Full Notification

Novato becomes a National Weather Service StormReady® Community

National Weather Service (NWS) officials have recognized Novato as a StormReady® community. The StormReady program helps community leaders and residents better prepare for hazardous weather and flooding. StormReady communities have made a strong commitment to implement the infrastructure and systems needed to save lives and protect property when severe weather strikes.

Logan Johnson, Warning Coordination Meteorologist of the NWS forecast office in Monterey, California, will present the City of Novato and the Novato Fire Protection District with a certificate and special StormReady® signs on January 27, at the start of the City Council meeting. Novato City Council meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. at Novato City Hall, 901 Sherman Avenue.

“The City of Novato has taken a proactive stance towards working with the National Weather Service and preparing for response to severe and hazardous weather in the area. These efforts help NOAA’s national mission of building a Weather-Ready Nation full of more resilient communities,” said Johnson.

“Our priority is the safety of our community,” said Councilmember Madeline Kellner. “Whether it is keeping our storm drains and waterways clear of debris, providing free “Get Ready” classes, or investing in a robust emergency management program—we commit ourselves daily to ensure a prepared Novato.”

Novato Fire District Board of Directors President Brad Beedle states, “The Fire District and the City enjoy a strong partnership in providing for the safety of the community as it relates to a storm disaster.”

In partnership with the Novato Fire District, the City provides an emergency management program that includes a jointly-managed Emergency Operations Center, which was recently activated during the December 2014 storm event to provide information and resources to the community.

The nationwide community preparedness program, founded in 1999, is a grassroots approach to preparing for natural hazards. Today, more than 2,200 U.S. communities are better prepared for severe weather through the StormReady program—which is part of the National Weather Service's working partnership with the International Association of Emergency Managers and the National Emergency Management Association.

To be recognized as StormReady, a community must maintain a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center; have more than one way to receive National Weather Service warnings and to alert the public; be able to monitor local weather and flood conditions; conduct community preparedness programs; and ensure hazardous weather and flooding are addressed in formal emergency management plans, which include training SKYWARN® weather spotters and holding emergency exercises. The StormReady recognition is valid for three years and can be renewed.

In preparation for the next disaster or emergency, find information at www.readymarin.org and register with www.nixle.com to get emergency information from both the Novato Police Department and the Novato Fire District. This free service will promptly deliver timely info to your e-mail and smart devices.