Fire fighters get storm spotter training
By Assistant Fire Chief Eric Johnson
In preparation for storm season this year, the Albany Volunteer Fire Department, along with a few citizens, received storm spotter training a couple of months ago, and some have already utilized what they learned during recent spring and summer thunderstorms.
Under the National Weather Service, the SKYWARN Storm Spotter Program is presented each spring in Albany to the local fire departments and first responders.
During the two-hour long program, the class learned about basic meteorology, cloud reading and how to make a storm spotter report to the NWS in San Angelo, Texas.
The Albany storm spotters support the NWS meteorologist by being the “eyes” for the NWS. The meteorologists do an amazing job of reading radars, but they want to have visual confirmation of what the local weather is doing.
That is where the storm spotter comes in – spotters observe the weather and then report back to the meteorologist about what they are seeing. This confirmation of weather conditions helps improve forecasting and ensures the appropriate warnings are issued.
During periods of severe weather, the NWS will call the local sheriff’s office and request that the Albany storm spotters be activated.
After receiving the activation request, any of the trained storm spotters who are willing and able to assist, assemble at the Albany Fire Department for a safety briefing and then are dispatched into the community.
The training class concluded with a strong reminder about safety, and there was heavy emphasis that storm spotters should never put themselves in jeopardy to observe weather conditions.
It is important that all citizens have a way to receive the weather alerts. If the NWS provides the weather alerts, but you can’t hear them, then they are of little value. Both the NWS and the Albany VFD work to keep the community safe.
The Albany VFD strongly recommends that everyone have at least two ways to receive weather alerts. A cell phone is a great first choice and is a robust tool, but there are limitations.
Despite the large option of weather alerting apps, they are all ineffective if the cell towers are down, damaged, or otherwise inoperable. You really need to have an alternative way to receive weather alerts.
A battery powered weather radio that receives NOAA weather alerts would be a great back-up to a cell phone. Across the United States, there is a network of broadcast stations that continuously streams weather reports and weather alerts. This network of radio stations provides hazard information and public safety data 24 hours a day.
In addition to the weather alerts provided by the NWS, the City of Albany owns an outdoor warning siren. The siren is in the parking lot between Nail Stadium and the First Baptist Church.
Either the fire chief or the police chief can activate the siren during periods of severe weather, or when there is visual confirmation of a tornado.
If you ever hear the siren activating, you should turn on your weather radio and follow your personal severe weather plan.
If you want to know more about developing a severe weather plan, contact the Albany VFD fire chief at chieftravis@albanyvfd.com.
