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About the NWS

National Program

StormReady and TsunamiReady

Weather.gov > About the NWS > StormReady and TsunamiReady

StormReady® and TsunamiReady® recognition represents NWS’ highest level of commitment to safety and preparedness in a Weather-Ready Nation.  StormReady/TsunamiReady communities, counties, Indian tribes/nations, universities and colleges, military bases, government sites, commericial enterprises and other groups are better prepared to save lives from severe weather and tsunamis through advanced planning, education and awareness. No community is hazard proof, but the StormReady and TsunamiReady programs can help ensure communities are prepared when a weather or tsunami disaster strikes.

These programs use a grassroots approach to help communities handle all types of severe weather and/or tsunami hazards by asking communities to proactively improve their weather and tsunami-related emergency operations. Local NWS meteorologists work one-on-one with emergency managers to provide clear-cut guidelines on how to strengthen these operations.

To be officially StormReady a community must:

  • 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.

TsunamiReady has its own set of similar requirements and a TsunamiReady Supporter program for entities like businesses, hotels, and facilities that are actively engaged in tsunami preparedness but cannot meet all the recognition guidelines. To apply, or for more information, see the How to Become StormReady or How to Become TsunamiReady webpages. Your local NWS office Warning Coordination Meteorologist will walk you through the easy application process. We also encourage you to become a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador.  These three programs work together to keep you informed and ready for any weather or tsunami emergency.