Gunfighters become storm spotters Published Nov. 17, 2014 By Airman Connor J. Marth 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho -- Members of the National Weather Service visited Mountain Home Air Force Base Nov. 12 to educate airmen and their families about severe weather. The class explained weather formations and extreme weather warning signs, as well as presented information about how an "average joe" can help the NWS get its message to the public. "We want people to be able to react fast and know how to respond to a severe weather system if it comes into the area," said Jay Breidenbach, National Weather Service warning coordination meteorologist. "Severe weather systems are often underestimated, and we give presentations like this to try to prevent that from happening." NWS members say most weather related accidents and damages are a result of a lack in training and experience. "I haven't experienced snow since 1985," said Jessica Carnahan, 366th Fighter Wing key spouse. "It's nice to have these classes because they help people like me understand Idaho's unique weather." While the NWS is an important part of notifying and educating the community about severe weather, their sensors and meteorologists can only do so much. The NWS relies on local citizens to help them get first-person perspective of local weather. "Spotters are the first step to building a weather-ready community," said Aviva Braun, NWS meteorologist. "With more people becoming educated on the process, everyone will be connected to better protect their community." These spotters can have a substantial impact on how people respond to weather forcasts. "There are about 500 weather-related deaths and $14 billion of property damages a year," said Breidenbach. "We can lower that number with the help provided by weather spotters." In the end, the NWS mission is to protect life and property by building a weather-ready nation, one person at a time.