HERSHEY, Pa. — Penn State Health is now officially StormReady. The National Weather Service presented the health system with the certification on May 12 for its efforts to make sure that staff, patients and visitors are prepared to receive information about and respond to all aspects of hazardous weather.
Achieving StormReady status means that Penn State Health meets certain standards, including:
- Establishing a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center.
- Having more than one way to receive severe weather warnings and forecasts and to alert the public.
- Creating a system that monitors weather conditions locally.
- Developing a formal hazardous weather plan.
“Understanding the risks and threats posed by severe weather helps to keep our growing health system safe and resilient,” said Scott Mickalonis, director of emergency management and business continuity at Penn State Health. “We strive to be as prepared as possible so that our organization can carry out its mission of continually improving the health and well-being of the people of Pennsylvania, and beyond.”
Penn State Health is the third hospital or health system in Pennsylvania to earn StormReady status.