The City of Newport News holds the distinction of being the longest running StormReady community in the National Weather Service Wakefield service area.
Being part of a Weather-Ready Nation is about preparing communities for increasing vulnerability to extreme weather and water events. Some 98% of all presidentially declared disasters are weather related, leading to around 500 deaths per year and nearly $15 billion in damage. The StormReady program helps communities with the communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property--before, during and after an event.
To be officially StormReady, a community must:
• Establish a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center
• Have more than one way to receive severe weather warnings and forecasts and to alert the public
• Create a system that monitors weather conditions locally
• Promote the importance of public readiness through community seminars
• Develop a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes training severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises.
The City is continually looking for ways to lessen the vulnerability to severe weather events. For more information go to
www.stormready.noaa.gov.