SPOTTER TRAINING
Hey weather followers! I know it's still technically Winter, but Spring and Summer are just around the corner. With Spring comes warmer weather, and with warmer weather comes, yep - you guessed it, Severe Weather season. Not to say Winter doesn't have its own hazards, but Spring and Summer can bring turbulent Straight-Line Winds, large Hail, powerful Flooding, and destructive Tornadoes. Do you know how to spot the warning signs?
If you don't (and I'll even say, if you do), then I highly recommend heading out to one of the nearby Spotter Training classes. These classes are totally FREE, informative, potentially life-saving, and in absolutely NO WAY does taking a class mean that you have to participate in SKYWARN or other "official" spotting duties. But, if you want to, then you've got the prerequisite training already out of the way!
NWS loves getting reports from trained Spotters. Our local NWS Kansas City office has someone that can answer the phones virtually 24/7, and they always need extra eyes and ears in the field, wherever they may be. So I challenge each of you to go to one of these Spotter training classes! Take the kids; tell grandma & grandpa about it; invite the Scout Troop; go as a church congregation, a work department, or any group you're involved with. The more you all know about protecting yourselves, the better you can take care of yourself, your team, and your loved ones.
Nearby & Upcoming Spotter Classes
- Johnson County, KS | January 26th, 7 PM, Performing Arts Center, Olathe Northwest High School, 21300 College Boulevard, Olathe, KS 66061
- Leavenworth County, KS | February 17th, 7 PM, Warren Middle School, 3501 New Lawrence Road Leavenworth, KS 66048
- Jackson County, MO | March 3rd, 7 PM, Crown Pointe Church, 5950 Northeast Lakewood Way, Lee's Summit, MO 64064
- Cass County, MO | March 4th, 7 PM, Eagle Glen Intermediate School 100 South Foxridge Dr., Raymore, MO 64083
- Platte County, MO | March 5th, 7 PM, Congress Middle School, 8150 N Congress Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64153
- Wyandotte County, KS | March 18th, 7 PM, Performing Arts Building, Kansas City Kansas Community College, 7250 State Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66112
- Clay County, MO | March 24th, 7 PM, Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, 1600 State Highway A, Liberty, MO 64068
Visit the NWS KC website for a full listing of classes between January 26th through March 30th:
AMATEUR RADIO & DISASTER PREPAREDNESS VOLUNTEERISM
Now, you didn't think I'd miss a recruiting opportunity did you?! Along with the Spotter training that NWS Kansas City is putting on, there's another kind of training that I want to make you all aware of... The Independence / Eastern Jackson County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has multiple volunteer groups that are always looking for more members to join their ranks. Depending on what group(s) you may decide to become involved with, Disaster Preparedness for All-Hazards is at their core.
The next training course the EOC has to offer is coming up very soon. This class is for anyone that wants to get their entry level into Amateur Radio, the Technician License. The 2-Day Class is held Saturday, January 31st & Sunday, February 1st from 8 AM - 6 PM at the EOC. The total cost is $40 which covers all training materials and the testing fee. To register, head to their Event Registration webpage to sign up. The address is 950 North Spring Street, Independence, MO 64050.
Please head over to www.indepmoep.org to look at what organizations there are to get involved with, and what their missions are. For specific questions, please e-mail the EOC's Public Information Office [SocialMedia@indepmoep.org] to get put in touch with the right person based on your interest(s).
I'd love to see more of my friends, followers, colleagues, and family members get involved with any / all of the things I've mentioned in this blog post. If you ever have a question about Weather, Amateur Radio or Disaster Preparedness, you can always chat me up in person, on the phone, through social media, or via e-mail.
Stay safe out there,
Justin Gann - KDØWNE
Twisted Skies Chase Team
Founder & Lead Chaser
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