Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is StormReady?
A: NWS designed StormReady to help communities better
prepare for and mitigate effects of extreme weather-related events.
StormReady also helps establish a commitment to creating an infrastructure
and systems that will save lives and protect property. Receiving
StormReady recognition does not mean that a community is storm proof,
but StormReady communities will be better prepared when severe weather
strikes.
Q: What is the difference between StormReady and FEMA's Pre-Disaster
Mitigation Program?
A: StormReady is a volunteer program separate from FEMA's
Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program; however, the two programs compliment
each other by focusing on communication, mitigation and community
preparedness to save lives.
Q: Is StormReady a grant program?
A: No. There is no grant money associated with being recognized
as "StormReady;" however,
the Insurance Services Organization (ISO) may provide Community Ratings System (CRS)
points to StormReady communities, which may be applied toward lowering NFIP flood
insurance rates. For more information about the National
Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System, see the following web site:
Q: With regard to the NWS StormReady program, I've heard
that some communities may be eligible for rate reductions in the
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). How do I find out more,
and how does my community apply for rate reductions?
A: FEMA manages the NFIP. As part of the NFIP, the "Community Rating
System" (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community
floodplain activities which exceed minimum NFIP requirements. Provide your regional
NFIP representative a copy of the StormReady recognition letter. See below
for "NFIP Contact" information, and to obtain additional information on the NFIP
and CRS:
Q: Will it cost my community anything?
A: There is no fee for StormReady recognition, however
your community may need to upgrade its emergency preparedness infrastructure
to qualify for StormReady status.
Q: Is other funding (beside the NWS) available to help us
become/improve our StormReady program? (i.e., government/private
sector?)
A: NWS does not provide any funding; however, other government
and/or private sector partners may work with your community to upgrade
your emergency preparedness operations.
Q: Why is the NWS requiring me to do this?
A: StormReady is a voluntary program, but we think
it is worth your investment because it can save lives and property.
The NWS recognizes those communities that are better prepared for
weather emergencies.
Q: I saw the StormReady guidelines on the national website.
Why does my local NWS Office have different guidelines?
A: National StormReady guidelines set minimum requirements
for the program. Many local areas have specific weather-related
needs that local NWS Offices consider during weather emergency planning.
As a result, StormReady allows the creation of Local StormReady
Advisory Boards that have the flexibility to create specific by-laws
for their area. Local Boards also can modify National StormReady
guidelines to meet their specific customer needs.
Q: What constitutes a community?
A: The StormReady program defines "community" as a group
of people within a locality that have common social and economic
interests with an infrastructure that supports the communication
and education role of the National Weather Service to protect lives
and property. References to "community" in this document include
cities, towns, universities, Indian Nations and government and private
entities. References to "county" includes parish.
Q: OK, I meet the requirements. When do I get my signs?
A: Once you meet the requirements, you will send the
application to the NWS. From there it will go to your Local StormReady
Advisory Board made up of Emergency Management, the NWS, and other
local/state officials. The board will review the application, and
set up a site visit to verify the information in the application.
When the local board approves you application, your local WCM will
request your signs, which should arrive in just a few days.
Q: How long is my StormReady recognition good for?
A: StormReady recognition is granted for a period of
3 years from the date your local NWS Office Meteorologist-In-Charge
signs your communities official recognition letter.
Q: Where can I post my StormReady signs?
A: There are many options: county Emergency Operations
Centers, courthouses, libraries, town halls or other
public facilities. Some communities have posted their signs along highways;
however, if you are considering posting your signs along highways,
first consult county or state road departments
regarding restrictions.
Q: I understand that StormReady guidelines may be
updated annually. Which set of guidelines will be applied to my
application?
A: The guidelines that are in effect at the time you
initially applied will be used to evaluate your application.
Q: What are the requirements for re-certification?
A: Subsequent renewals require a community to go through
the application process again. This helps to ensure that equipment
is in place and updated, contact information is accurate, and allows
for improvements to be made to the program using technological advances
in communications and warning dissemination. Your Local NWS office
will send a letter informing the community of the upcoming renewal
date and direct them to current StormReady guidelines and applications.
Q: I've heard of a program called TsunamiReady. Are StormReady
and TsunamiReady the same thing?
A: TsunamiReady is a companion program to StormReady
that promotes tsunami hazard preparedness as an active collaboration
among federal, state, and local emergency management agencies, the
public, and the NWS tsunami warning system. The preparedness guidelines
of the two programs differ slightly but both are designed to improve
public safety during severe weather and tsunami emergencies.
Q: How to I order more StormReady or TsunamiReady
signs?
A: StormReady communities can purchase additional 2x2'
signs from the Oklahoma Correction Industries (OCI) at a cost of
about $35 each, plus shipping. When ordering, ask for the "National
Weather Service StormReady or TsunamiReady Sign" and specify whether
you want StormReady COUNTY signs or StormReady COMMUNITY signs.
OCI's phone number is 405-962-7007. Fax: 405-962-7022.
http://www.stormready.noaa.gov/faq.htm
Last Updated:
July 18, 2007
|