EAS- SEVERE WEATHER WARNINGS

[SeanRuadh]

Years ago when our Mom and Pop operation was taken over by the big chain, all the other newspeople were fired. I asked the new PD to clarify our policy, since one of our FM's was the EAS station for the market. He was clueless. He asked for a proposal, which I promptly gave him. It sat on his desk for 3 months. He also ordered the hotline changed, without telling me or anyone else. That meant none of the emergency agencies in our 11 county area could get in contact with us. Finally, I forced the issue. He said we would break into programming only for a flash flood warning or a tornado warning. The next day there was a flash flood warning. I told the jock to stop the record and play the 'Tones Of Doom'. I read the bulletin, and the jock went back to music. The PD came storming down the hall, shouting, demanding to know who had authorised the break! I listened to him rant for about 5 minutes, then showed him the document with his signature. @#$%^& Programmers!
I recall a day when Broadcasting was in the hands of Broadcasters!
SR

 

[KPLEXCOMPLEX]

Robert Bass summed it up beautifully. How come people still drive into low water crossings during severe t-storms,even though they supposedly have lived in Texas all their life? Answer: Because "bubba" feel his "Pick em up" truck can do anything and act as a bass boat when ever he needed. Have you seen video footage of the last couple of years of low water crossings? According to DPD,FWPD,and Arlington PD,more than half were pick up trucks or suv's.
Bottom line a station is supposedly serving its local community. ALL warnings weater related should be rebroadcasted the moment it is received from the NWS. Would you wait until a comercial break 20 min later to issue an Amber alert after its initially sent?

 

[johnqdoe]

Robert Bass summed it up beautifully. How come people still drive into low water crossings during severe t-storms,even though they supposedly have lived in Texas all their life? Answer: Because "bubba" feel his "Pick em up" truck can do anything and act as a bass boat when ever he needed. Have you seen video footage of the last couple of years of low water crossings? According to DPD,FWPD,and Arlington PD,more than half were pick up trucks or suv's.
Bottom line a station is supposedly serving its local community. ALL warnings weater related should be rebroadcasted the moment it is received from the NWS. Would you wait until a comercial break 20 min later to issue an Amber alert after its initially sent?

So if you interrupt "Freebird" to tell Bubba that it's is raining realllly hard, he'll pull right on over and wait the storm out????

 

[theshadow]

Oh, what the hay....I'll jump in with my thoughts too since everyone else is. Good topic by the way...

Overall, I agree with KPLEXCOMPLEX's thoughts, in that, music stations have becomed so far removed from
serving their audience and customer base (yes, folks we are in the business of "customer service") they throw elements of upmost importance out the window. I enjoy reading the thoughts of those that say "I've lived in Texas all my life and know the storm drill", in reference to their belief that severe thunderstorms just dump heavy rain and possibly hail. Yes, severe thunderstorms do. But, they also produce deadly lightning and front line winds capable of blowing down structures, and killing people. I invite everyone to attend a local storm spotter course provided by NWS spokesperson Gary Woodall. It might change your mind about some things. And to assume that everyone will seek shelter during a warning, or know what to do, is just being ridiculous. People believe they are invincible in disaster and dangerous situations, and sometimes need to be beaten over the head with info, so they realize the situation could be deadly (such as crossing a flooded creek). I believe whatever your format, if there is a potentially dangerous weather situation, then your obligation is to inform and update your listeners. Fine, let them bitch and complain about you interrupting their stupid Metallica song for a weather break. But they'd be bitching and complaining too if a front line winds or tornado blew them off the road and they never heard anything about it.

