Americans live in the most severe weather-prone country on Earth. Each year, Americans cope with an average of the following intense storms:
- 100,000 thunderstorms
- 10,000 severe thunderstorms
- 5,000 floods or flash floods
- 1,000 tornadoes
- Two landfalling deadly hurricanes
This dangerous weather is in addition to winter storms, intense summer heat, high winds, wild fires and other deadly weather impacts.
Some 98 percent of all presidentially declared disasters are weather related, leading to around 500 deaths per year and nearly $15 billion in damage.
A federal program called StormReady helps arm America's communities with the communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property - before, during and after the event. StormReady helps community leaders and emergency managers strengthen local safety programs.
Whitfield County Emergency Management officials Claude Craig, Jeff Ownby, and Amy Cooley received word that the county’s StormReady designation has been renewed for three more years.
“On behalf of the Georgia StormReady Advisory Board, I would like to congratulate all of you on your jurisdiction’s StormReady re-recognition,” Keith Stellman, meteorologist in charge, National Weather Service said.
“It is clearly the result of your vision, leadership, hard work and commitment to the citizens of Whitfield County. They should take great pride and comfort in having achieved this status, and, to a great degree, they have all of you to thank for it.”
Mr. Stellman said StormReady communities, counties, universities, military bases, Indian nations, commerical enterprises and other groups are better prepared to save lives from the onslaught of severe weather through advanced planning, education and awareness.