Inland Northwest Emergency Communications

Stay informed and prepared for emergencies in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho that could affect you, your family and your community.

This Month's Highlights

Standing Order 1 has been updated to request the use of the WA State Field Situation Report in place of the regular Field Situation Report. The WA State Field Situation Report is now a GIS Mappable Winlink form and now fully replaces the regular Field Situation Report. Download here.

ARRL has launched its legislative action campaign to get ALL radio amateurs involved in sending a message to their Congressional representatives that they want to see passage of bills H.R.1094 and S.459, the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act. to go to https://www.arrl.org/HOA to simply enter their call sign and hit the button to send letters on their behalf. It is nearly effortless! You do not need to be an ARRL member to use the website. EVERY licensed amateur radio operator is welcome to participate!

CERT Training is Coming

There are two CERT training opportunities coming up in the near future:
CERT Basic Training - March 24-26, 2026, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, location is TBD. Information here.
CERT Train-the-Trainer Training - April 21-23, 2026, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. location is Spokane Valley SDA Church, 1601 South Sullivan Road, Spokane Valley, WA. 99037. Information here.
To register contact: Celso Rangel WA. State CERT Coordinator at celso.rangel@ofm.wa.gov, Phone: (360) 480-6363 (Questions)
REGISTRATION CLOSES 18 days before class starts @ 5:00pm

General Winter Weather Safety Message
- Sign up for alerts and warnings from state and local public safety officials. These notifications are especially important during winter storms, as forecasts can change quickly and storm impacts may evolve.
- Download the FEMA App to receive real-time weather and emergency alerts nationwide, notify loved ones, locate emergency shelters, and access safety tips.
- Visit ready.gov/winter-ready to learn about common hazards you might face. This site offers resources for low cost heating solutions, winter-proofing your home and safe winter travel.
- Severe winter storms may cause extended power outages. Heat your home safely: if you use a generator, keep it outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and garages. Never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home. Check with local officials about open warming centers nearby.
- Be a good neighbor—let’s support each other however we can! Check on your neighbors: they maybe be cold or hungry and you may be able to help. Volunteer to shovel snow for older adults and people with disabilities.
- People who live alone may need extra help weathering the storm. Share resources and provide some company.
- Snow, freezing rain, and ice can make travel dangerous and increase the risk of prolonged power outages. If you lose power during a winter storm, stay warm safely.
- If you can’t keep your home warm, go to a community warming center. Call 211 to help locate one.
- If you need a place to get warm, you can visit [insert location] from [insert times and dates]. Road Safety
- During a winter storm, follow guidance from local officials. If they advise you to stay off the roads, please do so.
- Check your local weather and traffic reports before heading out and keep emergency supplies in your car. Tell someone your route and expected arrival time. Pack an emergency kit with blankets, food, water, first aid supplies and other essentials in case you become stranded.
- Drive Slowly. It takes longer to stop on slippery roads: increase your following distance and watch for icy conditions. Keep your auto insurance and towing company contact information easily accessible.  Stay in your vehicle. If you become trapped, remain in your vehicle unless you see a building for shelter.

Outside Safety
- Stay home if you can. Remain indoors during and after a winter storm. If you must go out, be ready for the cold.
- Watch out for freezing rain. If you must go outside, wear sturdy shoes with good traction. To maintain balance, take slow, short steps and keep your center of gravity over your feet.
- Dress appropriately. Wear layers and cover as much skin as possible. Protect your ears, face, hands and feet. Boots should be waterproof and insulated. Wearing a hat will help keep your whole-body warmer.
- Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. This can include numbness, grayish-yellow or waxy skin, shivering, confusion, fumbling hands, slurred speech or drowsiness. Know how to treat these conditions.

Spokane County Emergency Management

Providing professional full-spectrum Emergency Management services to build and sustain community resilience

Location

1121 W. Gardner Ave, Spokane, WA 99260

ARES-ACS Meetings (Open to the public)

1st Tuesday 5:30 PM ARES-ACS Staff Meeting
2nd Saturday 9:00 AM General Workshop
3rd Thursday 6:00 PM Training Meeting

GoFundMe Request

FROM: Dave Carleton
TO: ERC Net Operators
SUBJECT: Spokane Coordinating Council Go Fund me Drive

I have set up a GO Fund Me drive to help get some some funds to help with Communications Equipment we use here in the Spokane Coordinating Council. We have had a handful of folks that have been working to keep equipment running and up to date and we truly appreciate their work and contributions. But, we are in need of some help. We have equipment that is getting old, we are repositioning and upgrading some equipment to make it much more dependable and able to cover areas much better. We are also in the process of upgrading our Winlink capabilities in the area and making sure they are reliable when needed.

We need funding help. Any amount you or any other radio operators you know that could give would be greatly appreciated. I am including the link to donate (https://gofund.me/f0372115 ) and a QR code (to the right) that can be used to get to the page. It is a very easy process but, if you cannot get to it or need help, please feel free to contact me. You can give a donation to others and they can get on and do it for you.

Thanks again for all you are doing and in advance for the help giving as we need it. If you have any questions please contact me.

Upcoming Events

January 24-25, 2026 - Winter Field Day
February 21, 2026 - Technician Class with testing, 4444 E 43rd Ave, Spokane, WA 99223
February 28, 2026 - Jack Tiley's General Class
March 7, 2026 - Mike and Key Swap Meet, Puyallup, WA
March 25, 2926 - KARS ZOOM Technician Class Starts, Contact Dale Dupree at grumpydaleradio@gmail.com for details.
April ??, 2026 - Spokane Hamfest (TBD)
April 18, 2026 - World Amateur Radio Day
April 25 and May 2, 2026 - Jack Tiley's Extra Class
May 3, 2026 - Bloomsday (Volunteers needed)
May 16?, 2026 - Torchlight Parade (Volunteers needed)
June 14th - Climb for Cure (Volunteers needed)
June 16, 2026 - IEVHFRC Swap Meet (TBD)
July 16, 2026 - Cherry Pickers Trot in Green Bluff (Volunteers needed)
August ??, 2026 - Kootenai Hamfest and ARRL Stat Convention
August 29, 2026 - Jack Tiley's Technician Class
September - National Preparedness Month
September 13, 2026 - RIM Ride (Volunteers needed)
October 3, 2026 - Simulated Emergency Test (SET)
October 15, 2026 - The Great Shakeout
November TBD - Catastrophic Communications Exercise 2026
December 4-5 - SKYWARN Recognition Day, National Weather Service