Weather spotting is important, as it adds eyes and ears in a specific location.

Weather radar systems operated by the National Weather Service area are located in Syracuse (North Webster) IN, Cleveland OH, and Wilmington OH (just to the NE of Cincinnati). While these radars are state-of-art, they can not see local conditions at extended distances. Radio signals, which make up the radar transmission, do not have the ability to bend over the horizon, nor can those at the weather service offices see rotating clouds and the artifacts of storms.

How can I make a difference?

• Making a difference can be defined in many ways. The most productive way is to give your information to the people that have the ability to sound local warning sirens and alert the public. In Allen County this is your Allen County Sheriff or the Allen County Office of Homeland Security.
• Commit to public service. If you attend spotter meetings, and say you will report weather data, don't disappear when your reports are needed.
• Try to stay away from club politics and people wanted to get notices. When weather events threaten your community, the focus should be to get good weather data to the local authorities. Nets can be fun, but save the fun for field day. Focus all your efforts on getting real time data to the authorities as quick as possible.
• You can also make a difference by making sure that when your services are needed, that you are available. A good resource for your club or organization is Fred Vobbe's presentation on Volunteerism. He can be reached at fred@vobbe.com.

How do I know when there is the potential for Severe Storms?

• The best way of to get notified of storm conditions is to monitor NOAA Broadcasts. You can find frequencies in your area by clicking the link at the left titled "Weather Radio". You can also monitor amateur radio broadcasts, such as the ones below.
• E-mail alerts are sent out via our EAS system, however these are issued by the NWS and not the meteorologist at this site.

When should I go out an start performing Weather Spotting?

• Soon as possible! If you wait till the National Weather Service issues a warning, you're TOO LATE!
• If you wait till a weather net has been set up, or certain people are "on frequency", you're TOO LATE!
• Know where the storm is coming from. Listen to the radio and analyze the situation, then get in a safe area near the storm and Watch and Report.

How do I report Severe Weather?

• You are encouraged to call in reports to the Allen County Sheriff's Office (419-227-3535) when you see serious weather. You can also call the Allen County office of Emergency Management (419) 993-1404.
• Be calm when reporting. State the facts. The facts are..
  1. What is happening that merits concern.
  2. Describe events such as "quarter size hail", "trees broken that are 18" thick", or "power pole wires on roadway".
  3. Where you are. (Major cross streets, or address. Not coordinates)
  4. Direction the storm is moving.
  5. If they want your name or any other information, the dispatcher will ask for it. Be brief, then be gone.

What DON'T they want to hear?

• Events from other areas not in their jurisdiction.
• What you have overheard from other people or on the radio.
• Opinions, information not directly related to the emergency situation.
• That you are curious and want to know what is going on.

What if I feel threatened by the weather event?

• Leave the area! Go! Don't be a hero.
• Know where the storm is going, and drive away from it.
• If you are talking to someone on a radio or cellular phone, let them know where you will be going.

Should I monitor local public service frequencies, such as police and fire?

• This may be productive to be aware of a situation. Many of the communications between officials are carried out on separate frequencies from dispatch channels, as well as over secure land lines.
• Do NOT call in any information you heard on your scanner to other authorities. You're wasting their time.
• Some dispatchers may warn their officers in the field, but this is not standard practice. Also keep in mind that police and fire have other methods than radio to communicate with field personel.

How do I obtain training?

• Training sessions are conducted each year in various communities. Contact the Allen County Office of Homeland Security (Allen EMA) at 419-993-1404, or write to Russell Decker, Director, Allen County Office of Homeland Security, 300 North Main Street, Lima OH 45801.
• You can find On Line training at various locations, and information to supplement your training. If you do learn the art of weather spotting, consider joining e-spotter to send in your information.

Do I have to be an Amateur Radio Operator to do weather spotting?

• Any citizen can be a part of weather spotting in Allen County.
• Although amateur radio operators have groups that perform weather spotting, you can perform weather spotting by yourself. You do need to be a "trained" spotter, meaning that your observations conform to accepted guidelines in reporting.
• CBers should contact representatives of React or ACERT in Allen County.

Do I have to be a member of Skywarn?

• No, but if you would feel comfortable belonging to an organization that shares the same interest as you, it doesn't hurt.
• You don't have to be a member of a club or organization to be a part of weather spotting and emergency communications.
• Being independent can be an advantage as you're not tied to any group and are flexible to assist your community at your comfort level, when you want, how you like.

How much time should I spend doing spotting?

• Weather is not predictable. You could spend minutes, or hours. It could be exciting, or boring, depending on where you are at during a severe weather event.
• During the tornadoes in Van Wert (11/10/2002), they had people out all over the county tracking the tornado. While in Allen County there was very little spotter activity.
• Spotting is like being a fire fighter. Most of the time it's small routine runs. But when the F2 or larger tornado comes around, the more people watching the storm, the more people can be alerted.

Are there any Amateur Radio Weather Nets in the area?

Note: There are many independent people performing weather spotting, whom are not part of a club or organization. You should not have to be a club member to work with a net. You can also operate independently by calling in your information to local authorities.

Should I have any further questions, who may I contact?

• For issues regarding weather spotting, contact Russ Decker or Fred Vobbe.
• For EAS issues contact Steve Faul or Fred Vobbe.
• For Weather Training contact Russ Decker