The National Weather Service has announced that it will no longer provide translation services for urgent weather alerts, causing concern for Nebraska’s non-English speaking communities. Maria Arriaga, Executive Director of the Nebraska Commission on Latino Americans, expressed worry about how these communities will access important weather information without the translations.
The Commission has found that 12% of Nebraskans speak a language other than English at home, with Spanish being the most common. This highlights the need for multilingual communication, particularly for critical weather alerts. Arriaga emphasized the importance of providing accessible information to prevent heightened risks during emergencies.
To address this issue, the Commission is establishing partnerships with state-level weather services to offer non-English information. They will also continue to translate weather alerts on their social media accounts and website. Nebraska faces various weather hazards such as blizzards, tornadoes, and hailstorms, making it crucial for all residents to have equal access to vital weather information, regardless of language barriers. Residents are encouraged to contact the Commission for translation assistance, especially during extreme weather events.
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