The designation was first made in 2004, following an inspection by the NWS. The NWS initiated the Storm Ready program as a way to help cities implement procedures to reduce the potential for disastrous, weather related consequences. The city's Storm Ready recognition was based on a number of criteria, including the establishment of a 24-hour severe weather warning system and maintaining an emergency operations center, as well as having a system that monitors local weather conditions, promoting the significance of public readiness through community seminars and maintaining a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes holding periodic exercises and providing weather alert radios in City buildings and fire stations.
Emergency Management officials say the Storm Ready declaration benefits the community in a number of ways. For one thing, it helps city leaders and emergency managers strengthen local safety programs. By being Storm Ready, the community is better prepared to help save lives during severe weather as a result of better planning, education and awareness. It also helps improve the timeliness and effectiveness of hazardous weather warnings for the public.
