The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Weather-Ready Nation website is geared towards “building community resilience in the face of increasing vulnerability to extreme weather and water events.” Responding to the increase in extreme weather events, NOAA’s National Weather Service “through a series of operational initiatives” aims to “transform its operations to help America respond. In the end, emergency managers, first responders, government officials, businesses and the public will be empowered to make fast, smart decisions to save lives and neighborhoods.”

“Building on past successes in decision support services, the National Weather Service is launching community-based pilot projects across the country, ranging in focus from emergency response to integrated environmental services, to enhance the nation’s preparedness. NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service are moving new science and technology into weather service operations that will improve forecasts, increase lead time and ultimately increase weather-readiness.”

NOAA views these internal steps as the beginning of the process. Their aim is to build “a vast network of partners including other government agencies and emergency managers, researchers, the media, insurance industry, non-profits, the private sector, the Weather Enterprise and more.” The website already includes extensive social media, tips for preparation and additional resources.