Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley has received a major national award for weather safety. NOAA named Foley a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador. The title is given to organizations that help communities prepare for extreme weather. Foley is now recognized for helping people prepare for hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and other dangerous weather events.

NOAA officially approved Foley's designation earlier this year. The Foley Department of Public Safety submitted the application on behalf of the city. The application emphasized the department's ongoing efforts to promote preparedness and provide reliable weather information to residents, businesses, and visitors.

Weather-Ready Nation Ambassadors assist their communities in preparing for extreme weather, water, and climate events. When communities plan ahead, the damage from severe storms can be significantly reduced. This includes hazards from hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and other disasters. The program ensures that people have the information they need before a crisis occurs.

The designation recognizes organizations committed to strengthening community resilience through weather awareness. NOAA weather offices deliver forecast information to emergency managers, first responders, government officials, businesses, and the public. This allows people to make quick, informed decisions to save lives and safeguard property.

By earning this recognition, Foley joins a nationwide network of partners working to improve readiness, communication, and safety. This network focuses on the period before, during, and after severe weather events. These ambassador communities help spread the message that being prepared for extreme weather saves lives.

Foley residents and businesses will benefit from the city's participation in the program. The Department of Public Safety will continue to provide weather safety information to the community. A city dedicated to weather preparedness helps everyone stay safer when storms threaten.

Anyone wanting additional information about the Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador program can visit the NOAA website at www.weather.gov/wrn.