ACES

By Scott Whitfield KE5AYC
SSW ACES Training

Awareness means you are constantly observing the situation around you. This type of observation is sometimes referred to as situational awareness. Continuously monitoring the risks around you can save your life, especially in rapidly changing weather conditions. Knowing that there is a river crossing, or observing the street is lined with power poles and trees, can prepare you for the hazards of severe weather. When you are aware of the imminent threats, and you are thinking ahead about possible outcomes, you can position yourself better to minimize these threats. 

Communicating your whereabouts to others on a regular basis and having multiple lines of communication available can keep you and others safe from hazards. 

Escape Routes are vital when you are entering a potentially dangerous area. As part of awareness, note the escape routes available to you, making sure you always have more than one and the safest way to get to that escape route.

In the event you cannot get to escape routes due to rapidly changing conditions, find your closest, safe zones or shelters.

Safe zones are the areas where you will be safest if you need to get to immediate shelter. Knowing these locations will limit your risk. 

Remembering 

ACES: to remain aware of your surroundings, have open lines of communication, know your escape routes, and know your safe zones wherever you are can increase your safety. 

Here are a few basic tips that could save your life if you are watching a storm from your vehicle.

• Keep a buffer zone between you and the storm to allow for changes in storm movement and to keep your options open for an escape route. 
• Travel in pairs so the driver can concentrate on driving, and so you can observe multiple areas of the storm. 
• Always know where you are in relation to the storm, and which way the storm is moving. Remember that storms can change direction and speed. 
• Never drive through the core of the storm, e.g., through heavy rain and/or hail, to get a better vantage point. 
• Have a source of current local weather information, such as a NOAA Weather Radio, to be sure you have critical storm information. 
• If possible, observe a storm from a four-way intersection to facilitate escape in multiple directions. 
• Nighttime storm spotting in a vehicle can be dangerous and is not recommended. It is difficult to observe key storm features at night and harder to safely maneuver around the storm. 
• Be alert for emergency vehicles, pedestrians, and other road and traffic hazards. 
• If you stop, remember to watch for traffic and to be aware of the potential effects of the storm. Pull out of traffic and keep away from trees, power lines, and signs. 
• Never stay in a vehicle under large trees or signs in high wind conditions. Get into a sturdy structure. 
• Always be prepared for all of the hazards associated with thunderstorms. 
• If close to or in the path of a storm, do not turn off your vehicle.