TO: NYS District Superintendents

NYS Superintendents of Schools

SUBJECT: 2005 Weather Hazards Awareness Week

The 17th annual Weather Hazards Awareness Week is almost here and this is a final reminder for your participation. Governor George E. Pataki has issued a proclamation supporting the week and communication drills on March 13-19, 2005, which is being conducted by the National Weather Service (NWS) in partnership with the New York State Disaster Preparedness Commission, the New York State Emergency Management Association, and the New York State Broadcasters Association. A copy of the Governor’s proclamation is attached.

As in past years, there will be two emergency communication drills. These drills will be run statewide, simultaneously, on March 15 and March 17, each at approximately 1:45 p.m. The five NWS offices serving the State will originate the generic emergency message to test communication networks that are in place. A list of NWS offices is attached with this letter along with the County Warning Area map. If hazardous weather or flooding actually threatens on either scheduled date, the drill will be postponed until the same day in the following week.

Following the scheduled tests, participants will again respond electronically to the communications drill’s response form through a secure website. You can visit this website at:

Your secure password is schoolwhaw05 (case sensitive). Please do not share that password. To become familiar with the drill and to provide a record for your files, we recommend that you print a blank copy of the testing form prior to the drills.

If you have any questions regarding Weather Hazards Awareness Week, please contact the Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the NWS office serving your area.

We look forward to your participation.

Sincerely,

Eugene P. Auciello James W. Tuffey
Meteorologist In Charge Director
NWS State Liaison Office NY State Emergency Management Office