The National Weather Service has again recognized Etowah County as a StormReady County. This designation indicates that Etowah County continues to do “everything possible to improve emergency first responder and citizen preparedness in the event of a natural disaster,” according to Chris Darden, Meteorologist in Charge, National Weather Service Birmingham.

This designation is reserved for those communities who take a proactive position when it comes to being prepared for weather events and disasters. Each StormReady County is required to have the following, as a minimum:

• Establish a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center
• Have more than one way to receive severe weather warnings and forecasts and to alert the public
• Create a system that monitors weather conditions locally
• Promote the importance of public readiness through community seminars
• Develop a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes training severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises.

Representatives from the National Weather Service in Birmingham recently completed a site visit to review items necessary to achieve this designation. Director Deborah Gaither said, “I encourage citizens to also take every protective action that they can to be prepared in the event of a natural disaster.  Taking care of you, your family and pets is your responsibility.  Join us in being prepared.”

The county’s designation is good for a period of three years before a renewal will be required. Visit https://weather.gov/StormReady  to learn more.