WSU was designated this week as a “StormReady” university by officials of the National Weather Service.

The StormReady label recognizes communities that use heightened infrastructure and systems to save lives and protect property during instances of severe weather.

The university received its StormReady certificate Friday during a ceremony at the last Cougar baseball game of the season. It was presented by John Livingston and Andy Brown of the National Weather Service forecast office in Spokane.

The StormReady program was founded in 1999 as a grassroots approach to preparing for natural hazards. So far, more than 1,900 communities in the U.S. have adopted the label.

StormReady communities must maintain a number of safety and preparedness measures, including a 24-hour emergency operations center and trained weather spotters who act during formal emergency management plans.

Additionally, StormReady communities must have more than one way to receive National Weather Service warnings and alert the public accordingly.

The StormReady program is part of the National Weather Service’s partnership with the International Association of Emergency Managers and the National Emergency Management Association. Recognition is valid for three years and can be renewed.