Franklin County Receives Re-Certification as a StormReady® County from National Weather Service

Posted By: Withers Syndication
August 15, 2023 @ 7:42 am
Local News

Photo credit: Franklin County Emergency Management Facebook page

BENTON – The National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Paducah has once again recognized Franklin County as a StormReady® County; a designation the county first received in 2007.

According to a post on the Franklin County Emergency Management Agency’s Facebook page, StormReady® is a National Weather Service program designed to recognize communities (e.g. counties, universities, military bases) that have reached a high level of severe weather preparedness. To be recognized as StormReady®, a community must meet criteria established jointly between the NWS and state and local emergency management officials.

These criteria include:
* Establishing a local 24-hour warning point and an Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
* Having multiple ways of receiving NWS warnings.
* Creating a system to monitor local weather/river conditions.
* Having multiple ways of alerting the public.
* Promoting public readiness through community seminars and presentations.
* Developing a formal hazardous weather plan.
* Having trained spotters.
* Conducting periodic drills / exercises.
* Interacting with their local NWS office.

The essence of the program is to ensure the entire warning system performs properly when severe weather strikes. The “system” is comprised of the NWS (which issues the warnings), local emergency management (which ensures the warnings get communicated), and you (who respond properly to the warnings). No community is storm proof, but StormReady® can help communities save lives.

“I want to thank the National Weather Service for once again honoring Franklin County with this designation,” said Director of Emergency Management Ryan M. Buckingham. “I credit the dedicated work of our agency staff members with our continued success. They are truly the heart of our organization. Their service to the agency and the people of Franklin County is often conducted behind the scenes with little to no recognition and fanfare; however they never fail in their duties. I am truly grateful for our dedicated team of talented public servants,” added the Director.