The National Weather Service has renewed Illinois State University as a StormReady University. The designation recognizes Illinois State’s preparations for severe weather conditions and weather emergencies.
“There is nothing we can do to prevent storms from occurring and the weather can have an enormous impact on our lives,” said Ed Shimon, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service. “Preparedness is the key when it comes to severe weather. The elements of the StormReady program give students, faculty, staff, and visitors the peace of mind that officials at Illinois State are ready and willing to help.”
To qualify for the StormReady University designation, an institution must demonstrate extensive planning for weather emergencies and have resources in place to monitor local weather conditions and communicate severe weather information to the campus community. At Illinois State, the University Police Department serves as the 24-hour warning point for severe weather information and the campus emergency operations center serves as a command center in case of weather emergencies. Designated storm safe areas are located in buildings across campus and University Police officers and other staff members are trained as storm spotters.
“Illinois State University promotes a culture of preparedness and this designation illustrates that commitment,” said Eric Hodges, the University’s Director of Emergency Management. “In addition to planning efforts outlined, we also regularly test those plans by conducting drills and exercises.”
Officials in Emergency Management monitor conditions with an on-site weather station and receive warning information through National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radios. NOAA weather radios are also strategically located in residence halls, athletic venues, the Bone Student Center, the Student Fitness Center, and Milner Library.
Severe weather information is relayed to the campus community through the ISU Emergency Alert emergency notification system, the campus telephone system, digital displays, and the key campus social media accounts.
