Iroquois County has joined a state list of 39 Illinois counties now labled as 'StormReady.'  The National Weather Service declared the 'StoryReady' designation -- a program that helps arm America's communities with the communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property - before, during and after the event.

Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency Coordinator Scott Anderson says "being storm ready starts with preparedness, meaning we focus on our training and our planning to make sure we can tackle adverse weather events, even though you can't predict the future."  He said "it takes all of us in the community working together to truly be StormReady."

Anderson said 'like other areas in the State, we've had our share of weather events in recent years.  From snowstorms to rainbs, flooding and high winds, receiving this designation sends a message that our team, and our communities, are prepared for what comes our way."

To be StormReady, a community must establish a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center, have more than one means of receiving severe weather warnings and forecasts to alert the public, create a system that monitors weather conditions locally, promote the importance of readiness, and develop a formal hazardous weather plan. 

94.1 WGFA