Amateur radio emergency services (ARES) work with NOAA, the National Weather Service (NWS), the Storm Prediction Center (SPC), and SKYWARN in several practical ways to support public safety and improve situational awareness during weather and other emergencies:

• Communications redundancy

  • Provide backup voice and data communications when conventional systems (phones, internet, cell networks) fail or become overloaded.

  • Relay warnings, impact reports, and coordination messages between shelters, emergency operations centers, hospitals, and public safety agencies.

• Live ground truth reporting

  • Trained amateur radio operators (often SKYWARN spotters) send real-time, eyewitness observations of severe weather (tornadoes, hail, flooding, wind damage) to local NWS offices and incident managers.

  • These ground reports supplement radar and satellite data, improving the accuracy and lead time of warnings issued by the NWS and SPC.

• Net operations and incident staffing

  • Activate organized radio nets to collect and prioritize field reports, resource requests, and situation updates.

  • Staff communications positions at emergency operations centers, shelters, and staging areas, freeing public-safety radio channels for tactical use.

• Formal liaison and information flow

  • Coordinate directly with local NWS offices and emergency management through established relationships and protocols, ensuring essential observations and status updates reach forecasters and decision-makers quickly.

  • Participate in integrated warning teams where amateur radio reports feed into the warning decision process used by NWS and SPC.

• Training, drills, and exercises

  • Take part in SKYWARN spotter training delivered by NWS personnel; practice reporting formats and criteria so reports are consistent and actionable.

  • Participate in regular emergency exercises with NOAA/NWS partners to test communications plans, message formats, interoperability, and response workflows.

• Technology and data integration

  • Use digital modes (e.g., Winlink, packet, NBEMS) to transmit formal damage assessments, situation reports, and shelter rosters as structured data to emergency managers and NWS partners.

  • Send automated weather observations or telemetry from remote stations that supplement official observation networks.

• Community outreach and public safety support

  • Help disseminate official watches, warnings, and preparedness information when other channels are compromised.

  • Provide communications for public information officers and coordinate press and public messaging when appropriate.

Together these roles make amateur radio a resilient, trained, and flexible communications resource that augments NOAA/NWS/SPC operations and SKYWARN spotter programs—especially during severe weather and large-scale communication outages.

The SPC (Storm Prediction Center) is a specialized office within the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) that focuses on forecasting and monitoring severe convective weather across the contiguous United States. Its main roles and functions include:

• Severe weather outlooks

  • Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3 convective outlooks that communicate the risk levels for thunderstorms, severe thunderstorms, and tornadoes.

  • Categorical risk areas (Marginal, Slight, Enhanced, Moderate, High) and probabilistic maps for tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail.

• Watches

  • Issuing tornado watches and severe thunderstorm watches that designate regions where conditions favor the development of severe storms.

  • Watches provide timing, geographic coverage, and the general type of threat so local forecast offices and the public can prepare.

• Mesoscale discussions

  • Short-term discussions that analyze ongoing or developing severe weather on a finer scale than outlooks.

  • These help explain why a watch may be needed soon or why current convection is expected to intensify, move, or pose specific hazards.

• Real-time monitoring and forecasting

  • Continuous monitoring of atmospheric observations, radar, satellite, and model data to identify environments favorable for severe storms.

  • Coordinating with local NWS offices to refine warnings and public messaging.

• Experimental and specialized products

  • Probabilistic and categorical guidance for hazards such as tornado probability, significant severe probabilities, and convective mode (supercell vs. multicell/linear) tendencies.

  • Rapid updates and graphic products used by emergency managers, broadcasters, and meteorologists.

• Research and improvements

  • Conducting and supporting research to improve severe weather prediction, communication, and decision-support tools.

  • Evaluating past events to refine forecast techniques and create better outlook/warning products.

• Guidance for decision makers and the public

  • Providing actionable information that helps emergency managers, media, aviation interests, and the public make timely safety decisions.

  • Ensuring consistent national messaging about severe convective threats to complement local NWS warnings.

In short, the SPC provides national-scale analysis, forecasts, and watch products that identify where and when severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are most likely to occur, supports local forecast offices, and helps guide preparedness and response efforts.

Radio nets in ARES or SKYWARN are organized on-air group communications used for coordination, information sharing, situational awareness, reporting, and support during routine operations and emergencies. They follow defined procedures to keep traffic orderly and ensure messages get where they need to go efficiently.

Key elements of ARES and SKYWARN radio nets

• Purpose

  • ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service): supports emergency communication for served agencies (e.g., emergency management, Red Cross) and community needs when normal communications are unavailable or overloaded.

  • SKYWARN: a volunteer storm-spotter program coordinated with the National Weather Service (NWS) to report severe weather observations (tornadoes, hail, damaging winds, flash floods) in near real-time.

• Net types

  • Directed Net: a net control station (NCS) manages all traffic, grants permission to transmit, assigns tasks, and prioritizes messages. Common for emergencies and organized response.

