🚀 go-pugleaf

Robert P Dale <rdale@NORDEN1.COM> wrote:

Much deletia, 

Well after listening to more than a few Dallas County RACES Nets I
think I can address your concerns.  First the Net Controller makes it
clear that while it is a controlled net any radio operator with a
message dealing with a message dealing with emergency situations can
enter the net.  Matter of fact this happened last month about a
traffic accident that occured while a net was operating and a
non-RACES member saw the accident, entered the net to report where it
was then passed on to Dallas Police.

Second, while the training for skywarn is limited it is something.
Many folks attempt to expand their knowledge.  The net controllers
around here always ask for other observers to report their observation
on any critical reports.  Often times even RACES member can confuse
scud with rotation.   You can hear the net controller ask for
verification from other obsevers and talk with the NWS which is
monitoring the RACES net as well.

For a volunteer organization, which I am not a member, I am impressed
with the professionalism they display.  They may not be 100% accurate
in their observations but I have never heard anyone get upset when the
net controller ask for verification of their reports.  I have heard
people try to creat distration on the RACES freq.  when I net is
operational.

>I don't think that is why some of us are concerned... Because I am not a
>RACES member apparently I am not able to call in reports via ham radio in
>some locations like Dallas TX. Does that mean my hail / damage / etc reports
>are not worthy of being collected? We have the problem in a county near
>Toledo that won't accept reports unless the net control knows you
>personally. Is that what your intent is? To make Skywarn your "personal"
>group? If so -- barring non-RACES and non-"trained" reports is the way to
>get there.