National Weather Service Designates DU ‘StormReady’

The NWS program was developed to help equip communities across the nation with the communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property before, during and after the event. StormReady® helps community leaders and emergency managers strengthen local safety programs.

Fred McMullen, warning coordination meteorologist at the NWS in Pittsburgh, presented the StormReady® University designation on May 6 to members of Duquesne’s Emergency Management Team. 

To attain the StormReady® University recognition, the University had to meet several criteria, including: 

• Establishing a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center
• Implementing multiple methods to receive severe weather warnings and forecasts,
• Developing a system to monitor local weather conditions
• Conducting community seminars to promote public readiness
• Creating a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes training severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises.

Duquesne joins just eight colleges or universities within Pennsylvania that have achieved this prestigious designation, highlighting its commitment to weather safety and preparedness.