NWS StormReady Program
Planning Helps Prepare Communities for the Effects of Severe Weather
The National Weather Service has developed the StormReady Program as a way local governments and emergency managers can better prepare of severe weather
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the United States is the most severe weather-prone country in the world. NWS records show that Americans face an average of 10,000 thunderstorms, 5,000 floods, 1,000 tornadoes, and 6 hurricanes each year. Almost all national disasters are related to severe weather. Violent weather costs the country $14 billion and 50 lives a year. The National Weather Service developed StormReady to better prepare communities for these incidents and disasters.
About StormReady - The program was created in 1998 by the NWS in Tulsa, Oklahoma to help communities develop a severe weather action plan that addresses all types of situations ranging from tornadoes to tsunamis. These plans seek to improve communications, warning systems and strength skills needed to manage a storm related incident. StormReady® is strictly a voluntary program that depends on local effort for its success.
Custer County, Idaho Recognized as StormReady - On 10 December 2007, NOAA recognized Custer County, Idaho as being ready for dealing with severe weather through the StormReady Program certification process. The county's emergency management developed a detail hazardous weather plan to help with warning and evacuation of residents. In a recent press release, NWS Meteorologist Rick Dittmann says of the recognition, "Custer County is vulnerable to severe weather due to its vast topography of arid desert and rugged rocky mountains. With the legendary Salmon River, Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area located within the county, the likelihood of the public encountering severe weather is greatly increased. Public awareness and preparedness are essential.”
StormReady® Certification Process - A review board comprised of warning meteorologists and emergency managers review applications for StormReady certification submitted by local governments. Once certified, communities are provided with informational signs and formal recognition. Certification is good for three years and communities need to reapply for the program after this time passes. To be recognized, communities must:
- Establish a 24/7 warning point and emergency operations center
- Have multiple ways to receive severe weather forecasts or warnings and to be able to warn the public of the danger
- Start a system to monitor local weather
- Promote the importance of the program and weather emergency readiness in the community
- Develop a formal hazardous weather plan that includes training severe weather spotters and conducting plan exercises
The National Weather Service in StormReady has developed a practical, hands-on program suited to the needs of local government and emergency managers. Its outcomes provide a safer environment for us all.
