🚨 Storm Chasing Safety Tips
At Midwest Storm Chasers, safety is our top priority — not just for our team, but for the communities we serve. Below are our most important safety guidelines and best practices for storm chasers, spotters, and weather enthusiasts.
⚠️ General Safety Guidelines
- Never put yourself in the path of a storm just to get the shot.
- Always have two escape routes — and keep them clear.
- Watch the skies, but don’t forget to watch the road.
- Use a dedicated driver if filming or radar-monitoring.
- Check your radar and spotter networks before entering a warned area.
- Respect local law enforcement and emergency personnel.
✅ Chasing Do’s and Don’ts
✅ Do:
- Keep your lights on in low visibility conditions.
- Share live data when possible with the NWS or Spotter Network.
- Log your location and chasing intentions with your team.
❌ Don’t:
- Chase alone in remote areas.
- Enter flooded roads — turn around, don’t drown.
- Drive distracted — radar can wait.
- Block driveways, fire lanes, or intersections.
📡 Equipment & Communication
- Use NOAA Weather Radios for local alerts when mobile data fails.
- Maintain HAM radios or emergency push-to-talk systems.
- Power backups (chargers, inverters) are a must.
- Share your real-time GPS location with your team at all times.
🚑 If You Encounter an Emergency
- Call 911 immediately if you see injuries, damage, or a developing tornado.
- Use exact GPS coordinates when reporting to emergency services.
- If you are injured or trapped, stay in your vehicle unless it’s unsafe.
🌪️ New to Chasing?
We recommend taking:
- SKYWARN® Storm Spotter Training
- Online radar interpretation courses (RadarScope, GRLevelX)
- A ride-along or mentoring session with an experienced chaser
🚗 For the Curious but Untrained
- Avoid driving near severe storms.
- Watch our live stream or track us on our Live Map.
- Support our work by spreading awareness, not putting yourself in danger.
🤝 Join the Safe Chasing Community
Midwest Storm Chasers provides outreach, public education, and training opportunities to help grow a safe and skilled weather spotting community.
Want to get involved or ride along?
Contact us here or check out our Team page to learn more.
