The Southfield Emergency Management Division, in conjunction with the National Weather Service and the Oakland County Office of Emergency Response & Preparedness, will offer a free Skywarn Spotter class on Tuesday, March 16 from 6-8 p.m. in the Southfield Public Library auditorium, 26300 Evergreen Road.
The class will train participants on how to detect early warning signs of impending severe weather, especially tornadoes. Participants will also learn how report an observance of severe weather to the National Weather Service. The Skywarn Spotter initiative is an effort to save lives during severe weather emergencies by expanding the network of trained spotters. Participants will learn about the basics of thunderstorm development, storm structure and severe weather safety in this one informative class. Those who successfully complete the class will also receive an official Skwarn Spotter Card in the mail.
“Skywarn Spotters are an integral part of the severe weather early warning system,” commented Southfield Emergency Management Director Frank Coutts. “As a result of the Skywarn Spotter program, the average ‘lead time’ between the first sighting of severe weather and its actual arrival to a given area has increased by almost 10 minutes over the past few years. This extra ‘lead time’ to seek proper shelter greatly reduces the potential for injury or death from severe weather.”
Registration is required by calling the Southfield Emergency Management division at (248) 796-5990 or e-mail lsmith@cityofsouthfield.com. Voice mail messages will also be accepted provided the caller leaves their name, address and telephone number.