Kentucky Weather Spotter Network

[Rich Long]

This proram was unvieled in KY during the KY Severe Weather Workshop. Has a nice handbook you can download for organizing a spotter group.

http://www.kyem.ky.gov/wsn.htm

 

[N Parker]

Huh..

This may be good from a training standpoint, but I don't have the time required to be a "Level 1" or an "elite spotter".....

IMHO, I believe this is a little overdone. Uniforms, ID badges, and a probational period? Really??? Just to have patches and ID cards...wow sign me up....

Believe i'll be staying a free agent round here. I'll just continue using e-Spotter and calling viable threats in.

 

[Tyler Allison]

*wince*

Not the path I would have taken for integrating with EM's

 

[J Tyler]

WOW.

For anyone who doesn't take the time to click the link, here is a snippet:

NOTE: NWS does not condone, endorse or recommend storm chasing. It is a
dangerous practice and should not be attempted. All weather spotters must work
under the guidance of the local Weather Spotter Coordinator.

In order to become a member of the Kentucky Spotter Service under Emergency
Management in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, individuals are required to fulfill certain
application and training requirements.
1. Applicants must complete a criminal background check and application. This
application is found in the front of the handbook. This must be completed before any
other process.
Rejections of an individual applying for the Spotter Service Program are:
• Any convictions of a felony;
• Any individual with an emergency protection order (EPO or DVO); or
• An individual who has legal proceedings pending which would reflect badly on
the Kentucky Spotter Service.
2. Oral Interview: The spotter applicant will appear before a minimum of three
members of the command staff for a brief oral interview. During the interview
additional requirements and commitments will be explained to the applicant.
3. Probation Period: If the applicant is approved, he or she will be assigned a spotter
number but will be on probation for a period of 60 days. A Level 1 (beginner) spotter
with no prior background in weather will not be allowed to spot alone unless he
or she will be spotting from their place of residence. The basic spotter must be
accompanied by an Advanced spotter when activated in the field.
4. ID Card: After the 60 day probation period is completed, the spotter will be issued
an official ID Card and radio for communication (radio is optional).
During the 60 day probationary period, applicants are required to complete as
many of the following training opportunities as possible:
ICS 100.a, ICS 200.a, ICS 700.a and ICS 800.b: All spotters must complete and have
a copy of the completion certificate placed in their personnel file. These course listings
can be found at: http://training.fema.gov/IS/crslist.asp. These ICS courses can also be
used as college credit. Please inquire through above website.
Power Line Hazards for First Responders: All spotters must complete this course
and a copy of the completion certificate be placed in their personnel file.
Skywarn Concepts Level I (Basic) and Level II (Advanced) Spotter Training
All spotters must complete these National Weather Service (NWS) courses and a copy
of the completion certificate be placed in their personnel file. To be a member of the
“Kentucky Spotter Service” you must complete these and all other courses listed above.
Elite Spotter Training: Completion of this course will grant the spotter as an “Elite
Spotter.” Failure to complete this course will not eliminate anyone from the Weather
Spotter program. A copy of the completion certificate will be placed in your personnel
file. To be a member of the “Kentucky Spotter Service” you must complete this course.
Rapid Damage Assessments Training: This training is for a rapid evaluation of
damage after a weather event. This is not for documentation through your county EMA
director. Rapid Damage Assessment Training is a quick overview of what has occurred
after severe weather or an earthquake to advise spotters and any other first responders
that could venture into harm’s way. Level 2 Spotters or higher ranking would benefit
from this training. Remember, this is only a quick overview of how to report damage with
no extensive documentation.
Additional Information
Kentucky Spotter Service Members
Each member is also required to donate 24 hours of volunteer labor to the Kentucky
Spotter Service. This time can be used for facility maintenance, hail pad
construction, weather radio programming campaigns, or any other activity that is
beneficial to the Kentucky Spotter Service

***AND MY FAVORITE PART!***
Your flashing "hazard" lights are an
option for roadside parking, but may draw unwanted attention with the implication
you're having a problem. Amber flashing lights or light bars added to your
vehicle should be used when spotting near a roadway.

 

[rdale]

I'd love to hear from some Kentucky EM's... I have no doubt that if the EM's in my area were approached with this document, they'd be lucky if the EM got to page 3 before putting in the recycle bin.

ICS courses don't teach diddly for spotting needs, as we've discussed before. No EM is going to call in the Skywarn team to help disaster recovery.

 

[Rich Long]

I understand what they want with the ICS courses. You and your volunteers need to be NIMS compliant to receive grant money. I have the same issue here but we aren't a spotter group per se.

 

[rdale]

That's not correct a correct interpretation of the law... No agency I know of has had FEMA/DHS grant funds denied because they have Skywarn spotters in the county that haven't been through ICS classes. When I fill out the annual NIMS certification, there is nothing there which asks me to confirm the people we use for storm spotting have had it.

