Georgia College & State University Achieves StormReady Certification

Milledgeville, Georgia, September 18, 2025

News Summary

Georgia College & State University has been awarded the StormReady certification by the National Weather Service, recognizing its commitment to severe weather preparedness. This certification, which only 18 institutions in Georgia have achieved, indicates that the college has established a 24-hour warning point, created an emergency operations center, and developed a formal hazardous weather plan. The university emphasizes a culture of preparedness for both its campus and the broader community, with collaborative efforts playing a key role in its success.

Georgia College & State University Achieves StormReady® Certification, Enhancing Community Preparedness

Milledgeville, Georgia – Georgia College & State University has recently reached a significant milestone in community safety by being certified as StormReady® by the National Weather Service on September 12, 2025. This esteemed certification serves as a testament to the college’s commitment to being prepared for severe weather events, which can include anything from hurricanes and tornadoes to floods and winter weather.

Recognition and Importance of the Certification

Georgia College is now one of only 18 institutions statewide to earn this crucial recognition. Being StormReady® signals that the college has taken significant steps to ensure their readiness for any severe weather challenges. Earning this certification is no small feat. Institutions must establish a 24-hour warning point and an emergency operations center, develop a formal hazardous weather plan, and carry out community training, among other requirements.

A Culture of Preparedness

President Cathy Cox expressed that this achievement is more than just meeting a set of requirements. It reflects a dedicated approach to creating a culture of preparedness within the campus community. The university is not only focused on its internal practices but also places a strong emphasis on the well-being of the wider community.

Leadership in Emergency Management

Public Safety Chief Wes Hardin plays a vital role in this initiative, crediting Associate Director of Emergency Management Jeremy Nobles for his invaluable leadership in guiding the university towards this designation. Nobles has pointed out the importance of preparing during calmer periods so that the community can respond better when severe weather strikes. This proactive mindset is crucial for effective emergency management.

Collaborative Efforts for Effective Emergency Management

A collaborative effort is essential for successful emergency management. Nobles stressed the significance of working together at the local, state, and federal levels. This teamwork ensures that everyone is equipped with the knowledge and resources they need to respond effectively when a crisis occurs.

Community Engagement and Support

During the certification event, community stakeholders gathered to celebrate the achievement. These included state Representative Floyd L. Griffin Jr., Baldwin County Emergency Management Director Wayne Johnson, and Maj. Etta Gray from the Milledgeville Police Department. Their engagement reinforces the idea that preparedness is a community-wide endeavor.

Understanding Severe Weather

David Nadler, a Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service, attended the event and spoke about the importance of understanding and preparing for hurricanes. Having experts involved highlights the need for ongoing education and awareness in disaster preparedness.

As the university moves forward with its StormReady® certification, it sends a strong message about the importance of being prepared for severe weather. The certification is not just a badge of honor but a commitment to ensure everyone in the community is ready for whatever nature throws at them.

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Additional Resources

• Union Recorder: Georgia College Earns National StormReady Safety Certification
• Wikipedia: Severe Weather Preparedness
• Union Recorder: GMC CGTC Partner on Articulation Agreement
• Google Search: StormReady Certification
• Grice Connect: SCAD Students Craft a Storm Ready Savannah
• Google Scholar: Community Preparedness
• Union Recorder: Mayoral & City Council Races Heating Up
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Emergency Management
• Union Recorder: MPD Investigates Murder-Suicide Case
• Google News: Murder Suicide Case

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