While visiting the St. Louis area last year, the family was headed up I-44 when a line of severe thunderstorms (and associated tornados) was brewing. The storm line followed us from Oklahoma and ended up in Illinois causing extensive damage along its path. I can tell you how glad I was to be able to scan through the radio dial and hear music stations breaking format and broadcasting weather alerts as I was driving. We actually pulled off the highway in Rolla, MO. for a gas stop as a tornado warning was issued for that county. One of the stations (probably automated but helpful nonetheless) had the national weather service audio come on after each EAS tone (just like a SAME weather radio). I found this very informative to get the info direct from the source. One particular station out of Springfield, MO had a combo of ham radio operators and storm spotters in the field reporting on conditions. Personally, at that point (as a driver) I was much more concerned about the weather ahead and around me than hearing the latest #1 tune on the radio!

 

[Robert Bass]

Robert Bass summed it up beautifully. How come people still drive into low water crossings during severe t-storms,even though they supposedly have lived in Texas all their life? Answer: Because "bubba" feel his "Pick em up" truck can do anything and act as a bass boat when ever he needed. Have you seen video footage of the last couple of years of low water crossings? According to DPD,FWPD,and Arlington PD,more than half were pick up trucks or suv's.
Bottom line a station is supposedly serving its local community. ALL warnings weater related should be rebroadcasted the moment it is received from the NWS. Would you wait until a comercial break 20 min later to issue an Amber alert after its initially sent?

So if you interrupt "Freebird" to tell Bubba that it's is raining realllly hard, he'll pull right on over and wait the storm out????

If he was smart, he'd seek shelter in a strong bulding until the storm passes.

R

 

[Robert Bass]

You know after reading all these posts, it’s apparent to me a history lesson is in order regarding the dangers of severe weather.

The date: August 2. 1985

The location: DFW International Airport, Dallas, Texas

The airline: Delta

The plane: a Lockheed L-1011-1 TriStar

The flight number: 191

On board were 152 passengers and a crew of 11

The plane's route was from Florida to California, by way of DFW Airport. As the pilot initiated a planned descent over Louisiana, he recognized the signs of severe weather forming in the flight’s path. He rerouted the plane’s heading to Dallas, in an effort to avoid the severe storms. Unfortunately, as they say, the rest is history.

While attempting to land at DFW, Microburst induced wind sheer prematurely sent the plane down during the landing approach.

The number of deaths was staggering

128 Passengers
8 crew members
1 driver in a car that was hit by the plane

So the next time you hear complaints about weather bulletin interruptions, take a moment to reflect on that fateful summer afternoon in Dallas.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta_Air_Lines_Flight_191

Weather can be deadly in many ways!

R

 

[TheLaffer]

Oh, what the hay....I'll jump in with my thoughts too since everyone else is. Good topic by the way...

Overall, I agree with KPLEXCOMPLEX's thoughts, in that, music stations have becomed so far removed from
serving their audience and customer base (yes, folks we are in the business of "customer service") they throw elements of upmost importance out the window. I enjoy reading the thoughts of those that say "I've lived in Texas all my life and know the storm drill", in reference to their belief that severe thunderstorms just dump heavy rain and possibly hail. Yes, severe thunderstorms do. But, they also produce deadly lightning and front line winds capable of blowing down structures, and killing people. I invite everyone to attend a local storm spotter course provided by NWS spokesperson Gary Woodall. It might change your mind about some things. And to assume that everyone will seek shelter during a warning, or know what to do, is just being ridiculous. People believe they are invincible in disaster and dangerous situations, and sometimes need to be beaten over the head with info, so they realize the situation could be deadly (such as crossing a flooded creek). I believe whatever your format, if there is a potentially dangerous weather situation, then your obligation is to inform and update your listeners. Fine, let them bitch and complain about you interrupting their stupid Metallica song for a weather break. But they'd be bitching and complaining too if a front line winds or tornado blew them off the road and they never heard anything about it.

