StormReady Guidelines

Department of Commerce · National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration · National Weather Service

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE INSTRUCTION 10-1802
JUNE 28, 2019
Operations and Services
Service Outreach NWSPD 10-18
THE STORMREADY® RECOGNITION PROGRAM
NOTICE: This publication is available at: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/directives/.
OPR: W/AFS12 (C. Maier)
Type of Issuance: Routine

Certified by: W/AFS1 (M. Tew)

SUMMARY OF REVISIONS: This directive supersedes NWSI 10-1802, The StormReady
Recognition Program, dated June 8, 2017.
No Content changes.
Per Biennial Review Requirement: Updated page 1: New Signature/date; Updated Date of
Supplement.

Signed
6/14/2019
_________________________________________________
Andrew D. Stern
Date
Director
Analyze, Forecast and Support Office

NWSI 10-1802 JUNE 28, 2019

The StormReady Recognition Program
Table of Contents:
1

2

3

4

5
6

Page

The StormReady® Program Objective ............................................................................... 3
1.1
StormReady Program Definitions ........................................................................... 4
1.2
StormReady Recognition Guidelines ...................................................................... 6
1.3
America’s Weather and Climate Industry............................................................... 7
Authorities and Responsibilities ......................................................................................... 7
2.1
Weather Forecast Offices ........................................................................................ 7
2.2
Regional Headquarters ............................................................................................ 8
2.3
NWS Headquarters - Analyze, Forecast and Support Office ................................. 8
2.3.1 AFS Decision Support Integration Branch ................................................. 9
2.4
StormReady Applicants .......................................................................................... 9
2.5
StormReady Board Organizations .......................................................................... 9
2.5.1 Local/State StormReady Board................................................................. 10
2.5.2 Regional StormReady Board .................................................................... 10
2.5.3 National StormReady Board ..................................................................... 11
StormReady Application Process ..................................................................................... 11
3.1
Application Submission ........................................................................................ 11
3.2
Application Review .............................................................................................. 12
3.2.1 Verification of Application Information ................................................... 12
StormReady Recognition Process ..................................................................................... 13
4.1
StormReady Recognition Ceremony .................................................................... 14
4.2
StormReady Recognition Monitoring ................................................................... 14
4.3
Renewal of StormReady Recognition ................................................................... 15
4.4
StormReady Recognition Status Revocation ........................................................ 15
StormReady Supporter ...................................................................................................... 16
5.1
StormReady Supporter Applications, Recognitions and Renewals ...................... 16
StormReady Incentives ..................................................................................................... 17
6.1
National Flood Insurance Program ....................................................................... 17
6.2
StormReady Hero Award ...................................................................................... 19
6.2.1 StormReady Hero Award Protocol ........................................................... 19
6.3
StormReady Champion Award ............................................................................. 20
6.3.1 StormReady Champion Award Protocol .................................................. 21

APPENDIX A - StormReady Recognition Guidelines ............................................................... A-1
APPENDIX B - StormReady Recognition Sign ......................................................................... B-1

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1
The StormReady® Program Objective
The National Weather Service’s (NWS) Weather-Ready Nation initiative is about building
community resilience in the face of increasing vulnerability to extreme weather and water events.
Roughly 98% of all presidential disaster declarations are weather and flood related, leading to
over 500 deaths, 2,500 injuries and nearly $15 billion in damages each year (sources: FEMA,
NCDC and Munich RE). The devastating impacts of extreme events can be reduced through
improved readiness. The StormReady® program (www.weather.gov/stormready) is a
partnership with emergency management that helps reduce risk and increases community
resilience to hazards.
Since the program’s inception in Oklahoma in 1999, over 2,000 counties, cities, towns,
universities, Indian Nations, commercial sites, government facilities and military installations
have been recognized as StormReady. The program recognizes emergency management
programs that meet the StormReady guidelines, demonstrating outstanding preparedness for
hazardous weather and flooding. StormReady ensures jurisdictions have a standard level of
emergency planning and communication capabilities. An effective StormReady Program is
essential for NWS to fulfill its mission of protecting life and property, and enhancing our
Nation’s economy.
By participating in StormReady, emergency managers can earn recognition for their jurisdiction
by meeting the program’s guidelines. The StormReady Program is intended to:
•
•
•

Reduce fatalities, injuries and minimize property damage through timely distribution,
receipt and effective communication of hazardous weather and flood warnings between
the NWS, emergency managers and public
Provide detailed and clear recommendations emergency managers may use to establish or
improve hazardous weather and flood planning, operations and public response
Empower Americans to make better decisions before and during weather and flood
hazards through community preparedness

StormReady communities have made a strong commitment to implement the infrastructure and
systems needed to save lives and protect property when hazardous weather and flooding strikes.
StormReady is a voluntary program that directly supports NWS’ strategic vision of a "WeatherReady Nation."
NOTE: Implied or explicit references to “guidelines” or “requirements” are made only with
regard to the voluntary participants in the StormReady program and should not be construed as
being state, tribal or federal mandates.

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1.1
StormReady Program Definitions
StormReady Community: An Indian tribal government*, local government† entity, or facility‡
that has the authority and ability to adopt the StormReady recognition guidelines within its
jurisdiction.
*The term “Indian tribal government” means the governing body of any Indian or
Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or community that the Secretary of the
Interior acknowledges to exist as an Indian tribe under the Federally Recognized Indian
Tribe List Act of 1994 [25 U.S.C. 479a et seq. January 3, 2012].
†The term “local government” means:
• A county, parish, borough, municipality, city, town, township, local public
authority, school district, special district, intrastate district, council of
governments (regardless of whether the council of governments is incorporated as
a nonprofit corporation under State law), regional or interstate government entity,
or agency or instrumentality of a local government
• An Indian tribe or authorized tribal organization, or Alaska Native village or
organization that is not an Indian tribal government
• A rural community, unincorporated town or village, or other public entity, for
which an application for assistance is made by a State or political subdivision of a
State
[From Stafford Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.; section 5122, as amended by Public
Law 113-2, January 29, 2013]
‡The term “facility” for a StormReady community includes but is not limited to:
universities, colleges, military installations, state/national parks, power plants/utilities,
major transportation centers (i.e., airports, harbors, ports, railroad stations and other large
transit complexes), theme parks/entertainment complexes, corporate business complexes,
factories and large event venues (i.e., stadiums, arenas, race tracks, convention centers
and other venues that temporarily host large gatherings of people).
StormReady Supporter: An organization, business, facility, or local government entity that has
authority to adopt the StormReady recognition guidelines within its purview, actively promotes
the principals of StormReady, but does not have the ability to meet all of the recognition
guidelines.
Some examples of potential StormReady Supporters might include, but are not limited to:
businesses, churches, hospitals, shopping centers, malls, utilities, museums, aquariums,
individual schools, villages, small communities and broadcasters/broadcast stations.
StormReady Supporter participation and eligibility is based on the determinations (e.g., by-laws,
charters, agreements, implementation plans) of the Local or State StormReady Boards. An entity
applying for StormReady “Supporter” status should also receive endorsement from local
emergency management within the applying entity’s county or parish jurisdiction.
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StormReady Sites: A generic term used to collectively identify all categories of StormReady
communities but not Supporter entities.
Communications/Dispatch Center: Agency or interagency dispatch centers, 911 call centers,
emergency control or command dispatch centers, or other facility and staff who handle
emergency calls from the public and communication with emergency management/response
personnel.
Emergency Operations Center (EOC): The physical location at which the coordination of
information and resources to support incident management (on-scene operations) activities
normally takes place. An EOC may be a temporary facility, a permanently established facility or
located at a higher level of organization within a jurisdiction. EOCs may be organized by major
functional disciplines (e.g., fire, law enforcement, medical services), by jurisdiction (e.g.,
federal, state, regional, tribal, city, county), or by some combination thereof.
24-Hour Warning Point (WP): A communication facility at a state or local level, operating
24 hours a day, which has the capability to receive NWS alerts and warnings, plus has the
authority and ability to activate the public warning systems in its area of responsibility.
Emergency Operations Plan (EOP): A document maintained by various jurisdictional levels
setting procedures for responding to a wide variety of potential hazards. It should include the
following:
•
•
•
•

