COUNTY News:
Hosted by the Los Alamos County’s Emergency Management Office, the first quarterly meeting of the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) of Los Alamos will include critical Skywarn storm spotter training. Representatives from the National Weather Service (NWS) will administer this free training session starting at 2 p.m. May 23, 2024 at Fuller Lodge.
The public is invited to attend; no registration is required.
Skywarn, a program established by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the late 1960s, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding communities from severe weather through a network of over 300,000 trained volunteers. These spotters, individuals with an interest in public services, provide essential “ground truth” to the NWS, enhancing its ability to issue accurate and timely warnings.
The upcoming training session at Fuller Lodge is designed to enable new volunteers to report critical weather observations, which can confirm and enhance weather and flooding alerts issued by NWS technologies. This hands-on experience is invaluable, as it enhances the Los Alamos community’s ability to respond effectively to severe weather, complementing the capabilities of advanced technologies like radar and satellites.
Cody Ulrich, the Los Alamos LEPC coordinator says that Skywarn volunteers play a critical role in the community’s emergency preparedness capabilities. “You don’t need to be a meteorologist to volunteer, and once trained, your reports on weather conditions help us at the local, state and federal level to improve our situational awareness, leading to better-informed decisions during severe weather events.”
Attendees will learn how to safely observe and report weather phenomena, contributing to the effectiveness of the Integrated Warning Team, which includes emergency management, NWS staff, and broadcast media. Their efforts also support the Nation’s Disaster declaration process, thereby enhancing Los Alamos County’s resilience to natural hazards.
The LEPC encourages all interested individuals to join this training May 23 to become a Skywarn storm spotter. No prior experience is necessary, and the training is free of charge.
About LEPC:
The Local Emergency Planning Committee of Los Alamos is hosted by the Los Alamos County’s Emergency Management Office and is designed to foster partnerships between government agencies, businesses, non-profits, schools, daycare centers, residents, and senior centers to prepare for various hazards. The LEPC hosts quarterly meetings open to everyone, offering a platform to identify and address challenges and resources in planning for and responding to hazardous incidents.
For more information, visit https://losalamosnm.us/LEPC or email lacoem@lacnm.us.