INDIANAPOLIS – Franciscan St. Francis Health
has been named as a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador by the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and is the only hospital system
in Indiana and among only a few nationally to attain that designation.
This recognition means the hospital’s three campuses in Indianapolis,
Mooresville and Carmel collaborate with the National Weather Service (NWS) to
educate the local communities about preparation for severe weather situations.
Additionally, the hospitals will coordinate their emergency response plans and
social media communications efforts with Indianapolis-based NWS meteorologists.
“This initiative improves communication
between NOAA and its partners,” said Diana Leonard, emergency management
coordinator for Franciscan St. Francis. “NOAA will send ambassadors relevant
information and toolkits for preparedness weeks and planning information for
Weather-Ready Nation-sponsored events.”
In 2012, the NOAA designated Franciscan St.
Francis as Storm-Ready Community Supporter. The hospital’s
Emergency Management program also has hosted free National Weather Service
Storm Spotter training to the public in the past.
“Severe weather consistently has been
one of central Indiana’s highest threats over the years, Leonard said. “While
we have the latest technology to monitor the weather and even detect tornadoes
on radar, the trained human eye is still our first line of defense.”
