Safety & Security
StormReady
What is StormReady?
StormReady, a National Weather Service program started in 1999 in Tulsa, OK, helps 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 advanced planning, education and awareness. No community is storm proof, but StormReady can help communities save lives.
Why is it Important to Become StormReady?
According to the National Weather Service...
- The United States is one of the most severe weather-prone countries on Earth.
- Each year across America there are on average 10,000 thunderstorms, 5,000 floods, 1,000 tornadoes, and 6 named hurricanes.
- Additionally, about 90 percent of all presidentially declared disasters are weather related, leading to around 500 deaths per year and nearly $14 billion in damage.
What Did the Sarasota-Manatee Campus Do to Become StormReady?
- Have a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center;
- Have more than one way to receive severe weather forecasts and warnings and to alert the community;
- Create a system that monitors local weather conditions;
- Promote the importance of readiness through community seminars;
- Develop a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes training severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises.
Who Helped the Sarasota-Manatee Campus Become StormReady?
- University of South Florida Office of Emergency Management
- University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus Office of Campus Safety & Security
- Campus Police Department
- University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus University Communication & Marketing
- University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus Facilities Planning & Management
- Manatee County Emergency Management
- Sarasota County Emergency Management
- National Weather Service – Ruskin Office