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National Weather Service recognizes Homer Glen as “StormReady”
Summary
The village received a StormReady designation from the National Weather Service. The Chicago office’s warning coordination meteorologist presented a certificate and explained the program’s ongoing requirements.
The National Weather Service’s Chicago office presented a StormReady recognition to the Village of Homer Glen during the Jan. 23 board meeting, citing an application and review process that evaluates a community’s hazardous‑weather planning, redundant communications, exercises and public outreach.
Mike Bardu, the warning coordination meteorologist for the NWS Chicago office, described the StormReady program and praised Homer Glen for preparing a hazardous‑weather plan, maintaining redundant communications paths and engaging in community preparedness. He said the designation is not permanent: communities are re‑evaluated periodically and must maintain training, exercises and public outreach to keep the recognition.
The village manager and trustees thanked the public safety staff and Ron Kuss (identified in remarks as the staff member who submitted the application) for the work that led to the recognition. The village will receive a certificate and a road sign noting StormReady status.
Why it matters: StormReady is an official recognition that a community has taken steps to prepare for hazardous weather through planning, drills, communications and public outreach. It is a signal to residents and partner agencies that the village has documented procedures for warning and response and that it prioritizes weather preparedness.
Ending: The designation requires ongoing maintenance and periodic review; NWS officials said they will revisit the community’s plans and training in about four years to verify requirements continue to be met.
