Texas A&M University-Kingsville, in collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, was named a Weather Ready Nation Ambassador™ by the National Weather Service on March 8.
The National Weather Service describes WRN Ambassadors as having, “a pivotal role in affecting societal change, helping to build a nation that is ready, responsive, and resilient to the impacts of extreme weather and water events.”
TAMUK being accepted shows it is willing to work with the NOAA in improving overall preparedness and strengthen national resilience against extreme weather and disasters.
TAMUK joins other Texas universities such as Texas A&M University-Commerce and The University of Texas at San Antonio in communicating information and empowering communities.
Through the program, they make decisions now to ensure that a person’s life is saved in the future if and when disaster does strike.
“They have full-on emergency plans,” said Assistant Professor of Geography Dr. Brent Hedquist.
“So students, faculty [and] staff will know exactly what to do if severe weather is coming,” Hedquist said.
Executive Director of Enterprise Risk Management Dr. Shane Creel, who ensures that the people of TAMUK are ready for a possible disaster, is the main person responsible for the university’s newfound status.
Organizations around the world are happy to serve and be a WRN Ambassador.
“Through programs such as Weather Ready Nation and strengthened collaboration and communications we all can work together to ensure disaster response activities are swift, timely and comprehensive for the public,” said Marguerite Tortorello, senior vice president Public Affairs for The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America.