Frequently Asked Questions about StormReady and TsunamiReady

1. What is the difference between StormReady and FEMA's Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program? StormReady is a voluntary program separate from FEMA's Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program. Both programs focus on communication, mitigation and community preparedness to save lives.
2. Is StormReady a grant program? No, however you may be eligible for a discount under the National Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System.
3. I've heard that StormReady helps some communities qualify for rate reductions in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP): FEMA manages the NFIP, which includes the Community Rating System (CRS). CRS is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain activities that exceed minimum NFIP requirements. Once you are recognized as StormReady, provide your regional NFIP representative a copy of the StormReady recognition letter. NFIP questions? email NFIP at: nfip@dhs.gov
4. What will it cost my community to become StormReady? NWS does not charge to become StormReady, however your community may need to upgrade its emergency preparedness infrastructure to qualify.
5. Is other funding available to help us become/improve our StormReady program? NWS does not provide any funding; however, other government and/or private sector partners may work with your community to help you upgrade your emergency preparedness operations.
6. Why is the NWS requiring me to do this? StormReady is a voluntary program, but we think it is worth your investment because it can save lives and property. The NWS StormReady program recognizes those communities that are better prepared for weather emergencies.
7. How to I order more signs? Approved sites can purchase additional 2'x2' signs from the Oklahoma Correction Industries (OCI) for about $45 each (subject to change), plus shipping. Email wrn.feedback@noaa.gov so we can let our vendor, OCI, know you are a recognized site and send you ordering information. When ordering, specific if you want the NWS StormReady or TsunamiReady signs, or both.
8. I saw the StormReady guidelines on this website. Why does my local NWS Office have different guidelines? Some local NWS Offices consider weather concerns specific to your area. To reflect these concerns, Local StormReady Advisory Boards may create guidelines to better meet their community's needs.
9. Can I hire a private sector weather service to help meet StormReady guidelines? Absolutely, you may use data and services provided by America's weather industry to meet StormReady guidelines.
10. I meet the requirements. When do I get my sign? Once your Local StormReady Advisory Board approves your application, your WCM will request your sign, which arrives in about a week, subject to budget restrictions.
11. How long is my StormReady recognition good and how to I renew? Recognition is for 4 years from the date your local NWS Office Meteorologist-In-Charge signs your community's official recognition letter. After 4 years, you must renew to ensure your community continues to meet our standards.
12. Where can I post my StormReady signs? You can post your sign at Emergency Operations Centers, courthouses, libraries, town halls or other public facilities. The signs are not approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation for highway use.
13. I understand that StormReady guidelines may be updated annually. Which set of guidelines will apply to my application? We will use the guidelines in effect at the time you initially applied.
14. Are StormReady and TsunamiReady the same thing? TsunamiReady preparedness guidelines are different because it is such a unique and extreme hazard.  Find out more about TsunamiReady.

Supporter Questions

• Who is responsible for designating StormReady and TsunamiReady Supporters? StormReady and TsunamiReady Supporter eligibility and designation is determined by local NWS forecast offices or state/territorial Tsunami Steering Committees/Working Groups or TsunamiReady Boards and based on endorsement from local emergency management.
• What do Supporters get upon designation? Once designated, Supporters may receive a certificate from the National Weather Service, have authorization to use the StormReady or TsunamiReady logo and are included on our website.
• How long does StormReady/TsunamiReady Supporter designation last? Supporter designation lasts for 5 years. After 5 years, supporters must verify that they still meet Supporter requirements.