Item SR-14: Creating a Tropical Operations Short Course/Workshop for ERMETs

Matt MorelandAndy DevanasDavid SharpPablo Santos

Jeral EstupiñánShannon White

ERMET Training Proposal

• Builds on Weather Ready Nation Initiative.• Training primarily for SR ERMETs (SR ROC, Tampa, New Orleans). • To be put together in collaboration between authors of this

item, regional reps, and most importantly SR ERMETs and other SMEs.

• Other attendees possible, but do need to limit class size for workshop effectiveness

• Workshop Format (3 days) preferred possibly funded by SR. Otherwise, virtual workshop.

• Target date – May-June 2012• Ancillary benefit – could serve as testbed for national training

initiative (SR-17)

ERMET training initiative

• Will follow the training format outlined in the national proposal (SR-17).– However:

• Will include more interactive training (possibly a multi-agency workshop)– Dynamic Simulations (Zeitler/Van Speybroeck, WFO HGX

methods)– Taped briefing critiques (based on various tropical scenarios)– Facilitated discussions on IDSS

• Focused more on customer interaction along with proper NHC and WFO products interpretation and application in the delivery of DSS

ERMET training initiative

Example course modules:• Societal impacts of a tropical event (mitigation, preparation,

response, recovery)• Message development and design (expanded look at HLS

content, impact wording, use of NHC/WFO products?)• Tropical operations at the field level

• NHC seasonal update (2011 stats, model improvements)• Latest tropical research and applications to field level operations • SLOSH model methodology, assumptions, limitations• Proper interpretation of NHC/WFO products (bend toward

partner considerations)

ERMET TeamsTestbed or Model for National Training Initiative:• ERMET teams could work with national training team and develop training for other coastal field offices• Format/content could be similar to the ERMET Tropical Operations Short Course

Develop Training for Partners/Stakeholders:• ERMET Teams can provide training on station for local and

regional partners/stakeholders (such as emergency management)

• Focus on product interpretation, message development, and brainstorm and get feedback on partner needs

ERMET TeamsConduct Tropical Simulation Training:• Refine IDSS process through mock Emergency Management briefings and tropical drills• Work with national training team to provide instructions and support to other field offices on conducting tropical simulations

Serve as Test Sites for Improved Collaboration/Technologies:• Build an improved collaborative process with NHC (Example: Testing Storm Surge Warning Prototype)• Test annual improvements to existing GFE tools and formatters

(Examples: HLS, tropical impact graphics)• Develop new products/graphics based on feedback from IDSS

partnerships (Example: graphic for timing of the onset of Tropical Storm force winds)

ERMET training initiative

RECOMMENDATION:For NOAA Hurricane Conference Representatives to endorse the creation of a tropical operations and decision support course or workshop for ERMETs, with a delivery expectation of June 2012.