Storm Spotter Training Set for Feb. 21
The Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) in conjunction with the National Weather Service (NWS) and the City of Evanston will be offering a Weather Spotter class to interested residents and first-responders.
Weather Spotters learn to identify the signs of severe and threatening weather before and as it approaches, to alert community officials and the NWS, and to assist the NWS by warning the public. NWS meteorologists often depend on real-time reports from trained spotters to know exactly what is occurring on the ground under a storm.
Attendees will learn to become an integral part of a community’s front line early weather warning system. Learn why we need spotters, severe weather terminology, what to report and severe weather safety. Attendees will also learn about supercells, land spouts, night
spotting and more.
WHAT: Severe Weather Spotter Training - Free to Public
WHO: For first-responders, emergency managers (such as police, fire, EMA, public works, or volunteer organizations) and/or interested adults
WHEN: Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave. 4th Floor, Parasol Room.
Most classes last under two hours and are held in late winter and early spring - before severe weather season. Because of the complexity of severe thunderstorms structure and development, and the potential danger involved, spotting is recommended for adults, though students may attend the classes for informational purposes. These sessions are most appropriate for individuals who work in public safety (emergency management, police, fire), public works, schools, hospitals, nursing homes and day care facilities, but anyone who’s interested can attend.
For further information, call 312/603-8180.