Improving Decision Support Services - A Rural Area’s Perspective Ray L. Christensen & Jeremy R. Michael NOAA/NWS, Weather Forecast Office, Elko, Nevada Introduction/Abstract Providing Decision Support Services (DSS) in a large rural area is challenging, especially with limited radar coverage and data sources. Many of our customers are hundreds of miles away and rely on our forecasts to make critical decisions. The Internet, specifically social media, changed the world and became one of the quickest methods to get the word out about significant weather events. This poster outlines methods using social media to improve DSS, that not only worked well for a rural area, but could be implemented in urban areas as well. It outlines social media best practices, specifically how to use social media to advance or increase DSS. In addition, we describe our push for customers to use NWSChat. Finally, we present methods to improve media relationships. Webcams = Better DSS Post webcam images during significant weather for travelers Webcams near Great Basin National Park (courtesy of University of NV - Reno & Desert Research Institute) Over 90,000+ visitors annually Data sparse area with very limited radar coverage NWSChat and Our Core Partners The Warning Coordination Meteorologist (WCM) and DSS team aggressively encouraged the use of NWSChat Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) School districts Media Emergency Managers NWSChat usage increased from zero users to several EMs and NDOT personnel. Social Media Best Practices Use Social Media often during significant weather and engage, as time permits, with your fans Educational posts during quiet weather Videos, status updates, and photos most popular Know your customers: share significant weather near your CWA. This could be important for travel info. How can it be used along the event timeline? Proper Social Media Use Increases DSS Increased likes, comments, and shares during significant weather. Facebook usage during rare severe thunderstorm outbreak on Aug 12-13, 2014 Solicit Storm Reports: Increased verification, especially in rural areas Use impact graphics or post-event storm maps, showing where warnings were issued In rural areas, news of weather can travel slower, solicit reports the following days. Provides better DSS for customers Use Core Customer’s Facebook/Twitter pages to share weather-related info DSS and the Media Improved relationships with media Weekly live radio interviews (3 stations at a time) Periodic live, phone and television interviews Share climate and other interesting facts with media to increase interest Hold annual meetings to solidify relationships Utilize big city media that may serve your area’s viewers Reach out and build relationships Salt Lake City and Reno TV stations often share our social media posts Local Facebook News Groups The Elko/Spring Creek area created a local Facebook group (Elko People Reporting News) This news group provides/solicits weather reports Our Facebook fans often share our posts with this news group, which enhances DSS and increases our exposure Final Thoughts To accomplish the NWS mission of protecting lives and property, we found ways to improve DSS through social media and internet resources. Building and maintaining strong relationships with our core customers and media are key. We have discovered creative ways to enhance DSS using local Facebook news groups and webcams in areas with poor radar/data coverage. Contact Information Ray L. Christensen Flash Flooding in Spring Creek Area. Courtesy – Heather Tierney Hail in Elko, Nevada. Courtesy – Shari Johnson Hampton Fire Burn Scar in White Pine County, Nevada. Courtesy - Burned Area Emergency Response, BAER