Officials from the NOAA's National Weather Service acknowledged Sheridan County, and the communities of Plentywood, Medicine Lake, Outlook and Westby, Mont., leaders by naming them among the agency's StormReady communities today. NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
"The National Weather Service acknowledged Sheridan Co. for the wide variety of disaster resistant plans that help prepare their citizens and emergency responders for severe weather and flood threats as well as significant winter storms and fire hazards," said Vickie Nadolski, NWS Western Region director.
The nationwide community preparedness plan uses a grassroots approach to help organizations such as counties, cities, military installations, universities, or other community groups develop projects to handle local severe weather and flooding threats. The plan is voluntary, and provides communities with clear-cut advice from a partnership between the local NWS Weather Forecast Office and state and local emergency managers. StormReady started in 1999 with 7 communities in the Tulsa, Okla., area. There are now in excess of 770 StormReady communities in 47 states.
During a presentation at the Co. courthouse today, Nadolski presented each location with special recognition plaques and StormReady signs. The StormReady recognition will be in effect for 3 years when the communities will go through a recertification process.
"The StormReady program, adopted through our local emergency planning committee, helped us to enhance the warning services that the Co. provides," said Curtis Petrick, Sheridan Co. disaster and emergency services coordinator. "The Co. officials as well as our residents have always strongly supported the weather safety courses that the National Weather Service provides. We think it is great that we are being acknowledged for the readiness capabilities we have worked on and project on continuing our excellent partnership with the NWS."
"Montana is currently home to 15 StormReady designations," said Julie Adolphson, meteorologist in charge of the NWS Weather Forecast Office in Glasgow. "This N.O.A.A. plan is a great example of federal, state, and local governments working together to prepare counties and communities for severe weather and floods. We have worked closely with the counties and cities to ensure there are multiple ways to warn those who might be in harm's way during any severe or winter weather event."
State of Montana District six Disaster and Emergency Services Coordinator Mark Gruener stated, "Sheridan Co. has always had a proactive approach to dealing with potential weather related hazards, as shown in the fact that they had one of the 1st approved FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation Projects in the entire United States. Curtis has done an excellent job with setting up the spotter training courses, being an active weather spotter himself, and developing and maintaining a great relationship with the staff at the NWS in Glasgow."
"Every year, around 500 Americans lose their lives to severe weather and floods," said retired Air Force Brig. Gen. David L. Johnson, director of NOAA's National Weather Service. "More than 10,000 severe thunderstorms, 2,500 floods, 1,000 tornadoes, and ten hurricanes impact the U.S. annually. Potentially deadly weather can impact every person in the country. That's why the National Weather Service developed the StormReady program."
To be acknowledged as StormReady, a community must:
"The U.S. is the most severe weather prone region of the world," said Johnson. "The mission of the National Weather Service is to reduce the loss of life and property from these storms, and StormReady will help us create better prepared counties throughout the country."
"Just like communities, families need to be storm ready by having an action project for severe weather. Through StormReady, the National Weather Service Projects to educate every American about what to do when severe weather strikes because it is ultimately each individual's responsibility to protect him or herself. Only you can save your own life. The best warnings in the world won't save you if you don't take action when severe weather threatens," Adolphson added.
NOAA's National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the U.S. and its territories. National Weather Service operates the most advanced weather and flood warning and forecast system in the world, helping to protect lives and property and enhance the Countrywide economy.
N.O.A.A. is dedicated to enhancing economic security and Countrywide safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of our nation's coastal and marine resources.
On the Web:
NOAA: http://www.noaa.gov
National Weather Service: http://www.nws.noaa.gov
Local Office: National Weather Service Glasgow: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/glasgow
N.O.A.A. Weather Radio, All Hazards: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr
An image of the StormReady sign and more plan information is accessible at http://www.stormready.noaa.gov
