AROUND THE PARISH

National Weather Service recognizes EBR as a StormReady community

Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness wins national recognition for 3rd consecutive cycle

East Baton Rouge Parish has been recognized by the National Weather Service as a StormReady community, thanks to the efforts of the Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (MOHSEP).

The national recognition required a full application by MOHSEP and a site inspection, according to Kenneth Graham, Meteorologist in Charge for the National Weather Service New Orleans/Baton Rouge Area.

“Earning your StormReady recognition indicates that East Baton Rouge Parish continues to set a high standard for emergency first responder and citizen preparedness in the event of a national disaster,” Graham said in a letter announcing the distinction. “Your community’s high standard of improved communications infrastructure and high level of hazardous weather awareness will no doubt help to minimize the loss of life and/or property in the future.”

This is the third consecutive cycle that the MOHSEP has won East Baton Rouge recognition as a StormReady community. The original distinction was awarded in September of 2007.

The recognition was applauded by Mayor-President Melvin L. “Kip” Holden.

“We’ve had our more than our share of natural disasters in recent years, and MOHSEP Director JoAnne Moreau and her staff have always done a great job rising to the occasion,” Mayor Holden said. “Everyone in East Baton Rouge should take pride in this StormReady recognition.”

The current StormReady designation runs through September 2016, when MOHSEP will be required to reapply for the distinction. For more information and to see a national map of recognized StormReady communities, go to www.stormready.noaa.gov.


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