[Skywarn] Skywarn Digest, Vol 24, Issue 1

[Larry Nelson]

Re:  "Thank you for sharing your local problem with the entire world -- we all wait breathlessly to seen the next installment of the Trials and Tribulations of Weather Spotting in Rural Nevada"
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IMO, that was a rather snarky response to a problem that lots of rural hams have, regardless of state or territory. While weather spotters are valuable in more densely populated areas, they become life savers in rural areas. I speak not just as a ham, but as an Emergency Management professional and educator. The National Weather Service (at least in my area) is very proactive in working with rural hams. They do this because it protects the public and the radar periphery is not as accurate. The local operator probably has tremendous native intelligence about local weather history and patterns, which is invaluable. And don't forget, the Eyeball, Mark I, is still the most effective tool in spotting. So, instead of being rude and part of the problem, do you have any suggestions that might improve the situation? Since I wouldn't expect you to do something that I wouldn't do myself, here are my suggestions: Please, rural hams... work with your local Emergency Managers, develop a relationship and nurture it. Work with your SECs (Section Emergency Coordinator - in ARRL-speak) http://www.arrl.org/section-emergency-coordinator With your EM and SEC, work with the Warning Coordination Meteorologist (all NWS offices have them) for your area to schedule classes. GROW MORE AMATEURS!! - We complain about the 'mean old FCC taking away our bandwidth'. Well, if we don't use it, we lose it. and we only have ourselves to blame. And while we are growing those amateurs - DON'T EAT OUR YOUNG! (and not so young), by being rude to one another. OK, off the soap box, nomex gear on... 'Paratus et Vigilis'Larry Nelson MS NMCEMKC5KZVPortales NM USA  
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