Weather meter adds safety to landmine detection
For the U.S. Army, a hand-held weather meter is instrumental in advancing Operation Enduring Freedom. Soldiers use the meter in Kadahar, Afghanistan, during the dangerous task of detecting and neutralizing landmines and unexploded ordnances (UXOs). First, military personnel use mechanical means to detonate or destroy hidden explosives in a suspected area. Then, highly trained dogs sniff out any landmines or UXOs not originally detected. Because dogs must work in appro-priate environmental conditions to effectively uncover explosives, soldiers consult Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter (pictured above) to check air temperature and wind speed. For instance, if the temperature is too cold, the odor from explosives will not rise sufficiently to allow detection by dogs. If the wind speed is too high, the odor will drift too far from the source, and dogs will not be able to pinpoint the explosives exact location. By consulting the weather meters digital readout, dog handlers gain precise information to safe-ly proceed with landmine detection and prevent life-threatening, accidental detonation. Made by Nielsen-Kellerman, based in Boothwyn, PA, the weather meter also measures wind chill, rela-tive humidity, dewpoint, heat stress, and other environmental factors. Each weather meter features a built-in backlight and waterproof design, plus comes with a protective cover, long-running battery, and neck lanyard. Besides assisting the military, the weather meter is ideal for wildland firefighters, landscaping crews, and outdoor sports enthusiasts.