(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Colorado Springs Utilities (Springs Utilities) is being recognized as the first utility agency in Colorado to be StormReady by the National Weather Service (NWS). This designation means the utility has prepared the community for the increasing vulnerability of any extreme weather and water events. “We are honored to receive the StormReady designation,” said Erin Duran, Emergency Preparedness Program Manager for Springs Utilities. “This recognition reflects our long-standing partnership with the National Weather Service and our dedication to proactive planning, education, and community awareness to ensure the safety and well-being of our customers, employees, and the broader community.” NWS' StormReady program aims to equip communities with the communication and safety necessary to save lives during severe weather events. To achieve StormReady status, Springs Utilities implemented a set of measures including: Established an enterprise command center. Maintained an Emergency Operations Plan that includes weather hazards. Conducted emergency exercises involving severe weather scenarios. Ensured there were multiple methods for receiving severe weather warnings and forecasts and alerting employees and contractors. Created a system to monitor local weather conditions. Springs Utilities joins a group of other StormReady entities including military installations, municipalities, and universities.