Methodist Health System earns NWS StormReady certification

Methodist Health System has been recognized by the National Weather Service (NWS) for achieving StormReady certification.

Methodist is the second hospital/health system in Nebraska and first in Iowa to achieve StormReady recognition. Rebecca Kern, warning coordination meteorologist for the NWS in office in Valley, presented the award to Methodist Emergency Management leaders and others involved with earning the certification on Feb. 24.

The StormReady program promotes a commitment to emergency preparedness for severe weather. Methodist is the first health system in NWS Omaha’s region to achieve this recognition.

To obtain StormReady status, Methodist:

• Established 24-hour monitoring of weather conditions and an emergency operations center
• Developed a comprehensive plan for severe weather
• Conducted regular weather safety training and exercises that promote the importance of readiness
• Had multiple ways to receive and communicate severe weather warnings

“As a pillar of our communities, we’re expected to continue to provide medical services even during severe weather,” said Nicholas Walsh, Methodist’s emergency preparedness manager. “In the last five years, we’ve seen a wide variety of severe weather, including a 500-year flood and EF4 tornadoes. We’re proud to have plans that prioritize the safety of our patients, their loved ones and our employees.”