StormReady University

Storm Ready University

Pictured left to right: Sophie Doughty, Robert Molleda (NWS-Miami), Vincent Torres, Former UM President Donna E. Shalala, Matthew Shpiner, Scott Burnotes, Chief David Rivero, George Houck, Kyle Rosen, Curt Sommerhoff (Miami-Dade County Emergency Management)

What is StormReady?

StormReady, a National Weather Service program started in 1999 in Tulsa, OK, helps arm America's communities with the communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property--before and during the event. StormReady helps community leaders and emergency managers strengthen local safety programs. StormReady communities are better prepared to save lives from the onslaught of severe weather through advanced planning, education and awareness. No community is storm proof, but StormReady can help communities save lives.

Why is it Important to Become StormReady?

According to the National Weather Service…
• The United States is one of the most severe weather-prone countries on Earth. 
• Each year across America there are on average 10,000 thunderstorms, 5,000 floods, 1,000 tornadoes, and 6 named hurricanes.  
• Additionally, about 90 percent of all presidentially declared disasters are weather related, leading to around 500 deaths per year and nearly $14 billion in damage.

What Did the University Do to Become StormReady?

  • Have a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center;
  • Have more than one way to receive severe weather forecasts and warnings and to alert the community;
  • Create a system that monitors local weather conditions;
  • Promote the importance of readiness through community seminars;
  • Develop a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes training severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises.

Who Helped the University Become StormReady?

  • UM Student Chapter of the American Meteorological Society 
  • University of Miami Office of Emergency Management
  • University of Miami Police Department
  • Miller School of Medicine and UHealth - Public Safety
  • Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science – Emergency Preparedness & Campus Safety
  • Facilities Management (Physical Plant) Departments from all three campuses
  • Parking Departments from all three campuses
  • Miami-Dade County Office of Emergency Management
  • National Weather Service – Miami Office
BEFORE AN EMERGENCY TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Before an Emergency Home
GETTING READY:
Hurricane Preparedness If You See Something, Say Something
Active Shooter Preparedness Ready South Florida
StormReady Updating Evacuation Information on CaneLink
PLANNING: 
Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) UReady Continuity Planning
Essential Personnel Guidance Document Campus-Specific Plans
TRAINING AND EXERCISE:
National Incident Management System (NIMS) Emergency Preparedness Training for Summer Camp Staff
OEM Training and Course Offerings Training and Events Calendar
Orientation for Parents
MITIGATION:
List of Federally Funded Mitigation Projects Miami-Dade County Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS)

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