Could I have any legal action taken against me if I do this?
I’m a Skywarn storm spotter in the Tampa bay area for Florida. As a storm spotter, I’m supposed to report severe weather to the National Weather Service to keep the public informed about severe weather. If our area is under a tornado warning, would it be illegal for me to use a bullhorn and say "This is a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately."? What sort of charges/penalties would I face?
In Hawaii, the department of emergency did the exact same thing when the entire state of Hawaii was under a Tsunami warning. http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Waianae2C-Hawaii-Hawaii/photo//100227/480/46345f5b7b9f48389f31285e6863bac0//s:/ap/20100227/ap_on_re_us/quake_tsunami_18#photoViewer=/100227/480/46345f5b7b9f48389f31285e6863bac0
Tornado alley uses talking tornado sirens that say the exact same thing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIDXV0e3uLI
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!
4 comments
Will on March 1, 2010 at 11:49 am
you could/would be cited for creating a public panic as you are not law enforcement or a certified meteorologist
Bill on March 1, 2010 at 11:49 am
If you really did have a job like that, You would have been instructed as to what/what not to do. Before you was allowed into the field, And have to ask in Y/A for instructions from people that are clueless.
Merrily Merrily on March 1, 2010 at 11:49 am
Panic is the only exercise most American’s get these days. I’m all for the false warnings. They make real warnings seem like no big deal. To allay fear, no matter how it’s achieved, is a virtue.
Warren on March 1, 2010 at 11:49 am
The National Weather Service is who you should be asking, not us.
I would say, you have the authority to report warnings to them, but not to broadcast it in their place, whether from a bullhorn, cell phone, or any other way.