JSU Newswire
Jacksonville, Alabama
 

Spotter Training Highlights JSU's Severe Weather Week Observance


By Sherry Kughn
JSU News Bureau

February 12, 2004 -- Jacksonville State University will observe Feb. 17-21 as Alabama Severe Weather Awareness week by offering a class on how to become a spotter -- a person trained to assist with communication during weather emergencies. Alabamians are encouraged throughout the week to learn or review safety measures that should be taken at homes, schools, work, or on the road during severe weather.

Although the JSU class won't take place until March 16, that's still in plenty of time to help with the long tornado season in Alabama, which begins in March and ends in May. Other classes to train spotters, all of which are free, will also take place throughout the area. Times and places are listed below. Call Michelle Page at 782-5239 for information about the JSU class.

The Alabama Skywarn Foundation, Inc., sponsors the training and organization of spotters in communities throughout the state.

Meteorologist Jason Wright of the National Weather Service will teach a combined basic and advanced storm spotting class at the Theron Montgomery Building on March 16 at 6 p.m. The class is for anyone who would like to know more about becoming a spotter or any law enforcement employees or amateur radio operators.

In addition to relying on spotters to help with communications, the National Weather Service sends out warning and watches to the news media. It then relies on spotters to go out into severe weather to report what is happening and where.

Governor Bob Riley recognized the date for the special week that is being sponsored by the National Weather Service, the American Red Cross, the Alabama Department of Education and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency.

Severe storm spotter training schedule:

  • Feb. 11, Blount Co. Courthouse, EMA Office, Oneonta, 6:30 p.m.
  • Feb. 16, Heflin Recreation Center, Heflin, 6 p.m.
  • Feb. 17, Helena City Hall, City Council Chambers, Helena, 6 p.m.
  • Feb. 27, Rescue Squad Building, Centre, 6 p.m.
  • Mar. 9, Lafayette Fire Department, Lafayette, 6 p.m.
  • Mar. 11, Courthouse Annex, Selma, 9 a.m. & 6 p.m.
  • Mar. 16, Theron Montgomery Building, Jacksonville, 6 p.m.
  • Mar. 23, Brilliant High School, Brilliant, 6 p.m.
  • Mar. 25, Volunteer Fire Department, Corinth, 6 p.m.
  • Mar. 30, Volunteer Fire Dept., Foster Crossroads, Randolph Co., 6 p.m.
  • April 8, Dadeville Court House, Dadeville, 6 p.m.
Preregistration is not required.


 

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