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The Holmes Community College Ridgeland Campus is proud to announce its recent designation as a National Weather Service (NWS) StormReady University. This prestigious recognition highlights the institution’s commitment to the safety and preparedness of its students, staff and the surrounding community in the face of severe weather events.
Established by the NWS in 1999, the StormReady program assists communities across the country with the safety and communication skills required to save lives and property during a weather-related event. By earning this designation, Holmes has demonstrated excellence in emergency planning, communication and community outreach.
“The Holmes Community College Ridgeland Campus administration and police, and everyone else involved in the compliance process, have every reason to be proud of this accomplishment,” said Michael J. Hill, the warning coordination meteorologist for the NWS in Jackson. “Earning your StormReady recognition indicates that Holmes has shown a strong commitment to improving emergency first responder and student preparedness in the event of a natural disaster. Your improved communications infrastructure and increased level of severe weather awareness will no doubt minimize the loss of life and/or property in the future.”
Both the NWS Headquarters in Washington, D.C. and the NWS Southern Region Headquarters have been notified of Holmes’ accomplishment. In recognition of the college’s accomplishments, Hill presented Holmes’ police department with a StormReady sign to hang on campus. As an additional benefit of the StormReady designation, Holmes now has the opportunity to notify the Insurance Services Organization for consideration to obtain Community Rating System (CRS0 points which may lower the college’s NFIP flood insurance premiums. The designation lasts for four years, and Holmes may re-apply for the designation in June of 2028.
“Today is just the first of many steps that we are taking to ensure the safety of our campus community,” said Holmes Ridgeland Chief of Police Deveesha Magee. “I’m extremely proud of our team and the fact that they were able to accomplish this feat.”
For more information about StormReady, visit https://www.weather.gov/stormready/.
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IN THIS PHOTO: Pictured is (left to right) Michael J. Hill, the warning coordination meteorologist for the NWS in Jackson, with Holmes police officers Gary Cooper, Sgt. Michael Jones, Sgt. Carzell Cavett and Chief of Police Deveesha Magee. Hill presented the StormReady designation recognition on July 31.
