Bath County Kentucky becomes StormReady!

Pictured (left to right): Bobby Rogers, Bath County Judge Executive; Shawn Harley, NWS Jackson, KY Meteorologist-in-Charge; Jason York, Bath County Emergency Manager; Tony Edwards, NWS Jackson, KY Warning Coordination Meteorologist; Bobby Carpenter KY Emergency Management Area 7 Manager; U.S. Congressman Andy Barr, KY 6th District.

Bath County, Kentucky was designated as the 47th StormReady® County in the Commonwealth of Kentucky during a ceremony attended by U.S. Representative Andy Barr (KY 6th District) at the Bath County Courthouse in Owingsville on Wednesday, April 6th, 2016.

The StormReady® program is designed to help protect citizens from the dangers of all types of severe weather by arming America's communities with the communication and safety skills need to save lives and property before, during and after a hazardous weather event. In order to qualify as a StormReady County, a county must:

establish a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center
have more than one way to receive NWS warnings and alert the public
be able to monitor weather conditions locally
promote the importance of public readiness through community exercises and outreach
develop a formal hazardous weather plan

Officials from the National Weather Service in Jackson, KY worked closely with Bath County Emergency Management Director Jason York during the certification process. Shawn Harley, NWS Jackson, KY Meteorologist-in-Charge, said, "I want to thank and congratulate Jason York for his dedication and hard work in achieving StormReady status for Bath County, and for his commitment to the safety of the people of Bath County. I also want to thank Area 7 Emergency Management Director Bobby Carpenter, and Bath County Judge Executive Bobby Rogers for their commitment to public safety and the support provided to Mr. York as he worked through the StormReady designation process."

Bath County was also recognized as a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador during the ceremony. The Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador™ initiative is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) effort to formally recognize NOAA partners who are improving the nation’s readiness, responsiveness, and overall resilience against extreme weather, water, and climate events.

In addition, Bath County applied for and received two "When Flooded Turn Around Don't Drown" signs. These signs were presented to the county during the ceremony and will be placed at a flood prone area in the county.

To learn more about the StormReady® program, Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador initiative and other east Kentucky organizations recognized by the National Weather Service for their severe weather preparedness efforts, please visit https://www.weather.gov/jkl/partnerships.

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