In 2022, the Oconomowoc Area School District began the process of obtaining StormReady Supporters certification through the National Weather Service (NWS).  StormReady Supporters are organizations, businesses, facilities, or local government entities actively engaged in weather safety and preparedness.

A StormReady Supporter School promotes the principles and guidelines of the StormReady program in its severe weather safety and awareness plans. A team made up of school safety officials and the local NWS review the safety and awareness plan and track the completion of StormReady guidelines. The team works together to enhance the safety plan and ensure the school or district participates in awareness programs and drills.

With the support of Mark McGinnis of Fair Skies Consulting and Tim Halbach of the National Weather Service, the OASD began to audit, analyze, and improve our severe weather safety plans and shelter locations. This began with several site visits at each school to survey the existing storm shelter locations and weather safety plans.  Some school storm shelter locations were added or relocated and all schools were able to practice their severe weather drills with these locations in fall.

With these enhancements to our safety plans, OASD satisfies the NWS requirements for the StormReady Supporter School certification.  Learn more about the StormReady program at www.weather.gov/stormready.

Pictured: James Wood, OASD School Board President, Greg Maroo, OASD Director of Buildings and Grounds, Tim Halbach, National Weather Service, Mark McGinnis, Fair Skies Consulting, Mike Sereno, OASD Superintendent