In order for a community to become storm ready, it must:
* Establish a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center.
* Have more than one way to receive severe weather warnings and forecasts and 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, which includes training severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises.
For more specific requirements on how to become storm ready for your community, visit these Web sites:
* NWS StormReady How To page: Storm Ready
* the Extension Disaster Education Network (www.eden.lsu.edu/default.aspx).
