NCS Guidelines for Skywarn Nets

(NOTE: This IS NOT an official Skywarn document.)

NOTE 1: MAKE SURE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE SAFE!

NOTE 2: ALWAYS STANDBY FOR TRAFFIC FROM WX4MRX!

1) Local Skywarn nets should be opened when weather is very near or at severe warning stages. Announcements (nets not opened) should be made when watches are sent.

2) Open nets by saying "This is KX4XXX, now opening the (county) Skywarn net".

3) Read any warnings you have received, and mention watches and their expiration time.

4) Remind net of severe criteria (1" hail, 58MPH winds, Rainfall of 2" or greater per hour, Wall or funnel clouds, tornadoes, flooding).

5) Take check ins or severe criteria traffic.

6) If net is quiet, announce status of the net every 10 minutes by saying

"This is KX4XXX, continuing the (county) Skywarn net. we remain under a (type of warning) until (time)".

7) Assign alternate NCS stations away from your area, to assume NCS should you become directly affected by severe weather or loss of power. Assign liaison(s) to the frequency whereby you contact WX4MRX.

8) Report all severe reports to WX4MRX immediately by radio or telephone. (Your ANCS can also be assigned to do this if need be.)

NOTE: NEVER give out the 800 to MRX over the air! That number is for Skywarn folks only, NOT the general public!

9) Call (or have someone call) your local EMA or dispatch center (possibly on a non-911 number) to report the most severe reports (tornadoes, funnel clouds, floods, damage such as roofs, trees in road, etc). NOTE: Check with your local authorities to see if they want this done before doing it!

10) When the existing warning has expired, make a decision as if to remain in open status, depending on other weather happening around your area. if you feel the severe criteria has lessened to watch levels, close the net. If chances are another warning may be issued in a few minutes, you might want to keep the net open.

11) Always thank everyone participating when closing the net, and acknowledge scanner listeners.

(You may download a PDf file of this webpage at http://www.mcminnarc.com/skywarn/skywarnnets.pdf)