Volunteer spotters carry out spotting activity at their own risk. Remember that you never need Net Control's approval to take self-protective steps.  Take care of your safety first.  Inform Net Control of the situation when you can do so safely. 

• Avoid being near overhead lines that could attract lightning or fall on your vehicle.

• Be sure you have multiple exit routes from your spotter location.  Avoid cul-de-sacs and dead-end streets.

• Be aware of sites affording protection from hail, such as covered parking or drive-through teller lanes.

• Be observant of the local environment always.

• When near a thunderstorm, keep a 3 to 4 mile "buffer zone" between you and the storm.

• For best visibility and safety, it is best to stay on the South side of the storm with an eye to the North.

• Frequently check the sky overhead and behind to ensure against unexpected events such as a new tornado development.

• It is easy to become engrossed in developing weather phenomenon to the disregard of the total weather environment.

• Even during severe thunderstorm watches, tornadoes may develop.

• Spotters should always be on guard for tornado development.

REMEMBER ... Lightning is the most common weather hazard facing the spotter.  The spotter can have a lightning strike exposure due to his position in an area such as a hilltop clearing. 

• Whenever possible, remain in your vehicle to minimize the chance of being struck by lightning.

• If you must leave your vehicle, maintain a low profile when lightning is nearby.

• Remember lightning can strike some miles from a thunderstorm cloud.

If a tornado approaches your location ...

• Drive away from the tornado.

• Do so only if you are in open country, if the location and motion of the tornado are known and if you are familiar with the local road network.

• If you are in an urban area and escape is not possible for some reason, abandon your vehicle and seek shelter in a reinforced building.

• If a reinforced building is not available, get into a culvert, ditch or other depression in the ground not prone to flooding.

• Protect your head with your arms.

Be alert for flash flooding ...

• Never drive through water of unknown depth.

• Flowing water, exceeding a foot in depth, is capable of moving a vehicle off the pavement with a force of 1500 pounds.

NOAA's
National WeatherService
Chicago Forecast Office
Amateur Radio Page