Vernon designated "Storm Ready" by National Weather Service
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Summary
The National Weather Service presented Vernon with a Storm Ready designation during the Town Council meeting, recognizing the town's preparedness after meeting six criteria including communications, monitoring, and public education.
The Town of Vernon received a Storm Ready designation from the National Weather Service during the town council meeting, a recognition officials said means the community has met a set of preparedness standards intended to reduce loss of life and property from extreme weather.
The designation matters because it reflects a coordinated effort across town departments. "This designation indicates that the town of Vernon has done everything possible to improve emergency responder and citizen preparedness in the event of a natural disaster," said Frank Nocera, warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service.
Emergency management staff described the work as a multi-department effort. Mike Carle, Vernon emergency and risk management director, said the accomplishment required input from fire, police, EMS, public works, parks and recreation and the school system; he also recognized Alex Bohr, an emergency management intern and EMT who assisted the town's effort. The National Weather Service program lists six broad areas of criteria: communications; reception of National Weather Service information; weather and water monitoring systems; local warning dissemination (including NOAA Weather Radio access in public buildings); community preparedness and public education; and administrative tools and record keeping.
Frank Nocera told the council that the designation places Vernon among a group of communities that have improved their readiness to handle severe weather. "Storm Ready is a national weather service program that addresses the need for a higher level of community awareness in order to minimize the loss of life and property from extreme weather," Nocera said. Council members and staff said the town recently hosted the region's first SkyWarn spotter training, which sold out, and that the town is increasing public outreach.
Officials said the designation is not a guarantee against damage but a recognition that local systems and coordination have been strengthened. The council accepted the presentation and congratulated staff; there was no formal vote required to receive the designation.