[KYHAM] KEN Training for March 24: Safety Tips for Spotters

[Ron Dodson]

While storm spotters are a major part of the warning network
utilized by NOAA and National Weather Service Offices
nation-wide, spotters can get themselves into some tight and
dangerous spots if they forget to mind a few safety rules. 
This week we examine some spotter safety tips.  

First off - Remember,  Lightening is the number 1 killer in
storms.  Far more die and are injured from strikes than any
other weather phenomena. Always guard against lightening
threats

Monitor NOAA weather radio for further info and keep an ear
to the local spotter network for evolving threats that may
be approaching.

If stationary, have a place of shelter available that can be
reached in seconds.


When Mobile: 

Travel in pairs if going mobile.  The driver can concentrate
on the road while the spotter keeps an eye on weather
conditions.

Remain aware of your location and environment at all times.
Be alert for obstructions in the roadway and standing water.

When spotting from a mobile situation, keep a two mile
buffer at minimum between you and a storm.  ALWAYS try to
have an escape route.  Try to stay on the south side of the
storm, you will have a better view of the activity in the
cell.  Here in Ky, this can be a real challenge.  Unlike
Kansas and much of the midwestern area, Ky. has hills and
hollows that make spotting a nightmare.  In many spots,
storms are only partially visible and much of what you see
is just the bottom of the storm cloud as you look straight
up!  This makes it all the more imperative that one have a
means of shelter and plans to hit cover immediately.

Always carry identification with you and cooperate with law
enforcement and other emergency agencies.  Be watchful for
approaching emergency vehicles.

Be careful where you park.  You may find that you are
alarming someone who does not understand what you are doing
or may be blocking someone else's route of travel or
driveway.

Never, never, ignore law enforcement requests to clear or
not enter an area.  If you have been sent into an area by
EMA or another agency after a storm and police/national
guard refuse you entry, do not try to sneak in or force your
way into an area.  Have Net Control contact the agency to
get you clearance.  


MAKE GOOD, VALID REPORTS! Everyone's safety depends on good,
accurate, detailed information.  Just saying, "It's raining
hard here" or "I'm in Franklin County and there is a tornado
on the ground" is not making a good report.  Be specific,
give exact locations and exactly what is taking place.  An
example might be, " I am 2 miles west of Brandenburg, in
Meade County.  There is a tornado on the ground along Hwy 79
moving east, toward town, at about 40 miles per hour!" or "
I am located in downtown Lexington.  We had half dollar
sized hail here at 2:35 PM.  There has been damage to cars
and buildings. The storm was headed northeast."  

Keep transmissions short, but concise.  Avoid any
unnecessary transmissions. Be mindful of the conditions
around you at all times and alert for quick changes in any
storm. Let's all be "Good Spotters" and do our best to get
everyone through this storm season alive and well.

73