After the recent bad weather events with both Izzy, Helo, Ak47 and ID, I would like to propose setting up a phone tree. For those that dont know what a phone tree is, let me give a brief explanation. From a military standpoint. . .A phone tree is something we use in the military to answer an alert. Basically the call comes down from higher ups, saying "we're going to war" and then it goes to unit commanders, who alert their battle staff, who in turn alert company commanders.. . who in turn alert their senior NCO's who in turn alert the troops. . .its basically a way for all of us to contact each other in case of emergencies or to notify each other that everything's ok if a local event does happen. Its not something that has to be made public, and truth be told, I wouldnt want my number floating out there in internet-land. . . but I wouldnt have any problem with a couple of members here having it as part of a phone tree.
Ideally, either we all would have a copy of it, or several higher echelon members in different regional locations would have it. This way if there is a local event to one member who has a copy, and that person is unreachable, there is always a backup contact to the phone tree. I know Izzy already has my number as it stands, and since we all have a pretty good idea of his reliability, as well as to his character, Im going to go out on a limb here and nominate him as one of the members who has access to it. I am doing this without consulting him, so if its too much responsibility Izzy, please say so. Its just after the tornados there in Tennessee, and now in Texas, and the resulting issues with quite a few of us trying to make sure our fellow Ants in those regions are safe, I think its time to step up the level of preparedness a few notches. Now, I know there are a few "overly cautious" folks out there who dont want others having their personal information, even if its just a cell phone number, and theres even a alternative for you folks. Go down to your local WalMart, Walgreens, BestBuy, wherever. . . and purchase a prepaid cell phone and use it just for this reason. Theres no tracing and no storing of personal information, and it only costs you if you actually use the phone.
If Im reaching here, or stepping out of bounds, or straying from my lane, somebody please feel free to tell me to shut up, but personally, after the Tornados in Tennessee, I was really worried there for a bit til I knew Izzy and family was safe. I think this is a good idea, and I hope that the membership here thinks as much as well, and is willing to institute a plan like this.
Stay Frosty,
Bill Stormfeather
Bookmarks