For more information: Julie Syrmopoulos, PIO – 602-506-1387
Glen Floe, Emergency Manager – 602-273-1411
Maricopa County is StormReady
National Weather Service awards rating
The National Weather Service will present Maricopa County with their second consecutive StormReady rating at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting. The StormReady program was designed by the National Weather Service to encourage counties and communities to better prepare for the effects of extreme weather. “Achieving this rating is another important facet of our emergency preparedness program,” noted Chairman Andy Kunasek, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.
The National Weather Service agrees, especially since we’re poised at the onset of the winter rains. “This rating program builds vital partnerships and public awareness,” said Tony Haffer, meteorologist with the National Weather Service. His office reports the United States endures more severe weather than any other nation in the world. Around 500 American’s lose their lives to severe weather every year.
StormReady standards included in the rating are specific to the community given the area’s potential and history for severe weather. A large portion of the rating concentrates on warning systems and communication infrastructure, as well as inter-agency cooperation. “One benefit of planning and drilling for these events, is that it has made clear the type of warning systems and relationships needed between agencies,” said Warren Leek, director of the county’s Emergency Management Department.
For example, the county’s Emergency Management Department is tied in with the National Weather Service and monitors weather activity on a 24-hour basis. The Flood Control District has deployed a large network of rain and flow gauges at strategic points around the county. This allows the District to monitor upstream weather and downstream flows, giving both transportation officials the ability to set road closures and emergency planners to initiate flood response actions.
In 2006, Maricopa County installed weather alert radios in all schools across Maricopa County. “We think this has assisted the schools in a number of ways, including the ability to route school buses given local weather conditions,” said Warren Leek, emergency management director.
The StormReady status also considers the county’s very large network of amateur radio volunteers which routinely drills and practices with the department. “It doesn’t make us stormproof, but it raises the bar in preparing for and warning residents of a severe weather emergency,” said Leek.
While Maricopa County is prepared for a severe weather event, there remains concern among emergency planners and county leaders if the public is as prepared as it should be. A recent survey of county residents revealed that 40% have done nothing to prepare to shelter themselves in their homes for any length of time. This is concerning, given the right severe weather event could leave residents stranded and without electricity for a number of days.
County officials recommend residents be StormReady as well:
1. Make a Household Disaster Plan
2. Have an Emergency Supply Kit
3. Make a “Go” Bag
A good household plan will cover what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate in an emergency. An out-of-state friend or relative that family members can call if separated during a disaster should be designated. This contact can help communicate with others both in and out of the emergency area.
Both emergency planners and the National Weather Service also recommend a weather alert radio for each household. In addition to turning itself on to warn of weather events in designated areas, the tone alert radio broadcasts both Amber alerts and instructional messages related to other emergencies. These radios are modestly priced ($15) and available at a number of retail electronic or department stores and online.
For more information about the StormReady program, visit: www.stormready.noaa.gov
For information about personal preparedness, visit AZ211.gov or the Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management online at www.maricopa.gov/emerg_mgt
For information about the National Weather Service, visit: www.wrh.noaa.gov
The Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management coordinates response and recovery activities through implementation of emergency response plans during and after emergencies. Implementation requires the support and assistance of many other county departments, local jurisdictions, the private sector and volunteer agencies.
Maricopa County has a population of approximately 3.7 million. It is the 4th most populous county in the US and 14th largest in land area.