Overview
Effective emergency management means educating first responders and county emergency managers on how to interpret and make use of complicated weather data. NC-FIRST is a program designed to help these front-line staff decipher weather data, understand weather threats and choose actions that minimize the threats to lives and property caused by extreme weather. NC-FIRST is a customizable Web portal environment that aggregates information from a wide range of weather web sites, satellites and radars into a an easy-to-use format. The site can be localized to meet the needs of local emergency responders.
NC-FIRST Details
- Modeled after OK-FIRST, a successful educational program for emergency managers and first responders launched 10 years ago in Oklahoma.
- Enhances the relationship with the National Weather Service by helping emergency managers better understand developing weather data.
- Training course focuses on types of weather information and specific types of disasters: hurricanes/tropical storms, floods, thunderstorms/tornadoes, winter storms, fire, heat and drought, coastal information, and general weather information.
- Uses weather data that is aggregated in the portal to teach emergency managers how to interpret various types of data and imagery.
- Mobile version for handheld devices allows emergency managers that are on the move to view NC-FIRST and get updates anywhere.
Overview
Effective emergency management means educating first responders and county emergency managers on how to interpret and make use of complicated weather data. NC-FIRST is a program designed to help these front-line staff decipher weather data, understand weather threats and choose actions that minimize the threats to lives and property caused by extreme weather. NC-FIRST is a customizable Web portal environment that aggregates information from a wide range of weather web sites, satellites and radars into a an easy-to-use format. The site can be localized to meet the needs of local emergency responders.
NC-FIRST Details
- Modeled after OK-FIRST, a successful educational program for emergency managers and first responders launched 10 years ago in Oklahoma.
- Enhances the relationship with the National Weather Service by helping emergency managers better understand developing weather data.
- Training course focuses on types of weather information and specific types of disasters: hurricanes/tropical storms, floods, thunderstorms/tornadoes, winter storms, fire, heat and drought, coastal information, and general weather information.
- Uses weather data that is aggregated in the portal to teach emergency managers how to interpret various types of data and imagery.
- Mobile version for handheld devices allows emergency managers that are on the move to view NC-FIRST and get updates anywhere.
Funding
State of North Carolina
Project Team
Jessica Proud, project leader
Mats Rynge
John Overton
Lisa Stillwell
Jennifer Shelton
Partners
North Carolina State Climate Office
National Weather Service
