National Weather Service certifies six Detroit area venues as "StormReady"

Little Caesars Arena, Comerica Park and four concert and sports venues have been certified as "StormReady" by the National Weather Service.

The four concert venues include DTE Energy Music Theatre, Meadow Brook Amphitheater at Oakland University, the historic Fox Theatre and the Michigan Lottery Amphitheater at Freedom Hill.

The properties that all fall under Illitch Holdings and Olympia Entertainment, partnered with Michigan State Police, Oakland University and Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to earn the certification.

Richard Pollman, the Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in White Lake says, "StormReady" provides communities with improved communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property - before and during the event."

With more than 50 specially-trained weather spotters, the six venues are continuously monitored for signs of inclement weather.

The nationwide "StormReady" weather preparedness program is designed to help local communities develop plans to handle severe weather conditions.

To be recognized as "StormReady", a site must:

- Establish a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center

- Have more than one method to receive severe weather forecasts and warning and to alert the public

- Create a system that monitors local weather conditions

- Promote the importance of public readiness through multiple outreach efforts

- Develop a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes training severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises.