Net activation will occur when:
A severe thunderstorm warning or tornado warning is issued for Cleveland County;
Warning(s) have been issued immediately to our west or southwest in McClain and/or Grady Counties, and it becomes obvious the threat will extend into Cleveland County.
A Lead Operator should change the repeater tail to "Level 4" ("Emergency Net") just before activating the net!
Note: "Lead Op 2" scripts are only applicable when there is a secondary Net Control Operator.
The following is read upon activation of the net: (read only the bold type over the air!)
Lead Operator 1: "This is [ call sign ], Net Control, Lead Operator 1, for Cleveland County SKYWARN. The Cleveland County SKYWARN Weather Net is now being activated. By authorization of SCARS, all radio traffic on this frequency is now limited to weather-related traffic, and should be directed to Net Control. This is [call sign], Net Control. Net Control to Lead Operator 2, check in now, please." [pause for Lead Operator 2 to identify]
Lead Op 2 will notify the Weather Service of the Net Activation by way of the link or the special access phone number.
Lead Operator 1: [ gives the details of weather threat, i.e. read warning and/or other pertinent information over the repeater, then invites spotters to check in ] "Spotters will now check in with call sign and location only at this time."
Lead Operator 1: [ Take check-ins, log call signs and locations of spotters ]
Lead Operator 1: "Spotters are requested to report any severe weather such as tornadoes, funnel clouds, winds causing damage to structures, and any reports of hail, especially if the size is greater than three-fourths of an inch. When reporting, tell me what you observed, the location of what you observed, and how long ago you observed it. All spotters are urged to consider your personal safety at all times. Spotters wishing to report severe weather should do so now. This is [ call sign ], Net Control for Cleveland County SKYWARN." [ pause for, and log any replies ]
Lead Operator 2 will relay any severe weather reports to the Weather Svc.
Lead Operator 1: [ Recap latest warning/statement, etc]
Lead Operator 1: "This is a directed-net, and all radio traffic will be directed to the Net Control station. This is [ call sign ], Net Control for Cleveland County SKYWARN.
The following is to be read at intervals not to exceed ten minutes (timed for I.D. purposes!).
Lead Operator 1: "This is [ call sign ], Net Control station for Cleveland County SKYWARN, standing by for additional check-ins and any severe weather reports."
Lead Operator 1: [ Recap latest warning/statement, etc ]
Lead Operator 1: "This is [ call sign ], Cleveland County SKYWARN."
Alternate with:
"Spotters are requested to report any severe weather such as tornadoes, funnel clouds, winds causing damage to structures, and any reports of hail, especially if the size is greater than three-fourths of an inch. When reporting, tell me what you observed, the location of what you observed, and how long ago you observed it. All spotters are urged to consider your personal safety at all times. Spotters wishing to report severe weather should do so now. This is [ call sign ], Net Control for Cleveland County SKYWARN." [ pause for, and log any replies ]
......and so on. Be sure to keep the Net posted on the latest warnings, etc, as needed. Be sure to keep transmissions as short as possible in case someone needs to get in with an urgent report - especially if the weather is really active in our area.
As severe weather moves out of the area, and the decision has been made to terminate further operations, the following is aired:
Lead Operator 1: "This is [ call sign ], Net Control station for Cleveland County SKYWARN. The Cleveland County SKYWARN Weather Net is being closed at this time. The repeater is being returned to normal operation. We wish to thank the South Canadian Amateur Radio Society for the use of the repeater for this vital public service, and the Amateur Radio community for your participation and support. This is [ call sign ], Net Control station for Cleveland County SKYWARN, clear at [ time ].
A Lead Operator should now change the repeater tail to whatever level now exists below "level 4.". The NWS should also be advised the Net has been deactivated.