Madison County’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) recently was recognized by the National Weather Service (NWS) as being StormReady.
The StormReady program recognizes Emergency Management programs that take a proactive approach to improving local hazardous weather operations and awareness. It also recognizes Emergency Management programs with improved communication and skills needed to save lives and property before and during an event.
According to the NWS, approximately 98 percent of all presidentially declared disasters are weather related. The StormReady program encourages communities to improve its hazardous weather operations by providing emergency managers with exact guidelines.
“This a tribute to our emergency management staff for meeting and exceeding the standards set forth by the NWS,” said Ted Halpin, director of emergency management for Madison County. “Thanks also goes to the Madison County Board of Supervisors and other county departments for supporting our office. It affirms that our preparedness and response programs of our office are in line with national procedures and standards.”
“We are extremely proud of our Emergency Management Office and their continued provision of high-quality service to the people of Madison County,” said Mark Scimone, Madison County administrator.
The StormReady status is valid for three years. Programs are required to re-validate their abilities and skills for re-certification.
Madison County residents may enroll in NYAlert online at users.nyalert.gov, and can follow the county office on Twitter at MadisonCoNY_EM to receive emergency messages.
