Are you prepared for severe weather threats?
Being a trained SKYWARN volunteer will play an important role for your community by providing a watchful eye during times of severe weather. You may look out for dangerous events like tornadoes, flash floods, winter blizzards, brush fires, and downed electrical lines, and other criteria that can cause extreme danger and risk to the general public.
By staying vigilant and reporting weather threats that are specific to your community; You can save lives and greatly reduce the negative impact that a disaster plays by having an effective emergency plan. The National Weather Service can help train a ham operator to know what to look for when it comes to severe weather and give you the information and tools to make accurate and timely observation reports to the NWS and local emergency coordinators .
If your not already a member of SKYWARN or involved with Amateur Radio Emergency Communications. I would encourage you to take interest and to get involved. http://www.nws.noaa.gov/skywarn/
Don't under estimate the role and value you have by thinking that you are too old, or too busy, or make some other excuse for why you should not join. I have been a trained SKYWARN volunteer for the National Weather Service for many years. They depend on your assistance as a trained observer.
Remember that you and your Amateur Radio station should ALWAYS be prepared and ready to assist when your community is in trouble, and to fill the gap when your local communication systems are down.
EF-0 Tornado that was observed near the town of Door, Michigan in April 2011.
Damages like this are common during tornado season. Please be vigilant and aware of changing weather conditions. Use a weather radio to keep you up to date on the conditions and always seek safety on the lowest level of a STURDY SHELTER (basement is best!) during times of severe weather!
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