FCC "Omnibus" Report and Order

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ARLB019 FCC releases long-awaited ''Omnibus'' Amateur Radio Report and Order

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ARRL Bulletin 19 ARLB019
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT October 12, 2006
To all radio amateurs

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ARLB019 FCC releases long-awaited ''Omnibus'' Amateur Radio Report and Order

Ending a protracted waiting period, the FCC's Report and Order in the so-called ''Omnibus'' Amateur Radio proceeding, WT Docket 04-140, was adopted October 4 and released October 10, 2006. In it, the FCC adopted nearly all of the proposed changes in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking released back in 2004. The FCC has:

+ expanded the phone subbands in the 75 and 40 meter bands;

+ permitted auxiliary stations to transmit on portions of the 2 meter band;

+ permitted the use of spread spectrum on 222-225 MHz;

+ permitted amateurs to retransmit communications from the International Space Station;

+ permitted amateur licensees to designate a specific Amateur Radio club to receive their call sign in memoriam;

+ prohibited an applicant from filing more than one application for a specific vanity call sign;

+ eliminated certain restrictions on equipment manufacturers;

+ permitted Amateur Radio stations in Alaska and surrounding waters more flexibility in providing emergency communications;

+ clarified that ''amateur stations may, at all times and on all frequencies authorized to the control operator, make transmissions necessary to meet essential communication needs and to facilitate relief actions'';

+ deleted the frequency bands and segments specified for RACES stations;

and

+ deleted the requirement for public announcement of test locations and times.

In addition, the FCC took several other miscellaneous actions.

In ''refarming'' the frequencies currently authorized to Novice and Technician Plus licensees, the Commission increased the voice segments for General, Advanced and Amateur Extra licensees.

On 75 meters, Generals will be able to use voice from 3800-4000 kHz, an increase of 50 kHz. Advanced class licensees will be able to use voice from 3700-4000, an increase of 75 kHz, and Amateur Extras will be able to use voice from 3600 to 4000 kHz, a generous increase of 150 kHz.

On 40 meters, Advanced and Extra Class licensees will be able to use voice from 7125-7300 kHz, an increase of 25 kHz. General class licensees will be able to use voice on 7175-7300 kHz, an increase of 50 kHz.

On 15 meters, General class operators will have phone privileges on 21275-21450 kHz, an increase of 25 kHz.

ARRL President Joel Harrison, W5ZN, expressed the ARRL's gratitude to the FCC Commissioners in a letter dated October 11: ''On behalf of the ARRL and the Commission's licensees in the Amateur Radio Service I want to express appreciation for your release yesterday of the Report and Order in WT Docket 04-140 (FCC 06-149) amending Part 97 of the Commission's Rules. The Commission's action in clearing this pending proceeding will assist the Amateur Radio Service in meeting
its objectives, particularly with regard to providing emergency and public service communications.''

The changes will go into effect 30 days after the R&O is published in the Federal Register.
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Facts about Fire

LAFD and USFA: The Facts About Fire...

Every day, people in Los Angeles experience the horror of fire. But most people don't understand fire. Only when we know the true nature of fire can we prepare ourselves and our families.

Each year more than 4,000 Americans die and approximately 20,000 are injured in fires, many of which could be prevented.

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department and the United States Fire Administration believe that fire deaths can be reduced by teaching people the basic facts about fire...

Fire is FAST!

There is little time!

In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house. In minutes, a house can be engulfed in flames. Most fires occur in the home when people are asleep. If you wake up to a fire, you won't have time to grab valuables because fire spreads too quickly and the smoke is too thick. There is only time to escape.

Fire is HOT!

Heat is more threatening than flames.

A fire's heat alone can kill. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super hot air will scorch your lungs. This heat can melt clothes to your skin. In five minutes a room can get so hot that everything in it ignites at once: this is called flashover.

Fire is DARK!

Fire isn't bright, it's pitch black.

Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness. If you wake up to a fire you may be blinded, disoriented and unable to find your way around the home you've lived in for years.

Fire is DEADLY!

Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do.

Fire uses up the oxygen you need and produces smoke and poisonous gases that kill. Breathing even small amounts of smoke and toxic gases can make you drowsy, disoriented and short of breath. The odorless, colorless fumes can lull you into a deep sleep before the flames reach your door. You may not wake up in time to escape.


