EXEMPLARY PRACTICES IN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio Promotion Project
Program Description: The Washington State Grange, a nonprofit, public service organization, initiated the project, providing for the acquisition of NOAA weather radio receivers by all citizens and, especially, by facilities with responsibility for a large number of people.
The Grange placed weather radio receivers in every school district and hospital within signal coverage of existing NOAA weather transmitters, resulting in distribution in each of the State's 39 counties. NOAA, the National Weather Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and Washington State Emergency Management supported this effort.
Plans for placement of weather receivers in State long-term care facilities is now underway. Future target areas include State parks, marinas, hotels and motels, shopping malls, and office buildings.
Evaluation Information: The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio Promotion Project has been awarded the NOAA Public Service Award from the U.S. Department of Commerce, received 105 thank you letters from school districts and hospitals, and been the subject of approximately 140 newspaper and newsletter articles. In honor of the program, the governor proclaimed December 12, 1994, "Washington State Grange -- NOAA Weather Radio Day." In May 1994, the program was the topic of the monthly television program "Farm-City Forum." Delegates at the 1996 California State Grange convention unanimously voted to undertake this project in California.
Annual Budget: Not budgeted.
Sources of Funding: Washington Public Utility Districts Association, Washington Health Foundation, Washington State Association of Hospital Auxiliaries.
Program Type: Public service project to supply facilities with NOAA weather radio receivers to increase disaster preparedness.
Target Population: All citizens in Washington State, especially those in charge of facilities with a large number of people (schools, nursing homes, and hospitals).
Setting: Statewide.
Project Startup Date: 1993.
Contact:
Christine E. Ohlsen
Project Coordinator
Washington State Grange
P.O. Box 1186
924 Capitol Way South
Olympia, WA 98507-1186
Tel: 360-943-9911
Fax: 360-357-3548
Last Modified: Thursday, 30-Mar-2006 10:58:04 EST