EFFECTIVE AUGUST 20, 2001 FOR WEATHER RELATED NOTIFICATIONS THIS PROCEDURE IS NOW THE BACKUP NOTIFICATION PROCESS. THE PRIMARY NOTIFICATION WILL BE VIA WEATHER RADIOS INSTALLED AT THE SPECIAL POPULATION GROUP SITES.

Public Act 390 as Amended, provides for the requirement of each Michigan county to establish and maintain Severe Weather and Special Population Notifications. Regularly scheduled tests will be a standard part of these procedures and will be implemented on the order of The Alcona County Office of Emergency Management.

NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES

for

Alcona County

The Alcona County Sheriff Department, the 911 Board, Alcona County Amateur Radio Operators and the office of Emergency Management have partnered in this plan and these procedures.

The primary purpose of this document is to help train those involved in the notification of area locations with large numbers of people —or those with special needs— in times of impending severe weather. This procedure is also designed to serve these same groups during times of emergency when other than severe weather conditions may exist.

COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q. As an amateur radio operator, what should I do when I receive a call from a Weather Spotter or 911 dispatcher?

A. Record the information received and disseminate the information to other operators and/or persons for whom you are responsible.

DO NOT DIAL 911. IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THEM TO KEEP THEIR LINES OPEN FOR LEGITIMATE EMERGENCIES.

Q. As an amateur radio operator, what should I do during a severe weather watch?

A. (a) A Severe Weather Watch is simply a notice that severe weather is likely to occur. Make certain other amateur radio operators, and/or persons for whom you are responsible, are aware of the situation. (b) Review your Severe Weather Warning Procedure. (c) Monitor your NOAA Weather radio station or standard broadcast station for developments - radios should have battery operated backup capability.

Q. As an amateur radio operator, what should I do in a Severe Weather Warning?

A. A Severe Weather Warning indicates that severe weather has actually been observed on the ground or by National Weather Service radar. (a) Closely monitor your NOAA Weather radio station or standard broadcast station for further developments. (b) Follow the Alcona County Amateur Radio Group’s Guide to Severe Weather Procedures. Do not assume that you will receive additional calls from weather spotters. (c) Activate the Alcona County Amateur Group’s Guide to Severe Weather Procedures and initiate the call-up sequence.

Q. As an amateur radio operator, what should I do if I receive a call that is for something other than severe weather?

A. Listen carefully to the caller and accurately record as much information as possible. If it is practical, you will be given instructions. Follow the Alcona County Amateur Radio Group’s Procedures for the type of incident being reported.

UNLESS YOU HAVE A LEGITIMATE EMERGENCY, DO NOT DIAL 911.

Q. As an amateur radio operator, what should I do to prepare for the severe weather season?

A. Review the Alcona County Amateur Radio Group’s Procedures. Have at least one simulated tornado drill. Discuss all exercises with other Hams. Most importantly, be aware of other situations that could occur when severe weather strikes.