  • Informal (Free) Net: less structured; operators may talk more freely but still use net etiquette. Often used for training, check-ins, or routine info-sharing.

  • Tactical Net: focused on a specific task or incident, often with assigned frequencies and priorities for specific teams or functions.

  • Training/Drill Net: regular practice to keep operators and procedures ready.

• Net control station (NCS)

  • NCS organi zes and runs the net: opens/closes the net, polls/checks stations, assigns traffic, maintains log, and keeps discipline on frequency.

  • Usually staffed by an experienced operator; may rotate among trained volunteers.

• Check-ins and roll call

  • Stations “check in” to announce availability and location. Net control logs callsigns, names, locations, and resources.

  • Methods: roll call by name/area, directed check-ins, or using digital tools (Winlink, ICS forms) for more detailed resource tracking.

• Priority and traffic handling

  • Priority order: Emergency (life safety), Priority (critical public service), Welfare (status of individuals), Routine (non-urgent).

  • Emergency traffic preempts all other transmissions. NCS must clearly indicate priority handling and relay instructions.

  • Use concise, plain language—avoid codes not agreed upon with served agencies.

• Message formats and logging

  • ICS (Incident Command System) forms, Radiogram, or agency-specific templates can be used for formal messages.

  • Logs should record times, callsigns, message content, and relay/receipt information for accountability and after-action review.

• Frequencies and modes

  • VHF/UHF FM repeaters are common for local nets; simplex VHF/UHF for short-range tactical comms.

  • HF nets (SSB) can link regional/distant ARES groups; digital modes (Winlink, FLDIGI, VARA) are used for efficient data and form transfer.

  • Pre-designated frequencies should be coordinated with local repeater owners and emergency management.

• Interoperability and coordination

  • Nets coordinate with served agencies, other ham groups, and Net Control Stations to ensure messages get to the right agency.

  • Gateways (voice/email, Winlink gateways, crossband repeaters) may be used to bridge radio nets to telephone, email, or ICS systems.

• Training, exercises, and credentialing

  • Regular drills, Skywarn spotter trainings, and ARES nets keep operators familiar with procedures and build relationships with served agencies.

  • Operators should carry ID/credentials if deployed to a shelter or EOC and follow safety and agency check-in procedures.

• Common net procedures / etiquette

  • Listen before transmitting. Wait for NCS to call or poll you if it’s a directed net.

  • Identify with your FCC callsign at required intervals and at the end of transmissions.

  • Keep transmissions brief and relevant. Use plain English; avoid unnecessary acronyms.

  • Acknowledge instructions promptly and confirm receipt of critical messages.

Why licensed radio operators are important

• Licensed amateur operators bring trained, regulated radio skills, knowledge of operating practices, and experience with various modes.

• Licensing ensures understanding of technical and legal responsibilities, and many served agencies expect or prefer credentialed volunteers.

Summary ARES and SKYWARN nets are structured radio networks run by trained volunteers to support public safety and emergency communications. They rely on net control, clear procedures, priority handling, appropriate message formats, and regular training to provide reliable, timely information to authorities and the public during routine operations and incidents.

Weather Spotter Training — Online or In Person

Prepare to protect your community by becoming a trained weather spotter. Our Weather Spotter Training offers clear, practical instruction that helps you identify severe weather, report observations accurately, and stay safe while doing it. Training is available both online for convenience and in person for hands-on experience.

Who should attend

• Volunteer storm spotters and ham radio operators

• Emergency managers, first responders, school and business safety officers

• Outdoor workers, farmers, and community leaders

• Anyone interested in learning how to spot and report severe weather

What you’ll learn

• Basic meteorology: understanding how thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail, and straight-line winds form

• Visual indicators: what to look for (wall clouds, funnel clouds, rotating cloud bases, unusual wind and precipitation patterns)

• Safe spotting practices: when to observe from a distance and how to avoid putting yourself or others at risk

• Reporting procedures: what information the National Weather Service (NWS) needs (time, location, size, intensity, movement), how to use effective descriptive language, and optional use of spotter networks and radio

• Use of tools: mobile apps, radar interpretation basics, and recording observations

• Local hazards: flash flooding recognition and local terrain considerations

Course options

• Online self-paced: Short modules with videos, slides, and quizzes. Ideal for busy schedules. Certificate of completion provided.

• Live virtual class: Scheduled instructor-led sessions with Q&A and scenario walkthroughs. Encourages interaction and real-time feedback.

• In-person workshop: Hands-on demonstrations, group activities, and field exercises (weather permitting). Best for practical skill application and networking with local spotters.

Duration and certification

• Typical online self-paced completion time: 1–2 hours

• Live virtual session: 1.5–2 hours

• In-person workshop: 2–3 hours (may vary)

• Certificate issued upon successful completion; meets many NWS spotter program recommendations

How reporting helps Timely, accurate spotter reports provide ground truth that complements radar and satellite data. Your reports can save lives and reduce property damage by improving warnings and response.

Safety first Spotter training emphasizes safety over proximity. Never chase storms or put yourself in harm’s way for a report. Learn the best ways to observe safely and share critical information without risk.

