What follows are general (OK, sometimes specific) guidelines and hints we have discovered chasing together. Consider it a work in progress, subject to corrections, updates, and modifications as needed.

FIRST OFF: Storm chasing. There is nothing we would rather do. There is no part of chasing we do not love. We've got the best bunch of people in the world to chase with. Our team: MESO. However, the one primary thing that binds us is that we love the process, not just the end result. You don't ride the Merry-go-round because you like brass rings. You ride the Merry-go-round because you like the ride. We like the ride. Gypsying around the plains, sun in our eyes, wind in our faces, gathering data, learning, chasing, and every so often, scoring. Every day we chase holds the potential for great adventure. We love the stopovers at the rest areas, watching clouds, hoping. We love the food runs, the card games, the seeing new places and meeting new people. Are we nuts? Probably not. Are we adrenaline junkies? Maybe. We are severe weather watchers and researchers, and we enjoy it so much that we can't wait for it to come our way; we must pursue it. There is nothing more beautiful or awe-inspiring than a full-blown storm. Nothing. There are few things more dangerous than a full-blown storm, either. However, there are definitely ways to minimize the risk factor.

1. Please, don't ever chase alone. At the very least, there should be two of you. At least one should have experience. Recently, there was a film where one guy was chasing by himself. He was driving, watching the sky, talking on a cell phone, glancing at his monitor, and had a camera on the seat. One can't be sure if he was a genius or an idiot, but from our experience, the only things the driver should do is drive and make sure his coffee doesn't spill on the scanner.

2. Don't chase at night. Very dangerous and just outright stupid. It's easy to become disoriented at night, particularly in blinding rain, even on familiar turf. Most of the stuff you would watch for (rotation, wall cloud, funnel cloud) only becomes visible when back-lit by lightning. We honestly like a slightly larger window of observation than a half a second every few minutes. At night, it's difficult to see downed power lines, or other obstacles or debris in the road. Your photo opts are not good, unless you are shooting lightning. If you weigh the risks against the gains, you'll stay home.

3. Core punching - driving right into the heart of the mesocyclone. We've all done it, and we all say its nuts and NOT to do it, and we'll all probably do it again. We will go on the books as saying "avoid core punching." If you are new to the game, and/or don't have high tech electronics and tracking devices, etc., don't even think about it. AT ALL. Storm chasing is not like in the movies; tornadoes are Nature's most powerful storms and are deadly at close distances.

4. Newbies. There are PLENTY of experienced chasers who are more than happy to share that experience, and are looking for people to chase with. Find one. Expect to share expenses, talents, and life-long memories. Learn all you can, and after a few years, remember that someone taught you and return the favor.

5. Substances. You would think such a topic would be too ridiculous to mention, but it’s being mentioned anyway. If you think there is even a remote possibility that you will chase - don't drink. Not even a little. We have a "no substance" rule when we chase.

6. Speeding. A very lame thing to do. First of all, every little town has this ONE SPECIAL COP whose personal mission is to ticket out-of-towners. We know from whence we speak. Never mind if you have a tornado 1/2 mile back and closing. Never mind you were only going 43 in a 35 zone. Never mind that the entire town is in a public shelter except for the ONE SPECIAL COP. He doesn't really care. Secondly, it is only courteous to respect the laws of the communities in which you are a VISITOR. Third, storms are not good conditions for speed in the first place. If you don't hydroplane, you might just drive off the road from limited visibility. You'll get there. There are other ways to streamline your operation than to speed down wet, unknown roads.

7. Streamlining. Gas up all vehicles whenever possible, and last thing at night, make sure the tanks are full. "Down time" can be used to check things like tire pressure, wiper blades, belts, hoses, fluid levels, etc. Preprint maps the night before of where you think you might be the next day, and distribute them to everyone. Stay in readiness, even when you're sleeping. The average life span of a tornado is what, 6 to 8 minutes? From the time you decide to go to the time you are on the road should be no more than 5 minutes. It can make a difference. That extra bowl of cereal you down before heading out really repeats on you when you hear from someone down the road, "Man, you JUST MISSED it."

8. Teams. It's so important that you find good people to chase with. Any one of us would trust our life (and have) to any member on the chase team. Be able to count on them 150%. Everyone knows what to do, where to be, and each one of us knows with unwavering certainty that they will always "be there." Singularly, we are all strong-willed, independent people. Together, we are one unit, and operate like a finely-tuned machine. The reason being is that we leave our egos at home and have a strong chain of command, strict rules, but still a democratic government. We discuss where to go, when to go, where to stay, where to observe, where to eat, where to sleep...but the boss man decides when to retreat, and where to retreat to. The guy in charge should be the one with the most field experience. Someone who has knowledge, experience, and instincts. Our team leader has been spotting and chasing for over 30 years. When he say "froggy", we jump. Also, make sure you like the people you chase with. If you are "not sure" about someone at the start of a chase, darned sure you'll be at each other's throats very quickly. So get to know people before you chase with them. Make sure everyone has their own jobs and responsibilities, and that they know what they are.

9. The locals. Respect them. It's their home. Know the local FCC rules and frequencies, and obey them. Know the local laws and obey them. Respect people's private property and private moments. When someone has lost everything due to severe weather, and their private possessions and personal memories are strewn all over the countryside, its no time to jump around with a camera yelling, "Oh, Wow!". What might you do instead? Well, maybe help. You'll feel better. There is not, to my knowledge, one picture ever taken by our press corps that was without the permission of the people in it.

