Note from Melissa: As promised on this week’s episode of The Crisis Intelligence Podcast, here is more information on the National Weather Service’s Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador Program. This post was written by Daniel Noah.
Listen to episode #032: The National Weather Service’s crisis communication strategy with Daniel Noah
Weather-Ready Nation Ambassadors
During April and May of 2011, five tornadic outbreaks in the United States resulted in 545 deaths and an estimated $27 billion in damages. NOAA’s National Weather Service performed well during these outbreaks by providing timely tornado warnings with longer advanced lead time than normal. While these warnings undoubtedly saved lives, people still perished. Tornado warnings alone were not enough. We must all work together on a hyper local level to change the way our friends, neighbors, and co-workers prepare for and respond appropriately to hazardous weather.
In February, 2014, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) launched the Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador initiative to recognize organizations committed to working with NOAA and contribute to a Weather-Ready Nation. The weather industry has rallied together with NOAA to provide tailored, value-added information that touches every sector of the economy. Businesses on the receiving end have contributed to building a Weather-Ready Nation by increasing their employee preparedness, strengthening their business operations, and mitigating impacts to their supply chains. As of mid-November 2014, over 1,000 organizations have been recognized as Weather-Ready Nation Ambassadors. Will your organization be next?
Who can be an Ambassador that will contribute toward building a Weather-Ready Nation?
- All levels of government
- Weather Industry
- Academia
- Businesses
- Non-Profits and professional associations
- Weather-dependent sectors of the economy
What do WRN Ambassadors commit to doing?
- Promoting Weather-Ready Nation messages and themes to their stakeholders;
- Engaging with NOAA personnel on potential collaboration opportunities;
- Sharing their success stories of preparedness and resiliency;
- Serving as an example internally with strengthening employee preparedness.
How can your organization become an Ambassador for a Weather-Ready Nation?
Visit http://noaa.gov/wrn and click the “Ambassadors” tab
More information
The following are PowerPoints that you can download for more information.
Disclaimer: This information has been provided by Daniel Noah of the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay Area, Florida. Any opinions, statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author and editor and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Weather Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Author of Crisis Ready: Building an Invincible Brand in an Uncertain World, Melissa Agnes is a leading authority on crisis preparedness, reputation management, and brand protection. Agnes is a coveted keynote speaker, commentator, and advisor to some of today’s leading organizations faced with the greatest risks. Learn more about Melissa and her work here.
Melissa! You strike again. 🙂 I hadn’t even thought about becoming a Weather Ready Ambassador, but reading through it on their website, I’m not sure why I haven’t done it sooner! Thanks for your article!
I’m glad to hear that, Morgan! That’s great if you choose to become an Ambassador. If so, feel free to come back here and share your thoughts and experience with us. Your personal experience and POVs may help to encourage others to take the initiative as well!