[TCARES 0631] Starting a SKYWARN Net: It's Easy & You Can Do It

[Stephen M. Parker, WR9A]

Rather than hearing from me, Bruce (N9GKE), or someone else in ARES
management, about preparing for the upcoming storm season, we thought we'd
pass along these tips from one of the net control operators:

"Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Indiana is next week, March 15 - 21,
this year. In addition to a personal safety plan, as ARES members we should
also review our plans for participating in severe weather nets. When severe
weather is predicted for our area, members should have some idea as to the
level of participation we can offer should a SKYWARN net become necessary.
While not everyone is available to start a net all of the time, it's likely
there is always someone available. The important thing is to get a net
going so we can feed information to the National Weather Service in
Indianapolis.

A weather net can be started any time severe weather threatens the area. A
net should always be started when a warning (severe thunderstorm or
tornado) is issued for our area, or when the National Weather Service makes
a request for us to do so. Anyone can start a weather net. You don't have
to be one of the regular net controls.

The first thing to do is to announce the start of the net. Scripts are
available on the W9TCA.com website to make things a little easier. If you
don't have a net script available, do your best. Just begin the
conversation. Starting a net doesn't mean you're stuck as net control for
the duration of the net. Ask for help. If you aren't in a position to run a
net for a long period of time, ask if there is a net control available to
take over for you. If you get no response, keep trying. People tend to turn
on their radios when they think something interesting is about to happen.
Net control duties include voice traffic control, keeping track of spotters
and their locations, taking observer reports, and requesting that the
liaison station make a report to the National Weather Service. You'll need
to write it all down to stay organized. It sounds like a lot, but most of
the time it's really not.

Next, you need an alternate net control to fill in should the primary net
control have an equipment issue, need to leave, take a break, or run for
cover. Even if you're not helping to run the net, practice being an
alternate. It's easy experience and there may be a situation when a second
alternate net control becomes necessary. The alternate helps the primary
net control keep track of spotters and details of severe weather reports.
It's a much easier job when you're not having to talk, too.

The third person needed is the NWS liaison. This person relays our severe
weather reports to the NWS in Indianapolis. If the radio link to Indy is
working as designed, this job isn't too difficult. Otherwise, this person
needs to find alternative methods of communicating with Indianapolis. There
are several, so it's not really a problem.

Perfect technique is not the goal here; reporting timely, accurate
information is. You'll make mistakes, but you'll learn with practice and
possibly save some lives in the process. When it comes to starting a severe
weather net, doing something is always preferable to doing nothing."

Thanks to Jim Haynes, KB9RLT, for passing along this excellent advice to
help us get ready for SKYWARN nets!

________________________________________
Stephen M. Parker, WR9A
ARRL District Emergency Coordinator
Indiana ARES District 4
WR9Aradio at gmail.com
--
Assistant EC for Operations & Training
Tippecanoe County, Indiana ARES
www.W9TCA.com
________________________________________
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