 

[J Tyler]

So, in Kentucky, if I see a wedge tornado heading directly for a major city, I can't call it in if I am wearing shorts? Just making sure. I wouldn't want to be kicked out after having passed the background check performed by the Kentucky State Police, taken the required yearly "downed power lines" course, done my required 24 hours of community service, taken my required first aid training, taken my required ICS 100/200/700/800, and my 6 spotter training classes per year. Here are the rules reguarding official uniforms, and notice NO SHORTS ALLOWED! LOL!:

1. Formal Uniforms: The formal uniform for KSS shall consist of a charcoal grey
(insert description of actual shirt here) and black cargo pants. Shoes should be
dark and match the uniform. Members who have completed all their required
training shall be authorized to wear the certified Skywarn patch on their left
sleeve and the Emergency Management patch on their right sleeve. Must sign
Uniform agreement.
A. Certified Skywarn Patch: 3-inch patch and shall be worn no closer than
1 inch nor farther than 3 inches below the shoulder seam, centered on the
sleeve.
B. Kentucky Weather Spotter Patch: 3-inch patch and shall be worn no
closer than 1 inch nor farther than 3 inches below the shoulder seam.

2. Casual or Field Uniforms: Field Uniforms shall consist of a black t-shirt with the
words “(Insert County name) Storm Spotters” in white on the left front pocket or
pocket-area of the shirt. Storm Intercept Team and HAZMAT team t-shirts are
also authorized. The word “SPOTTER” is authorized to be placed in large white
or reflective letters on the back. Regular pants or jeans are allowed in the field,
but no shorts.

3. Coats/ Outerwear: At the member’s discretion, a black coat or jacket may be
worn with formal and field uniforms. Placement of patches upon the coat or
jacket is optional, but if used they must meet the placement guidelines in Section
2. Safety Vests shall meet current guidelines used by other Emergency
Management organizations and shall have “SPOTTER” on the back in such a
way as to be easily seen.
4. Uniform Wear: While in uniform, each member represents the whole
organization. Therefore, uniforms should only be worn under the following
conditions.
A. Formal Uniform: Meetings, public functions, award ceremonies,
workshops/training classes, media appearances and other appropriate
times when we want to make our best impression. It is appropriate to
wear the uniform throughout your normal activities if activation is expected
during the day and after stand-down if time to change is not available.
B. Field Uniform: During activation and follow-up field duties such as
assisting in damage assessment or cleanup, door-to-door welfare checks
and other duties that may arise. Also for Work Days at Weather
Operations and for in-organization meetings/trainings

 

[Rich Long]

That's not correct a correct interpretation of the law... No agency I know of has had FEMA/DHS grant funds denied because they have Skywarn spotters in the county that haven't been through ICS classes. When I fill out the annual NIMS certification, there is nothing there which asks me to confirm the people we use for storm spotting have had it.

That's true. I forgot that the rules for the group I'm part of are a little different since we are a 503 (c).

 

[Rich Long]

Sorry I just have trouble being against anything that actually generates standards, trains, and tries to organize people. We have all complained about wille nilly spotters reports and behavior and now someone is making an effort to make it better and we are worried about fashon? This was created by a joint effort of that states EMA and a county spotter group that has thier crap together. Do you really think that the EMA or NWS is going to turn down your reports cause your not part of the group? I for one am happy to see someone take training to the next level.

As far as uniforms, why is that an issue? Spotter groups have had thier own Skywarn T-shirts for years. At least now if you have an @!!hole there is a bonafied organization to call and complain and punishment that they can dole out. How many chasers have you seen in hawian shirts and bermuda shorts? What does that do for the image?

What do you think of the quality control of spotter reports part? Everyones managed to spaz about the uniforms that I guess they quit reading!?!

My point is I believe there is more good to this than not.

 

[rdale]

There certainly is some good to this. But requiring uniforms? IS703 training? The command structure? How does that improve reporting?

What "image" are you talking about? Mist hams don't include their public dress as something they give much concern to, nor have I heard anyone from the public complain about that.

 

[Rich Long]

There certainly is some good to this. But requiring uniforms? IS703 training? The command structure? How does that improve reporting?

I think it's a good idea. They know thier place in the food chain in relation to the rest of the structure (i.e. at the bottom). Understanding incident command is worthwild for those who have never been exposed to it. Most organizations are requiring this training nowadays. Even the Salvation Army, Red Cross, etc. Nothing new here.

What "image" are you talking about? Mist hams don't include their public dress as something they give much concern to, nor have I heard anyone from the public complain about that.

Ok if theres no image to defend what's the beef with the uniform idea? I don't understand. If I saw bubba rick out in a barney fife uniform and not being a legit member of a group.. yeah I'd be very worried but these guys are part of an organization and the organization doesn't want thier members to look like crap and be identifiable (read accountable). Don't see the problem

 

[rdale]

Most organizations are requiring this training nowadays. Even the Salvation Army, Red Cross, etc.

The SA and RC respond to disasters and perform duties in the incident command structure chain. Storm spotters do not. That's the role of CERT.

 

[Rich Long]

Ok I can accept that. Might be mandated by KY EMA that any volunteer with them has too but I don't know that though.

 

[Andrew Herron]

It seems you're trying to tightly couple Skywarn with your RACES program, which I suggest is a pretty bad idea.

The Skywarn program here in Wayne County is managed, along with ARES, under our RACES organization. To be a part of RACES we require a lot of the requirements you ask for, including the ICS courses, but certainly not to be a spotter.

The NWS only provides training for severe weather because that's all they care about, I'm sure if you go to the training and call your NWS office with a report, they'll take it. If you're trying to manage the amateur radio portion of it, to tie in with your ARES/RACES, that's fine, but just make sure people are educated that it's not a requirement of actually calling in a report.