After 15 tornadoes struck the Miami Valley on Memorial Day, residents and communities realized just how prepared — or unprepared — they were to handle a large-scale natural disaster.
>> RELATED: SEVERE WEATHER: Tornado sirens not only warning tool
The National Weather Service has a readiness program called StormReady that focuses on helping communities make sure they’re prepared for severe weather before it hits.
The program isn't just for communities. Colleges, commercial sites and others can also be designated as StormReady. As of July 25, there are 39 StormReady sites in Ohio.
The following StormReady sites are located in the Miami Valley:
- Auglaize County
- Butler County
- Logan County
- Mercer County
- Miami County
- Warren County
- Miami University
- Sinclair Community College
- Wright State University
- Kings Island
- UC Health West Chester Hospital
Wayne County, Indiana, is also listed as StormReady.
>> RELATED: Why no tornado sirens? Dayton officials respond
To be considered StormReady the NWS says a community must:
- Establish a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center
- Have more than one way to receive severe weather warnings and forecasts to alert the public
- Create a system that monitors weather conditions locally
- Promote the importance of public readiness through community seminars
- Develop a formal hazardous weather plan
Communities can apply to be listed as StormReady here.
News Center 7 Meteorologist Jesse Maag looked further into storm readiness and why some communities don't have tornado sirens. For more information, tune in Monday, July 29, at 5 p.m.