Bellarmine is the first private university in Kentucky to earn the designation, joining six state universities as StormReady campuses.
What is StormReady?
StormReady is a National Weather Service program started in 1999 in Tulsa, OK, that helps arm America's communities with the communication and skills needed to save lives and property before and during a weather event. By becoming a StormReady University, Bellarmine has shown a commitment to save lives during severe weather events, educate our community about severe weather, and improve coordination and timeliness of hazardous weather warning reception and dissemination
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 nearly $14 billion in damage.
What did the Bellarmine University do to become StormReady?
Bellarmine had to:
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is StormReady a required program for Bellarmine to participate in?
No, StormReady is voluntary. Being StormReady means Bellarmine has gone above and beyond to ensure the community is prepared for severe weather.
How long is a StormReady recognition good for?
The StormReady recognition is granted for 3 years, at the end of which Bellarmine must re-submit an application to show that we are in compliance with the latest guidelines.
Does being StormReady mean that Bellarmine is "Storm-Proof"?
No community can be "Storm-Proof", but StormReady communities are better prepared to save lives from severe weather through better planning, education and awareness.