While visiting the St. Louis area last year, the family was headed up I-44 when a line of severe thunderstorms (and associated tornados) was brewing. The storm line followed us from Oklahoma and ended up in Illinois causing extensive damage along its path. I can tell you how glad I was to be able to scan through the radio dial and hear music stations breaking format and broadcasting weather alerts as I was driving. We actually pulled off the highway in Rolla, MO. for a gas stop as a tornado warning was issued for that county. One of the stations (probably automated but helpful nonetheless) had the national weather service audio come on after each EAS tone (just like a SAME weather radio). I found this very informative to get the info direct from the source. One particular station out of Springfield, MO had a combo of ham radio operators and storm spotters in the field reporting on conditions. Personally, at that point (as a driver) I was much more concerned about the weather ahead and around me than hearing the latest #1 tune on the radio!

I think in many cases radio has just given up trying to be professional in delivering weather statements. Like so much else in radio that has been dropped due to consultants, clueless gm's, and just an overall attitude of let's gut everything. I could walk into any small, med, large and in many cases major market radio station during severe weather at night or on the weekends and find COMPUTERS running most of the stations with not one person on duty!!!

I can't tell you how many times i've worked at stations where the pd was clueless about eas procedures and the engineers did a half ass job at explaining it. No leadership from anybody. Basics have been thrown out. Once upon a time many music stations were just as credible as tv and am news stations complete with news depts and pd's that knew more than printing out music logs from a computer. Now i realize we can't go back to those days but by golly we can change a few things by involving people in radio that KNOW how to do good radio.

 

[KPLEXCOMPLEX]

Robert makes a good point about the Delta crash. Remember "Mayfest" ten years later. Many injuries occurred,damage etc. and "Bubba knows " when a storm is brewin to seek shelter,instead of interrupting "Freebird" or "I love this Bar" telling him to do so?
Yup can't have the guvmint tell him whad to dew by golly.

PD's if you have a staff at all teach them better and study how to do an EAS yourself while your at it.

 

[Kent]

Actually, Robert, the situation you described is why we have an NWS to begin with. People don't realize it, but the NWS exists because of aviation. Everything it does for us is secondary. The idea, of course, is that you don't want to be trying to land a plane in a tornado warning when you could be flying over it. Most of us don't care about the barometric pressure and the like, but it matters quite-a-bit when taking off and, especially, landing an airplane.

 

[Robert Bass]

Actually, Robert, the situation you described is why we have an NWS to begin with. People don't realize it, but the NWS exists because of aviation. Everything it does for us is secondary. The idea, of course, is that you don't want to be trying to land a plane in a tornado warning when you could be flying over it. Most of us don't care about the barometric pressure and the like, but it matters quite-a-bit when taking off and, especially, landing an airplane.

Kent,

That is beside the point. Some of the other posts in the thread suggest a few folks don’t think a severe thunderstorm warning is worthy of broadcasting. That Delta flight tragedy is a clear example which suggests otherwise.

All weather warnings should be treated equally. Dismissing a t-storm warning over say a tornado warning is absurd.

R

 

[Kent]

Kent,

That is beside the point. Some of the other posts in the thread suggest a few folks don’t think a severe thunderstorm warning is worthy of broadcasting. That Delta flight tragedy is a clear example which suggests otherwise.

Then, why did you bring it up? Seriously, your point was that weather is deadly in many ways, and I was simply backing your point up by pointing out that the NWS exists specifically to prevent these plane crashes. Just like the weather is deadly in many ways, the warning system is also beneficial in many ways. This crash should not have happened as the planes should have been alerted to this by the tower when landing.

All weather warnings should be treated equally. Dismissing a t-storm warning over say a tornado warning is absurd.

Yes and no. I agree that warnings should be covered. However, I would not, and do not, cover severe thunderstorm warnings exactly the same as I do tornado warnings. I suspend all programming to cover tornado warnings wall-to-wall. However, I don't do wall-to-wall on severe thunderstorm warning. I do break-ins about every 10-15 minutes.

 

[awyldkiss]

Kent,

That is beside the point. Some of the other posts in the thread suggest a few folks don’t think a severe thunderstorm warning is worthy of broadcasting. That Delta flight tragedy is a clear example which suggests otherwise.

