Blaine County, ID, October 2009, from left: Angenie McCleary, County Commissioner; Rick Dittmann, NWS Pocatello, ID, Meteorologist-in-Charge; Tom Bowman, Blaine County Commissioner Chairman; Gene Ramsey, County Deputy Sheriff; Larry Schoen, County Commissioner; Mike McNeil, Ketchum Assistant Police Chief; Cory Lyman, Ketchum Police Chief; Chuck Turner, County Emergency Services Coordinator; Bob Greenlaw, County Emergency Communications Director. Photo by NWS WCM Vernon Preston.

Americans live in the most severe weather-prone country on Earth. Each year, Americans cope with an average of 10,000 thunderstorms, 5,000 floods, 1,000 tornadoes, and an average of 2 landfalling deadly hurricanes. And this on top of winter storm, intense summer heat, high winds and other deadly weather impacts. You can make sure your community is ready for the weather with the National Weather Service’s StormReady® program.

Some 90% of all presidentially declared disasters are weather related, leading to around 500 deaths per year and nearly $14 billion in damage. StormReady, a program started in 1999 in Tulsa, OK, helps arm America's communities with the communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property–before and during the event. StormReady helps community leaders and emergency managers strengthen local safety programs.

StormReady communities are better prepared to save lives from the onslaught of severe weather through better planning, education, and awareness. No community is storm proof, but StormReady can help communities save lives. Does StormReady make a difference? See how it saved more than 50 movie goers in Ohio.

Find out more by selecting one of the links to the left or on the bottom of this page. If you're not a county or community, try our publications page for tips on protecting your business, home and family.

Lincoln County, TN, September 2009, from left: Kathy Hovis, Lincoln County EMA; Peggy Bevels, Mayor; Mike Hall, EMA; Tim Troutman, WFO, Huntsville, AL, WCM; Gwen Shelton, Fayetteville, TN, Mayor; Brent Morse, Tennessee State EMA.

National Weather Service
Office of Climate, Water, & Weather Services
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