The Designated Weather Watcher NWS Office of Climate, Water, and Weather Services Silver Spring, Maryland

Introduction Advances in severe storm detection and prediction and in warning dissemination have saved countless lives, however some people are still caught off guard. –Injuries and deaths still occur during widely publicized severe weather outbreaks. The success of the public severe weather warning system depends upon people being vigilant and reactive. –People are busy; not everyone can monitor the weather when they need to. Severe weather awareness outreach campaigns have been effective, but we can do more.

Preparedness - With A New Focus Tailor outreach materials and campaigns to provide a hook or appeal to those most likely to take action. Leverage interest in weather as well as IT toys and gadgets. Empower them with information and a purpose.

The Designated Weather Watcher Knowledgeable about severe weather preparedness concepts Committed to monitoring local environmental conditions when the weather is threatening Able to usher coworkers, friends, and family to shelter when necessary

Designated Weather Watcher Taking Action Make monitoring the weather forecast part of the daily routine. Take note of the NWS multi- tiered approach for weather hazards (outlook, watch, warning). Daily Awareness Heightened Awareness The key is having quick, routine access to daily weather information.

Designated Weather Watcher Taking Action DWW monitors the weather more frequently. Should have an alerting device. Redundancy is ideal. Daily Awareness Heightened Awareness The key is paying attention when the potential for severe storms exists. On days with potential for hazardous weather…

Designated Weather Watcher Taking Action DWW initiates action upon receiving a warning. Invoke established procedures to move people to safety. If in a non-routine situation or location, show leadership and apply basic safety rules. Daily Awareness Heightened Awareness The key is applying basic safety rules regardless of the location or circumstances.

Planning pays when seconds count. July 13, 2004: Woodford County, Illinois (Parson’s Manufacturing) Following the plant’s severe weather plan, people were ushered to storm shelters as the storm approached. F4 tornado destroyed the plant. No injuries or deaths. Photo by Scott Smith Photo by Matt Dayhoff

Awareness enables quick action. November 10, 2002: Van Wert, Ohio After receiving a tornado warning, the theater manager directed people into the restrooms for safety. F4 tornado struck the Twin Cinemas. No one was killed. “Quick action saved movie-goers from tornado.” - Tom O’Neill, The Cincinnati Enquirer Photo by Al Behrman, AP

Protecting lives and building a foundation for future preparedness June 6, 2005: Endicott, New York Strong winds damaged the roof of Charles F. Johnson Elementary. 340 students were moved to designated refuges after principal received warning. Similar successes at Jones Valley Elementary in Huntsville, AL (Nov. 15, 1989) and Mize High School, Smith County, MS (April 5, 2006). Press and Sun-Bulletin, Binghamton, NY Virginia Department of Emergency Management

It makes good business sense, too. Focal point concept enables others to maintain their productivity. Every warning should be taken seriously, and sheltering takes time. –In 2002, 186 million person hours were spent under a tornado warning at a cost of $3B (Sutter, 2006). –The average false alarm rate for tornado warnings is 74%.

Storm-based warnings make DWW more relevant Storm-based warnings clearly depict the threatened area - not the entire county. DWWs can use this information for decision- making. Great potential to reduce unnecessary sheltering.

Designated Weather Watchers: Making it Happen Integrate into basic preparedness planning and education. Associate with other existing roles and responsibilities. Add into emergency action plans with different, specific scenarios.

Conclusion We have more work to do in severe weather preparedness. The Designated Weather Watcher concept provides a fresh approach. Our strong partnerships can make this a reality.