan Melvin, K4ZXN
District Emergency Coordinator
Area 13 North Carolina ARES

ARES ® Registered Trademark of ARRL

From: Susan Melvin [mailto:k4zxn@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2010 8:15 AM
To: 'Frank Kopenec'; 'Tom Brown N4TAB'; 'kd4ozi@bellsouth.net'; 'ryoung@sonic.net'; 'jackmaster@bellsouth.net'; 'n2cop@ec.rr.com'; 'Dan N1ND''; 'Tim.Slay@duke-energy.com'; 'Randy Ross'; 'Lee Jay Mauney'
Cc: 'Chip Workman'; 'Ben melvin'; 'Al Whatley'; 'wa4tv@yahoo.com'
Subject: RE: Antenna ordnance for Cleveland county, North Carolina
Importance: High

Thanks Frank,  the Section Manager has already sent out his plan of action on this matter, somewhat similar to yours and the ARRL will help us get the experts together on this matter, that is what we pay our dues for.  We all need to be patient and work together and make sure the best possible outcome comes from this, for current amateurs in the county and for future amateurs.   I already have a document worked up on the importance of amateur radio as an emergency service to give to those members of the committee who do not know about amateur radio.  I noticed in your email (and it was probably an oversight or you did not have their email address) that the leadership of the local ARES group was left out of your email.  I have copied this to them so they are aware of your thoughts on the matter.  I ask that you please in the future when discussing this matter (this goes for all that have been copied on this email), please include the following in your emails.

 Ben Melvin, Emergency Coordinator Cleveland County ben@kmse.com <----- serving on the committee
Todd Vickery, Assistant Emergency Coordinator  wa4tv@yahoo.com
Chip Workman, Assistant Emergency Coordinator
cwworkman001@carolina.rr.com
<------- serving on the commitee

Al Whatley, Assistant Emergency Coordinator n4haw@yahoo.com

Thank you everyone for your cooperation, this is not a time to put ourselves or our groups first, this is a time for all of us to come together in one accord for the amateur radio operators of Cleveland County and for the future operators.  We all need to work together for the best possible outcome on this and after hearing some of the planning boards thoughts and ideas on the matter, we've now got an uphill climb to get back to where we need to be but with patience, prayers and the cooperation of everyone working together, we can come up with a solution that will be best for all involved.

 Thank you,
Susan Melvin
K4ZXN

District Emergency Coordinator
Area 13 NC ARES

 

Here is a list a great weather safety websites with more great information including multi media materials and PSAs...

NOAA Weather Radio...http://www.weather.gov/nwr/
Lightning Safety...http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/
Flood Safety...http://www.floodsafety.noaa.gov/
Turn Around Don't Drown...http://tadd.weather.gov/
Tornado Safety...http://www.fema.gov/hazard/tornado/index.shtm


Please let me know if you have questions regarding Severe Weather Awareness Week or any other needs which I can address. Thanks for helping to promote the awareness week and the message of being prepared and stying safe.

Jeff Orrock
NWS Raleigh , NC
(919) 515-8209 ext. 223

7/29/10
Bill - K4VET

1.  IRS Announces One-Time Filing Relief for Small Organizations that Failed to File for Three Consecutive Years
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Internal Revenue Service today announced  that small nonprofit organizations at risk of losing their  tax-exempt status because they failed to file required returns for 2007, 2008, and 2009  can preserve their exempt status by filing returns by October 15, 2010.

Two types of relief are available for small exempt organizations -a filing extension for the smallest organizations required  to file Form 990-N, Electronic Notice (e-Postcard), and a voluntary compliance program  (VCP) for small organizations eligible to file Form 990-EZ, Short Form Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax.

Find more information about the filing relief program on IRS.gov.
 

Stanly County ARC
Bill - K4VET
7/27/10

FCC Okays Employee Participation in Emergency Drills

Moving with unaccustomed speed, the FCC adopted a Report and Order on July 14, allowing hams who are employed by both government agencies and non-government agencies such as hospitals, to participate in emergency and disaster drills on behalf of their employers. The ruling was based on a Notice of Proposed Rule Making, WP-10-72, issued this past March, in response to petitions arising from a strict interpretation by the FCC's Enforcement Bureau of the prohibition on amateurs communicating on behalf of their employers. The decision came just more than a month after the reply comment deadline.

