By Jay Sowers

The Selma Times-Journal

 

Area residents wanting to help keep there community safe by knowing how to read the storm clouds overhead, can learn how to do just that in mid-October.

The National Weather Service will be hosting the annual SKYWARN Basic Storm Spotter Class on Thursday, Oct. 17 at 6 p.m. in the Commissioners Courtroom at the Dallas Count Courthouse Annex.

The class, which will feature speakers from the National Weather Service, is expected to last an hour-and-a-half to two hours.

The main purpose of the SKYWARN Basic Storm Spotter course is to train interested citizens and law enforcement personnel about how to safely spot and report storms and weather-based phenomena.

Rhonda Abbott, Homeland Security Director for Dallas County, said the course is an opportunity for residents to help improve the overall safety of the region.

“It’s very useful for anyone who likes weather phenomena or is out there — like first responders — who can react to what is coming,” Abbott said.

She said in years past first responders have been joined by some surprising members of the general public in the once-a-year SKYWARN class.

“We’ve even had Boy Scout troops express interest in the past,” Abbott said. “It is extremely important for us, and for the weather service, to know what is going on.”

Anyone ages 12 and older, and interested in learning about severe weather, can attend the free program.

Registration for the course is required, and anyone interested in taking part is asked to contact the Dallas County Homeland Security and Emergency Management office at 874-2515, or email Abbott at rhonda.abbott@dallascounty.org to reserve a seat.