From the bulls eye

[KeithParker]

I have been a member of this forum for several years. While I don't actively chase any more I still enjoy forecasting and learning about the art and science of severe storm prediction. With the models showing an unprecedented outbreak for the 13-14 I know that there are some chasers that are just giddy about the tornado and severe weather buffet that is going to open up shortly. All I ask is that you please remember several things:

1. The roads you clog up trying to get in to see the storm may be someones only way out of the storm.
2. Your desire to see a tornado is not as important as the lives and property that just got wiped out.
3. Please be courteous, understanding and patient. There are going to be a lot of people on edge because of the sever weather. They don't have experience in models and forecasting, they have no idea about the terminology and jargon, and they sure don't understand what all that stuff is hanging off your car. Please just use common courtesy and respect.

I know that on this forum it is preaching to the choir. The majority of people on here are very responsible and are usually the ones setting the gold standard for safety, responsibility and professionalism. I just wanted to remind you from someone that lives in the bulls eye.

Thank you - Keith

 

[TrumanBoyer]

RIGHT ON, KEITH !!

And to the non-choir members...,

DO NOT BLOCK THE ROADS,

DO NOT HIDE IN OVERPASSES !

IF YOU SET UP A TRIPOD IN THE ROAD YOU DESERVE TO GET RUN OVER.

IF YOU SET UP A SEA OF ALUMINUM TRIPODS IN A "CONVERGENCE AREA",
YOU DESERVE TO GET HIT BY LIGHTNING.

IF IN HAIL, DO NOT PULL OVER SIX INCHES FROM MY BUMPER. (or anyone else's)
IF YOU ARE NOT BLOCKING ME -- I MIGHT BE ABLE TO TURN AROUND AND OUTRUN IT.

BEFORE PICKING UP YOUR CAMERA, PICK UP YOUR PHONE or RADIO AND CALL IT IN...

And to the Newbies...

A TORNADO DOES NOT GIVE YOU AN EXCUSE TO DRIVE YOUR ECONO-BUBBLE
FART-MOBILE THRU RED LIGHTS, ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD,
OR OVER THE SPEED LIMIT, AND YOU STILL HAVE TO PULL OVER TO LET
AMBULANCES AND RESCUE VEHICLES GET BY.

I know, we all get excited, that's a big part of why we do this.
Calm down, don't pee yourself. Be a textbook example of COOL.

We are getting a black-eye out there.
We want to be welcomed on the scene,
not looking like a bunch of stupid squawking paparazzi.

-Truman

 

[Dan GTX]

I'll admit, I've sped to catch up to storms. However, none of the other things I've done negatively: I've stopped at lights and stop signs, pulled over for emergency vehicles, if I pull off on the side of the road, it's wayyyyyy off to the side (and I have a basic set of amber strobes on for added visibility) and if I set up a tripod, it's never on the driver's side (road side), it's always set up on the passenger side in the grass.

Is there any type of list of sorts anywhere that outlines some of the more safe behaviors of chasing? I mean, besides the obvious of "Obey the laws" and such.