The ruling added a new paragraph to Section 97.113(a)(3) of the FCC rules, which reads as follows:

(i) A station licensee or control station operator may participate on behalf of an employer in an
emergency preparedness or disaster readiness test or drill, limited to the duration and scope of such test or
drill, and operational testing immediately prior to such test or drill. Tests or drills that are not
government-sponsored are limited to a total time of one hour per week; except that no more than twice in
any calendar year, they may be conducted for a period not to exceed 72 hours.

There is no specific effective date given in the Report and Order, so it will presumably become effective upon publication in the Federal Register. The complete text of the report and order may be accessed online at < http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2010/db0714/FCC-10-124A1.pdf >.

------------
Back in the Saddle again.  Field day Sure take a lot of of me.  Thanks to the XYL for her assistance during Field Day.

Field Day 2010

http://www.qsl.net/kd4ozi/FIELD%20DAY%202010/FD%20INFORMATION.htm

Paul - KD4OZI

NOAA Hurricane Predictions for 2010

  
NOAA estimate a 70% probability for each of the following ranges of activity this season:

  • 14-23 Named Storms,
  • 8-14 Hurricanes
  • 3-7 Major Hurricanes
  • An ACE range of 155%-270% of the median.

 

 

MEDIA HIT

Hats off to the folks in the new Maryland club for getting a nice story on emergency communications at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine. 

QST July  issue page 12.  Nice to see recognition to our Western Branch.  Thanks to David (WA9OTP), Bob (KC4TVO) and Steve (KI4ZUI) for helping to make this happen at the Hospital.  Also thanks to Bill (N2COP) and Tim (N4IB)
for helping get this published.

7/11/10

To: "'Susan Melvin'" <k4zxn@yahoo.com>, "'Tom Brown N4TAB'" <n4tab@earthlink.net>, "'PAUL B ROBINETTE'" <kd4ozi@bellsouth.net>

Susan:
Congratulations on 100% compliance.  Great job!
73,
Bill

Bill Morine, N2COP
7/11/10

To:
"NC Amateur Radio Emergency Service email list" <ncares-admin@rtpnet.org>
 
Hi, all.

A couple of related subjects.

NC ARES/RACES Registration Database Status.  The NC ARES/RACES Database is and has been 100% functional. As of 1900 HRS today, a total of 107 appointees (SEC,ASECs, DECs, ECs and individual members) have registered.  This includes 32 County ECs.  If you have not done so, please take care of this. DECs are asked to touch base with ECs in their respective jurisdictions and ascertain the status, county by county. Let your ASEC know about any problems or issues.

NCARRL.ORG/ARES Web pages.  As of 0000 HRS EDT July 01, 2010, the NCARRL.ORG/ARES webpages were updated according to information contained in the NC ARES/RACES Registration Database.  If you see your jurisdiction is shown as "Vacant", that means that your information was not listed in the Registration database when the Website was updated.  Website updates will occur on a daily basis.

The NC ARES policy is that appointees (EC and higher) need to complete IS 100, 200, 700 and 800 no later than August 01, 2010.  Those who have not done so by that date will be delisted.

Thanks to all for all of their hard work and planning.

