Who should an emergency manager contact to coordinate public awareness efforts before severe weather season?

The most appropriate choice for coordinating public awareness efforts before severe weather season is the Warning Coordination Meteorologist (WCM). This role is specifically designed to facilitate communication between the National Weather Service (NWS) and emergency management personnel, as well as the media and the public. The WCM's expertise lies in interpreting weather data and forecasts, helping to disseminate crucial information in a timely and understandable manner, which is essential for public awareness campaigns related to severe weather.

The WCM plays a pivotal role in ensuring that communities are adequately prepared for severe weather events by providing tailored guidance on potential threats, messaging strategies, and necessary precautions. This makes them the ideal contact for emergency managers seeking to enhance public awareness and readiness before the onset of severe weather seasons.

In contrast, while the Chief Meteorologist and the National Weather Service Director may possess extensive meteorological knowledge, they may not typically be directly involved in the day-to-day coordination of public awareness efforts in local communities. The Emergency Response Coordinator primarily focuses on coordinating response efforts during and after emergencies, rather than on proactive public awareness initiatives. Therefore, the WCM stands out as the key contact for this specific purpose.