The Southfield Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Division, in conjunction with the National Weather Service and the Oakland County Homeland Security Division, will offer a free Skywarn Spotter class on Thursday, March 26 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Southfield Public Library, 26300 Evergreen Road.

The class will train participants on how to detect early warning signs of impending severe weather, especially tornadoes. Participants will also learn how to report an observance of severe weather to the National Weather Service. The Skywarn Spotter initiative is an effort to save lives during severe weather emergencies by expanding the network of trained spotters. Participants will learn about the basics of thunderstorm development, storm structure and severe weather safety in this one informative class.

“Skywarn Spotters are an integral part of the severe weather early warning system,” commented Justin Beck, Southfield’s Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Division. “As a result of the Skywarn Spotter program, the average ‘lead time’ between the first sighting of severe weather and its actual arrival to a given area has increased by almost 10 minutes over the past few years. This extra ‘lead time’ to seek proper shelter greatly reduces the potential for injury or death from severe weather.”

Space is limited and registration is required. To register, log on to www.oakgov.com/homelandsecurity and select Skywarn Spotter Training Program under Programs and Services in the navigation menu or call Oakland County Homeland Security at (248) 858-5300.