December 17, 2019

Community Hospital was recognized Tuesday as StormReady® certified by the National Weather Service.

StormReady® is a voluntary program that helps entire communities, including mayors, emergency management, health organizations, business leaders, and civic groups, strengthen local safety programs before hazardous weather strikes.

“Due to their hard work, a proactive nature, and a dedication to their patients, the employees of Community Hospital McCook deserve to be honored,” said Ryan Husted, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Goodland.

He added that, “Dari Olson, Community Hospital Safety Director, took it upon herself to complete an application in October 2019. After the application was submitted, a site visit was conducted by NWS Goodland on October 16. During this visit, disaster procedures were discussed including severe weather precautions and tornado shelters. The review process was completed shortly thereafter with the official certification received on November 7. The StormReady® certification is the result of the vision, leadership, and tireless work throughout Community Hospital McCook.”

The hospital will be considered a StormReady® program for three full years, and can re-apply for the same credit in 2022. “The NWS would like to thank all public servants of the hospital for their dedication toward protecting their patients from the dangerous weather that strikes every year! You are being recognized because of your outstanding efforts,” Husted concluded.

Americans live in the most severe weather-prone country on Earth. Some 98 percent of all Presidentially declared disasters are weather-related, leading to around 500 deaths per year and nearly $15 billion in damage. Being part of a Weather-Ready Nation includes preparing a community for its increasing vulnerability to extreme weather and water events. The National Weather Service (NWS) StormReady® program ensures America's communities are armed with the communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property before, during, and after an event.

For more information, please contact Ryan Husted at NWS Goodland. To see a list of the StormReady® counties/communities across the United States, visit: https://www.weather.gov/stormready/communities