College of DuPage Stormchasing GuideLINES, Rules, and Suggestions

1
College of DuPageStormchasingGuideLINES, Rules,
and Suggestions
2
What to BringClothes

• Bring at least one pair of long pants or jeans.
• Bring at least one good sweatshirt or jacket. It
  gets cold in the van and in the outflow of a
  storm and sometimes it is just cold.
• We recommend one nice shirt (non-t-shirt) in case
  we eat at a respectable place. (Sometimes we try
  to be respectable.)
• Bring two pairs of shoes. Sandals or flip-flops
  are OK but not a good choice of shoe for most
  circumstances. Think ants, softball, fields,
  grass, etc
• Swimwear. Lots of nice hotel pools.
  Skinny-dipping not allowed.
• Do not over-pack with shorts. Bring enough
  shirts, underwear and socks. (Think number of
  chase days 1)
• Laundry is possible but not guaranteed. Actually,
  it is uncommon to have time to do laundry.

3
What to BringHelpful Tip 1

• Bring a plastic garbage bag. Separates dirty
  clothes (smelly) from clean clothes (not
  smellyunless you dont have a garbage bag and
  thus all the clothes are smelly.)

4
What to Bring Gadgets

• Limit your gadgets such as tripods, zoom
  lenses, etc. Remember, space is at a minimum.
• Remember batteries, chargers, memory cards, etc
• A small power strip to charge gadgets (outlets in
  hotels are few.)
• No flash photos in the van asyou will only get a
  picture of the reflection in the window!
• Charcoal sketch pads (in caseyou want to sketch
  the storm.)

5
What to Bring Health and Comfort Items

• If you wear contacts, you should bring
• Re-wetting drops
• Extra contacts
• Your prescription glasses
• Dont forget your case and solution!
• Medicines (Dramamine, aspirin, allergy, Immodium,
  etc)
• Eye drops
• Health insurance card
• Tissues (especially the girls, ummm yeahfor
  that.)
• Sunscreen and aloe for post-sun burn treatment.
• Sunglasses (or tinted safety goggles.)
• Hat (or sombrero.)

6
What to Bring Miscellaneous

• Passport or passport card (required for all
  trips)
• Drivers license
• Bring enough money. We recommend at least 35 per
  day. Bring cash since it makes paying at
  restaurants easier.
• Credit/Debit card (just in case.)
• Water Bottle (for refilling at the hotel, etc)
• Headphones
• Atlas
• Colored Pencils (SUPER IMPORTANT.)
• Small Pillow
• Security Blanket (optional.)

7
What NOT to Bring

• Weapons (including pepper spray.) We cross
  borders and its illegal.
• Excess or unnecessary schtuff. (Remember, space
  is at a minimum.)
• Illegal drugs
• Too many or inappropriate movies.
• Cases of water (it doesnt help anyone.)
• Encyclopedia (were all about wikipedia.)
• Large body pillow (or life-sized inflatable bed
  partner.)
• Electric blanket

8
Luggage and Packing Tips

• One Duffle Bag or Soft Suitcase.
• One Carry-On Bag (backpack, etc).
• You may bring your lap-top as well, although
  tablets are better, smartphones are best.
• Bring Ziploc bags for shampoo, contact solution,
  etc Sometimes they might explode in mountainous
  regions or if one of our drivers gets a hold of
  it.

9
Helpful Tip 2Dont make us angry
Dont over-pack suitcases and carry-ons. Space
is at a minimum.
10
HygieneThese rules wouldnt be here unless
people broke them!

• Shower!
• Shower with soap and shampoo!
• Im serious.
• Use deodorant
• Im serious.
• If you have foot odor problems, keep your
  shoes on!
• Wash your hands before leaving the restroom.
  Disease can and WILL spread easily in a closed
  van. Besides that is just disgusting.

11
Seating in the Vans

• Dont sit next to the assistant unless you are
  very small (like the size of a small rodent or
  cat,) its a down day and the assistant likes
  you. There just isnt room.
• Mix it up! Sit in different vans with different
  people! Cliques suck.
• The assistant position in Van 2 is a working
  seat. You must be operating the computer.
• Shotgun seat in Van 2 should be using a video
  camera or taking pictures for others during a
  chase. Its a great vantage point.