Get started Choose the format that fits your needs—online for flexibility or in person for hands-on learning. Enroll in a session and join a network of trained spotters helping communities stay safer during severe weather.

Voice communications

• Clear, concise: Use plain language, short sentences, and standard phrasing. Speak slowly and distinctly.

• Call signs: Identify yourself and recipient (e.g., "Station Alpha, this is Spotter 12").

• Position reports: Provide location using the most appropriate format (nearest town, highway mile marker, GPS coordinates, or bearing/distance from a known reference).

  • Example: "Spotter 12, 2 miles east of I-35 mile marker 142, heading north."

• Time stamps: Give exact time of observation in local time or UTC, clearly stated.

  • Example: "Observed at 14:22 CST."

• Event description: State what you observed — type of phenomenon (tornado, funnel cloud, wall cloud, hail, damaging straight-line winds, flash flooding, debris cloud), size/diameter, and movement.

  • Example: "Tornado on the ground, 200 yards wide, moving northeast at 25 mph."

• Intensity/severity: Estimate intensity using simple descriptors and tools (hail diameter in inches, wind speed estimates, EF-scale damage indicators if applicable).

  • Example: "Quarter-size hail (1 inch)"; "Winds estimated 70 mph—tree limbs down."

• Relative motion and direction: Use compass directions and speed if possible.

  • Example: "Moving northeast at about 30 mph."

• Impact information: Report damage, injuries, blocked roads, power outages, flooding depth, and life-safety threats immediately.

  • Example: "Tree through roof, one person injured, requesting emergency response."

• Safety calls: If life is in immediate danger, use explicit, urgent language.

  • Example: "Immediate danger—tornado impacting neighborhood; people need shelter now."

• Confirmation and follow-up: Confirm receipt and provide updates if conditions change.

Radio protocol and brevity codes

• Use standard radio procedures: "Over" to indicate you're finished speaking and "Out" to end the contact, when required by agency.

• Phonetic alphabet for clarity on letters/numbers when needed (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, etc.).

• Use commonly accepted brevity codes where applicable (e.g., "SOS" only for distress, "MAYDAY" for imminent life-threat on voice channels if trained to use).

• Example structure: Call sign → location/time → event → size/intensity → movement → impacts → request/action.

Plain-language examples

• Tornado sighting: "NWS, this is Spotter 4. 3 miles west of Grove City at 15:10 local. Large tornado on the ground, half-mile wide, moving northeast at 30 mph. Multiple structures damaged, debris airborne. Immediate danger to Highway 12. Repeat: Structures being hit, people may be trapped."

• Funnel cloud (no ground contact): "County EOC, Spotter 7 here. Observed funnel cloud over open fields, 2 miles south of Pine Ridge at 14:05. Not touching ground. Continuing northeast."

• Hail report: "NWS, Spotter 2. Heavy hail at 13:30 at intersection of Route 9 and 4th Street. Hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter. Damage to vehicles reported."

• Straight-line winds: "Spotter 11 to NWS. Widespread straight-line winds along County Road 8 at 60–70 mph, numerous trees down, power lines down across roadways, no known injuries."

• Flash flooding: "Emergency Ops, Spotter 3. Flash flooding reported at 16:45 on Main Street underpass. Water depth approximately 3 feet, several stalled vehicles, motorists evacuated."

• Snow/ice and blizzard conditions: "State DOT, Spotter 9. Whiteout conditions on I-80 eastbound at mile marker 210, visibility less than 100 feet, sustained winds 45 mph, drifting blocking lanes."

Digital/text communications (SMS, social, apps)

• Essential elements: Who, what, where, when, how big/severe, movement, impacts, and an explicit life-safety statement when necessary.

• Use coordinates or precise location text for apps that accept it.

• Keep messages short; include a phone call back number for clarification.

• Examples:

  • SMS: "Spotter 5 — 18:20 local — Tornado on ground 1 mi S of Oakville (N39.123 W94.321). Half-mile width, moving NE 25 mph. Debris visible, structures damaged. Immediate danger."

  • App/report form: Fill required fields: phenomenon, start time, lat/long, estimated size, movement, damage/injuries, photos if safe.

Written reports (logs, incident forms)

• Use a consistent format: Date/time,

Clouds are visible collections of tiny water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere. They form when moist air cools to its dew point, causing water vapor to condense onto tiny particles. Clouds play key roles in Earth’s weather and climate: they produce precipitation, reflect and absorb sunlight, and help regulate surface temperatures.

Main cloud types (classified by height and appearance)

High clouds (above about 20,000 feet)

• Cirrus (Ci)

  • What they look like: Thin, wispy, white strands or filaments, often with a silky sheen.

  • What they do: Indicate moisture at high levels; often signal approaching changes in the weather, such as a warm front. They don’t produce precipitation at the ground, though they can indicate upper-level moisture that feeds storms.