Describe how people and property will be protected
Detail who is responsible for carrying out specific actions
Identify the personnel, equipment, facilities, supplies, and other resources available
Outline how all actions will be coordinated

Emergency Management/Response Personnel: Includes federal, state, territorial, tribal, substate regional, and local governments, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), private sector
organizations, critical infrastructure owners and operators, and all other organizations and
individuals who assume an emergency management role.
Incident: An occurrence, natural or manmade, that requires a response to protect life or
property. Incidents can, for example, include major disasters, emergencies, terrorist attacks,
terrorist threats, civil unrest, wildland and urban fires, floods, hazardous materials spills, nuclear
accidents, aircraft accidents, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, tropical storms, tsunamis, warrelated disasters, public health and medical emergencies, and other occurrences requiring an
emergency response.
Integrated Warning Team: A local or state level team that consists of emergency management,
America’s Weather and Climate Industry (typically the broadcast media), and the NWS, that
shares the common goal and responsibility of improving the warning system and reducing
fatalities, injuries and property damage due to natural hazards.
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1.2
StormReady Recognition Guidelines
The StormReady Guidelines have been modified to better align with the National Incident
Management System (NIMS). The goal of this NIMS-StormReady integration is to enhance
collaboration between emergency managers and the NWS by creating more consistency in
terminology and standards. NIMS provides a consistent nationwide framework and approach to
enable all levels of government, the private sector, and NGOs to work together while responding
to an incident regardless of its cause, size, location or complexity. The StormReady guidelines
best align with three of the five components of NIMS:
1. Command and Management: Designed to enable effective and efficient incident
management and coordination by providing a flexible, standardized incident
management structure
2. Communication and Information Management: Creates a standardized framework
for communications and emphasizes the need for a common operating picture
3. Preparedness: Involves an integrated combination of assessment, planning,
procedures and protocols, training and exercises, personnel qualifications, licensure,
certification, evaluation, and revision
[Reference: www.fema.gov/national-incident-management-system]
Since the tax base typically dictates the resources applied to public programs, the guidelines for
StormReady recognition are based on four population categories. StormReady guidelines
include:
• Maintaining a Communication/Dispatch Center that serves as the 24-hour Warning Point
(WP)* and an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) with redundant methods for
receiving NWS warnings and relaying them to the public, including Public
Alert™ certified NOAA Weather Radios placed in key facilities (for more information on
Public Alert certified NOAA Weather Radios, please go to: www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/)
• Ensuring the WP and EOC are able to monitor local weather and flood observation data
for increased situation awareness
• Ensuring hazardous weather and flooding are addressed in formal emergency
management plans
• Conducting community preparedness programs (e.g., training, exercises, safety
campaigns) on hazardous weather and flooding, including training a network of
SKYWARN® weather spotters
• Establishing an effective working relationship between the emergency management
agency/organization and the local NWS Forecast Office, including an understanding of
the decision support provided by key NWS offices such as River Forecast Centers, Storm
Prediction Center, National Hurricane Center, Weather Prediction Center, Aviation
Weather Center and the Space Weather Prediction Center

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*Note: It is only necessary for “facilities” that are designated as “StormReady Communities”
(reference definition in section 1.1) to have WP and EOC capabilities during business operations
and/or when the facility is open to the public. See Appendix A for a detailed listing of the
StormReady guidelines.
1.3
America’s Weather and Climate Industry
America’s Weather and Climate Industry (AWCI) is a key partner in helping the NWS fulfill its
mission. AWCI includes all elements of the private sector (including media, consultants,
equipment providers, etc.) which provide services to the public in the areas of climate, water, and
weather. StormReady guidelines may be satisfied by incorporating products, data, and services
provided by AWCI.
2

Authorities and Responsibilities

2.1
Weather Forecast Offices
It is the responsibility of each Weather Forecast Office’s (WFO) Warning Coordination
Meteorologist (WCM) or designee, as overseen by the Meteorologist-in-Charge (MIC), to
implement and manage the StormReady Program within his or her County Warning and Forecast
Area (CWFA). This includes the following:
• Works with interested emergency managers by:
– Assisting with application process
– Archiving StormReady applications
– Arranging for an optional recognition ceremony
– Planning for and following up on renewal process
– Working with, where applicable, the Local, State and/or Regional StormReady
Boards
– Arranging for, when appropriate, StormReady awards (see sections 6.2 and 6.3)
• Reviews all StormReady applications, verifies the information, and coordinates their
approval with Local, State and/or Regional StormReady Boards
• Coordinates the prioritization of StormReady applicants with the Local/State
StormReady Board based on available resources. The National StormReady Board
recommends the following prioritization:
– County (or the geopolitical equivalent) recognitions
– Other full StormReady recognitions
– StormReady Supporters
• Coordinates news releases with the NOAA Public Affairs
• Adds recognitions to the NWS Headquarters Analyze, Forecast and Support Office
StormReady database
• Mentors and trains WFO staff in the StormReady Program
• Promotes the StormReady Program
• Implements service improvements to the StormReady Program
• Coordinates StormReady Award nominations with Local, State and/or Regional Boards
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• Reports StormReady activities (e.g., meetings with emergency managers, hazards
preparedness education in communities, verification visits, ceremonies) through the
NWS Outreach and Education Event System as per NWSI 10-1804
• Administers other aspects of the program as necessary
WCMs/designees are required to inform StormReady and StormReady Supporter applicants who
represent large event venues of information regarding NWS support of special events and the
role of AWCI in providing weather information in support of their operations. For more
information, please reference:
•
•

NWSI 10-1806 NWS Support for Special Events
http://www.weather.gov/media/stormready/resources/specialevents.pdf

WCMs/designees should also inform applicants that StormReady guidelines may be satisfied by
incorporating data/services provided by AWCI.
2.2

