2008 Woodie Awards
New hazard plan to assist prevention
By Lexxie Shiring
Rocket Contributor
Issue date: 3/2/07 Section: News
A Disaster-Resistant University Hazard Mitigation Plan is in the process of being developed by SRU and groups within the community under the provisions of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 to help in the handling of emergencies.
Natural and human-caused hazards have been destroying property, causing death, injuries and property damage all over the United States for many years. With the help of the mitigation plan, the university will be able to spread the knowledge of actions a community can take to reduce or even eliminate these hazards.
"(The plan is) primarily to provide for our university community and have the ability to be proactive and do what we can to prevent hazards," said John Bonando, assistant vice president for student services.
A survey has been posted on the university's Web site seeking the opinions of students and faculty about what they believe could be potential hazards and possible resulting actions.
"The survey is designed to obtain from the community what the potential risks and issues could be," Bonando said. "By doing the survey we can find out what the risks are and start planning for them."
The university already has an emergency operation plan that is designed to deal with emergencies as they occur, he said. These attempts are to strengthen the university's ability to handle unexpected situations.
Basements in several residence halls, such as North and Bard, are places students can go in case of inclement weather.
"The so-called 'old buildings' are very strong. In my opinion, they can withstand many of the hazards for which we are planning," Bonando said.
The university advises students to be aware of exits for each building upon entering.
According to the Public Participation in Hazard Mitigation Planning document online, the plan is designed to assist SRU and its surrounding community in reducing potential disasters, and also how to successfully respond to the aftermath, in conjunction with an Emergency Operations Plan.
Natural and human-caused hazards have been destroying property, causing death, injuries and property damage all over the United States for many years. With the help of the mitigation plan, the university will be able to spread the knowledge of actions a community can take to reduce or even eliminate these hazards.
"(The plan is) primarily to provide for our university community and have the ability to be proactive and do what we can to prevent hazards," said John Bonando, assistant vice president for student services.
A survey has been posted on the university's Web site seeking the opinions of students and faculty about what they believe could be potential hazards and possible resulting actions.
"The survey is designed to obtain from the community what the potential risks and issues could be," Bonando said. "By doing the survey we can find out what the risks are and start planning for them."
The university already has an emergency operation plan that is designed to deal with emergencies as they occur, he said. These attempts are to strengthen the university's ability to handle unexpected situations.
Basements in several residence halls, such as North and Bard, are places students can go in case of inclement weather.
"The so-called 'old buildings' are very strong. In my opinion, they can withstand many of the hazards for which we are planning," Bonando said.
The university advises students to be aware of exits for each building upon entering.
According to the Public Participation in Hazard Mitigation Planning document online, the plan is designed to assist SRU and its surrounding community in reducing potential disasters, and also how to successfully respond to the aftermath, in conjunction with an Emergency Operations Plan.
Be the first to comment on this story