As we barrel toward peak hurricane season, which is most active between mid-August and mid-October, volunteer safety training is top of mind. Sarasota County, in partnership with the National Weather Service's SKYWARN program, will host the county's first free, in-person and online seminar on Aug. 16 for community-minded weather enthusiasts who are interested in helping spread live information during hurricane warnings, watches, landfalls and recoveries. 

SKYWARN's 350,000 to 400,000 trained volunteer storm spotters know the scientific details of storm development and storm structure, how to identify and track severe storms, and—perhaps most importantly—how to report on storms and weather safety through a variety of channels, including social media.

The Sarasota County seminar will take place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in-person at the Sarasota County Emergency Operations Center; it will also be available online. Guest speakers include Jennifer Hubbard, warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service, and Sandra Tapfumaneyi, Sarasota County's emergency management chief. 

"These trainings are an opportunity for residents to learn more about severe weather and help report severe weather incidents directly to the National Weather Service," says Sarasota County media relations officer Sara Nealeigh. "With peak hurricane season approaching, it is important to be prepared, have a plan, have a kit and stay informed."

In-person attendance is limited to 120 seats. If you're interested in learning more about weather and how to support your neighbors during hurricane season, you can register here.

If you're unable to attend this weekend's class, click here to find checklists and the Sarasota County Emergency Preparedness Guide. Sign up for emergency alerts from AlertSarasotaCounty.com or text SRQCounty to 888777 to receive text alerts. 

Sarasota County and the National Weather Service's SKYWARN seminar will be offered from 10-11:30 a.m. either online or in-person at 6050 Porter Way on Saturday, August 16. To learn more about SKYWARN, click here. To register for the seminar, click here.