“Storm Ready is a designation bestowed on us by the National Weather Service,” Navajo County Emergency Management Director Mary Springer advised the Board of Supervisors last week. “It’s a way of identifying that we are storm ready, that our systems and processes are in place, and we can communicate with citizens in times of disasters or even forewarning of major events that are coming our way.”
Navajo County is one of only five counties in the state that have that designation, according to Springer. “Being part of a weather ready nation is about preparing the communities’ increasing vulnerability to extreme weather and water events,” Springer read.
“Ninety-eight percent of presidentially declared disasters are weather related, and leading to about 500 deaths per year. So being storm ready and being able to be proactive in that helps not only the county recover, but the citizens recover, as well,” she said.
Storm spotter classes were held this month in Show Low and Holbrook alongside the National Weather Service in an effort to train storm spotters in the county. These volunteers are instructed on how to recognize and report severe weather to the National Weather Service. Springer noted that they have a commitment from the National Weather Service to hold more of those classes.
In addition to the designation as Storm Ready, the county is also declaring the month of September as National Preparedness Month. The theme this year is Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead, But You Can.
“It is a way for ourselves and our citizens to really take a good look at what we need to do to be better prepared for anything that may happen,” Springer said. September is broken up into four week-long themes, Sept. 1-9 is Make a Plan Week; Sept. 10-16, Plan to Help Your Neighbors and Communities Week; Sept. 17-23, Practice and Build Out Your Plans Week; and Sept. 24-30, Get Involved and Be a Part of Something Larger. Each week is dedicated to preparing for any and all types of disasters in the community.
“If anybody out in our community would like to know anything more, they can contact our office directly (at (928) 524-4163),” said Springer.