Regional Headquarters

The Regional Director is the first-line supervisor of the Regional Division Chiefs, River Forecast
Center Hydrologists-In-Charge (HIC) and WFO MICs, and assigns StormReady Program
responsibilities for the region. It is the responsibility of the Regional StormReady Program
Manager, typically the Regional WCM, to manage the StormReady Program on a regional basis.
This includes the following:
• Coordinating StormReady programmatic, budgetary, and policy issues with NWS
Headquarters on behalf of their region’s WFOs/WCMs
• Representing the region on the National StormReady Board
• Directing and overseeing service improvements to the StormReady Program
• When available, managing the Regional budget and other resources for the StormReady
Program
• Coordinating news releases with NOAA Public Affairs
• Promoting the StormReady Program
• Coordinating StormReady Award nominations between Local, State and the National
StormReady Boards
• When applicable, coordinating the Regional StormReady Board
• Reports StormReady activities through the NWS Outreach and Education Event System
as per NWSI 10-1804
• As necessary, developing and maintaining regional supplements to this national directive
2.3
NWS Headquarters - Analyze, Forecast and Support Office
The National Weather Service Headquarters’ (NWSH) Analyze, Forecast and Support Office
(AFS) is responsible for a variety of activities supporting the StormReady Program. The AFS
Director assigns StormReady Program responsibilities for AFS.
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2.3.1 AFS Decision Support Integration Branch
It is the responsibility of the National WCM and WCM Program Coordinator to manage the
StormReady Program on a national basis. This includes the following:
• Coordinates StormReady programmatic, budgetary, and policy issues within National
Headquarters on behalf of our Regional Headquarters and local WCMs/designees
• Chairs and coordinates the National StormReady Board
• Directs and oversees service improvements to the StormReady Program
• Manages the national budget and other resources for the StormReady Program
• Procures and manages national resources such as StormReady recognition signs,
brochures, templates and other tools
• Coordinates news releases with NOAA Public Affairs
• Oversees the national StormReady database and website
• Promotes the StormReady Program
• Coordinates StormReady Award nominations between Local, State and/or Regional
StormReady Boards and the National StormReady Board
• Serves as the Office of Primary Responsibility (OPR) for this procedural directive
• Reports StormReady activities through the NWS Outreach and Education Event System
as per NWSI 10-1804
• Coordinates with the AFS Tsunami Program Manager/designee on TsunamiReady
• Serves as the WCM for emergency managers on U.S. military installations located in
other countries that are interested in StormReady and/or TsunamiReady
• As necessary, develops and maintains memoranda of understanding or memoranda of
agreement with national partners
2.4
StormReady Applicants
StormReady applicants are responsible for working with their local WCM/designee throughout
the StormReady recognition process. This includes:
• Completing the application
• Working with the local WCM/designee on the verification of the application (section
3.2.1 below)
• Coordinating information for the optional recognition news release and ceremony
• Maintaining or improving on the site’s compliance with StormReady guidelines
throughout the valid period of the StormReady recognition
• Apprising the local WCM/designee about candidates for StormReady Awards
• Working with the local WCM/designee on renewal of the StormReady recognition
2.5
StormReady Board Organizations
StormReady Boards implement and oversee the StormReady Program. Since StormReady is a
partnership with emergency managers it is critical to have their participation in the
administration of the program. The longstanding success of StormReady has proven this
approach effective. Boards should be set up on a regional, multi-state, state and/or local WFO
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level. Integrated Warning Teams or other partner meetings can serve as a means for conducting
StormReady Board activities. NWS should also maintain a National StormReady Board.
StormReady Boards should routinely communicate on the administration of the program and
meet at least once a year.
2.5.1 Local/State StormReady Board
StormReady is collaboratively administered through a Local and/or State StormReady Board
with representatives from a local and/or state emergency management agency and association as
well as the NWS. The Local/State StormReady Board can enhance StormReady guidance to fit
local and state situations. Examples may include an enhanced set of guidance for schools,
universities, large event venues, etc., or to deal better with natural hazards within the state, e.g.,
wildfires, winter weather, tropical cyclones, extreme temperatures, etc., The “StormReady®”
branding will remain intact when implementing such efforts. Similarly, the StormReady
administration and application forms may not be altered. NWS recommends enhanced
StormReady or StormReady Supporter guidance be implemented through a toolkit, check list
and/or other guidance maintained by the Local/State and/or Regional StormReady Boards and
promoted through the national StormReady website. WCMs/designees and emergency managers
should use these resources to enhance the standard national StormReady guidelines when
pursuing their StormReady or StormReady Supporter recognitions. Each Local/State
StormReady Board consists of at a minimum:
•
•
•
•

NWS MIC or designee
NWS WCM or designee
Local/State emergency management agency director or designee
State emergency management association president or designee

The Local/State StormReady Board may oversee all steps leading to a jurisdiction’s StormReady
recognition. This may include:
•
•
•
•
•
•

Determining and documenting the Board’s activities
Providing incentives such as grant funding
Promoting mitigation and preparedness best practices
Implementing procedures for application review
Coordinating ceremonies and awards
Resolving state-specific issues

2.5.2 Regional StormReady Board
Each of the NWS six regional offices may have Regional StormReady Boards. The NWS
Regional Director or designee determines team membership. Regional StormReady Boards
support the activities of the State Boards and ensure the national guidelines are maintained. This
may include
•
•

Providing incentives such as grant funding
Promoting mitigation and preparedness best practices
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•
•
•
•

Implementing procedures for application review
Coordinating ceremonies and awards
Resolving regional specific issues.
Coordinating recommendations for change to the national guidelines, programmatic
issues and nominations for awards with the National StormReady Board

2.5.3 National StormReady Board
StormReady is collaboratively administered through a National StormReady Board that may
include representatives from the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM),
National Emergency Management Association (NEMA), and the NWS. The National
StormReady Board is responsible for general oversight of the program. It maintains a minimum
set of recognition guidelines consistent across the country. The board reviews existing and
proposed guidelines at its annual meetings. It addresses challenges, determines projects,
publishes guidance, prioritizes funding when available and identifies future goals for the
program. A long standing goal for the board is to establish more incentives such as a
StormReady grant to help jurisdictions become StormReady or maintain their capacity for
dealing with hazardous weather and flooding (Note: Board meetings are only conducted when
funding is available). The National StormReady Board includes:
•
•
•
•

National WCM (Chair)
NWS Regional WCMs
President or designees of NEMA
President or designees of IAEM

3
StormReady Application Process
The application for StormReady recognition is a formal process requiring the following:
•
•
•
•

Emergency Manager submitting an application form
Local WCM/designee verifying the information
Local/State and/or Regional Boards reviewing the information
WCM/designee providing formal notification of site recognition

StormReady application forms are cleared through the White House’s Office of Management and
Budget and will not be modified. StormReady application forms are available on the NWS
StormReady website at: www.weather.gov/stormready/become
3.1
Application Submission
StormReady and StormReady Supporter applications should be sent to the local WCM/designee.
If a hard copy is utilized, it should be scanned into an electronic format by the WCM/designee
and stored locally. While much of the application is a basic accounting of technology, a brief
narrative describing preparedness and planning activities is necessary and will help assess how
hazardous weather and flooding are addressed in the emergency operations plan, exercises, and
public safety programs.
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Note: Coastal communities that apply for StormReady recognition may also satisfy many of the
guidelines for becoming TsunamiReady, and are therefore strongly encouraged to jointly apply
for TsunamiReady recognition as well.
Some applicants may have jurisdiction over a community and surrounding unincorporated areas.
In these cases, a single application is sufficient, with the combined populations used to determine
the appropriate guideline categories. If a community earns StormReady recognition, the
unincorporated communities will be included in the recognition, but are not individually
recognized. The Local/State or Regional StormReady Board coordinates how unique
StormReady recognitions are implemented.
3.2
Application Review
The local WCM/designee reviews all StormReady and StormReady Supporter applications for
the office’s area of responsibility. The WCM/designee verifies the information with the
applicant. For StormReady applicants, the WCM/designee then coordinates the approval with
the Local/State or Regional (if applicable) StormReady Board. For StormReady Supporter
applicants, the local WCM/designee may immediately approve the application. In either case, if
an application indicates the guidelines are not met, the WCM/designee notifies the applicant
about changes needed to meet the guidelines. After these changes are made, the applicant should
submit an updated application for additional review by the local WCM/designee.
The Local/State or Regional StormReady Board may review a jurisdiction’s StormReady
application and discuss the verification of the information with the local WCM/designee. The
Local/State or Regional StormReady Board may approve an application for recognition after this
first review.
If the recognition is not approved, the Local/State or Regional StormReady Board will list
improvements needed for the community to achieve recognition. If a community disputes a
decision made by the Local/State StormReady Board, the dispute is forwarded to the Regional
StormReady Board or, if one does not exist, the Chair of National StormReady Board, for
resolution. Similarly, disputes at the Regional StormReady Board level should be forwarded to
the Chair of National StormReady Board for resolution.
3.2.1 Verification of Application Information
The local WCM/designee verifies application information with the applicant. Historically, this
process included a site verification visit. Due to the travel costs, the growth of the StormReady
Program, and the emergence of effective web tools, the program now allows a virtual site
verification visit. Tools such as video teleconference, Webinar, Go-To-Meeting, etc., may be
used to verify an application’s information. In extreme cases for very remote communities, the
verification may be accomplished via email and phone correspondence.*
In general, verification of an application by the WCM/designee includes the following:

