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NOAA’s Weather-Ready Nation is about building community resilience in the face of increasing vulnerability to extreme weather and water events. The People of Weather-Ready Nation is an interview series that sits down with some of the people responsible for building a Weather-Ready Nation. We recently talked with Brad Leggett, General Manager and Morning Show host for Real Country 97.3 in Blair, Nebraska. Real Country 97.3 was recognized April 12, 2017, as the 5000th WRN Ambassador.
1. What does a Weather-Ready Nation mean to you?
A Weather Ready Nation is a nation prepared for whatever weather related emergency presents itself. I believe in the Midwest we must all be prepared at all times for what may come. That means being well informed in advance and notified as early as possible during an event.
Weather Ready = saved lives and property!
2.How are you helping to build a Weather-Ready Nation?
Our radio station staff has participated in the weather spotter training offered in our community. We also work with our meteorologists at the Weather Eye Weather Center for early warning announcements on the radio. We continually educate the public over the airwaves as to steps to take to protect themselves. Our radio station is 110% committed to giving our listeners weather awareness and “live” weather coverage during storms.
3.What is the biggest challenge you see in making the nation ready, responsive, and resilient to extreme events?
Awareness. We must break through the clutter and help the population realize the steps that need to be taken during extreme events. People always think that “It will never happen to me” but as we know it very well could. Radio is a great mouth piece to use to educate.
About:
Brad Leggett is the General Manager and Morning Show host for Real Country 97.3 in Blair, Nebraska. Brad has been a broadcaster for over 43 years. Having grown up in Nebraska he realizes the importance of being “Weather Ready”.
Links: http://www.ReadyPA.org