73,

Tom  N4TAB
NC SEC
 

 

 

 

From: John White WB2NHQ <wb2nhq@carolina.rr.com
Subject: Fw: [W4BFB Members] Fw: RADO course offering
To: "k4zxn" <k4zxn@yahoo.com
Date: Monday, June 14, 2010, 8:42 AM

 
 ----- Original Message ----- From: Hauser, Gregory
 To: 'John White WB2NHQ'
 Cc: Pipkin, Caryn ; Tom Brown N4TAB
 Sent: Friday, June 11, 2010 10:08 AM
 Subject: RADO course offering
 
 
 Hello Mr. White,
 I also wanted to take the opportunity to offer an all hazards Radio Operator (RADO) course to
members of ARES in the following counties: "Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Union, Lincoln, Cleveland, Catawba, Iredell, Gaston, Rowan, and Stanly.  This class is geared toward public safety dispatchers and amateur operators that are required to take their skills out to a large event or disaster.  We will focus on how the RADO fits into the Communications Unit in the NIMS structure.  We will also train on the Charlotte UASI Mobile Operations Center and do a few functional exercises.
 The class is July 20th and/or 21st (1 day class) at the Charlotte Fire/Police Training Academy.
 If anyone is interested, please Contact Caryn Pipkin at 704-336-8803.
 
 If you have any questions please let us know.
 
 Greg Hauser
 TCII/Tactical Comms Coordinator
 Charlotte Fire Communications
 C: 7042418616

 

New Morning Net Manager
7:45 A.M.    3.927
Our new morning net manager will be W3OJO (Joe).  KI4YV will still be on the
morning nets but is hamper by Lightning strikes during the summer.  When he
disconnects from his antenna he must dependent on someone else to hook  up his
antenna again.  Thanks Bob for all your efforts as the NET manager.

Paul - KD4OZI
6/18/10

 

I know that it early but put this on you calendar for our Fall ARES meeting at
Western Piedmont Community College.  Paul - KD4OZI

Hi Paul,
The end-of-semester-crunch is over and I was able to reserve that room you wanted for the ARES meeting in October.

It is Saturday Oct.30, 9am-2pm (reserved) in HS-160 (Health Sciences).  That is the same room we used for the past two meetings.

School address:
Western Piedmont Community College
1001 Burkemont Ave.
Morganton, NC 28655

wpcc.edu


73
Michelle
 

   NOAA Hurricane Predictions for 2010  

NOAA estimate a 70% probability for each of the following ranges of activity this season:

  • 14-23 Named Storms,
  • 8-14 Hurricanes
  • 3-7 Major Hurricanes
  • An ACE range of 155%-270% of the median.

 

 

----- Original Message -----
From: <bstewart@windstream.net>
To: "Ralph Brown WB4AQK" <rkbrown5902@bellsouth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 6:18 PM
Subject: W4VEC Special Test Session June 30, 2010 Salisbury


Good Afternoon Everyone,
    We will be having a special W4VEC Test session at the Rowan County Main
Library
on June 30, 2010 at 7:00 pm in the Hurley Room. The Technician exams
are scheduled to change on July 1, 2010.
We would like for anyone that has
been studying for the Technician license to have a chance to take the exam
before the test changes. We will also be giving exams at the Firecracker
Hamfest on July 10 but the new question pool will be in effect.

Practice tests can be taken online at www.hamtest.com or www.qrz.com

5/15/10
 

A MUST SEE, NEW CPR METHOD, NO MOUTH TO MOUTH AND WORKS BETTER.  ANYONE CAN DO AFTER SEEING THIS ONCE!   
Continuous Chest Compression CPR - Mayo Clinic Presentation
Video click Here.....     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5huVSebZpM
Area-11
You may be interested in this one

Severe Weather Spotter Training
Who??  All EC's, ADEC's,  DEC's , ASEC's and SEC must be compliant and registered by July1.
What Courses are Required at the North Carolina State Level?

ICS-100
ICS-200
ICS-700
ICS-800 B


Paul - KD4OZI
4/24/10
Tar Heel Emergency Net
Nightly 7:30 p.m. - 3923 kHz
(Alternate Frequency 7232 kHz**)
North Carolina HF ARES Net
 
http://www.ncarrl.org/nets/THEN/
 

Paul. KD4OZI is a little slack.

4/24/10

 

Web Site of Interest

NC ARES

Then
NC Section Information

I like the new style.  Good work by the WEB master Susan (WA4AKB).