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• Verify WP and EOC equipment listed on application
• Confirm suitable location and readiness of equipment
• Review how hazardous weather and flooding are addressed in the community’s Emergency
Operations Plan including review of the following:
– How the site identifies hazardous weather and flooding and assesses risk
– How flood prone areas are identified and what procedures exist to prevent citizens
from entering those areas or to evacuate such areas when necessary
– SKYWARN weather spotter activation criteria and reporting procedures
– Communication/Dispatch Center procedures relating to hazardous weather and
flooding
– EOC activation criteria and deactivation procedures
– Criteria and procedures for activating the public warning system in its area of
responsibility
– Contact information for all jurisdictional agencies and response partners including
the NWS
– Ability of the site to assess significant hazardous weather and flood incidents
through an After Action Review, or similar, identify lessons learned and best
practices, and evolve emergency response planning accordingly
• Understanding of how hazardous weather and flooding are addressed in the community’s
mitigation and preparedness program(s), including activities such as safety campaigns,
public education projects and exercises.
*In instances where remote verification is necessary, at a minimum verify the following through
documentation and photographic evidence provided by the applicant to the local WCM/designee
and/or Local/State StormReady Board:
•
•
•
•
•
•

EOC/Warning Point facilities
Equipment used to receive & disseminate NWS warnings and information
Equipment used to monitor hazardous weather and flood conditions
Emergency Operations Plan addressing hazardous weather and flooding
Training and exercises
Community preparedness activities

Ultimately it is the responsibility of the local NWS office and its Regional Headquarters to
ensure that the principals of StormReady are being properly applied and the NWS mission is
being served.
4
StormReady Recognition Process
Once the StormReady Site or StormReady Supporter application is approved, the local
WCM/designee enters the information in the national StormReady database. The applicant is
notified through a formal recognition letter from the local MIC or WCM. A site is recognized
for 3 years from the date the official letter of recognition. Communities covered under a county
recognition should be listed on this letter. This date is the one the WCM/designee enters into the
AFS national StormReady database as the recognition date.
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When the WCM/designee enters the new site into the database, the site has the option to request
a StormReady Recognition sign (Appendix B) (Note: signs are only available through AFS when
funding is available for procurement). In addition the site will receive:
•
•
•
•

StormReady Certificate of Recognition
Authorization to use the StormReady logo
Instructions for acquiring additional signs
Information concerning possible adjustment to insurance rates under the National Flood
Insurance Program (section 6.1)

Recognition signs are suitable for display on or in buildings (e.g., courthouses, libraries, town
halls, EOCs, etc.) Some communities have posted their signs along roadways; however, it is
recommended that officials first consult county or state road departments regarding restrictions.
StormReady recognition signs are not approved by the Federal Highway Administration.
Once the site is approved, the local WCM/designee may work with the successful applicant on
an optional news release and/or recognition ceremony. The community will also now be listed
on the national StormReady website.
4.1
StormReady Recognition Ceremony
The local WCM/designee will coordinate details of any recognition announcement and/or
ceremony with the successful applicant. A typical ceremony includes a formal media
announcement and should be a combination of the following:
•
•
•

Unveiling of the official StormReady sign
Presentation of a Certificate of Recognition
Press conference

The local WCM/designee should work with the Regional NOAA Public Affairs Officer and the
Regional StormReady Program Manager to prepare the news release and coordinate ceremony
activities. The NWS StormReady website and the AFS Integrated Database for Education and
Awareness (https://verification.nws.noaa.gov/IDEA/index.aspx - NOAA internal) offer more
information and examples of recognition materials.
4.2
StormReady Recognition Monitoring
A formal plan to monitor a recognized jurisdiction is not necessary; however, if a formal concern
is brought to the Local/State or Regional StormReady Board, it will review the issue and may
suspend the recognition for 60 days while the review is conducted. If the Local/State and/or
Regional StormReady Board’s review indicates the community no longer meets StormReady
guidelines, and the discrepancy cannot be resolved within a reasonable amount of time, the local
WCM/designee, Local/State and/or Regional StormReady Board will revoke that jurisdiction’s
StormReady recognition status (see Section 4.4).

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NWSI 10-1802 JUNE 28, 2019

4.3
Renewal of StormReady Recognition
StormReady recognition will be valid for 3 years from the date of the official letter of
recognition. This date will be entered in the national StormReady database as the recognition
date. Six months prior to the expiration of the recognition, the StormReady database
automatically sends a renewal reminder to the local WCM/designee. Following the applicable
guidelines published at the time of the notification, the local WCM/designee coordinates with the
point of contact from the jurisdiction to verify the original application information is still in
order. Once verified, the local WCM/designee notes this in the WFO’s records and updates the
renewal date in the StormReady database. The StormReady recognition renewal is then valid for
an additional 3 years, 6 total years, from the date of the official letter of recognition. The local
WCM/designee then notifies the site’s point of contact regarding the approval of the renewal.
After the initial 3-year renewal, subsequent renewals will require the community to renew the
full application process (Section 3). This process helps ensure required equipment is in place,
contact information is accurate, and technological advances in communications and warning
dissemination are applied and documented as needed. Additional renewals will repeat the
interval outlined above: after nine years, a contact renewal, after 12 years, a full application
review, etc.
If the anniversary date for a renewal passes, a community will not immediately lose its
StormReady status if it has communicated to the local WCM/designee it is ready and willing to
accomplish the renewal. In these instances, the local WCM/designee should notify the WCM
Program Coordinator in AFS for permission for a 6-month extension. A second six-month
extension may be granted in extreme cases. Once the renewal is finally completed, the local
WCM/designee updates the StormReady database indicating the renewal. The anniversary date
from the date of the official letter of recognition will not change and the jurisdiction will simply
have 6 months less time before their next renewal. For example, if the initial renewal was May
22, 2014, and the site does not renew until October 29, 2014, the renewal date would be May 22,
2017. The same rule applies to sites that are proactive and renew early.
4.4
StormReady Recognition Status Revocation
A jurisdiction will only lose its StormReady status if it fails to renew its recognition as outlined
above. The following actions will be taken:
•
•
•
•

The local WCM/designee, Local/State and/or Regional StormReady Board will provide
notification to the jurisdiction.
Notification will also be sent to the National Flood Insurance Program informing them of
this action.
The local WCM/designee should also notify the WCM Program Coordinator in AFS and
update the national StormReady database and website.
The Local/State and/or Regional StormReady Board may request StormReady signs be
removed/returned.

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5
StormReady Supporter
Businesses, schools, and other non-governmental entities often establish severe weather safety
plans and actively participate in and promote severe weather safety awareness activities. Many
of these entities do not have the resources necessary to fulfill the eligibility requirements for
StormReady Site recognition status. An entity that promotes the principles and guidelines of the
StormReady Program, but does not meet the guidelines for StormReady Site recognition may be
eligible to be designated as a StormReady Supporter. StormReady recognition of the county or
community in which the entity resides is not a requirement to achieve the Supporter designation.
5.1
StormReady Supporter Applications, Recognitions and Renewals
Entities interested in becoming a StormReady Supporter should first check with their local
WCM/designee to ensure that optional StormReady Supporter recognitions are utilized based on
the determinations of the Local/State StormReady Board. If the local WFO participates and
supports the optional StormReady Supporter Program, then entities should complete the
Supporter application on the national StormReady website
(www.weather.gov/stormready/become) and submit it to their local WCM/designee for review.
The WCM/designee and/or Local/State StormReady Board verify the information with the
applicant and may immediately approve the application. If an application indicates the
guidelines are not met, the applicant will be notified about changes needed to meet the respective
guidelines. After these changes are made, the applicant should submit an updated application for
review by the local WCM/designee and/or Local/State StormReady Board.
A StormReady Supporter receives a StormReady Supporter Certificate dated and signed by the
local WCM/MIC and/or Local/State StormReady Board. The date printed on the StormReady
Supporter Certificate will be considered the official date of the Supporter designation and is valid
for up to 5 years (The Local/State StormReady Board may impose a shorter valid period based
on their determinations). The local WCM/designee, in consultation with the local government
emergency manager, may prepare an optional news release and/or ceremony. Upon request, the
successful StormReady Supporter applicant will receive the following:
•
•
•

