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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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