Post on 21-Dec-2015
GYX SKYWARN Strategy Meeting
Review and approve Operations Manual
Discuss SKYWARN activation procedures & how best to alert spotters, coordinators & net controls
Updates to WX1GYX station
Updated forms & log sheets
SKYWARN Network
Getting the word out
Operations Manual
Complete Organizational Structure section andbuild a Contact List
Discuss roles and if any changes are needed
Fine tune how and when to activate, as well as the process of alerting those who need to know the soonest
• Email list (for Net Control Operators & Coordinators)
• Phone Tree (for Net Control Operators & Coordinators)
• Other methods such as social media
SKYWARN is Activated by NWS
SKYWARN Amateur Radio
Coordinator
SKYWARN Net Control Operators and Ham Radio
Spotters
Regional Coordinators and
Net Control Operators
SKYWARN Spotter Coordinator
Public Announcements
for Spotter Reports
SKYWARN Activation
Station Updates
• Organizational supplies• Headphones• VHF/UHF Scanner• Key, base, and slip pad• Mousepad• UTC / Local Time clocks• Radio Quick Reference Guides
WX1GYX SKYWARN© Severe Weather Report Form
Reporting Station Call Sign: ________________________ Time of Occurrence: __________________
Report Source: (Circle One): PERSONAL OBSERVATION, MEDIA, SCANNER, OTHER: _______________
Location of Reported Event: ______________________________________________________________
Report Description:
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Signature / Callsign: ______________________________
Severe Weather Report Form
To better improve the flow of information, we’ve developed a simple report form that can be filled out and handed off to a forecaster or specified recipient during an activation.
1
WX1GYX SKYWARN© Logsheet
Date Time Freq / Mode Station Name Spotter ID Location / Report
Updated Log Sheet
The new log sheet solves many of the logistical problems we found with the old one.
It fits on a standard 8 ½ X 11 sheet of paper.
It is only a log sheet
Handing in Severe Weather Reports no longer means handing in part of your log, or becoming separated with your working list of call signs (who may need to be reached again for further reports)
GYX SKYWARNAmateur Radio Network
Confirm accuracy of frequencies & relay methods
Discuss how to create a culture of awareness & organic reporting
Set into motion
Updated Frequency List
The Frequencies programmed in the FT8900 at WX1GYX has been updated.
Discuss changes, omissions, missed repeaters
A copy of this will be at the operating position for reference, included in the manual, and will be made available as an excel document, when finalized.
SKYWARN Spotter Training
Scripts - Using scripts will help hams who aren’t familiar with SKYWARN reporting criteria to learn what information we need.
Opportunity – There is a lack of understanding of what information is useful and what isn’t – this is where SKYWARN Spotter training and refresher courses are vital.
We can help identify what areas are in need of training and bring them to Mike’s attention.
Next Steps
• Setup a SKYWARN Chat as discussed at the Nashua meeting
• Work on improving direct VHF communications with Southern and Southwestern NH
• Continue to get the word out. The more involved, the better!
• Develop local and regional subnets and work towards creating a more organic SKYWARN that is aware of and anticipates the potential of hazardous weather.
• Continue to improve workflow and evolve in ways that best achieve the goals of NWS Gray and the SKYWARN mission.