StormReady Supporter Certificate of Recognition
Authorization to use the StormReady logo
Listing on the national StormReady website

Once approved, the local WCM/designee notes the site in the WFOs records and enters the
Supporter into the national StormReady database.
Six months prior to the expiration of the Supporter recognition, the national StormReady
database sends an automated email to the local WCM/designee. Following the applicable
Supporter guidelines, the local WCM/designee coordinates with the point of contact from the
Supporter entity to verify the original application is in order. Once verified, the local
WCM/designee notes this in the WFO’s records and updates the StormReady database. The
local WCM/designee then notifies the point of contact from the jurisdiction for their records. If
the local WCM/designee is unable to verify the Supporter’s renewal or if the Supporter entity no
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NWSI 10-1802 JUNE 28, 2019

longer wishes to participate, the local WCM/designee will delete the site from the national
StormReady database.
6
StormReady Incentives
StormReady communities are better prepared to save lives from hazardous weather and flooding
through advanced planning, education, and awareness. No community is storm proof, but
becoming StormReady can help communities save lives. Some incentives for participation in
StormReady include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Proven to help save lives during severe weather and flood events
Improves coordination and timeliness of hazardous weather and flood warning
dissemination, reception and response
Strengthens the working relationship between emergency managers and the NWS
Provides a means for acquiring up to 55 Insurance Services Office/Community Rating
System points to possibly lower National Flood Insurance Program premiums
Helps emergency managers justify costs and purchases related to their hazardous weather
and flood preparedness programs
Rewards local hazardous weather and flood mitigation programs that have achieved a
desired performance level
Improves community image
Recognizes emergency managers for their hard work helping their communities reduce
vulnerability to hazards and cope with disasters
Encourages better hazardous weather and flood preparedness programs in surrounding
jurisdictions

6.1
National Flood Insurance Program
FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides federally backed flood insurance
within communities that enact and enforce floodplain regulations. To be covered by a flood
insurance policy (for the structure and/or its contents), a property needs to be in a community
that participates in the NFIP. To qualify for the NFIP, a community adopts and enforces a
floodplain management ordinance to regulate development in flood hazard areas. The objective
of the ordinance is to minimize the potential for flood damage to future development. The NFIP
has been effective in requiring new buildings to be protected from damage by a 1% chance flood,
also known as the 100-year or base flood. However, flood damage still results from floods that
exceed the base flood, from flooding in unmapped areas, and from flooding that affects buildings
constructed before the community joined the NFIP. Today, over 21,600 communities in 56
states and territories participate in the NFIP.
The goals of the NFIP are to provide flood insurance to property owners, to reduce flood losses
by communities, and to save taxpayers money. As a part of the NFIP, FEMA developed the
Community Rating System (CRS) to provide incentives and tools to further all-hazards, predisaster mitigation. Under the CRS, communities can be rewarded for doing more than simply
regulating construction of new buildings to the minimum national standards. The 2013 CRS
Coordinator’s Manual (http://crsresources.org) spells out the credits and credit criteria for
17

NWSI 10-1802 JUNE 28, 2019

community activities and programs that go above and beyond the minimum requirements for
participation in the NFIP.
The CRS recognizes the importance not only of effective flood warning and response in a
comprehensive floodplain management program, but also of coordinating public information,
regulatory programs, and flood protection with the efforts of emergency management.
Emergency management is included in a number of CRS activities, but especially the three
activities in the 600 series, which focus specifically on the principle that an ample warning
combined with a flood response plan can prevent loss of life and damage to property.
Under section 610 — Flood Warning and Response Activities — of the CRS Coordinator’s
Manual, jurisdictions recognized by NWS as StormReady can receive 25 community rating
points towards lowering their flood insurance rates. A community can participate in both the
StormReady and TsunamiReady programs and receive credit for both elements, SRC (25) and
TRC (30) for up to 55 total community rating points. [Reference pp. 610-1 through 610-19,
2013 CRS Coordinator’s Manual, FIA-15/2013]
In addition, both the StormReady and TsunamiReady programs recognize communities that
conduct community preparedness outreach and education on flood hazards. Those efforts can
contribute to a community’s earning of additional community rating points under the section 330
CRS — Outreach Projects — of the CRS Coordinator’s Manual. [Reference pp. 330-1 through
330-21, 2013 CRS Coordinator’s Manual, FIA-15/2013]
CRS credits for StormReady are not automatically granted to each local jurisdiction that receives
the StormReady designation. The 25 points are provided for obtaining and maintaining the
designation as a NWS StormReady community AND meeting the following CRS prerequisites as
outlined in section 611.b — Activity Credit Criteria — of the CRS Coordinator’s Manual:
1. A Flood Threat Recognition (FTR) system that provides the community with the
earliest possible detection that a flood is imminent. [Reference pp. 610-5 & 6]
2. Emergency Warning Dissemination (EWD) capability that provides emergency
warning alerts and messages to the public when a flood is imminent. [Reference pp.
610-8 through 610-11]
3. A flood warning and response plan that details a Flood Response Operations (FRO)
capability and that has been adopted by the community’s governing body. This is
likely addressed through the community’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).
[Reference pp. 610-3, 4 & 11-15]
4. Critical Facilities Planning (CFP) - The community has coordinated its warning and
response program with its critical facilities. [Reference pp. 610-15 through 610-17]
5. The community has completed a risk assessment for flooding as part of their
floodplain management or hazard mitigation plan, or completed the CRS Community
Self-Assessment. [Reference pp. 610-3]
6. The community has a flood inundation map(s) that shows areas that are inundated by
at least three different flood and/or storm surge levels. [Reference pp. 610-3 & 4]
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NWSI 10-1802 JUNE 28, 2019

7. The community implements one or more outreach projects that tells its residents and
businesses how they will be warned and the safety measures they should take during a
flood. [Reference pp. 610-4 & 5]
8. There is at least one exercise and evaluation of the flood warning and response plan
each year. [Reference pp. 610-5]
Jurisdictions should notify their Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO)/Community Rating System
(CRS) Specialist [Reference CRS contacts at http://crsresources.org/100-2/] once they are
officially recognized as StormReady by the NWS. The ISO/CRS Specialist is an employee of
the ISO, FEMA’s CRS management contractor. The ISO/CRS Specialist will base this credit on
the NWS listing of StormReady jurisdictions posted at www.weather.gov/stormready. For
communities within a county recognition occasionally the StormReady letter of recognition must
be provided showing that community is covered under the county’s recognition.
6.2
StormReady Hero Award
The StormReady Hero Award is a special national level recognition that may be presented by
senior NWS officials to an individual(s) within a jurisdiction recognized as StormReady. The
award formally recognizes individuals within a StormReady community in which lives have
been saved as a direct result of those individuals’ proactive actions, personifying the NWS
StormReady Program. StormReady Hero Award guidelines are as follows:
•
•
•
•

•
•

Award consideration will take place on a case-by-case basis
The award may be given to a single individual or to several public safety officials within
a community
The impacted community has successfully implemented and is recognized as
StormReady before the weather or flood event occurs
Lives were saved as a result of the successful application of the Integrated Warning
Team:
- Detection of the weather hazard
- Reception of the warning from NWS
- Dissemination of the warning by emergency management officials to the at-risk
community
- Response/protective actions taken by the at-risk population
There is clear and unambiguous evidence of proactive actions, beyond the nominee’s
normal duties, resulting in lives saved in the impacted community
A community may still be eligible for the award even if there was loss of life as long as
there were lives saved as a direct result of the StormReady Program.

