Question about Skywarn Training classes

[kmccusker]

I'm so sorry if this is general knowledge and I'm the last to get on the boat, but I figured this would be the place to ask since so many of you have already completed this training.

A combined beginner/advanced Skywarn Training course will be held in my town a month from now. I'd really like to attend - I haven't heard of any other sessions in my area since I moved here a year or two ago.

My question: Is HAM training and/or licensing REQUIRED prior to taking the Skywarn classes? Or is the amateur radio element something that can be completed at a later time?

Thanks in advance for your time and attention in helping answer this question for me. I greatly appreciate it.
Keri

 

[rdale]

No ham requirement at all.

 

[Skip Talbot]

Or is the amateur radio element something that can be completed at a later time?

Its not needed at all depending on your reporting method (ie phone, Spotter Network, eSpotter).

 

[Tim Shriver]

They are correct. No ham license needed.

With most WFOs you can call them in, eSpotter them or use The Spotter Network.
Remember, eSpotter states it should not be used for life threatening situations
such as tornadoes etc. Those should be called into the WFO or via 911.

Tim

 

[Shawn Gossman]

But if you are interested in HAM, you are surely to meet a lot of HAM operators at the class Good luck and be sure to let us know how the training went and what you thought of it!

 

[J Tyler]

Its easy to spot the ham operators at the class. They will *ALL* be walking around with handy talkies clipped to their belts. No kidding.

My wife and I did get our ham license to spot/chase, and it is nice because you have an added source to know what is happening. If you don't get your license, you could also just consider buying a used SCANNER because you can then HEAR all the ham traffic, but you can not talk. If you needed to report anything, you could use "Spotter Network" or your cell phone to call your local National Weather Service Office.

Even if you NEVER report, I think it is good for you to attend the classes. You mention you are new to the area. Are you new to "tornado alley"? If I move to California, I don't know ANYTHING about earthquakes. I would really want to attend some kind of class to know what to do, and what the terms mean, etc. The SKYWARN class will teach you basic storm spotting, so when the guy on TV tells you a wall cloud is located near your home, you know what he is talking about.

Anyway, good luck, have fun, talk to others there and you just might make some new friends.

 

[Ric Burney]

If you are in the DFW area March 12th, you might try to make it to this meeting: http://www.tessa.org/

 

[Tim Shriver]

"Even if you NEVER report, I think it is good for you to attend the classes"

Very well said. If also helps with personal safety. Being able to understand and
react properly to a situation.

Shawn is right. No problem finding a ham radio operator at a spotter class. It's just
another tool in ones belt and it comes in handy. If organized right, it is a useful and affective tool.
Integrate it into the rest of the great tools available and you will be successful.

Tim

 

[Shane Lee]

I echo what others have said about not needing to have any ham radio equipment or be a licensed operator to storm spot. It is my opinion, however, that being an amateur radio operator is advantageous for the following reasons.

1. You can participate in the amateur radio SKYWARN net in your local area. You will be able to hear reports from other spotters along with their locations, thereby increasing your situational awareness. Also, you will in turn increase the situational awareness of others. (As long as you are cautious to give concise, yet detailed and accurate reports.)

2. It is much easier to report via a amateur radio repeater as you don't have to fumble to find a telephone number as severe weather bears down on your position. All you have to do is key up and provide your callsign, location and accurate report.

3. If you prefer getting to know other spotters, and enjoy being part of a spotter community, there is no better way to meet people with similar interests. I joined the amateur radio hobby just through my interest in SKYWARN but I found out that amateur radio is fun regardless of the weather.

If you want to learn more about amateur radio, you can see about it at www.helloradio.org or www.arrl.org

Also, If you find out that you like spotting, I encourage you to read more about severe weather. I am partial to Tim Vasquez's severe weather books. He explains severe weather concepts in an easy to understand fashion.

 

[kmccusker]

Thank you - all of you - for the rapid response on that! I'm glad to hear it's not require pre-training - I'd love to do the HAM stuff as well, but the timing would have been an issue.

Shawn - Thank you, and I sure will. I'm sure it'll be great.

