CBS4 is now a StormReady Station

On Tuesday April 24th, WHBF-TV became the 7th television station in the nation to be "StormReady".  The project to become StormReady was spearheaded by Chief Meteorologist Andy McCray, it was a rigorous process but Andy made sure it went very smoothly.

The goal of being "StormReady" is to prepare the community and the station with an action plan in the event of any severe weather - from tornadoes to blizzards.  The application process involved a few requirements for the station complete.  These include developing a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes appropriate sheltering, have more than one way to receive severe weather forecasts and warnings, have a redundant and effective means to alert on and off-site staff of hazardous conditions, promote the importance of readiness through training and drills, have primary and backup methods to broadcast severe weather alerts and to partner with local NWS and emergency management in community preparedness efforts.

CBS4 , as noted above is the 7th TV station in the nation to get this recognition, the 2nd in Illinois and the first in the Quad Cities.  We are now part of the 213 StormReady supporters in 31 states that are prepared for any type of severe weather.

(As a side note; the NWS was adamant to say that this is a recognition not a certification.  The use of the word "Certification" would imply, that in the case of a casualty, at the station, due to severe weather, the NWS would be liable for that casualty, since the NWS "certified" the station.  Therefore we are recognized as a "StormReady Supporter".)