6.2.1 StormReady Hero Award Protocol
The StormReady Hero Award is nominated at the local level, either by an emergency manager or
the local MIC/WCM. Typically the local WCM/designee prepares the nomination based on the
award guidelines in Section 6.2 within 1 month of the event. The nomination is then forwarded
to the Local/State and/or Regional StormReady Board for its approval. Once cleared, the
Regional WCM/StormReady Program Manager shares the nomination with the National WCM.
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The nomination is then shared with the National StormReady Board members who formally vote
on the nomination. A majority vote is needed by the National StormReady Board for approval.
The National WCM then communicates the decision of the National StormReady Board to all
parties. If approved, the following should occur (depending on available funding):
•
•

•
•
•
•

Generally, a high profile media event is scheduled for the award presentation ceremony
The ceremony should be arranged with collaboration among the following:
– NWS/NOAA Public Affairs
– Regional Public Affairs Officer
– Regional StormReady Program Manager
– National WCM and WCM Program Coordinator
– Local WCM/MIC
– Local/State StormReady Board members
– Sponsoring community/state organization
A framed certificate(s) or plaque is presented to the recipient(s) at the award ceremony.
The certificate/plaque should note StormReady Hero Award.
The top NWS keynote speaker and presenter at the award ceremony will generally be
determined by NWS leadership at the Regional or National Headquarters level.
The news release from the StormReady Hero Award ceremony will be archived on the
national StormReady website.
The local WFO is encouraged to also submit an Aware newsletter article
(www.weather.gov/publications/aware) highlighting the StormReady Champion
accomplishment to the Aware managing editor in AFS.

6.3
StormReady Champion Award
The StormReady Champion Award is a special local or state level recognition presented by NWS
officials to an individual(s) or organization for exceptional service, achievement and/or
leadership through the StormReady program. StormReady Champions are individuals that have
gone above and beyond their normal duties in advocating for and implementing StormReady.
StormReady Champion Awards are approved by the Local/State StormReady Board.
StormReady Champion Award guidelines are as follows:
•
•
•

Award consideration will take place on a case-by-case basis.
The award may be given to an individual(s) or an organization within a StormReady
community or state.
At least one of the following criteria should be achieved:
– Exceptional Service – Through years of dedication has fostered a preparedness
culture that personifies the StormReady program.
– Outstanding Achievement – Has taken significant actions that have saved lives
and/or property through the StormReady program.
– Visionary Leadership – Through innovation and inspiration has led significant
improvements in the effectiveness of the StormReady program.

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NWSI 10-1802 JUNE 28, 2019

6.3.1 StormReady Champion Award Protocol
The StormReady Champion Award is nominated at the local level, either by an emergency
manager or the local MIC/WCM. Typically, the local WCM/designee prepares the nomination
based on the award guidelines in Section 6.3. The nomination is then shared with the Local/State
StormReady Board for its approval. The MIC/WCM will communicate the decision of the
Local/State StormReady Board with all parties. The local WCM/MIC should keep both the
Regional and National StormReady Program Managers informed throughout the process. If
approved, the following should occur (depending on available funding):
•

•
•
•
•
•

Generally, NWS will hold a media event in collaboration with the following:
– NWS/NOAA Public Affairs
– Regional StormReady Program Manager
– Local MIC/WCM
– Local/State StormReady Board members
– Sponsoring community/state organization
A framed certificate(s) or plaque is presented to the recipient(s) at the award ceremony.
The certificate/plaque will note StormReady Champion Award.
Generally, the top NWS keynote speaker and presenter at the award ceremony will be
determined by NWS leadership at the Regional Headquarters level. Typically this would
be the local MIC.
Once approved, the Regional WCM/StormReady Program Manager shares the
information with the National WCM and the National StormReady Board.
The news release from the StormReady Champion Award ceremony will be archived on
the national StormReady website.
The local WFO is encouraged to also submit an Aware newsletter article
(www.weather.gov/publications/aware) highlighting the StormReady Champion
accomplishment to the Aware managing editor in AFS.

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APPENDIX A - StormReady Recognition Guidelines*
Population:

< 2,500

2,500 - 14,999

15,000 - 40,000

>40,000

Component 1: Command and Management
Guideline 1.1: Communication/Dispatch Center and Emergency Operation Center
Operate Communication/Dispatch Center
serves as the 24-hour Warning Point (WP)

that

X**

Operate Emergency Operations Center (EOC)

X**

X

X

X**

X

X

Component 2: Communication and Information Management
Guideline 2.1: NWS Warning and Information Reception
Maintain the required number of ways for the WP
and EOC to receive NWS warnings and information

3

4

4

4

Maintain the required number of ways for the WP
and EOC to disseminate warnings

1

2

3

4

Operate Public Alert™ certified NOAA Weather
Radio receivers in key public facilities

X

X

X

X

1

2

3

4

Ensure routine communication between NWS and
the emergency management agency/organization

X

X

X

X

Able to communicate within and across jurisdictions
through resilient and redundant methods

X

X

X

X

Guideline 2.2: Warning Dissemination

Guideline 2.3: Hazardous Weather and Flood Monitoring
Maintain the required number of ways to monitor for
hazardous weather and flood conditions

Guideline 2.4: Communication

Component 3: Preparedness
Guideline 3.1: Planning
Address hazardous weather and flooding in formal
Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)

X

X

X

X

Conduct an exercise relating to natural hazards
every three years

X

X

X

X

Train spotters and dispatchers biennially

X

X

X

X

Guideline 3.2: Training and Exercises

X

Host/co-host biennial NWS spotter training

Guideline 3.3: Community Preparedness
Conduct the required number of annual weather
safety activities

1

2

3

4

* StormReady guidelines may be satisfied by incorporating data/services provided by America’s Weather and Climate Industry.
** For cities or towns with less than 15,000 people, a 24-hour WP and EOC capability are required; however, another jurisdiction
within the county may provide that resource. Please reference † Note below in Guideline 1.1 for more details.

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NWSI 10-1802 XXX-XX-2019

Component 1: Command and Management
The Command and Management component of NIMS is designed to enable effective and
efficient incident management and coordination by providing a flexible, standardized incident
management structure. Most hazardous weather and flood incidents are managed locally with
the response coordinated through the local Communications/Dispatch Centers and, if necessary,
an Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
Guideline 1.1: Communication/Dispatch Center
To receive recognition under the StormReady Program, an applying jurisdiction will need a
Communication/Dispatch Center that serves as the 24-hour Warning Point (WP)†, has the
capability to receive NWS alerts and warnings, and has the authority and ability to activate the
public warning system in its area of responsibility. Typically, this WP is a law enforcement or
fire department dispatching point, or a 911 call center. The Communication/Dispatch Center
should have training on NWS decision support, the monitoring of hazardous weather and flood
incidents, and the protocols for communicating reports to support the NWS warning decisionmaking process. This training can be accomplished through a variety of delivery methods (e.g.,
FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute courses, COMET MetEd courses, state or locally
developed training, etc.) StormReady communities are expected to share hazardous weather and
flood damage reports with their local NWS WFO. Using NWSChat or a similar communication
tool is ideal for this type of coordination. At a minimum, these reports should include the type,
location, and time of significant weather and flood events.
†Note: For jurisdictions without a local Communication/Dispatch Center that can serve as a
24-hour WP, another jurisdiction (e.g., county, adjacent community, state, etc.) may act in that
capacity for the jurisdiction. This scenario is most likely in smaller jurisdictions (e.g., in Alaska
and the U.S. territories) with less than 5,000 residents. This type of working arrangement should
be addressed in both jurisdictions’ plans and operational protocols. Such an arrangement might
also require a standing mutual aid agreement through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) or
some other formal means. The smaller jurisdiction should designate responsible officials who
are able to receive warnings 24/7 from their surrogate 24-hour WP. NWS recommends the
smaller jurisdiction designate several primary and backup points of contact as the responsible
officials. These responsible officials should have the authority and ability to activate the public
warning system in their jurisdiction in a timely manner. It is also recommended that the
responsible officials in the smaller jurisdiction have a 24/7 redundant means to receive alerts,
such as NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, InteractiveNWS, and related services provided by
AWCI.
Guideline 1.2: Emergency Operation Center
To receive recognition under the StormReady Program, an applying jurisdiction with a
population of 2500 or more will need to establish an EOC capability. The EOC will need to be
staffed during hazardous weather and flood incidents. When activated, the EOC will likely
assume the Communication/Dispatch Center’s warning coordination and dissemination
functions. The following summarizes roles of an EOC for hazardous weather and flood
incidents:
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NWSI 10-1802 XXX-XX-2019

