SWIARC Prepper's and Survivalism Information Net

Nick K0NHV's Prepper’s and Survivalism Information Net on the 146.820 repeater in Council Bluffs Iowa.

This net covers information relating to being prepared and increasing the probability of survival in an emergency such as a natural disaster or severe weather among other things.

Originally launched in the fall of 2016 by Nick K0NHV, the net is now supervised and moderated by Craig KE0NEU. There are guest moderators that also conduct the net.

Currently this net is conducted every TUESDAY at 9:00pm CST on the SWIARC Amateur Radio Club repeater located in Council Bluffs Iowa. Anyone within range of the repeater is invited to participate in the net.

This WIKI page will serve as the main web site for the net until such time as another web site is designated. In such a case the web address will be published here.

Purpose

The number of preppers in the U.S. has absolutely exploded in recent years. It has been estimated that there are now approximately 3 million preppers in the United States. There is a general consensus among preppers that our world is becoming increasingly unstable. Some are preparing for the collapse of the economy. Others are extremely concerned about the potential for crippling natural disasters and catastrophic earth changes. Terrorism, killer pandemics, EMP attacks, World War III, martial law, massive solar storms, asteroid strikes and societal chaos are all possible in an uncertain future.

In this net survivalists discuss various disaster plans, and techniques that could be used to save the lives of you and your family. If you are prepared for the worst, then you have an edge on everyone else and you increase the likelihood that you will survive. During this net it is discussed what could happen, what is most probable, and how you can prepare for it. Those interested in becoming a survivalist, or maybe just passively wishing to prepare for a minor disaster such as a blizzard and two week power outage, will find this weekly net a must to listen to and participate in. Ask questions or share your ideas on the weekly SWIARC Prepper's and Survivalism Information Net.

History

Briefly, for now, until someone writes something up with more details.... Nick started this in 2016 during the summer and people liked it so it grew in popularity. Nick doesn't really stick with things like this he starts so he handed it off to George. George is a dedicated prepper with a wealth of survival tips. George likes to share information and inform his fellow hams, however, George doesn't like being a Net Control. George would prefer to participate rather than direct the net. Mark is a young ham that took over the net and was doing well, however, due to the season the participation in the net had dwindled to some degree. Mark decided to retire as Net Control. Rich, a seasoned Net Control agreed to direct the net until Albert became available to take it over. The Net shall survive!

The net has a larger listening base than a participation base. It is estimated that the number of people attentively listening, and actually paying attention, is many times more than those that check into the net. A small but faithful group check in and participate each week. It is believed that there is a steady and growing interest in the net and therefore a dedicated group of people have put forward effort to keep this thing going. It has been suggested that the net will eventually become very popular due to the high level of interest by younger hams in the subject matter.

To the unprepared, the very word "prepper" is likely to summon images of armed zealots hunkered down in bunkers awaiting the End of Days. That is not what is going on with this net. The net has thus far not been biblical. In general the net is not very political. Firearms has been discussed to a minor degree. The major topics are on food storage, medicine, using everyday items in creative ways in an emergency, how to protect from various threats and issues involving the economy. Preparing financially for an economic downturn is as much a survivalist technique as anything else.

The future direction the net will take is entirely dependent on what participants wish to discuss, what the Net Control pursues, and what is permitted on the SWIARC repeater.

UPDATE November 2018: The latest net control operator, Craig W0NEU / KE0NEU has announced a significant format change and move away from conspiracy related discussion.

Moderators

These are past and present Full-Time moderators for the 82 Prepper’s and Survivalism Information Net.

• K0NHV - Nick in Council Bluffs Iowa (inactive) (Net Founder)
• KD0NME - George in Potawatomi County Iowa (Retired Net Control Operator) (Co-Founder)
• KE0KIM - Mark in Omaha Nebraska (Retired Net Control Operator)
• KE0LOL - Albert in Council Bluffs Ia (Retired Net Control Operator)
• KE0NEU - Craig in Omaha NE (Primary Net Control)

Substitute Moderators

• WA0ZQG - Rich in Council Bluffs Ia (Substitute Net Control) (Original Promoter & Supporter)
• KD0FJR - Bill in Ralston NE (Substitute Net Control)
• W0DBW - Derek in Plattsmouth NE (Substitute Net Control) (Original Coordinator)

Sample Preamble

HERE IS A SAMPLE PREAMBLE SCRIPT FOR A NET CONTROL OPERATOR

This is [ your callsign ], welcome to the Prepper’s and Survivalism Information Net. My name is [ your first name ] and I will be your net control operator this evening. For the next hour you are invited to join us on this repeater.

[ pause / drop ]

This net accepts all checkins. Anyone within range of this repeater that wishes to checkin may do so. Although informal, this is a directed net, meaning all transmissions will be directed by this net control station.

[ pause / drop ]

When checking in this evening, I would ask that you provide three things. We need your name, callsign, and location. Please say the three, callsign, name, and location if you wish to check in.

[ pause / drop ]

This evening's topic is [topic], as well as anything relating to general preparedness related questions. Announcements are also welcome.

At this time I will take checkins from any station.

[checkins]

All stations please wait. At this time I will acknowledge...

[recall checkins]

[...]

This is [ your callsign ].

[proceed with net.]

note: During the net you want to stop and see if anyone wants to join the net at least every 15 minutes.

I would like to thank everyone that checked in to tonight’s Prepper’s and Survivalism Information Net. Our gratitude and thanks also to the SWIARC amateur radio club for the use of the 146.82 repeater.

This net is secured, this station is secured, and this repeater is now open for normal amateur use. This is [callsign].

The Amateur’s Code

The Radio Amateur is:

CONSIDERATE…never knowingly operates in such a way as to lessen the pleasure of others.

LOYAL…offers loyalty, encouragement and support to other amateurs, local clubs, and the American Radio Relay League, through which Amateur Radio in the United States is represented nationally and internationally.

PROGRESSIVE…with knowledge abreast of science, a well-built and efficient station and operation above reproach.

FRIENDLY…slow and patient operating when requested; friendly advice and counsel to the beginner; kindly assistance, cooperation and consideration for the interests of others. These are the hallmarks of the amateur spirit.

BALANCED…radio is an avocation, never interfering with duties owed to family, job, school or community.

PATRIOTIC…station and skill always ready for service to country and community.