NOAA Weather Alert System Enhancement Will Bolster School Safety in Tennessee
Release Date: December 4, 2000
Release Number: R4-00-16
ATLANTA, Ga. -- Severe weather alerts will be flashed almost instantly to every public school in Tennessee, thanks to a joint Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the state of Tennessee hazard mitigation grant program project worth $300,160.
In announcing the grant, John B. Copenhaver, Regional Director FEMA Region IV, said, "Our goal is to give pupils and teachers the time to seek shelter in the event of severe weather."
Under the program, computers in all schools in Tennessee's 95 counties will be linked to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather alert system. When severe weather threatens, the alert would be flashed to computer screens in schools in affected areas.
Of the $300,160 total, FEMA will pay $225,120.
"We hope the implementation of the weather alert system in the schools will lower that risk. The advent of the statewide school alert system will, at the very least, give advance warning of hazardous conditions," Copenhaver said.
Copenhaver pointed out that severe weather "is no respecter of young or old. This system should give our kids timely warning."
Last Modified: Tuesday, 18-Nov-2003 15:35:38