• Activated according to the EOP guidelines, which may include NWS decision support
information;
• May assume the Communication/Dispatch Center’s warning coordination and
dissemination functions;
• Staffed with trained and credentialed emergency management personnel
• Has alert and warning reception capability (Guideline 2.1);
• Has ability and authority to activate the public warning system in its area of
responsibility;
• Maintains ability to communicate within and across jurisdictions (e.g., with other
EOCs including those maintained by private organizations, Incident Command Posts,
etc.) through resilient and redundant methods. Should have communication
capabilities equal to or better than the Communication/Dispatch Center;
• Maintains established communication links with NWS (e.g., NWSChat, phone, etc.) to
relay real-time weather and flood damage reports to support the warning decision
making process.
The physical size, staffing, and equipping of an EOC will depend on the size of the jurisdiction,
resources available and anticipated incident management workload. EOCs may be organized
and staffed in a variety of ways. The efficient functioning of EOCs most frequently depends on
the existence of mutual aid agreements and joint communications protocols among participating
agencies.
For jurisdictions without an EOC capability, another jurisdiction may act in that capacity for
them. This type of working arrangement should be addressed in both jurisdictions’ plans and
operational protocols. Such an arrangement might also require a formal standing mutual aid
agreement through a MoU. The surrogate EOC should be able to perform all of the above listed
functions on the behalf of the jurisdictions without an EOC capability.
Note: It is only necessary for facilities that are designated as “StormReady Communities”
(reference definition in section 1.1) to have WP and EOC capabilities during business operations
and/or when the facility is open to the public.

Component 2: Communication and Information Management
Emergency management and incident response activities rely on resilient and redundant
communications and information systems to provide a common operating picture to all command
and coordination sites. Effective communication is the key to incident management. This is
especially true in natural hazard emergencies (e.g., floods, wildfires, tornadoes, etc.) where rapid
changes may permit only short lead-time warnings requiring an immediate, educated response.
Guideline 2.1: NWS Warning and Information Reception
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NWSI 10-1802 XXX-XX-2019

To receive recognition under the StormReady Program, an applying jurisdiction’s
Communication/Dispatch Center and EOC each need multiple ways to receive NWS warnings.
A combination of the following can be used by the Communication/Dispatch Center and EOC to
fulfill this guideline:
• Public Alert™ certified NOAA Weather Radio receiver: Required for recognition
only if within reliable reception range of a NWR transmitter
• National Warning System (NAWAS) drop: FEMA-controlled, 24-hour, continuousprivate-line telephone system used to convey warnings to federal, state and local
governments, as well as the military and civilian population
• NWSChat: An instant messaging program available via the Internet used by NWS
operational personnel to share critical warning decision expertise and other significant
weather information
• Emergency Management Weather Information Network (EMWIN) receiver:
Device that receives satellite feed and/or VHF radio transmission of NWS products
• Statewide law enforcement telecommunications: Automatic relay of NWS products
on law enforcement systems
• Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): A service that allows public safety authorities
to use FEMA’s IPAWS Open Platform for Emergency Networks (IPAWS-OPEN) to
send geographically targeted, text-like wireless emergency alerts to the public
• Amateur Radio transceiver: Potential communications directly to NWS office
• Alerts received through an AWCI provider: Typically received via email, a texting
service or app to a smartphone, tablet, or computer
• Television: Access to local network or cable TV
• Local Radio: Emergency Alert System, LP1/LP2
• Internet monitoring capability, including social media such as Facebook and
Twitter
• NOAA Weather Wire drop: Satellite downlink data feed from NWS.
• Other Communications channel: For example, active participation in a state-run
warning network, two-way, local emergency responder radio network, etc
Guideline 2.2: Warning Dissemination
To receive recognition under the StormReady Program, an applying jurisdiction’s
Communication/Dispatch Center and EOC each need the authority and ability to activate the
public warning system in its area of responsibility. A combination of the following can be used
to fulfill this guideline:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Cable and/or broadcast television audio/video EAS overrides
Local flood warning systems with no single point of failure
Plan for siren/megaphone notification on emergency vehicles
Outdoor warning sirens
Other local alert broadcast system
Local pager/texting system
WEA capability throughout the jurisdiction
Social media account and plan for usage
A-4

NWSI 10-1802 XXX-XX-2019
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Amateur Radio Operator network (Ham Radio)
Telephone mass notification system
Telephone tree to critical facilities
Coordinated jurisdiction-wide radio network
Service provided by AWCI
Other, please explain
Counties, Parishes, Boroughs, etc. - A countywide communications network that
ensures the flow of information between all cities and towns within its borders. This
would include acting as the surrogate WP and/or EOC for jurisdictions without those
capabilities.

In addition to the above, when in reliable range of a NWR transmitter, Public Alert™ certified
NOAA Weather Radio receivers are required to be operated in key public facilities to be
recognized as StormReady:
• Required Locations:
– Communication/Dispatch Center serving as the 24-hour WP
– EOC
– City Hall
– Public School Superintendent office
• Recommended, but not required, Locations:
– Courthouses
– Public libraries
– Hospitals
– All schools, usually located in principal’s or designee office
– Fairgrounds, parks and recreation areas*
– Public utilities*
– Large-event venues, e.g., arenas, stadiums, etc.*
– Transportation departments*
– Nursing homes/Assisted living facilities*
– Harbor Masters’ Offices
*Note: Usually, the NWR receivers would be located in the primary management office/facility
that has the authority to alter operations and the ability to order protective actions based on the
NWS hazardous weather or flood warning received.
Guideline 2.3: Hazardous Weather and Flood Monitoring
To receive recognition under the StormReady Program, an applying jurisdiction’s
Communication/Dispatch Center and EOC each need the ability to monitor for hazardous
weather and flood conditions. Staff should have a basic understanding of weather and flood
data, monitoring equipment, and information systems. Examples include Doppler weather radar
data, the NWS Advanced Hydrologic Prediction System, roadway condition sensors, etc.
Understanding how to use hazardous weather and flood monitoring tools enhances the situation
awareness of the Communication/Dispatch Center and EOC. It also strengthens the coordination
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NWSI 10-1802 XXX-XX-2019

with the NWS, other jurisdictions, the news media and the public. A combination of the
following can be used to fulfill this guideline:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

NWSChat
Hazardous weather and flood monitoring systems provided by AWCI
Internet
Video camera system
Television/radio
Two-way radio
EMWIN
Local systems for hazardous weather monitoring, e.g., roadway sensors
Local systems for flood monitoring, e.g., levee/dam sensors, wildfire burn areas
Locally owned and operated weather radar
Lightning detection network
Locally owned weather observing instruments, e.g., wind equipment
Other, please explain

Guideline 2.4: Communication
To facilitate close working relationships, the jurisdiction’s emergency management program
leader should routinely communicate with his/her local NWS WFO. NWS officials should also
routinely communicate with the emergency management officials in their CWFA. Typically this
will occur during incident operations between the Communication/Dispatch Center and the local
NWS WFO. This communication also might occur through joint preparedness activities,
conferences or other events. Annual meetings are encouraged, in-person or virtually. If a
jurisdiction chooses to use services provided by AWCI, the WFO will interact/coordinate with
the jurisdiction’s service provider in the same way it would interact with the applicant or
StormReady community once recognized.
In addition to the above examples, jurisdictions should have an interoperable communications
network that ensures the ability to communicate within and across jurisdictions through resilient
and redundant methods. Resiliency is the ability of communications systems to withstand and
continue to perform after damage or loss of infrastructure. Redundancy can be the duplication of
services or the ability to communicate through diverse, alternative methods when standard
capabilities suffer damage.
During an incident within a jurisdiction, this integrated approach links the operational and
support units of the various organizations to maintain communications connectivity and situation
awareness. When a single incident covers a large geographical area, multiple local emergency
management and incident response agencies may be required. This may include
nongovernmental organizations and private-sector organizations. Effective cross-jurisdictional
coordination using processes and systems is critical in this situation.

