[KYHAM] KEN Training for March 2004: Storm Spotter Review

[Ron Dodson]

Spotter nets are done somewhat differently from area to area
based upon the weather service office and the amateurs involved.
Generally speaking, there are things that need reported and
things that waste net time and could cause a transmission that
needs to be heard to be over-ridden by unimportant clutter.
The latter, in extremes, could create a dangerous situation!

Always Report: Winds over 58 MPH, Hail over 1/4 inch diameter,
Heavy rainfalls (in excess of 1 inch per hr.) and Flash Flooding,
Heavy cloud to ground lightening, Tornadic activity; Wall Clouds
/ Funnel Clouds / Tornado on the ground and any storm damage
(Type and location) you observe in the aftermath.

ON THE OTHER HAND; Things that tie up nets are:

"Sunshine Reports " -  Example; "It's not raining here, the sun
is out"  If an NCS or NWS station specifically ASKS for a report
from your location and that is all it is doing, fine, say so.  It
is, however, a waste of the net's time to volunteer this 
information by calling a net control just to announce it.

Exaggerated data, (making it sound worse than it is).

Plain out false reports.  This last one can get you arrested!  A
ham going to jail and/or having a reputation for making false
reports is not good PR for amateur radio or storm spotters in
general!

Let�s now 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. A lot of newer HT�s and mobiles have built-in NOAA
Wx Alert systems.  Consider buying one of these when shopping for
new rigs.

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.

ABOVE ALL, 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.

Remember, the Ky State-wide Drill is 10:07 AM EST, Tuesday, March 
9, 2004.

73,

Ron Dodson, KA4MAP
SEC Ky