GYX SKYWARN Strategy Meeting

Review and approve Operations Manual

Discuss SKYWARN activation procedures & how best to alert spotters, coordinators & net controls

Updates to WX1GYX station

Updated forms & log sheets

SKYWARN Network

Getting the word out

Operations Manual

Complete Organizational Structure section andbuild a Contact List

Discuss roles and if any changes are needed

Fine tune how and when to activate, as well as the process of alerting those who need to know the soonest

• Email list (for Net Control Operators & Coordinators)

• Phone Tree (for Net Control Operators & Coordinators)

• Other methods such as social media

SKYWARN is Activated by NWS

SKYWARN Amateur Radio

Coordinator

SKYWARN Net Control Operators and Ham Radio

Spotters

Regional Coordinators and

Net Control Operators

SKYWARN Spotter Coordinator

Public Announcements

for Spotter Reports

SKYWARN Activation

Station Updates

• Organizational supplies• Headphones• VHF/UHF Scanner• Key, base, and slip pad• Mousepad• UTC / Local Time clocks• Radio Quick Reference Guides

WX1GYX SKYWARN© Severe Weather Report Form

Reporting Station Call Sign: ________________________ Time of Occurrence: __________________

Report Source: (Circle One): PERSONAL OBSERVATION, MEDIA, SCANNER, OTHER: _______________

Location of Reported Event: ______________________________________________________________

Report Description:

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Signature / Callsign: ______________________________

Severe Weather Report Form

To better improve the flow of information, we’ve developed a simple report form that can be filled out and handed off to a forecaster or specified recipient during an activation.

1

WX1GYX SKYWARN© Logsheet

Date Time Freq / Mode Station Name Spotter ID Location / Report

Updated Log Sheet

The new log sheet solves many of the logistical problems we found with the old one.

It fits on a standard 8 ½ X 11 sheet of paper.

It is only a log sheet

Handing in Severe Weather Reports no longer means handing in part of your log, or becoming separated with your working list of call signs (who may need to be reached again for further reports)

GYX SKYWARNAmateur Radio Network

Confirm accuracy of frequencies & relay methods

Discuss how to create a culture of awareness & organic reporting

Set into motion

Updated Frequency List

The Frequencies programmed in the FT8900 at WX1GYX has been updated.

Discuss changes, omissions, missed repeaters

A copy of this will be at the operating position for reference, included in the manual, and will be made available as an excel document, when finalized.

SKYWARN Spotter Training

Scripts - Using scripts will help hams who aren’t familiar with SKYWARN reporting criteria to learn what information we need.

Opportunity – There is a lack of understanding of what information is useful and what isn’t – this is where SKYWARN Spotter training and refresher courses are vital.

We can help identify what areas are in need of training and bring them to Mike’s attention.

Next Steps

• Setup a SKYWARN Chat as discussed at the Nashua meeting

• Work on improving direct VHF communications with Southern and Southwestern NH

• Continue to get the word out. The more involved, the better!

• Develop local and regional subnets and work towards creating a more organic SKYWARN that is aware of and anticipates the potential of hazardous weather.

• Continue to improve workflow and evolve in ways that best achieve the goals of NWS Gray and the SKYWARN mission.