NOAA’s National Weather Service Reaffirms County's Preparedness

ERIE COUNTY, NY—Erie County has been recognized by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (“NOAA’s”) National Weather Service as being StormReady®, confirming that Erie continues to meet a stringent set of storm warning reception and information dissemination criteria,   enabling prompt identification of potential weather hazards as well as speeding distribution of necessary warning information. Erie is the only WNY county, and one of only 19 counties statewide, to receive the designation.

“Receiving this designation is a testament to the work that Erie County’s Department of Emergency Services has done to prepare, educate, and assist our communities in developing resiliency plans in the event of severe weather, and in responding once that weather arrives” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “For better or for worse, our area is known nationwide for the weather, so it is good that we are also being recognized for our ability to give residents the information they need to keep themselves and their families safe in the event of a weather emergency.”

Commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services Dan Neaverth, Jr. added, “The key to successful completion of the Storm Ready program requires, a dedicated community oriented staff, an ongoing working relationship with the terrific folks at the National Weather Service and direct public outreach.  The Storm Ready program epitomizes the need for collaboration during disaster preparedness and response.”

StormReady® is a nationwide community preparedness program that uses a grassroots approach in helping communities develop plans to handle local severe weather. There are over 2,100 StormReady communities across the United States. In order to be recognized as StormReady, communities must establish a 24-hour warning point and Emergency Operations Center; have more than one way to receive severe weather forecasts and alert the public; create a system to monitor local weather conditions; promote the importance of community preparedness through public seminars; and develop a formal severe weather plan.