Dickinson County Emergency Management

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, and an average of 6 deadly hurricanes. And this on top of winter storms, intense summer heat, high winds and other deadly weather impacts.

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.

StormReady sign at Lake Park.
(DCEM Photo)

Dickinson County Emergency Management along with the National Weather Service also added one requirement for Dickinson County: Cities must have outdoor warning sirens to be considered StormReady. This decision was made simply because Dickinson County has a large tourist population during the summer months. Often times, people are taking part in outside activities and not near a radio or TV. These sirens will warn the public when a tornado or potentially tornadic storm is approaching.

Being StormReady involves much more than just filling out an application and hanging up a road sign. It starts with proper planning for disasters before they occur. During a severe weather event, we rely heavily on trained storm spotters who volunteer their time to watch for hail, high winds and even tornadoes. We also rely on our local media to help warn the public of approaching storms and broadcast watches, warnings and advisories.

Since 2005, the communities of Spirit Lake, Okoboji, Arnolds Park, Milford, Wahpeton, Terril as well as the county itself have been designated as StormReady by the National Weather Service. In late 2006, the City of Lake Park was added following the installation of outdoor warning sirens in that community. Certifications are good for a period of three years then must be renewed.

Established warning point
Established Emergency Operations Center
Four methods to receive warning information
Ability to relay real-time severe weather reports to the weather service
Two methods to monitor hydrometeorological (rainfall) data
Two ways to disseminate warnings
We must also put weather radios in public facilities
Writing a formal hazardous weather plan
The Emergency Management Coordinator must visit the Weather Service Office in Sioux Falls at least once every two years
A Weather Service official must visit the County every year
Conduct two weather safety talks
Annual training of spotters

For more information on the StormReady program, visit the StormReady website at www.stormready.noaa.gov.

Dickinson County Emergency Management | www.dcoem.org
Dickinson County Courthouse: 1802 Hill Avenue, Suite 1202, Spirit Lake, IA 51360
(P) 712-336-3987 (F) 712-336-1850 (E) mehret@co.dickinson.ia.us