12
Helpful Tip 3Dont make us angry
No cliques and no sitting in the same van every
day.(Yes that means you Laura! -)
13
Chase ModesNon-Chase Mode

• We have a broad target area but are not really
  hurrying to get there.
• Stops for food and bathroom break as needed to
  maintain schedule.
• Do not dilly-dally. (Yes. Thats a word. Look it
  up.) We always want to hurry up and wait. The
  faster you go, the less likely we will kill you
  if we miss a storm.
• In any mode, at every stop, listen to the
  instructor at all times for directions.

14
Helpful Tip 4
Matts Golden Rule Pee when you have the
chance. Anyplace. Anytime.
15
Chase ModesChase-Mode

• Storms are likely and there is probably a watch
  out or our area has been highlighted in a
  mesoscale convective discussion.
• We stop when possible but it is not a certainty.
• Stops are usually for bathroom breaks only or
  very quick food stops. Food is everyone or no
  one. Have one person buy for several people, sort
  out payment later.
• We have even left Glen Ellyn in chase mode.
• In every mode, listen for instructions from the
  instructor.

16
Helpful Tip 4 (once more)Getting the hint?
Matts Golden Rule Pee when you have the
chance. Anyplace. Anytime.
17
Chase ModesIntercept Mode

• We have our storm!
• Almost assuredly, if we stop, it will be a
  gas-only stop.
• Purchase of food is prohibited. It can wait.
  Seriously.
• If you find yourself in this mode and you didnt
  understand Matts Golden Rule, I bet you will
  now.
• The term bathroom in intercept mode has a very
  broad meaning. Girls, this is why you might want
  to bring a packet of tissues.
• As always with every stop, listen to instructions
  from the instructor.

18
Chase ModesDFP Mode

• Talk to a veteran COD chaser about this one.

19
DVDs in the Vans

• Except for instructional videos, we will usually
  run the audio through the headphones.
• At no time will movies be allowed in chase or
  intercept mode.
• Please respect others when picking a movie.
  Refrain from insensitive material and movies with
  excessive swearing, nudity, violence and police
  scenes (it scares the drivers.)

20
Lodging

• We often get in late at night. Please keep noise
  down to a minimum. Please, do not let hotel door
  SLAM shut.
• You represent the college. Your costs are kept
  down as a result of our good standing at hotels.
• You will not take towels, pillows, etc. from the
  hotel.
• Most of the places we stay (not ALL Kris w/ a K)
  have a deluxe continental breakfast including
  cereal, toast, fruit, etc. However, one can
  venture to the McDonalds or Burger King if you
  know the weather is ok and you tell someone where
  you are going.

21
Food

• We either sit as one big group or a few smaller
  groups. We always figure one bill per table.
• We tip 20. Remember you are paying for your
  food, drink, tax and tip!
• Do not leave the table until we know the bill is
  paid!
• Try not to be too obnoxious (a little obnoxious
  is probably understood.)

22
Helpful Tip 5
Restaurants can be really slow. If we are in a
hurry, do not let them seat us together. Just get
tables. Quickly!
23
Helpful Tip 6Dont make us angry
Do not smoke until after your meal has been
ordered.
24
Radios

• We primarily use Ham Radios which require a
  license to use.
• You may only talk on a radio if you have a
  license and/or have permission.
• Often you will be given a portable (HT) radio
  when groups split off. Do not fool around on the
  radios!
• No singing, swearing, or playing music on the
  radios (FCC regulations).

