Dougherty County is proud to be recognized as StormReady by the National Weather Service. StormReady is a nationwide community preparedness program that is dedicated to preparing for your community’s increasing vulnerability to extreme weather and water events. The StormReady designation from the National Weather Service demonstrates Dougherty County’s strong commitment to implement the infrastructure and systems needed to save lives and protect property when hazardous weather and flooding strike.

This program is designed to empower the public to make better decisions through community preparedness. The StormReady program also reduces fatalities, injuries, and minimizes property damage through the timely distribution, receipt, and effective communication of hazardous weather and flood warnings between the National Weather Service, emergency managers, and the public. Dougherty County has volunteered to be better prepared for weather emergencies and meet the heightened and improved standards outlined by the National Weather Service.

StormReady Requirements

To officially be recognized by the NWS as StormReady, a community must:

• Establish a 24-hour warning point and Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
• Have more than one way to receive severe weather warnings and forecasts and to alert the public
• Create a system that monitors weather conditions locally
• Promote the importance of public readiness through community seminars
• Develop a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes training severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises

Dougherty County was recognized as StormReady by the National Weather Service forecast office in Tallahassee on December 8, 2020. The StormReady recognition will be valid for three years and will be up for renewal on December 8, 2023.

For more information on the StormReady Program or to see Dougherty County on the national and state map of recognized communities, please visit the StormReady website at

https://www.weather.gov/StormReady.