Ham Radio Operators are known for serving during disasters when normal communications are interrupted or overloaded. Backup power and radios with various antennas, are a given in most Ham homes. But what about food, water and shelter for you and your family? Do you have a meeting point that every member of the family is familiar with? Do you have an out of the area phone/mail contact, in case you or a member of the family gets separated from the rest? Does everyone in your family know how to shut off the gas, electricity and water, should there be a break in a service line? September is National Preparedness Month; so remember You Are Your Own First Responder. Being prepared is not just words on paper, it is your responsibility before you deploy to serve your community. 73 and good Hamming Jim Pace, K7CEX ARRL the National Association for Amateur Radio Northwestern Division Director