Jeff - Thanks for the "listen but don't talk" tip. I imagine that would be very useful, being able to hear others nearby even if you can't communicate back with them. Especially in an area where you may have limited visibility or familiarity with the road network. I actually grew up in Southern California, though this is the 3rd time I have live in East Texas. My knowledge of and experience with severe weather is rather limited, but I'm learning as I go and have developed a rather hearty interest in the emergency preparedness/management/response elements of meteorology. I also have two young boys that are weather enthusiasts, so I am especially concerned with doing things "the right way" - I don't want them picking up unsafe and irresponsible habits from me.

Ric, it's already on my calendar and I'm very excited to attend! Sounds like it will be a great event.

Shane - Those are all great points, and thank you for the links, it sounds like a great place to start. I do have Tim's Storm Chasing Handbook and have wish-listed his others. I agree that he has a unique ability to simplify complex material without sacrificing its overall quality. There's a great deal of reading material available and I think I've got a decent collection going so far. My interest in meteorology goes well beyond the more adrenaline-charged "severe weather" aspect of the science, so I hang on to any useful material I can get my hands on.

Thank you again for the responses, advice and well wishes. I certainly appreciate it.
~Keri

 

[Taylor Campbell]

I too plan to attend my local SKYWARN class. I've read where this is free. Is this true? They say to contact your EMA if your interested, I assume this is for registration correct? One last thing, am I required to provide anything special i.e. social security #, birth certificate?

Thank you.

 

[Skip Talbot]

I've read where this is free. Is this true?

It depends on when and where the training is. The NWS provides lots of free, public Skywarn training at many different locations. If the training is part of a conference, you might have to pay to get into that conference.

They say to contact your EMA if your interested, I assume this is for registration correct?

Again, it depends on where the class is being held. Some classes require that you register, and some are open only to certain group/organizations. If it says to contact the EMA, they're the guys to ask these questions.

One last thing, am I required to provide anything special i.e. social security #, birth certificate?

Probably not, but again, if it says contact the EMA, they will tell you.

From the ones I've been to, the actual training is very informal. Its basically just a lecture provided to various spotter groups/organizations as well as the public. Many of them you can just walk right in. The only hoops you have to jump through are if you want to join one of the spotter groups/organizations like an amateur radio club, fire and rescure, or EMA. Depending on the group you will need various certifications, licensing, or training. Otherwise, you can just report via phone or Spotter Network.

 

[Jason Foster]

I'm actually getting ready to write a piece on ham radio and storm chasing. I'll give details on where it gets published...IF it get's published. It will basically talk about the various aspects ham radio plays in the world of storm chasing. As stated, it is not required for spotting via Skywarn and most any other spotter group. It can be fun depending on what you plan on getting out of storm chasing and what you plan to get out of spotting, and what you play to get out ham radio (if anything). I would say...if it's a lot to take in...focus on the classes for spotting first...pass any tests, complete any classes....THEN proceed with learning more on ham radio.

 

[Mike Neubauer]

To knccusker:

I as well am from So. Cali, I will be attending Spotter Training on the 12th as I now live near Boulder, CO. I have been really thinking about taking the SKYWARN session which follows the spotter training course, Thank you for asking that question as I now fully understand the benefits of taking the course and have decided I will do so without being "unsure" about it! Thanks to all that answered his post as well for your answers confirmed my Ideas on taking the course! I do wish to someday get my Ham License but it is an expensive hobby! If anyone has any decent resources for radios to purchase at low prices that would be great also! I do have a handheld scanner I will use to listen for now! Do you Keri have any best recommendations besides what u noted as far as reading material to help further my education? any suggestions Im all ears! Thanks guys and Good luck, be safe and happy chasing in the upcoming 2011 season!

-Mike-

 

[amytierney]

Hey guys. I attended my NOAA beginners class last summer and I wanted to take it again. Although when I check the website i am not finding anything for my area for this year its all 2010. Can one of you guys help me out with a link. I could totally be missing something real stupid here. I did find something on SkyWarn for Milwaukee, maybe I am getting them mixed up?!?!

Appreciate the help guys!! Thanks!!