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ITD honored with StormReady recognition

ITD's District 4 became the first organization of its kind to receive a StormReady designation from the National Weather Service – an acknowledgement of the district's commitment to training for storm responses. District representatives received a plaque and signs from the Weather Service during an encore award ceremony last week at the Idaho Transportation Board’s monthly business meeting. (See Transportation Board story.)

To meet the requirements of the StormReady Recognition, ITD District 4 had to demonstrate adequate levels of emergency operations that include communications, equipment, facilities and human resources. The award also considered redundant methods of weather monitoring, trained storm spotters and communications with NWS, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radios in each building.

“The StormReady process provides government agencies improved communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property – before and during a weather event,” said Vernon Preston, Warning Coordination Meteorologist of the National Weather Service forecast office in Pocatello.

Through a six-year partnership with ITD, the NWS has developed a decision-support travel page that includes: briefing information with recordings; 511 road conditions with links to their weather observation system and cameras; forecast tools; and safety information.

ITD uses NWS forecasts to make critical staffing decisions before and during major storms, decide what winter applications to use and where to stage resources. ITD has demonstrated that using NWS decision-support services saves the state money, and more important, reduces the time highways experience dangerous conditions with a corresponding decrease in accidents, injuries and loss of life.

“We are excited to be recognized for our readiness capabilities and are proud to partner with the National Weather Service in critical decision-making processes,” said Bryan Smith, ITD’s Emergency Program Manager.