SKYWARN is comprised of storm spotters - not storm chasers.  Chasing is an extemely dangerous activity, and should be left to the professionals with advanced meteorological training, the proper tools, and seasoned experience.  Storm chasing cannot be learned by watching television programs that magnify its allure; storm chasing is not condoned by TCARES in any form.

Even mobile storm spotting is a potentially dangerous activity.  As a matter of policy, Tippecanoe County ARES does not actively deploy its members to particular locations when severe weather threatens the area.  The safety of our volunteers is our top priority and we will not intentionally ask anyone to place themselves in harm's way.

However, we understand the vital need for storm spotter reports and fully support SKYWARN, a program administered by the National Weather Service (NWS).  Many of our members are also trained SKYWARN spotters, and Tippecanoe County ARES conducts SKYWARN nets in support of the NWS.  We realize that some of our members, as well as non-ARES amateurs, will want to engage in mobile storm spotting activities during the threat of severe weather.  This is a choice made entirely by the individual, and not part of official TCARES operations.

Everyone who participates in mobile storm spotting should do so in a safe and responsible manner.  Observe all traffic laws.  Pull off roadways and intersections as far as possible (without getting yourself stuck) to avoid passing traffic.  Do not turn off your engine; keep your vehicle running.  Turn on your emergency flashers to warn approaching vehicles of your presence.  Advise the SKYWARN Net Control when you are enroute to a designated spotter location, and specify which one.  Check in with the NCS again upon your arrival, and report your status at least once every 10 minutes while there, when practical.  Let the NCS know when you leave a spotter location.  Mobile storm spotter communication with the SKYWARN Net Control is essential to personal safety.