Then, why did you bring it up? Seriously, your point was that weather is deadly in many ways, and I was simply backing your point up by pointing out that the NWS exists specifically to prevent these plane crashes. Just like the weather is deadly in many ways, the warning system is also beneficial in many ways. This crash should not have happened as the planes should have been alerted to this by the tower when landing.

All weather warnings should be treated equally. Dismissing a t-storm warning over say a tornado warning is absurd.

Yes and no. I agree that warnings should be covered. However, I would not, and do not, cover severe thunderstorm warnings exactly the same as I do tornado warnings. I suspend all programming to cover tornado warnings wall-to-wall. However, I don't do wall-to-wall on severe thunderstorm warning. I do break-ins about every 10-15 minutes.

you'all argue about anything. Get a friggin' life!!!!!! :

 

[Robert Bass]

you'all argue about anything. Get a friggin' life!!!!!! :

This is a discussion, not an argument.

R

 

[Kent]

This is a discussion, not an argument.

Agreed! If I get back to Dallas anytime soon, we'll all have a beer and talk radio! After staring at numbers and balancing accounts all day, talking radio is a good way to get back to the real world!

 

[KPLEXCOMPLEX]

Ok Kent I agree with you to a degree. Tornado warning, yes - wall to wall coverage. T-storm warning ,depending on the location and severity every 10-15 min is good. A "Mayfest Storm" type situation, then it too bears wall to wall coverage. Flash Flood warnings Severity and location plays a role as well. Remember in the early 90's the deluge we had where the Arlington Lake Dam had to be open and flooded the golf course to spare the nearby homes? That type is wall to wall coverage as well. Bottom line, no matter what your format is, an EAS warning is just not compliance,its alerting the community you are licensed to serve.

 

[Kent]

Ok Kent I agree with you to a degree. Tornado warning, yes - wall to wall coverage. T-storm warning ,depending on the location and severity every 10-15 min is good. A "Mayfest Storm" type situation, then it too bears wall to wall coverage. Flash Flood warnings Severity and location plays a role as well. Remember in the early 90's the deluge we had where the Arlington Lake Dam had to be open and flooded the golf course to spare the nearby homes? That type is wall to wall coverage as well. Bottom line, no matter what your format is, an EAS warning is just not compliance,its alerting the community you are licensed to serve.

I would say we agree more than we disagree on the issue of severe weather. While our implementation of severe weather procedures might be a little different, I think we agree that dropping the ball during severe weather is nothing short of inexcusable. I suspect we would also agree that live people is essential during severe weather times due to many of the situations you described.

It wasn't too long ago that I was talking to a friend of mine, and she said, "Why do you keep working in this business, even part-time? You don't need the money anymore with your state job, and you've been up and down Indiana, across Kansas and up and down, left to right and corner to corner across Missouri for a $20,000/yr, at most, paycheck!" I answered her question by saying I'd like to think what I did made a difference to some people. I remember May 1993 when tornadoes hit eastern Tulsa County in Oklahoma, and I was helping the weather department at KRMG. While a lot of people, including a friend of mine, got killed in that storm, a lot of people driving along Interstate 44 also did what they were supposed to do in a Tornado Warning and survived. I'd like to think I had something to do with helping those people. I also remember the case shortly after Texas implemented the Amber Alert system when a young girl was abducted and found walking along I-35 shortly after an Amber Alert was issued. She said a man in a truck abducted her and heard the Amber Alert on the radio. So, he pulled over and ordered her out of the truck. As broadcasters, we may not have saved her life, but we definitely saved her a lifetime of trauma. These situations are the reason I still spend a day a week doing radio when I could, and probably should, be doing something else. For all I know, next weekend, an experienced broadcaster could make a difference for someone.

 

[KPLEXCOMPLEX]

AMEN! I couldn't have said it better and that what being a broadcaster is all about. Its time to ge rid of the VT,and reduce the syndication. Return to the basics and return to what your station's license really means.

 

[Robert Bass]

Kent,

Add another AMEN to your post!

R