Article Display

Team Shaw receives ‘Storm Ready’ certification

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kelsey Tucker
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. - --  After the historic flooding that ravaged the state in early October, members of Team Shaw know just how important emergency preparedness is.

On Dec. 9, the National Weather Service presented Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., with a 'Storm Ready' certification, making Shaw one of only 46 Air Force bases that are currently 'Storm Ready' certified.

"Nationwide, there are only about 3,000 entities that are considered 'Storm Ready'," said Doug Anderson, NWS meteorological technician. "It's definitely a special thing."

The 'Storm Ready' program recognizes communities across the country that show preparedness for the possibility of severe weather and storms. To earn the certification, Team Shaw had to meet certain criteria set by the NWS, including the possession of weather radios, access to the online NWS site, outdoor warning sirens, and cable TV override, among others.

"Forecasting the atmosphere is just one part of the equation," said 1st Lt. Derek Romanyk, 20th Operations Group wing weather officer. "Preparation and recovery add to the success of surviving a severe weather event.  Being 'Storm Ready' allows Team Shaw to get ahead of the storm in terms of notifying and warning the community of impending severe weather.  It allows the weather flight to expand its watch, warning, and advisory capabilities with the help of the readiness and emergency management flight."

Representatives from NWS visited Shaw on Sept. 22 to observe the preparatory procedures, response processes, and weather tracking equipment of the 20th Civil Engineer Squadron Readiness and Emergency Management Flight and 20th Operations Support Squadron Weather Flight. On Sept. 23, the notification that the base met all necessary requirements arrived.

"It was crazy timing, because we were certified 'Storm Ready' two weeks before the flood," said 1st Lt. Bianca Romanyk, 20th CES readiness and emergency management flight commander. "The readiness and emergency management flight and the weather flight worked as a team. It was really great, doing that application process together. Getting the certificate is a pretty big deal, because not a lot of cities, counties, or areas are 'Storm Ready'."

Team Shaw's dedication to staying 'Storm Ready' ensures preparedness for any kind of severe weather emergency.