WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO BECOME A SKYWARN™ SPOTTER?
- You must be at least 14 years old
- You must be able to observe the weather (though no instruments are required)
- You must have access to a telephone to call in reports, though reports are accepted through e-mail and the amateur radio network.
HOW DO
I BECOME A SKYWARN™ VOLUNTEER SPOTTER?
You must take our SKYWARN™ "Basics
I" class. This class is a 3-hour seminar that teaches you the basics of
how SKYWARN™ operates, how to spot severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, what
to report, how to report, and when to report it. At the end of the class,
you are given a special SKYWARN™ ID card with reporting instructions. There
is no cost for the class. Most classes are held at the Forecast
Office in Sterling, Virginia near Dulles Airport. The class includes a
tour of our facility. Some classes are offered at "host locations" around
the region. Other "optional" classes are provided for our spotters to learn
more about hurricanes, winter storms, radar, and floods.
HOW
DO I REGISTER FOR A CLASS?
People are requested to pre-register for classes. Classes are announced
on NOAA Weather Radio and here on our website. Call our office at 703-260-0205
select option 5 to register for a class. Or email
Nikole See the section on the Skywarn™ training class schedule for more details.
HOW
CAN MY ORGANIZATION HOST A SKYWARN™ CLASS?
Some classes are held in other cities when sponsored by the local county
emergency management office, the local Red Cross, or a local amateur radio
or REACT club. Really, any group can host a class if -
-
they can promise at least 25 people in attendance
- if less than 50 people, they will allow people from outside their group to attend
- their facility will support holding the class and meets audio visual requirements which include a TV and VCR and a screen or white wall to project slides, overhead transparencies, or computer show onto.
To organize a class, contact us using
the same methods described for registering for a
class.
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