The ECRT is excited to announce a change to the 2009 severe storm season in Central Ilinois. Effective immediately the Central Illinois All Hazards Net has moved primary operations to the 147.075 MHz + (103.5 PL).

The following is a letter, brochure and pocket card was sent to all amateurs in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford and Stark counties. If you did not receive the letter please click on the link.

• Official Letter from the City of Peoria Office of Emergency Management - (.pdf)
• ECRT Severe Weather Brochure - (.pdf)
• Severe Weather Pocket Card - (.png)

8-1-2009 Procedure Change Information - Central Illinois Weather Net Procedure Changes 8-1-2009 - (.pdf)

Note: For spotters who are not registered members of the City of Peoria Office of Emergency Management or the Peoria County Emergency Management Agency please note you will need to inform net control of your spotting location. Net control is not able to advise you on a location to spot from. For more information on this please see the file linked here: Central Illinois Weather Net Procedure Changes 8-1-2009 - (.pdf)

In addition to the 147.075 MHz repeater, net control is also monitoring the 444.050 MHz repater as an alternative. The net is not formally being conducted on the 444.050 MHz but is monitored in the event 147.075 MHz is not usable from your location. In the event of a failure of the 147.075 MHz repeater the net will be moved to the 146.850 MHz (PL 103.5) repeater until the 147.075 MHz repeater is operational.

In the event you need to get ahold of net control for any reason and are unable to do so via the radio or would prefer you may always contact net control via the phone at (309) 494-8087.

There are a few simple guidelines each amateur should following when working with a net.  Understanding the net is being directed by the net control station is key.

• Listen to the frequency for activity and traffic before transmitting.  Make sure you are not interfering with critical communications.
• Transmit just your call sign.  When a net is in operation the net control operator may be doing several tasks or change operators frequently.  Simply state your call sign and wait to be recognized by the net control operator.
• Monitor the net.  The net control stations keep close track of participants.  If you need to leave the net before the net is closed let the net control station know.  Safety is a priority during severe weather and net control operators need to know you are okay.
• Communicate only with the net control station.  If you need to talk with another radio operator, check in with net control first.  Ask if it’s okay to contact the other station.  Quickly agree on another frequency and move off the net.  Notify the net control station when you return to the net.
• Report significant events.  Review the information from this brochure and listen to what the net control station is looking for.  Often the National Weather Service gives us a good idea of what we should expect to see.