Photo: NWS Indianapolis Meteorologist Andrew White (Right Center), NWS Indianapolis Meteorologist in Charge David Beachler (Far Right) and NWS Indianapolis Senior Meteorologist Mike Ryan (Center) present Putnam County Emergency Management Director Sarah Owen (Center) with the StormReady placard at the Putnam County Emergency Management Office in Greencastle. Also pictured from left to right: Philip "PJ" Paul Putnam County Emergency Management Deputy Director, Chris Edwards Putnam County Emergency Management Office Storm Specialist, Mary-Clair Paul Emergency Management Office Volunteer Coordinator, and David Clodfelter Putnam County 911 Director.

The National Weather Service (NWS) Indianapolis office has officially recognized Putnam County as a StormReady® partner. This distinction, awarded by the NWS, highlights organizations that have taken significant steps to prepare for and respond to severe weather, with the ultimate goal of saving lives.

The NWS's StormReady® program provides strict guidelines for communities, counties, and commercial enterprises to enhance their weather preparedness. While no location is entirely immune to severe weather, becoming StormReady® ensures a higher level of safety and readiness for hazardous weather and flooding.

“Having a strong emergency action plan for hazardous weather is absolutely critical,” said David Beachler, Meteorologist in Charge for NWS Indianapolis. “Putnam County is proactive in their preparedness efforts and takes the threat of lightning, strong winds, hail, tornadoes, and extreme heat very seriously. The NWS and Putnam County work closely together to make quick, critical decisions that protect citizens who might otherwise be vulnerable and unaware of approaching weather.”

“The safety of our citizens is of utmost importance,” Putnam County Emergency Management Director Sarah Owen said. “We work closely with the National Weather Service for each event to ensure we have the best information available to make informed decisions for our county when severe weather is in the area. The StormReady® designation recognizes the steps we have taken and continue to protect life and property across Putnam County.”

Established in 1999, the StormReady® program is a grassroots initiative focused on preparing for natural hazards. Today, more than 1,600 counties and 1,200 communities are better prepared for adverse weather as a result of the program. To be recognized as a StormReady® partner, an organization must maintain a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center. They must also have multiple ways to receive NWS warnings and alert the public, monitor local weather and flood conditions, and conduct community preparedness programs. Additionally, the organization's formal emergency management plans must address hazardous weather and flooding, including training SKYWARN® weather spotters and holding emergency exercises. The StormReady® recognition is valid for four years and is renewable.

The National Weather Service Indianapolis Forecast Office serves as the primary source of weather data, forecasts, and warnings for 39 counties in central Indiana. The NWS works with partners like Putnam County to build a Weather-Ready Nation and support community resilience in the face of increasingly extreme weather.

***StormReady^® is a registered trademark used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.