• Cirrostratus (Cs)

  • What they look like: A thin, veil-like layer covering large portions of the sky, sometimes producing halos around the sun or moon.

  • What they do: Often precede storms within 12–24 hours; contribute to high-level moisture and can produce optical effects (halos).

• Cirrocumulus (Cc)

  • What they look like: Small, white patches or ripples, often in rows; grainy or mackerel-sky appearance.

  • What they do: Rarely produce precipitation at the surface; indicate instability or moisture at high altitudes.

Middle clouds (6,500 to 20,000 feet)

• Altostratus (As)

  • What they look like: Gray or blue-gray sheets that cover the sky, often thick enough to obscure the sun but not sharply defined.

  • What they do: Frequently precede continuous precipitation (steady rain or snow), especially when thickening into nimbostratus.

• Altocumulus (Ac)

  • What they look like: White or gray patches or layers of rounded masses or rolls, often appearing in groups or waves.

  • What they do: Can indicate mid-level instability; may precede thunderstorms if seen on warm, humid mornings (for example, altocumulus castellanus).

Low clouds (surface to about 6,500 feet)

• Stratus (St)

  • What they look like: Uniform gray layer covering the sky, resembling fog that doesn’t reach the ground.

  • What they do: Produce light drizzle or mist at times; create gloomy, overcast conditions and reduce visibility.

• Stratocumulus (Sc)

  • What they look like: Low, lumpy clouds in patches or layers with breaks of clear sky; larger, darker rolls than altocumulus.

  • What they do: Usually produce little or no precipitation, though light rain or drizzle is possible.

• Nimbostratus (Ns)

  • What they look like: Thick, dark, featureless clouds that cover the sky and block sunlight.

  • What they do: Bring continuous, steady precipitation (rain or snow) over extended periods.

Vertical development clouds (form across multiple heights)

• Cumulus (Cu)

  • What they look like: Puffy, cotton-like clouds with sharp outlines and flat bases; fair-weather cumulus are small and scattered.

  • What they do: Small cumulus usually mean fair weather; larger ones can grow into convective clouds that produce showers.

• Cumulonimbus (Cb)

  • What they look like: Towering, anvil-shaped giants with great vertical extent, often with a dark base and a flattened top spreading out at high altitudes.

  • What they do: Produce heavy, often severe weather—thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail, lightning, strong winds, and sometimes tornadoes.

Special/cloud-like formations and features

• Fog: Essentially a stratus cloud at ground level; reduces visibility and forms when air near the ground cools to saturation.

• Mammatus: Bulbous, pouch-like protrusions hanging from the underside of a cloud (often cumulonimbus); visually striking and associated with strong storms.

• Lenticular: Lens-shaped clouds that form over mountains due to airflow and standing waves; often mistaken for UFOs because of their smooth, saucer-like shape.

• Virga: Streaks of precipitation falling from a cloud that evaporate before reaching the ground; common in dry air below cloud base.

• Shelf cloud and wall cloud: Low, dramatic features associated with strong thunderstorms. Shelf clouds form at the leading edge of outflow; wall clouds can rotate and may precede tornadoes.

How clouds affect weather and climate

• Short-term weather: Clouds influence temperature by blocking sunlight (cooling daytime) and trapping outgoing longwave radiation (warming nights). Their type and thickness strongly affect whether precipitation occurs and what kind.

National Weather Service (NWS) — Spotter Training

• The official source for SKYWARN and other storm spotter training. Offers both in-person and online/virtual sessions, training materials, and schedules by local National Weather Service offices. Search for your local NWS office to find region-specific courses.

NOAA Weather-Ready Nation (WRN)

• NOAA’s WRN program provides resources and guidance for community preparedness, including links to spotter training events and SKYWARN information.

Emergency Management Institute (FEMA) — Independent Study

• FEMA’s independent study courses include basic meteorology and emergency preparedness classes useful for spotters. Look for IS courses related to weather, incident command, and public safety.

American Red Cross — Disaster Education

• Offers courses on disaster preparedness and response that complement spotter training, particularly for safe response and public assistance.

SAGE (Spotter Awareness & Guidance Education) — State/Regional Programs

• Many states run their own spotter-awareness programs (often with acronyms like SAGE). Check your state or local emergency management agency website for region-specific spotter programs and schedules.

Local county or city emergency management websites

• County/city emergency management offices often host or publicize local SKYWARN/spotter classes tailored to local terrain and threats. These courses are valuable for local reporting procedures.

Your local National Weather Service Skywarn Facebook page or social media

• Many NWS offices and local EM agencies post training announcements, registration links, and live-stream events on social media.

Amateur Radio (ARRL) — Emergency Communication Resources

• Amateur radio clubs and the American Radio Relay League frequently host spotter training or coordinate with NWS SKYWARN programs; useful if you’ll be reporting via ham radio.

University meteorology departments and extension services

• Universities often host public outreach seminars and training sessions on severe weather spotting and safety — check nearby college meteorology or extension program pages.

How to find the right page:

• Search for “SKYWARN spotter training” plus your county, city, or state.

