Belmont County will be better prepared for storms before they even hit the area, thanks to a new web-based weather data software product procured by the county’s Emergency Management Agency.

The technology, from Baron Weather, Inc., gives the agency access to weather information that the general public doesn’t have access to, Belmont County EMA Director Dave Ivan said. With the program, the agency can set perimeter rings at various distances so, when the storm crosses that perimeter, the agency will know how much lightning is in the area.

But the most important things about the new program, Ivan said, is that it is much more effective than the technology the agency currently uses, and it’s also more cost-effective. It will save the agency about $3,000 annually.

“It’s a lot better software than what we’re currently using right now ­– and cheaper,” Ivan said. “So I’m always good for cheaper and easier.”

So is everyone else. That’s the way local government should go about its business, finding resources that help those agencies do their jobs better, while doing less damage to the government coffers. Finding that combination isn’t always easy, but it can be done when you look closely enough. Belmont County EMA got it done and for that, the agency should be applauded.

This software will be crucial for the people of Belmont County to be prepared for big storms as they roll through the area. In times like those, minutes make all the difference. And county residents will now have those extra minutes.