Yep, great points Mikel. As a certified and active responder myself I will always stop. Chasing is vastly a self-educated endeavor, I saw points earlier that folks need to understand the risks/hazards they may face - or don't chase. That's a valid point and something people need to take a second and really think over. Are you prepared physically, mentally and technically to render aid? Are you prepared to perhaps stumble upon bodies, pieces of bodies, do you have proper PPE to protect yourself from these situations, do you have proper ways to identify hazards; the list can go on and on.
My focus when chasing has never been and probably never will be just for the fun of it. I am very novice at forecasting and it just isn't something I sink tons of time into in that regard. What I sink time into is preparing to render aid if we stumble upon something. If you want to chase in flip-flops - by all means do it, but if you want to realistically render aid and not become a burden on the responders of the local area be prepared to protect yourself. As a responder, don't be offended if somebody tells you off, yells at you to leave - that is NOT an appropriate time to argue or cause a scene. They may be aware of a hazard you are not, we all become potential hazards to folks responding within their jurisdictions. Key points to bear in mind is don't self dispatch, be prepared and think through the realities of what occurs during these awe inspiring events we all share interest in. Grab some long sleeved shirts, pants, boots, take extra water, take a blanket, nitrile gloves, perhaps a helmet and educate yourself on basic HAZMAT awareness and first-aid to protect yourself.
At the end of the day, make sure you go home. Those of us who sign up and volunteer to do these things on a daily basis understand the risks, we volunteered to do this and if anything happens in my area I don't want to see somebody getting hurt who has good intentions - it simply isn't worth it if you aren't prepared. Bar none - stay safe!