• Look up your nearest National Weather Service office and check its “spotter” or “SKYWARN” page.

• Check local emergency management and county sheriff or fire department training calendars.

What to expect on these sites:

• Course schedules, registration links (in-person and virtual), downloadable guides and reporting forms, contact info for local spotter coordinators, and safety guidelines.

If you tell me your state or county, I can list the specific NWS office and local pages to register.

NOAA & NWS Alerts — Full List

This is a comprehensive list of alert types issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS). Naming and usage can vary by region and product, but the list below covers the primary watch, warning, advisory, statement, and other alert types commonly used in public weather communications.

1. Tornado Watch

2. Tornado Warning

3. Tornado Emergency

4. Severe Thunderstorm Watch

5. Severe Thunderstorm Warning

6. Severe Thunderstorm Watch Enhancement (e.g., Particularly Dangerous Situation)

7. Flash Flood Watch

8. Flash Flood Warning

9. Flash Flood Emergency

10. Flood Watch

11. Flood Warning

12. Flood Advisory

13. River Flood Warning

14. Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory

15. Tropical Storm Watch

16. Tropical Storm Warning

17. Hurricane Watch

18. Hurricane Warning

19. Storm Surge Watch

20. Storm Surge Warning

21. Hurricane Local Statement

22. Tropical Cyclone Update

23. High Wind Watch

24. High Wind Warning

25. Wind Advisory

26. Blizzard Warning

27. Blizzard Watch

28. Winter Storm Warning

29. Winter Storm Watch

30. Winter Weather Advisory

31. Heavy Snow Warning

32. Snow Squall Warning

33. Lake Effect Snow Warning

34. Lake Effect Snow Advisory

35. Ice Storm Warning

36. Freezing Rain Advisory

37. Wind Chill Warning

38. Wind Chill Advisory

39. Frost Advisory

40. Freeze Warning

41. Excessive Heat Warning

42. Excessive Heat Watch

43. Heat Advisory

44. Excessive Cold Warning

45. Wind Chill Watch

46. High Surf Advisory

47. Beach Hazards Statement

48. Coastal Flood Watch

49. Coastal Flood Warning

50. Rip Current Statement/Warning

51. Gale Warning

52. Storm Warning

53. Small Craft Advisory

54. Hazardous Seas Warning

55. Dense Fog Advisory

56. Marine Weather Statement

57. Marine Weather Alert (various marine-specific products)

58. Special Marine Warning

59. Marine Flood Warning (coastal flooding impacting marine interests)

60. Air Quality Alert

61. Air Stagnation Advisory

62. Smoke Advisory (wildfire smoke)

63. Red Flag Warning (critical fire weather conditions)

64. Fire Weather Watch

65. Fire Danger Statement

66. Public Information Statement (PNS)

67. Local Storm Report (LSR)

68. Damage Assessment (part of PNS/LSR categories)

69. Hydrologic Outlook

70. Hydrologic Statement

71. Flood Statement

72. Hazardous Weather Outlook (HWO)

73. Short Term Forecast (SPS/nowcast products)

74. Special Weather Statement (SPS)

75. Weather Advisory (generic local advisory)

76. Air Stagnation Advisory

77. Air Quality Index (AQI) Forecast/Statement

78. Civil Danger Warning

79. Evacuation Immediate

80. Shelter in Place

81. Civil Emergency Message

82. Child Abduction Emergency (AMBER Alert) — distributed via NOAA Weather Radio/WEA systems where applicable

83. Extreme Wind Warning

84. Lake Wind Advisory

85. Tornado Watch to Warning Upgrades and Tornado Emergencies (phraseology used during extreme, life-threatening outbreaks)

86. Volcano Warning (ashfall advisory products issued by NWS in coordination with USGS)

87. Tsunami Watch

88. Tsunami Warning

89. Tsunami Advisory

90. Tsunami Information Statement

91. Earthquake Tsunami Watches/Statements (as coordinated between agencies)

92. Biological Hazard Warning (rare; typically from other agencies but distributed via Emergency Alert System/NOAA when necessary)

93. Hazardous Materials Warning (HAZMAT incident alerts distributed via EAS/NOAA channels)

94. Emergency Action Notification (EAN) — highest-priority national alert (used for national-level Emergency Alert System activation)

95. Emergency Alert System (EAS) Tests and Required Weekly/Monthly Tests (RWT, RMT)

96. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) — includes all-hazards messages sent to mobile devices (Amber Alerts, Presidential Alerts, severe weather warnings, etc.)

97. Presidential Alert

98. National Information Center messages (as used in major national emergencies)

99. Tropical Cyclone Local Statement (TCAD/TWD variants)

100. Inland Tropical Storm/Hurricane Statements and Storm Surge Local Statements

Notes and clarifications:

• Watches mean conditions are favorable for a hazardous event; warnings mean the hazardous event is occurring or imminent and protective action should be taken.

• Advisories

"Watch" and "Warning" are terms used by weather agencies to communicate risk levels for hazardous conditions. They mean different things and should guide how you prepare and respond.

