Communicating What We Know In 2005 Thoughts By Kenneth C. Crawford Oklahoma Climatological Survey The University of Oklahoma June 16, 2000

Objectives of This Presentation Reflect on how far warning systems across the USA have progressed during the past 35 years Provide evidence that the communication of life-saving information to populations-at- risk — the weakest link in our nation’s weather warning system, and especially so in rural communities — is within our grasp to solve during the decade ahead

An Essential Foundation The modernized National Weather Service The accuracy of NWS information The reliability of the WSR-88D network

Historical Basis 1964 — U.S. Weather Bureau Report: “Informed decisions on the part of users of weather information are needed if such information is to be translated into beneficial actions.” “Research to improve the link between meteorological service and users of weather information was markedly deficient.” “Several major user groups received little or no attention from the meteorological community.”

So, The Problem Is... For decades, local public-safety agencies in the USA have been ill-equipped with current and easy-to-access weather information. Information-based tools have not been available at the community level (true at most locations across the USA). If so, dividends from the modernization of the NWS seemed destined to be limited at the local level.

And, The Opportunity Is... Because of modern-day telecommunications, a technological bridge can be built between the information needs in the local community and the information available from the NWS and the media. Whereas the broadcast media has modernized itself on many occasions, and Whereas the NWS completed a modernization during the 1990s,

To develop transportable, agency-driven, interactive information and decision- support systems that help public safety agencies harness the information age. A Goal Within Our Reach?

Seminole City/County Emergency Management Herb Gunter A caravan of emergency vehicles left Seminole county bound for OKC. Herb told them via radio that a tornado would cross I-40. They stopped traffic at the Shawnee Kickapoo exit to allow the tornado to pass.

Final Thoughts Armed with modern-day information, the capabilities, confidence, and credibility of our nation’s public- safety officials can be increased dramatically — and by 2005!