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Component 3: Preparedness
Effective emergency management and incident response activities begin with a host of
preparedness activities conducted on an ongoing basis, in advance of any potential incident.
Preparedness is achieved and maintained through a continuous cycle of planning, organizing,
training, equipping, exercising, evaluating, and taking corrective action. Ongoing preparedness
efforts among all those involved in emergency management and incident response activities
ensure effective coordination during crisis. In developing, refining, and expanding preparedness
programs and activities within their jurisdictions and/or organizations, emergency
management/response personnel should leverage existing preparedness efforts and collaborative
relationships to the greatest extent possible.
Guideline 3.1: Planning
To receive recognition under the StormReady Program, an applying jurisdiction should address
hazardous weather and flooding in its formal EOP. Ideally, hazardous weather and flooding is
also addressed in the community’s Local Hazards Mitigation Plan. If possible, the EOP should:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Identify hazards and provide a risk assessment
Detail Communication/Dispatch Center procedures relating to natural hazards
Specify EOC activation criteria and deactivation procedures
Identify flood prone areas, set procedures to prevent citizens from entering those
areas, and set evacuation protocols and procedures
Establish SKYWARN weather spotter activation criteria and reporting procedures
Specify criteria and procedures for the activation of the public warning system in its
area of responsibility
Provide contact information for all jurisdictional agencies and response partners
including the NWS
Maintain the ability to assess significant hazardous weather and flood incidents
through an After Action Review (or similar), identify lessons learned and best
practices, and evolve emergency response planning accordingly

Guideline 3.2: Training and Exercises
To receive recognition under the StormReady Program, an applying jurisdiction should conduct
an exercise relating to natural hazards at least every three years. Participation in a multijurisdiction exercise (e.g., state, regional, federal, etc.) may fulfill this requirement. It is not
necessary for your local NWS office to participate in the exercise but NWS participation is
encouraged when feasible. Exercises should test and evaluate functions contained in the EOP.
The following exercise types may be conducted to fulfill this guideline:
• Tabletop: Simulates an emergency situation in an informal, stress-free environment.
The participants, usually decision-makersgather around a table to discuss general
problems and procedures in the context of an emergency scenario. The tabletop focus
is on training and familiarization with roles, procedures, or responsibilities.

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• Functional: Simulates an emergency in the most realistic manner possible, short of
moving real people and equipment to an actual site. As the name suggests, its goal is
to test or evaluate the capability of one or more functions in the context of an
emergency event.
• Full-scale: A lengthy exercise that takes place on location, usingas far as
possiblethe equipment and personnel that would be called upon in a real event.
Typically a full-scale exercise will use most EOP functions, coordinate the efforts of
several agencies, and include activation of the EOC.
To receive recognition under the StormReady Program, an applying jurisdiction should conduct
training for Communication/Dispatch Center and EOC staff (e.g., dispatchers) at least once every
two years. The Communication/Dispatch Center should receive training on the following:
•
•
•

Understanding NWS decision support services
Monitoring hazardous weather and flood incidents
Using protocols for communicating hazardous weather and flood incident impacts and
damage to inform the NWS’ warning decision making.

Any training tool (e.g., web module, Webinar, presentation, instruction manual) can fulfill this
guideline though local NWS WFO participation in the development and implementation of the
training is desirable. Typically this training can be accomplished by attending a class for
SKYWARN weather spotters conducted by the local NWS WFO. StormReady communities are
expected to share hazardous weather and flood reports with their local NWS WFO. Using
NWSChat or a similar communication tool is ideal for this type of coordination. At a minimum,
these reports should include the type, location, and time of significant weather and flood events.
An applying jurisdiction also needs to conduct training for SKYWARN weather spotters at least
once every two years. Typically this guideline is handled by the local NWS WFO through inperson training classes open to the public and with support from the emergency manager. All
jurisdictions larger than 40,000 people are encouraged to host/co-host a spotter training session
at least once every two years.
Guideline 3.3: Community Preparedness
To receive recognition under the StormReady Program, an applying jurisdiction needs to conduct
a number of hazardous weather and/or flood safety activities each year. Public education is vital
in preparing citizens to respond properly to hazardous weather and flooding. An educated public
is more likely to take steps to plan for hazardous weather and flooding, recognize potentially
threatening weather situations, receive warnings, and to respond appropriately in those situations.
A combination of the following preparedness activities can be used to fulfill this guideline:
• Conduct or facilitate safety talks/presentations for schools, hospitals, nursing homes,
and industries regarding the identified weather hazards for the area. These talks may
be a part of multi-hazard presentations affecting local communities/regions, e.g.,
floods, wildfires, tsunamis, tornadoes, hurricanes/typhoons, blizzards;

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• Offer weather-related safety awareness campaigns that include publicity for NOAA
Weather Radio (where broadcast coverage exists), WEA, and other local public
warning systems;
• Assist schools, hospitals, businesses, industries, etc., with the development of risk
assessments, mitigation measures and emergency planning, e.g., help determine
effective sheltering and evacuation procedures;
• Establish and maintain a community program that includes hazardous weather and
flooding in its training, e.g., Citizens Corps, Community Emergency Response Teams;
• Participate in the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP). EMAP is
a voluntary review process for state and local emergency management programs.
Accreditation is a means of demonstrating, through self-assessment, documentation
and peer review, that a program meets national standards for emergency management
programs;
• Participate in a state, end-to-end communications test of the hazardous weather and
flooding warning system. This includes activation of the EAS within your jurisdiction
using a TOR or FFW real event code;
• Conduct full-scale exercise for hazardous weather and/or flooding with community
involvement;
• Implement/maintain a program to help the special needs populations in your
jurisdiction prepare for and respond to hazardous weather and flooding, e.g., neighbor
helping neighbor program;
• Post hazardous weather and flood safety information, including information on NOAA
Weather Radio and WEA and other local public warning systems, on community
websites, e.g., agency, organization, facility;
• Issue Public Service Announcements on hazardous weather and flood safety. PSAs
could be sent through radio, TV, social media, etc.;
• Post hazardous weather and flood safety information on signs in your jurisdiction, e.g.,
billboard, highway, large outdoor video screens;
• Conduct mass mailings of hazardous weather and/or flood safety information to local
residents and businesses;
• Conduct workshops with local businesses (e.g., Chamber of Commerce, business
associations) to help them develop their own hazardous weather and flood mitigation
strategies, emergency operations, and recovery plans;

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• Conduct presentations or workshops on hazardous weather and flooding with faithbased organizations, community, and civic groups, e.g., Rotary, Kiwanis, Moose,
Elks, Ruritans, Scout Troops;
• Provide hazardous weather and/or flood safety information through the local tourist
industry, e.g., hotels, motels, camp grounds, restaurants, community visitor centers,
recreational services, vehicle rental businesses, museums;
• Incorporate hazardous weather and flood safety information into booths at community
events, county fairs, trade shows, etc.;
• Other, please explain

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APPENDIX B - StormReady Recognition Sign

Above: NWS StormReady Recognition sign.

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