Raytheon introduces online classes to prepare US residents for extreme weather

AURORA, Colo., July 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon (NYSE: RTN) has launched a suite of weather preparedness training modules to help teach the general public and school-aged children how to keep themselves safe before, during and after significant weather events. The modules, which were developed by Raytheon as part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Weather-Ready Nation (WRN) Ambassador™ initiative, incorporate feedback from both NOAA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

"These interactive videos provide individuals with useful information on actions to take to prepare for extreme weather and water events," said National Weather Service Director Louis W. Uccellini, Ph.D. "Working together, our Weather-Ready Nation Ambassadors are helping to improve weather readiness across the nation through projects like this one."

The eight WRN modules are available online. Each takes about 10 minutes to complete. The adult and children's modules cover the same content, but target the information to the ages of each audience. The children's modules were developed by Raytheon with educator input from the Georgia Science Teachers Association and piloted in three Georgia public schools and at the Georgia Aquarium. Raytheon has partnered with the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research for web hosting of the modules.

"Raytheon debuted the WRN training modules at the American Meteorological Society Conference in beta form last January, and has continued to improve them in preparation for their online launch," said Matthew Gilligan, vice president of Navigation and Environmental Solutions at Raytheon. "WRN modules will help make Americans more ready, responsive and resilient to potential impacts of extreme weather, water and climate events."

Raytheon also operates three mission-critical systems as part of its collaboration with NOAA: 

• The Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System receives, analyzes and disseminates weather data to assist National Weather Service forecasters.
• The Joint Polar Satellite System, Common Ground System ground system supports seven environmental and weather missions.
• The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite provides unique data for accurately monitoring global weather patterns and other predictive information critical to industries as diverse as agriculture and transportation, insurance and energy.

About Raytheon
Raytheon Company, with 2015 sales of $23 billion and 61,000 employees, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions. With a history of innovation spanning 94 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration, C5I™ products and services, sensing, effects, and mission support for customers in more than 80 countries. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. Follow us on Twitter.

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