• Watch

  • Meaning: Conditions are favorable for a hazardous event to occur (e.g., tornado, severe thunderstorm, flash flood, winter storm), but it is not certain.

  • Timeframe: Issued when forecasters see the potential over the next several hours to a day.

  • Action: Stay alert, monitor updates, review your emergency plan, make basic preparations (charge devices, secure loose outdoor items, identify safe shelter).

  • Example: "Tornado Watch" — atmospheric conditions could produce tornadoes; be ready to take shelter if a warning is issued.

• Warning

  • Meaning: A hazardous event is occurring, imminent, or has been reported. This is a higher level of certainty and urgency.

  • Timeframe: Immediate — take action now.

  • Action: Seek safety immediately according to the type of hazard (e.g., go to an interior room away from windows for tornadoes, avoid flooded roads during flash floods, move to higher ground for coastal flood warnings).

  • Example: "Tornado Warning" — a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar; take cover immediately.

Quick checklist:

• If a Watch is issued: stay informed, prepare, review evacuation/shelter plans.

• If a Warning is issued: act now to protect life and property; follow official instructions.

Remember: Watches mean "be ready"; Warnings mean "take action now."

NOAA S.A.M.E. System

NOAA S.A.M.E. (Specific Area Message Encoding) is a digital protocol used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to send targeted emergency and weather alerts to compatible radios and receivers. It allows warnings — like tornado alerts, flash flood warnings, AMBER alerts, and civil emergency messages — to be delivered only to devices in specified geographic areas, reducing unnecessary alerts outside the affected region.

How it works

• Message encoding: Each alert includes a header containing standardized codes for the type of event, the affected geographic area(s), the start and end times, and the message identifier.

• Geographic targeting: Areas are defined by FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standards) codes for states, counties, and other subdivisions. A receiver programmed to a given FIPS code will act on alerts that include that code.

• Transmission: Messages are broadcast over the NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) network and through the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The SAME header precedes the human-readable alert and can trigger automated actions on compatible equipment.

• Receiver behavior: When a device receives a SAME header that matches its programmed FIPS codes and event types, it will sound an alarm, display the alert text, and optionally record the message or activate connected systems (sirens, public address, etc.).

Key components of a SAME header

• Preamble: Repeats the header for reliability.

• Originator code: Identifies the agency sending the message (e.g., WXR for weather).

• Event code: Identifies the type of alert (e.g., TOR for tornado).

• Location codes: FIPS codes for affected areas.

• Duration: Start and end time for the alert’s validity.

• Sequence and checksum: Ensure the message is intact and in order.

Common uses

• Weather warnings (tornado, severe thunderstorm, flash flood, hurricane)

• Evacuation orders and civil emergencies

• AMBER alerts and child abduction notices

• Local hazard information (dam failure, hazardous materials release)

Why S.A.M.E. matters

• Precision: Targets alerts to the specific places that need them.

• Automation: Triggers automatic alarms and actions on compatible devices.

• Consistency: Uses standardized codes so systems across agencies and manufacturers can interoperate.

• Public safety: Helps get timely, location-specific warnings to people at risk, improving response and reducing harm.

How to use it as a member of the public

• Get a SAME-capable NOAA Weather Radio or a weather radio app that supports SAME.

• Program your county’s FIPS code(s) into the device (many radios let you choose by county or state/county name).

• Configure which event types you want to receive (e.g., severe weather only, or all alerts).

• Keep batteries and backup power available, and test the radio’s alert function periodically.

For emergency managers and system operators

• Ensure correct FIPS coding and event selection when issuing alerts.

• Use clear, concise message text and appropriate duration to avoid unnecessary re-alerting.

• Coordinate with broadcasters and the EAS to reach the widest audience as needed.

S.A.M.E. is a backbone technology for modern emergency alerting, enabling timely, targeted, and automated dissemination of critical warnings to protect life and property.

Setting up NOAA SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) on your weather radio lets you receive alerts only for the counties and event types you care about. Steps vary by radio model, but the process and key settings are the same. Follow these general instructions.

1. Confirm your radio supports SAME

• Check the manual or the radio’s labeling for “SAME,” “SAME tones,” “Specific Area Message Encoding,” or “County/Zone Programming.”

• If not supported, you’ll receive all alerts and can’t filter by county.

1. Gather your county FIPS code(s)

• SAME uses 6-digit FIPS location codes: the first two digits for state, next three for county, and final digit for subdivision (usually 0 for whole county). Example: 037000 = County 037, subdivision 0.

• To find your county FIPS codes, use your county name and state in an official list (state + county). If you don’t have that list, contact local emergency management or check your radio manual for included location lists.

1. Power up and enter programming mode

• Turn the radio on and connect power (batteries and/or AC supply).

• Press MENU or SETUP. Some models have a dedicated SAME or LOCATION button.

1. Select SAME/LOCATION programming

• Choose “SAME,” “LOCATION,” “SET LOCATIONS,” or similar.