Paul - KD4OZI

 

ARRL Spring/Summer Operating Schedule
Stanly County and the Western Branch at the Charlotte Hamfest 2010
The Easter Chick
 Potable Towers
Not sure how good they work, wind speed a little concern but take a look.  These are interesting
and a real surprise to me they even existed..

Thanks Don, (K4PDW) for the information
Paul - KD4OZI
3/8/10

From:
View contact details
 
To:
Undisclosed-Recipient@yahoo.com

SB SPCL @ ARL $ARLX005
ARLX005 IARU Region 2 and Radio Club de Chile Request Amateurs to
Keep Emergency Frequencies Clear

ZCZC AX05
QST de W1AW
Special Bulletin 5 ARLX005
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT March 1, 2010
To all radio amateurs

SB SPCL ARL ARLX005
ARLX005 IARU Region 2 and Radio Club de Chile Request Amateurs to
Keep Emergency Frequencies Clear

A massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit Chile at 0634 UTC on February
27, 2010, triggering a potential tsunami. IARU Region 2 and the Red
Chilena Nor Austral de Servicio (RECNA) have suggested Amateur Radio
operators monitor the following emergency communications frequencies
for traffic pertaining to the earthquake and tsunami: 3.738, 3.750,
7.050, 7.100, 14.200, 14.350, 21.200, 21.350, 28.300 and 28.500 MHz.


IARU Region 2 Area Emergency Coordinator Jorge Sierra, LU1AS,
reports that there is now traffic at frequencies of 40 meters from
people seeking information from people in Chile: "We would
appreciate if amateurs would leave free the frequencies used by
RECNA, as well as the usual IARU Region 2 frequencies on in 20, 40,
and 80 meters."

In addition to the above frequencies, you may also want to listen to
the worldwide emergency communication Center of Activity
frequencies: 14.300, 18.160 and 21.360 MHz. Other suggested
monitoring frequencies are 3.720, 7.045 and 7.060 MHz. Hawaiian
Amateur Radio operators on the lookout for a possible tsunami are
monitoring 7.088 and 3.888 MHz.
NNNN
/EX

 

 

IBM boosts solar cell made of abundant materials

Dear Fellow NC PIOs

As part of the upcoming changes on April 1st, I’ve asked Section Manager Tim Slay, N4IB, to appoint Woody Woodward, K3VSA, as the section Public Information Coordinator, effective immediately.  I’ve worked closely with Woody for the past four years, and I’m sure you’ll agree he has the commitment and enthusiasm to not only maintain the fine PIO operation we have in the section, bit to expand upon it and bring it an even higher level.  Woody has been helping me behind the scenes to update the NC ARRL PIO page at www.ncarrl.org to prepare for the transition, and you’ll see those results shortly.   

It’s been my pleasure to have served as section PIC since November of 2004, and I look forward to continuing to work with you all as Section Manager after April 1st.  Please join me in welcoming Woody.

 73,
Bill N2COP

 

Bill Morine, N2COP
An ARRL trained Public Information Officer

101 Windlass Drive   Wilmington , NC   28409-2030
HOME TEL: (910) 452-1770  CELL: (910) 367-1758
Chairman - ARRL National Public Relations Committee

 



Go take a look at what is going on with this New Site.

1/26/10
 Looking for Those Radio Parts??
Try All Electronics
1/18/10
Amateur Radio Operators are invited to learn how to employ Depiction before and during emergencies to enhance their planning and response capabilities. David Friedman, KE7GOY, an Amateur Radio Operator and emergency response volunteer, and retired Navy Captain Kim Buike of Depiction, Inc., will demonstrate how Friedman used Depiction to coordinate rescue operations during 2008 winter floods in the Seattle area, as described in the November 2009 edition of QST magazine. They will also show how Amateur Radio Operators can use the latest version of the software to do the same.
1/27/10
25 THINGS ABOUT TO BECOME EXTINCT IN AMERICA
Ham Radio #16
ARLB001 W1AW 2010 Winter Operating Schedule
 Have you been to the Doctor lately?  You or one of the family
may have the "Nack".. 
 Play this.

 

Known as the "Magic Band," 6 meters QSO Party

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