Fire Safety Tips:

In the event of a fire, remember time is the biggest enemy and every second counts! Escape first, then call for help. Develop a home fire escape plan and designate a meeting place outside. Make sure everyone in the family knows two ways to escape from every room. Practice feeling your way out with your eyes closed. Never stand up in a fire, always crawl low under the smoke and try to keep your mouth covered. Never return to a burning building for any reason; it may cost you your life.

Finally, be sure to install and properly maintain smoke alarms to dramatically increase your chance of surviving a fire. Talking about fire prevention and survival with your family, and practicing your home escape plan is something that may not be able to wait for tomorrow.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

posted by LAFD Media and Public Relations

Information from the LAFD

From Brian Humphrey, LAFD Public Service Officer

Dear Friend of the LAFD:

Every few months, we offer a digest of non-incident and non-event articles that have appeared on our popular LAFD blog.

Please click on the links below for more information.

- LAFD Photo Caption Contest
http://snipurl.com/yw5l

- The Busiest Fire Engines in Los Angeles
http://snipurl.com/yw5o

- When Little Things Mean A Lot
http://snipurl.com/yj38

- Firefighter Calendar To The Rescue of Shelter Animals
http://snipurl.com/yw5q

- The Facts About Fire
http://snipurl.com/yw5r

- LAFD Seal: Symbolism of Substance
http://snipurl.com/yw5s

- LAFD Mailbag: CERT, Empathy & Teamwork
http://snipurl.com/yw5s

- It Happened in Chicago
http://snipurl.com/yz2u

- LAFD Takes $72,143 Boot To Las Vegas
http://snipurl.com/yz36

- Do Your Kids Know Vince and Larry?
http://snipurl.com/yz2v

- LAFD Captain Participates in Flight 93 Ceremony
http://snipurl.com/yz2w

- Workplace Safety Strikes the Right Note
http://snipurl.com/yz2y

- You Can't Predict But You Can Prepare
http://snipurl.com/yz2z

- The Dodd's & Engine Company 20
http://snipurl.com/yz31

- Last Plea: Save The New Guy
http://snipurl.com/yz32

Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service,

Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department

LAFD Home Page: http://www.lafd.org
LAFD News Blog: http://www.lafd.org/blog.htm

S.A.F.E. Collection Center

From the City of Los Angeles,
DPW, Sanitation, SRCRD

RESIDENTIAL SPECIAL MATERIALS AND ELECTRONIC WASTE

A Residential Special Materials and Electronic Waste Collection Center for the Citizens of Los Angeles and Glendale. For security purposes, participants will be required to check in with the guard at the front gate and show a valid California I.D.

No Business and/or commercial waste is accepted.

No waste is accepted during rain.

The SAFE Collection Center accepts paint and solvents, used motor oil and filters, anti-freeze and other automotive fluid, cleaning products, pool and garden chemicals, aerosol cans, all medicines, auto batteries, house (alkaline) batteries, fluorescent tubes and bulbs, thermostats, and other mercury-containing lamps.

The Center also accepts computers, monitors, printers, network equipment, cables, telephones, televisions, microwaves, video games, cell phones, radios, stereos, VCRs and electronics. Residents are limited to a total of six pieces per visit to a SAFE Center

The Center DOES NOT accept: Business waste, ammunition, explosives, radioactive material, biological waste or tires. BULKY ITEMS: furniture, refrigerators, washing machines/dryers, conventional ovens, paper, computer software.

TRANSPORTATION LIMIT FOR CHEMICAL RELATED ITEMS:

It is against the law to transport more than 15 gallons or 125 pounds of hazardous waste to collection sites. Please pack you waste properly to prevent tipping or spilling of the waste during transportation.


LOS ANGELES - GLENDALE S.A.F.E. CENTER
4600 Colorado Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90039

East of the 5 Freeway and West of San Fernando Boulevard on Colorado Boulevard.

HOURS OF OPERATION
Saturday and Sunday
9:00a.m to 3:00p.m.

For Information, Please Call
1-800-98-TOXIC (1-800-988-6942)