Measure Up! Partnering with Emergency Managers for Precipitation Observations (194)

Jeffrey Jumper, PA Emergency Management Agency, Harrisburg, PA

 

Abstract:

Did you know precipitation observations could be worth millions of dollars after a disaster? How do you get volunteers to sign up to be official observers? The answer may lie with the emergency management community. Partnerships with emergency managers can open a portal to first responders, businesses, and key members of the whole community, helping close gaps in your observation network. This presentation will detail how to engage the emergency management community in adding new volunteers to your precipitation observer network, including success stories from Pennsylvania. The discussion covers the importance of building your observer network utilizing the CoCoRaHS system and how these measurements can make or break your case for federal disaster funding for your community. This session can aid NWS, broadcast, private sector, and other operational meteorologists looking for new methods to recruit and retain precipitation observers.