Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)® Names Jim Cantore from The Weather Channel as 2014 "Weatherperson of the Year"

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Jan. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In honor of National Weatherperson's Day, the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) honored Jim Cantore from The Weather Channel as their 2014 "Weatherperson of the Year" for his dedication to protecting the public from severe weather through excellence in communication and a 27-year legacy of service to the disaster safety movement.

"National Weatherperson's Day is the perfect time to recognize the essential role that meteorologists play in helping the public prepare for natural disasters," said FLASH President & CEO Leslie Chapman-Henderson.  "We chose Jim as the 2014 Weatherperson of the Year because of his tireless dedication to sharing critical information with his viewers in real time that protects them and preserves their homes."

Leading voices for disaster safety joined FLASH in the tribute to Jim's career and record of warning the public against weather risks, including Dr. Rick Knabb, Director of the National Hurricane Center (NHC); Bill Read, former director of NHC; Maureen McCann, 2013 Board Chair of the American Meteorological Society; Florida Congressman Dennis Ross; Lyndon State College, Jim's alma mater; and the sponsors of StormStruck: A Tale of Two Homes®, including RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., Simpson Strong-Tie® and State Farm Insurance Companies®. 

StormStruck is a weather mitigation exhibit that offers a dynamic, 4-D theater experience followed by games and interactive kiosks that deliver fun and play while helping families learn how to prepare homes for severe weather.  

"Jim's influence reaches far and wide.  Hardly a week goes by without someone asking if I know Jim Cantore and I always answer 'he's the real deal,'" said Bill Read, former director of the National Hurricane Center.  "This honor celebrating Jim's enthusiasm, hard work and dedication is well-deserved."

"The goal of the American Meteorological Society Certified Broadcast Meteorologist program is to certify that the sealholder meets specific educational and experience criteria and has passed rigorous testing in their knowledge and communication of meteorology and related sciences needed to be an effective broadcast meteorologist," said Maureen McCann, TV meteorologist with CFL-News 13 in Orlando and 2013 Board Chair of the American Meteorological Society.  "There is no doubt that Jim embodies all that the CBM stands for, complete with his energy and enthusiasm that is contagious for all who watch him, or who have been fortunate to call him a colleague."

FLASH launched a Facebook sweepstakes in honor of National Weatherperson's Day available now through March 24, 2014.  Sweepstakes winners will win a trip for four to the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, FL.  To enter visit www.facebook.com/stormstruck or on a mobile device at https://a.pgtb.me/s0XFn3.

About FLASH

Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)®, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is the country's leading consumer advocate for strengthening homes and safeguarding families from natural and manmade disasters. FLASH collaborates with more than 100 innovative and diverse partners that share its vision of making America a more disaster‐resistant nation including: BASF, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Florida Division of Emergency Management, The Home Depot®, International Code Council, Kohler® Generators, National Weather Service, Portland Cement Association, RenaissanceRe, Simpson Strong-Tie®, State Farm™, USAA® and WeatherPredict Consulting Inc. In 2008, FLASH opened the interactive weather experience StormStruck: A Tale of Two Homes® in Lake Buena Vista, FL. Learn more about FLASH and gain access to its free consumer resources by visiting www.flash.org or calling (877) 221- SAFE (7233). Also, get timely safety tips to ensure that you and your family are protected from natural and manmade disasters by subscribing to the FLASH blog – Protect Your Home in a FLASH.

SOURCE Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)