Severe Weather Spotting Use of personal two-way radio to assist the National Weather Service in early detection of tornados and other severe weather in the Chicago area goes back to the very first days of CB radio in the late 1950's. N.S.E.A. has sponsored training seminars and lectures by N.O.A.A. personnel for members and other interested radio operators, and continues to assure that all interested members have access to this training. Today hundreds of such amateur radio operators also give generously of their time and equipment to increase the advance warning of severe weather in the Chicago area. Skywarn continues to be a vital part of area tornado detection and warning today, and many N.S.E.A. members continue as active trained spotters. Our group has become a recognized authority in command and control of event logistics, coordination, and even planning.
Projects are now our single most active communications effort.
This led to N.S.E.A. helping out these folks in times of emergency or when disaster struck. The longest relationship has been with the Mid America Chapter of the American Red Cross. N.S.E.A. has been deployed for communications in damage assessment of fires, floods and tornados. We have set up links between shelters, vehicles, command centers - where ever needed. We stand ready today to continue to participate in disaster drills and the real thing at a moment's notice.