Hancock County, IN, May 2012, from left: Jeff Vanderwal, Deputy Director, Hancock County EMA; Mike Ryan, Senior Forecaster, NWS Indianapolis; Larry Ervin, Director, Hancock County EMA.

Americans live in the most severe weather-prone country on Earth. Each year, Americans cope with an average of 10,000 thunderstorms, 5,000 floods, 1,000 tornadoes, and an average of 2 landfalling deadly hurricanes. And this on top of winter storms, intense summer heat, high winds, wild fires and other deadly weather impacts. You can make sure your community is ready for the weather with the National Weather Service’s StormReady® program.

Some 90% of all presidentially declared disasters are weather related, leading to around 500 deaths per year and nearly $14 billion in damage. StormReady, a program started in 1999 in Tulsa, OK, helps arm 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. StormReady News headlines detail how it really makes a difference.

Find out more by selecting one of the links to the left or on the bottom of this page. If you're not a county or community, try our publications page for tips on protecting your business, home and family.

Ocean Isle Beach, NC, May 2012, from left: Steve Pfaff, WCM, WFO Wilmington; Justin Whiteside, Planning Director Ocean Isle Beach; and Chuck Rash, Assistant. Fire Chief, Ocean Isle Beach Fire Department.