StormSmart Education and Outreach

If local officials are unaware of the extent of their risk or what they can do about it, they cannot make the best possible decisions. The same holds true for citizens (whose votes may be needed for zoning changes and budget increases aimed at improving a community’s safety), and visitors who need to know how to prepare for and respond to a major hazard event.

From specialized (and often free) training for local officials to general printed information for citizens, all of these resources can be used for a successful education and outreach campaign. Nonprofit organizations may be of particular help with outreach, including regional planning agencies, watershed associations, conservation organizations, and state agencies.

Below is a list of education and outreach topics.

• General hazard awareness
• Hazard training for local officials
• Sources for outreach materials