Also, be a tad cool with your enthusiasm...Once, at a hotel in Kansas, one of our members was glued to the computer with her teammates, watching some interesting stuff via InterRAD developing a few miles away. "C'mon, c'mon, c'mon" she urged the developing cells. She broke away from the screen long enough to go get some change at the front desk for a soda. The lady at the desk saw the SKYWARN pin on her lapel, and said, "I want you to know how grateful we are that you're all here watching over us." She felt about 2 inches tall. Had this dear soul known what she was doing just moments before, she would have been run out of town on a rail. We don't really want a tornado to happen. But if it does, we would like to see it. Be careful not to give the locals a different impression.

10. Lodging. Make forecasts early and plan ahead (tentatively) by at least 12 hours. Try to find a safe and structurally-sound motel as early as possible in the day close to where you plan on ending the day. When storms start to develop in the afternoon and evening, you don't want to have to think about finding a place to sleep and making reservations. On the subject, take advantage of sunny hours by taking a nap. Three lesser-known variables in storm chasing are sleep, restrooms, and food… it may be quite a while between any of them.

11. The Vehicles. Make sure everything is checked daily. As mentioned, keep the gas tanks full, check tire pressure, belts, hoses, oil, wiper blades, tire tread. Check the communications devices. Check and/or charge any batteries for your equipment. HOT TIP: change the deductible on your auto policy to the minimum every spring. Take it back to normal in the fall. Also, we HIGHLY recommend the product RainX for keeping the windshield clear. In 60 mph winds, wiper blades are kind of something you use from habit, of no real value. RainX makes the water fly off the windshield. It must be used only on a meticulously clean windshield.

12. The Planning. Those of us with meteorological backgrounds form our convective outlooks independently of each other, so as not to influence each other. Then we compare, discuss, and commit. To date, we have almost always come to the same conclusions. After the wx people decide on the projected "hot spots", we have a group discussion that involves everyone. There are other things to consider than probabilities. We consider if the areas under consideration are in good terrain for observation and if the road network provides safe and sure access into and out of the zone. We decide the guidelines of what's "in range." A tiny pocket of convection with possibilities is "interesting" if it's about 100 miles away. That same tiny pocket of convection isn't quite as interesting if it's 400 miles away. A "near darned-near sure thing" 400 miles away is irritatingly interesting, particularly if you decide to go for it and find out after you get there that everything is happening back where you just left hours before. Weigh probability with distance and time. Also, never lack the humility to change your plans. We do everything possible to be where we should be when we should be there. However, despite our successes, we're humble enough to modify our plans in the face of new evidence; such as we're heading south on Route 35 and we spot the D.O.W. (Doppler On Wheels) truck heading north. Now there's an automatic roadside summit conference for ya.

13. Everyone's Opinion has value. One of our member's youngest daughter has an uncanny ability to predict lightning strikes. She says she can tell when and where lightning will strike because the sky "gets tingley." Does her Mom see tingles? No. Is she going to tell her she doesn't? No. Is she going to aim the camera where her daughter says she sees the "tinglies"? You bet. With all the scientific and technical data we gather and analyze, there's nothing that gets our attention more than when someone on the team says, "Ya know, guys, I just have a gut feeling that...." Experience and knowledge are great tools and given enough time and work, we can all acquire them. However, never discount feelings, instincts, and "tinglies".

14. In the zone. OK, you've caught your storm. KNOW THY STORM. Know where it is, where its been, where its going, what its history is...everything you can. At least one person on the team should be well-versed in the anatomy and evolution of supercells and tornadoes. Watch from a safe place, OUT of the path, and report any significant weather events to local authorities. If there is a tornado, and it appears to be standing still, it could actually be moving right for you. Park all vehicles backed into the wind, emergency flashers on, and all vehicles running. Don't park anywhere near power lines, or large trees (particularly dead ones). Everyone should have maps with exits from the area in all directions highlighted. Know where everyone is, and make sure everyone knows the game plan. Pick up small emergency lights for each chaser in your group. They attach to a pocket, and flash for a good 4 hours. About $12.00 each. Huge storms are mesmerizing, hypnotic...and often bring friends. Don't get so strung out on what's developing ahead that you forget to look UP!!! Or behind you. Don't let your last words on this great planet be "Duh"!

15. Stuff to carry. In addition to the obvious (your tech gear; radios, cell phones, computers, satellite dishes, etc)

a. Bring a good piece of rope. The secret to any to any great adventure is a strong piece of rope.

b. First aid kit, trauma pack(s)

c. Water. Lots of water. In all the excitement, a few of us let ourselves get dehydrated. It was horrible. Hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate. Then refer to section h.

d. Duct tape and clear packing tape...good for windshields and a million other things.

e. Compass. And everywhere we stop, we draw a compass on the ground, too.

f. In a safe place, medical info on everyone. Allergies, medications, etc.

g. An old guy, so you can get hotel rooms at the senior discount rate. Otherwise, AAA.

h. Plastic bottles with screw on tops. Don't ask. Refer to section c.

i. A clothes line (or that good piece of rope.)

j. A good book (on weather?) and a deck of cards.

k. Many extra batteries, extra film, etc.

l. Jumper cables.

m. "Rain-X" and an extra set of wiper blades. Clear vision is critical in adverse conditions.

n. "Fix A Flat" or some other emergency tire repair kit... you don't want to be changing a tire when you're being chased down by a tornado!

With us, the chase is the thing. However, chasing takes a back seat if there is a public emergency. If we should come across a disaster scene, we are to report to whoever is in charge and offer whatever assistance we can. If no one is in charge, we take charge till an authority gets there, and then offer to help.