TAMPA, Fla. – The National Weather Service has recognized ZooTampa at Lowry Park as StormReady, making it the first non-theme park Zoo in Florida to receive this prestigious national designation. This Zoo joins only three other entities in the state to achieve federal recognition this year.
Established in 1999, StormReady is a nationwide program that helps communities take a proactive approach to protecting citizens during severe weather events.
It is a voluntary National Weather Service program that provides communities with clear-cut advice through a partnership between the local Weather Service Office, state and local emergency managers, and the media.
Read: Florida Residents: May 5-11 Is National Hurricane Preparedness Week
“Our number one priority is keeping our animals, team members, and community safe,” says ZooTampa’s Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer Michelle Coleman. “And now, with the help of the National Weather Service, our emergency weather preparedness has been taken to a new level as we enter hurricane season.”
The StormReady accreditation is valid for four years.
The Zoo will receive a certificate from the National Weather Service and signs recognizing the StormReady Community.
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