Steve – K1SJW writes:
Attention All ARES/SKYWARN Spotters in New Haven and Middlesex Counties.

I am seeking to fill the two vacant SKYWARN EC (Emergency Coordinator) positions for New Haven and Middlesex Counties.
- These positions became vacant with the passing of Glenn Krieger N1HAW. Glenn had been the SKYWARN EC for both counties.

Qualifications
Anyone interested in these positions must be:
- a currently trained/certified SKYWARN Spotter,
- a member of the ARRL
- a member of CT ARES

The appointment will be approved by the meteorologist in charge of the SKYWARN program, and the Warning Coordination meteorologist for the NWS New York office. The appointment will also be approved by Wayne N1CLV CT ARES SEC and Betsey K1EIC ARRL CT Section Manager.

I would like to fill each county EC position, if possible.

Anyone interested in these positions, feel free to contact or email me.

73 DE Steve K1SJW

Steve Williams K1SJW
ARRL CT Section ARES DEC SKYWARN
Home: 860-379-8392
Cell: 860-601-3323
Email address [email protected]

ARES/SKYWARN: EC and Net Control Station (NCS) Responsibilities
I have been asked to provide more detailed information on the responsibilities of the two ARES/SKYWARN County Coordinator (EC) positions that are currently vacant in:
- New Haven County
- Middlesex County

Here is the responsibilities for SKYWARN Net Control Operators and County Coordinators (ECs) as outlined in the Connecticut SKYWARN Operations Manual.

The County Coordinator (EC) positions report to and receive support from the State Coordinator and to the SKYWARN Program Coordinator at the National Weather Service Forecast Office in New York, NY (Upton). I hope this information is useful to anyone interested in filling the vacant positions in New Haven County or Middlesex County.

1.6 Role of SKYWARN Net Control (NCS)
SKYWARN Net Control is the critical role in any SKYWARN activation. It is a role that will always challenge all of an amateur radio operator’s communications and technical skills. It is also an extremely responsible role in that the safety of lives and property may rest on the amateur’s skills. Although this role is challenging, with proper training and experience, this role can also be extremely rewarding when a job is successfully completed.

It is the purpose of this manual to provide the general guidelines for SKYWARN operations. While consistency of procedures from net to net is important, no two SKYWARN activations will be exactly the same. Therefore, the net control operator has the authority and responsibility to do everything necessary, within FCC rules, to ensure the SKYWARN mission is performed to the best of his or her abilities.

It is essential that SKYWARN net control operators be familiar with NWS procedures, to be able to do an effective job. As mentioned in section 1.1 training cannot, and should not, take place "on the job" during severe weather. Proper training is essential for the effective flow of information between SKYWARN spotters and the NWS forecasters.

Listed below are the requirements to be designated by the SKYWARN County Coordinator to operate as a Net Control Station for SKYWARN nets.

1. Maintain current SKYWARN spotter certification.
2. Be familiar with SKYWARN reporting criteria and NWS reporting procedures.
3. Assist the SKYWARN County Coordinator by acting as net control for weekly weather training nets in order to receive proper training to act as net control for SKYWARN nets.
4. Notify the SKYWARN County Coordinator of your contact information and availability to act as net control for SKYWARN nets.

1.8 Role of the SKYWARN County Coordinator (EC)
The SKYWARN County Coordinator organizes the operation of the entire SKYWARN Amateur Radio community within a specified county for which the Albany NY, Upton NY, and Boston MA, NWS offices are responsible.

Specific duties of the SKYWARN County Coordinator (EC) include, but are not limited to:
1. Keeping a set of recommended protocols and an operating manual up to date and ensure compliance.
2. Coordinating simple, effective and efficient procedures for passing traffic between local SKYWARN nets and the NWS forecasters.
3. Sharing information, ideas, and protocols to develop the best possible local SKYWARN program.
4. Coordinating the activities of SKYWARN with ARES, RACES, REACT, and government agencies to best fulfill SKYWARN's goals.
5. Assist SKYWARN Net Control Stations in the execution of their duties and act as a liaison with the NWS and other agencies.

This volunteer position is appointed by the NWS SKYWARN Program Manager and ARES, to ensure that the person chosen can work well with the NWS forecasters and management as well as the amateur radio community. The person chosen for this position must possess superior coordination and communication skills and should be readily available to the NWS.

The SKYWARN County Coordinator (EC) is also responsible for making sure that at least one Net Control Station is on duty at all times to receive the NWS notification and to take appropriate action as requested by the NWS.
This will often involve passing the SKYWARN activation instructions and trained net control volunteer lists from the County Coordinator (EC) to an Assistant County Coordinator (AEC) or to Net Control Stations when an out of town trip is expected.
It is imperative that this position be covered at ALL TIMES!

Steve Williams K1SJW
ARRL CT Section ARES DEC SKYWARN
[email protected]