Storm Ready Community
On August 22, 2002 Whitewater became the second community in Wisconsin to be designated as a "Storm Ready" community by the National Weather Service and Wisconsin Emergency Management. "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 severe weather. The "Storm Ready" program proves that Whitewater will be able to effectively respond to any severe weather event.
Storm Ready Statistics
Americans live in the most severe weather-prone country on Earth. Each year, Americans cope with an average of 10,000 thunderstorms, 5,000 floods, 1,000 tornadoes, as well as an average of 6 deadly hurricanes. Potentially deadly weather impacts every American. Communities can now rely on the National Weather Service's StormReady® program to help them guard against the ravages of Mother Nature.
Some 90% of all presidentially declared disasters are weather related, leading to around 500 deaths per year and nearly $14 billion in damage. StormReady, a 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 better planning, education, and awareness. No community is storm proof, but StormReady can help communities save lives.