National Hydrologic Warning Council, Inc.

Overview

The National Hydrologic Warning Council, Inc. (NHWC) is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting emergency and environmental management officials. It specializes in providing expert guidance on the use of real-time, high-quality hydrologic data to protect lives, property, and the environment.

Mission

NHWC's mission is to provide education, training, and standards for generating, delivering, and utilizing timely and reliable hydrologic information. This is particularly focused on preventing and mitigating hydrologic disasters, which include events such as floods, droughts, and hurricanes that disrupt the natural hydrologic cycle.

Vision

The organization's vision is for all communities to effectively use hydrologic information and warnings to safeguard lives, property, and the environment.

Organization

NHWC is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors, which oversee the organization's strategic and fiscal direction. The board includes roles such as President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Membership

NHWC offers various levels of membership to support its activities, with dues renewable annually. Membership benefits include professional networking opportunities and access to educational resources.

Professional Opportunities

The organization offers online and regional training sessions, as well as biennial conferences that serve as key platforms for networking and development. These events bring together local water resource managers and emergency management officials to share best practices in hydrologic data collection and dissemination.

History

NHWC was established in 1993 through an agreement between the ALERT Users Group and the Southwestern Association of ALERT Systems. It expanded in 1999 to include the ALERT-Flows East Coast Users Group. The organization was officially incorporated as a standalone entity in 2005 and revised its bylaws in 2013.

Activities

NHWC assists in the design, implementation, operation, and use of hydrologic warning systems to protect communities from hydrologic threats. It does this by forming partnerships and integrating networks for maximum benefit.

Awards

NHWC recognizes excellence through its awards program, focusing on promoting the acquisition and utilization of hydrologic and meteorological data.

External Recognition

The National Hydrologic Warning Council, Inc. is registered as a charitable organization with an Employer Identification Number (EIN) of 205867107.