FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 28, 2007

Contact: K.E. Schwab  -- 724-738-2199

 karl.schwab@sru.edu

SRU seeks input in preparing Hazard Mitigation Plan

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - Slippery Rock University is inviting the entire community to offer information to be used in preparing a Hazard Mitigation Plan that could be implemented should the region be struck by a natural or human-caused disaster.

           "We have launched this effort, as have other communities across the state and county, as a way of involving everyone in the planning for the impact of disasters of any kind," said John Bonando, assistant vice president of student services and the chair of the SRU Disaster-Resistant University Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee.

           "Longtime community residents may remember the 1937 fire that destroyed our North Hall residence hall and how the entire community immediately provided food and homes for our displaced students, allowing classes to return to normal very quickly. Should a similar tragedy strike our University or our community, we want to be prepared," Bonando said.

           The committee's goal is to be better prepared for dealing with hazards or disasters so  efficient and speedy recovery efforts can be launched to restore vital services and other programs to reduce the impact of the problem.

           "This project will not only guide the University and the community toward greater disaster resistance, but will be part of an on-going effort to create a more sustainable University community," Bonando said.

           "The community, including those at the University, can lend their assistance by participating in an online survey of hazard vulnerability available at http://www.sru.edu/druplan. The survey will be available through March 15.

           Survey input will become part of the committee's final plan.

           "We are undertaking this project with a multi-faceted approach," Bonando said. In addition to public involvement, including meetings and the online survey, the planning process will:

• Identify hazards that could affect the University and the community;
• Assess the University's and community's vulnerability to such hazards, including number of structures and people that could be affected;
• Identify actions that could reduce the risks from these hazards; and
• Develop an implementation strategy identifying roles and responsibilities of service providers.

"We have read the news, seen the tornadoes, floods, hurricanes and threats of terrorists, and we believe a proactive effort will reduce the impact of such disasters, no matter what their source," Bonando said. "Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock Borough, as well as all of Butler County and other areas of the region are intrinsically intertwined. We have great resources, great planning skills and above all great people. We think planning now will be a service to everyone involved."

            Similar projects are under way at SRU's 13 sister universities, all part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania's premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.

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