25
Weather Information Communication

• In the morning, if we have enough time, we will
  try to have a morning weather briefing and give
  maps to analyze.
• Sometimes, in a hurry, we do morning briefings
  (or even forecasting) on the road.
• Most other info is passed on via the radio.
  Everyone needs to pay attention to the weather
  briefings and make sure everyone in the van heard
  everything.
• Be involved and ask questions!
• Van 2 is never left in the dark on purpose. We
  pass on the info when we get it. We never hide
  information from you! (Unless you tick us off.
  -)
• We will try to do a review at night, too.
• Follow us on Twitter!http//weather.cod.edu/media
  /

26
Libraries

• We stop at libraries occasionally to access the
  internet for weather information.
• No one is allowed in the library unless you are
  given permission. Some libraries are very strict
  (i.e. Woodward, OK and York, NE)
• Sometimes we will be in for a lengthy time. We
  are never sure how long we will be there until we
  get there. Be patient as we are in there for you!
  Frisbees and footballs help pass the time, but
  stay close!

27
Rest StopsPart I

• As mentioned before, we are always in a mode to
  hurry and wait.
• Bathrooms in these small town gas stations and
  stores are usually one toilet only and often it
  is only a unisex bathroom. Girls, use the guys
  bathroom. Guys, feel free to check behind the
  building for the alternate bathroom.
• If you havent figured it out already, the big
  gulp is not recommended! Sipping water or small
  pops or juices are the best. (Judge each
  situation accordingly and ask if you arent sure)
• Make lines go faster buy pooling money, buying
  big bags to share in the vans, and other time
  saving ideas.

28
Rest StopsPart II Think of the Drivers!

• Drivers are in charge!
• If they ask you to check the oil, add Rain-X to
  the windows, clean the windows, etc., then please
  do this. Ask others then to get your food and
  drink! It is better if a van decides to do this
  before we even make the stop. Work as a team! ?
• Sometimes we have to do a quick, fast-food lunch.
  Again, think of the drivers, and maybe the
  instructor and assistant.
• Usually, the above go very well and very easily.
  Please do not dawdle.

29
Alcohol

• You must be of legal age to drink.
• Leftover alcohol will not be transported in the
  vans.
• Drinking alcohol will not be allowed except by
  instructor permission.
• No drinking during or prior to chase activities.

30
Helpful Tip 4 (yet again)DO IT!
Matts Golden Rule Pee when you have the
chance. Anyplace. Anytime.
31
Helpful Tip 7Dont make us angry
Paryting all night and sleeping in the van all
day is unacceptable. If this occurs, you will
lose privileges and may be kicked off the trip.
32
Helpful Tip 4 (last time!)CMON!
Matts Golden Rule Pee when you have the
chance. Anyplace. Anytime.
33
The Unwritten Rule
34
During the ChaseWhile in the Van

• You are not only a spectator, you are a
  participant! Often the storm is on the opposite
  side of the van from the instructor and
  assistant.
• People sitting in the back (tailgunners) need
  to watch the storms when they are behind us. You
  are the only ones that can see the storm!
• ES 2800 students It is YOUR job to help teach
  and be a leader.

35
During the ChaseWhile out of the Van

• No one is to get out of the van until given
  permission. Sometimes the instructor and/or
  assistant need to get out quickly to assess the
  situation.
• Occasionally the instructor and assistant will
  need to walk away from the group to discuss the
  weather situations.
• Get in the vans means NOW!
• Stay off the roads. Here is a good example and a
  bad example.
• Watch your language around those who are
  videoing. Try to stop yelling. Yes, its a
  tornado. Its cool.
• Be careful of lightning! Thunder occurs 5 seconds
  per mile after lightning is seen. Sometimes we
  will just stay in the vans if lightning is too
  frequent or too close.

36
Helpful Tip 8Dont make us angry
Do not make us wait for youever. In the
mornings, during a meal, or at a gas station.
Ever!
37
Additional RulesRichard Ordonez
Make sure everyone is present before leaving the
hotel.
38
Additional RulesStar Lis
Black fishnet pantyhose scare people in the
Plains.
39
Additional RulesAnnette Marshall
In North Dakota, chicken is considered a
vegetable.
40
Additional RulesJesse
It is a long ride to Little Rock, Arkansas.Ask
Jesses mom. Oh, and make sure you can be
contacted before the trip.
41
Additional RulesMatt Powers
Very Fine juice bottles are not big enoughthink
about it.