Blizzards, flooding, lightning, even tornadoes can pop up quickly in our multi-seasonal climate in upstate New York, at times with the power to endanger residents. Saratoga Hospital not only stays prepared, but as a participant in the National Weather Service’s Weather Ready Ambassador program, the hospital helps keep the community notified, as well. 

“As seasonal reminders and severe weather notifications come in,” says Charlie Friderici, RRT, Life Safety and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator at Saratoga Hospital, “we quickly distribute that information internally, so hospital staff can make preparations in advance of a severe weather event, and externally, so the community can prepare. This organic, grassroots approach to getting weather safety information out is an important service for the community, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”
 
Friderici is the liaison between Saratoga Hospital and the weather service. Through the Weather Ready Ambassador program, Saratoga Hospital has agreed to assist the weather service in getting its messages out, distributing information through our channels and out into the community.

“I think it is important for people to see these messages coming from a trusted community partner, someone other than the weather service or the news,” Friderici says. “It helps reinforce that it’s important. When information is out in several different channels, it makes people stand up and listen a little more, and hopefully, increases community preparedness.”  

Through the hospital’s social media channels, website blog, and outreach, the local community has access to weather safety messages, such as how to stay cool in severe heat, best practices for protecting children, reminders to check on neighbors and pets, and severe weather warnings. The weather service also provides weather safety information for individuals with disabilities. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates on weather messaging and other Saratoga Hospital news.