• Some radios label it “Area” or “Zone.”

1. Add locations (counties) using FIPS codes or menu selection

• If the radio asks for a FIPS code, enter the 6-digit code for each county you want to monitor.

• If the radio lists states/counties, scroll to your state, then select the county or subdivision to add.

• Save each entry. Most radios let you program multiple locations (commonly 5–25).

1. Set alert event types (optional)

• Many radios let you filter alert categories: Tornado, Severe Thunderstorm, Flash Flood, Marine, AMBER, Evacuation, Shelter-in-Place, etc.

• Choose which event types should trigger the alarm. If unsure, enable all public-safety categories.

1. Configure tone/voice and volume settings

• Set tone alert (on/off), voice announcement (on/off), and alarm volume.

• Configure Auto Turn-On if available (radio powers on when an alert for a programmed location occurs).

1. Verify SAME is enabled and test

• Ensure “SAME” or “Specific Area” is ON.

• Use the radio’s Self-Test or Alert Test function (if available) to confirm alarms and audio.

• Optionally listen to NOAA broadcasts for a few minutes to confirm you’re only receiving alerts for your programmed counties.

1. Maintain and update locations

• Update locations if you move or want to monitor additional counties.

• Replace backup batteries periodically; SAME programming is often retained but can be lost if batteries are removed for long periods.

Troubleshooting tips

• Receiving too many alerts: Check that you didn’t add statewide or too-broad subdivisions; remove unwanted county codes.

• Not receiving alerts: Verify SAME is enabled, correct FIPS codes are entered, radio has power, and you’re within reception range of a NOAA transmitter.

• Weak reception: Reposition antenna, move radio to higher location, or use an external antenna if supported.

• Confusing menu: Consult the user manual for your radio model—button names and menu flow differ by brand (Midland, Midland/Weather Alert, Sangean, C. Crane, ACR, etc.).

Quick checklist

• Confirm SAME support

• Find and note county FIPS code(s)

• Enter programming/menu, add locations

• Select event types (optional)

• Set tone/volume/Auto Turn-On

• Test and verify alerts

• Keep batteries fresh and update locations as needed

If you tell me your radio’s brand and model and your county/state, I can give model-specific steps and the exact FIPS code(s) to enter.

When an alert is issued (weather, civil emergency, active shooter, wildfire, flood, etc.), follow these steps to get to the safest place quickly and stay safe:

1. Know what type of alert it is

• Shelter-in-place / severe weather (tornado, hurricane, dangerous winds): Seek an interior, windowless room on the lowest floor (basement if available). Stay away from exterior walls and windows. Put as many walls and floors between you and the outside as possible.

• Evacuation order (wildfire, flood, chemical spill): Leave immediately along designated evacuation routes. Don’t take shortcuts that may be blocked. Go to the assembly or reception center named by authorities.

• Shelter-in-place / hazardous materials (chemical, biological release): Close and lock doors and windows, turn off HVAC/fans, seal gaps with tape and damp towels if directed, and go to an interior room with few vents.

• Active shooter or violent threat: Run if you can—escape is best. If you cannot run, hide in a locked or barricaded room out of the shooter’s view, silence phones, and remain quiet. As a last resort, fight with improvised weapons if your life is in immediate danger.

• Amber Alert (child abduction): Not a location instruction—remain alert, report any sightings and vehicle/license plate info to police.

• Boil-water advisory: Stay home if possible; use bottled water or boil tap water as instructed for drinking and cooking.

• Power outage: If due to a storm, stay indoors and avoid opening refrigerators/freezers. Use flashlights (not candles) for safety if possible.

1. General safe locations

• Basement or storm cellar: Best for tornadoes and severe wind.

• Interior small room without windows (closet, bathroom, hallway): Good for many shelter-in-place scenarios.

• Designated community shelters, schools, or emergency centers: Used during mass evacuations—go there only if directed by officials.

• High ground away from rivers/low areas: For floods—move to higher ground immediately.

• Upwind, uphill, and away from industrial sites: For chemical releases, move upwind and uphill if possible.

• Secure room with a solid door that locks: For active threats—lock, barricade, and stay hidden.

1. What to bring when you evacuate or shelter

• Go-bag with water, nonperishable food, flashlight, batteries, first-aid kit, medications, important documents, phone charger/power bank, warm clothing, and sturdy shoes.

• Masks/respirator and goggles if smoke, ash, or chemical hazards are present.

• Extra water and sanitation supplies during boil-water advisories or long outages.

1. How to get reliable instructions

• Follow official channels: local emergency alert systems, NOAA Weather Radio, local media, emergency management social media, and text/phone alerts from your municipality.

• If you’re in a vehicle: tune to local radio stations for emergency broadcasts.

• Don’t rely solely on social media rumors—verify with official sources.

1. Special considerations

• People with disabilities, pets, and children: Plan ahead—know accessible shelters, bring mobility aids, and pet carriers/food. Some public shelters may not accept pets; identify pet-friendly options beforehand.

