Washington D.C.-area Simon centers recognized as 'StormReady' by National Weather Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 1, 2016) – Simon is pleased to announce that, through continued efforts to increase shopper safety in the face of severe weather, its Washington D.C.-area centers have been awarded the designations of being “StormReady®” and ”Weather-Ready Nation Ambassadors™” by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service.

The designations recognize Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, Hagerstown Premium Outlets, Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets, Queenstown Premium Outlets and St. Charles Towne Center for its preparedness to handle all types of severe and potentially life-threatening weather situations through communications infrastructures, community outreach and hazardous weather training. Simon is the first REIT to achieve this status at all of its locations nationwide.

“We are grateful to the National Weather Service for providing us with this distinction,” said Angie Riford, director of marketing and business development at Hagerstown Premium Outlets. “Our centers play a key role in the Washington D.C. community and the safety and security of area residents and visitors is of utmost importance. Leading by example, our hope is that other organizations that serve as community gathering places will follow suit.”

"Simon Property Group proactively shares NOAA’s vision of building a Weather-Ready Nation," said Chris Maier, national warning coordination meteorologist of NOAA's National Weather Service. "We welcome the Washington D.C.-area centers as StormReady and Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador partners. Their comprehensive emergency management and security programs help their tenants and patrons stay ready, responsive and resilient to extreme weather events."

The National Weather Service’s StormReady program is a partnership with emergency management that helps reduce risk and increases community resilience to hazards. For more information, please visit www.stormready.noaa.gov.