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The equipment consists of an XM Satellite receiver and an outdoor antenna. This will give first responders detailed weather information of the nation or locally and will allow the team to track storms, read winds, see icing and more.
"As most of you know, our area is in a 'black hole' when it comes to radar coverage," Severe said. "We get no live returns from either Tulsa, Springfield or Little Rock radar. This type of equipment is used by EMT teams across the nation and even some school districts. With the information provided by this equipment, it will help school districts, hospitals, senior living centers etc. to find out if they are in immediate danger of oncoming storms. It will also help the electric companies to predict where they most need to send their crews before the weather actually strikes."
Severe lauded three businesses who helped support the project: Swepco, Community First Bank, and Severe's Aviation Cadet Museum. He said total cost of the equipment is $1049.92 with an additional $50 start up fee and a $49.99 per month subscription fee from XM Satellite Weather.
The initial cost has been raised, and the start up fee and monthly expenses are to be handled by the Eureka Springs Fire Dept. "They would welcome any additional donations to defray these costs if you are so inclined," Severe said. "This equipment will be set up at the Eureka Springs Police Department on Passion Play Road and will be staffed 24/7. It would have been placed at the EMT office, but there are times when the EMTs will all be absent from their office out on calls."
He said the only equipment still needed are hand-held ham radio transmitters and receivers that can be issued to the Carroll County Weather Watchers team. Anyone wishing to be involved in the project or contribute to it may contact Mary Nelson, head of the CCWW at (479) 253-7501.