• If trapped: Signal rescuers with a flashlight or by making noise at intervals; tap on surfaces rather than shouting if a hazardous material is present.

• COVID-19 or contagious illness: Follow public health guidance on masking and distancing in shelters when applicable.

1. After you reach safety

• Stay informed—wait for “all clear” or official instructions before returning.

• Check for injuries and get medical care if needed.

• Report hazards (downed power lines, gas smells, fire) to authorities.

• Document damage with photos for insurance.

Quick checklist (if you have time)

• Grab phone, keys, wallet, wallet/ID, medications, water, and go-bag.

• Close windows and turn off utilities if instructed.

• Follow designated evacuation routes; don’t return until officials say it’s safe.

Stay calm, move decisively, and follow official directions.

GMRS & Ham Radio Communications in Weather Events

Why radio matters

• Power and cell networks often fail during severe weather. GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) and amateur (ham) radio provide independent, often battery- or generator-powered communication paths that don’t rely on commercial infrastructure.

• Both services let people share real-time observations, coordinate response and recovery, and pass emergency traffic when other systems are overloaded or down.

Roles GMRS can play

• Local neighborhood coordination: GMRS handhelds and repeaters are ideal for short-range, community-level coordination—checking on neighbors, arranging shelter, sharing road conditions, and directing local volunteer efforts.

• Family and group comms: GMRS supports family/group channels and longer-range communication (with repeaters and higher-power mobile units), useful for coordinating evacuations and reunification.

• Simplicity and accessibility: No technical licensing for basic handhelds beyond an FCC license (as of recent rules), making GMRS relatively easy to adopt for households wanting reliable, immediate voice comms.

Roles ham radio can play

• Wide-area emergency nets: Licensed amateur operators can operate on multiple bands (VHF/UHF for local repeater nets, HF for long-distance links) and participate in formal emergency nets run by groups like ARES and RACES.

• Formal traffic handling: Ham operators are trained in formal message formats (radiograms) that help move verified information—medical needs, supply requests, damage reports—across jurisdictions when normal lines are down.

• Weather spotting and reporting: Many ham operators are volunteer Skywarn spotters who provide ground-truth reports of tornadoes, flooding, hail, wind damage, and other meteorological events directly to the National Weather Service.

• Technical flexibility: Hams can build or deploy ad hoc links (mesh, digipeater, Winlink for email over radio) and set up interoperable gateways to public-safety and relief organizations.

Common uses during weather events

• Early warning and coordination: Relaying watches, warnings, evacuation notices, and shelter locations within communities and between response agencies.

• Damage and situational reporting: Sending structured reports (location, severity, needs) to emergency managers to prioritize response.

• Life safety traffic: Relaying urgent medical evacuations, reunification requests, and missing-person info when phone service is unavailable.

• Logistics and resource management: Coordinating distribution of food, water, generators, fuel, and volunteer crews.

• Backup communications: Providing alternative channels for critical facilities (shelters, hospitals, utilities) to maintain ops when primary comms fail.

Practical setup and best practices

• Prepare equipment: Handhelds for each household member, mobile radios for vehicles, and base stations or go-kits for community/response leaders. Keep charged batteries, spare batteries, chargers, power banks, and a small generator or solar charger.

• Choose frequencies and channels: Pre-plan local GMRS channels and ham repeater frequencies; identify simplex channels for direct comms if repeaters fail. Familiarize with emergency calling frequencies (ham: e.g., 146.52 MHz VHF simplex in the U.S. for FM simplex).

• Training & drills: Regularly exercise nets and message formats. For ham operators, participate in local ARES/RACES and Skywarn training. For GMRS users, practice handoffs and simple situational reporting.

• Interoperability: Establish liaison operators who can communicate between GMRS users, ham nets, and emergency services. Use common terminology and agreed-on protocols to avoid confusion.

• Formal message format: Use concise, standardized formats for critical messages (who, what, where, when, needed actions). Ham radiograms are useful for non-routine traffic that must be tracked.

• Safety & legal considerations: Follow FCC rules for both services (licensed operation where required), respect privacy and medical information laws, and avoid interfering with official emergency channels and public-safety frequencies.

Examples of real-world use

• Tornado response: Skywarn ham spotters report touchdown, path, and structural damage to the NWS and local emergency managers; GMRS users coordinate neighborhood sheltering and search of nearby homes.

• Flood events: Hams use HF or Winlink to transmit situation reports from an isolated town to county emergency operations when roads are cut; GMRS relays local evacuation routes and door-to-door checks.

• Hurricane aftermath: Amateur radio operators set up long-distance links to bring in logistics info and requests from shelter operators; GMRS helps families locate each other and direct volunteers to blocked streets.

Getting started

• Obtain the appropriate licenses: GMRS requires an FCC license for most users; ham radio requires passing amateur radio licensing exams. Join local clubs to learn practical skills.

• Build a go-kit: Radio(s), antenna, power sources, spare batteries, microphone/headset, notepad, maps, and printed frequency/channel plans.